A spiral feeding device and method for Chinese herbal medicine slices

Abstract

This invention provides a spiral feeding device and method for Chinese herbal medicine slices. It relates to the field of Chinese herbal medicine production technology and includes a base plate and a drive mechanism. A positioning frame is fixed above the base plate, and a discharge cylinder is fixed inside the positioning frame. A positioning plate is fixed at the left end of the discharge cylinder, and a screw is installed inside the discharge cylinder. The drive mechanism includes a mounting frame mounted on the upper surface of the base plate. A double-headed motor is bolted inside the mounting frame, and a first ratchet is connected to the keyway of the top output shaft of the double-headed motor. Based on the screw rotation conveying, this invention incorporates a fixed-stroke reciprocating ring to drive the lower pressure plate to rise and fall at a uniform speed, pressing down the Chinese herbal medicine slices. Pressure is applied from above the slices, and the rotating screw can progressively break up clumps of the Chinese herbal medicine slices layer by layer, avoiding over-crushing, eliminating material blockage, and ensuring the integrity of the slices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of traditional Chinese medicine production technology, and in particular to a spiral feeding device and method for processing traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces. Background Technology

[0002] In the production process of traditional Chinese medicine, it is necessary to mix the set amount of Chinese medicinal herbs together and decoct them according to the set dosage to form a Chinese medicine preparation. Weighing the set amount of Chinese medicinal herbs is called dispensing. In order to realize the automated production of Chinese medicine, those skilled in the art have been working on developing a Chinese medicinal herb conveying mechanism to achieve the automated production of Chinese medicine.

[0003] CN109230621A, a publication number, relates to a spiral feeding mechanism for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) decoction pieces. The mechanism includes a hopper, an outlet, and a spiral feeder for conveying TCM decoction pieces from the hopper to the outlet. The outlet is equipped with a feeding brush that removes TCM decoction pieces from the output end of the spiral feeder and a brush rotation motor that drives the brush. This invention provides a spiral feeding mechanism for TCM decoction pieces that can conveniently achieve intermittent feeding and effectively prevent TCM decoction pieces from falling in clumps. It solves the problem of the lack of a feeding mechanism that meets the requirements for TCM decoction piece feeding, which restricts the automation of TCM dispensing.

[0004] However, in actual operation, the device crushes agglomerated material during the discharge process, which has two drawbacks. First, the agglomerated material is easily subjected to excessive mechanical pressure, resulting in over-crushing. Second, if the agglomerated material appears at the discharge end, it will cause discharge difficulties and lead to material jamming during screw conveying.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a spiral feeding device and method for Chinese herbal medicine slices to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides a spiral feeding device and method for Chinese herbal medicine slices, which solves the technical problem in related technologies that the spiral conveyor is easily jammed when lumpy material appears at the feeding end, affecting the feeding process.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a spiral feeding device and method for Chinese herbal medicine slices, including a base plate and a driving mechanism;

[0008] A positioning frame is fixed above the base plate, a discharge cylinder is fixed inside the positioning frame, a positioning plate is fixed at the left end of the discharge cylinder, and a screw is installed inside the discharge cylinder.

[0009] The drive mechanism includes a mounting bracket mounted on the upper surface of the base plate. A dual-head motor is bolted inside the mounting bracket. A first ratchet is connected to the keyway of the top output shaft of the dual-head motor. A first ratchet ring is meshed with the outer wall of the first ratchet. A first gear is connected to the keyway at the bottom axis of the first ratchet ring. A second gear is meshed with one side of the first gear. A drive pulley is connected to the keyway at the axis of the second gear. A driven pulley is rotatably connected above the positioning plate. A belt is sleeved on the outer wall of the drive pulley and the driven pulley. A rotating rod is connected to the keyway at the axis of the driven pulley.

[0010] A pressing mechanism is installed above the discharge cylinder. The pressing mechanism includes a frame fixed to the upper surface of the discharge cylinder, an installation frame installed on the inner wall of the frame, hoppers fixed on both sides of the frame, and discharge ports opened on the inner wall of the frame and on both sides of the installation frame.

[0011] The mounting frame is equipped with a half gear and a reciprocating ring. The inner wall of the reciprocating ring is fixed with a first rack and a second rack respectively. The outer wall of the reciprocating ring, located below the half gear, is equipped with a lower pressure plate by bolts. The inner wall of the frame, located inside the mounting frame, has two limiting grooves. The back of the reciprocating ring is fixed with a limiting plate that matches the two limiting grooves.

[0012] Preferably, the shaft of the first gear is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket via a bearing, the shaft of the drive pulley is keyway connected to the shaft of the screw, and the shaft of the drive pulley is rotatably connected to the positioning plate.

[0013] Preferably, the rotating rod is rotatably connected to the frame, the axis of the rotating rod is keyway connected to the axis of the half gear, and the tooth surface of the half gear is adapted to the first rack and the second rack.

[0014] Preferably, the two hoppers and the two discharge ports are interconnected, the two limiting grooves run through the frame from top to bottom, the two limiting plates and the two limiting grooves are slidably connected, and the outer wall of the lower pressure plate is in contact with the inner wall of the frame.

[0015] Preferably, a spring rod is installed inside the frame and above the two discharge ports. A sealing plate is fixed to the bottom end of the spring rod, and baffles are fixed to the outer walls of the two sealing plates, wherein the two baffles are continuously in contact with the upper surface of the lower pressure plate.

[0016] Preferably, the two sealing plates are adapted to the two discharge ports, the two sealing plates are slidably connected to the two discharge ports and the frame, and the top end of the spring rod is fixedly connected to the frame.

[0017] Preferably, it also includes a screening mechanism;

[0018] Limiting frames are fixed on the front and rear sides of the discharge cylinder. The bottom output shaft of the dual-head motor is connected to a second ratchet via a keyway. A second ratchet ring is meshed with the outer wall of the second ratchet. A cam is fixed at the axis of the second ratchet ring.

[0019] The screening mechanism includes a movable screen plate slidably connected inside the two limiting frames. A collection box is placed on the upper surface of the base plate and below the discharge cylinder. Two limiting rings are fixed on the upper surface of the collection box. A first sliding rod and a second sliding rod are slidably connected inside the two limiting rings. A first spring and a second spring are respectively sleeved on the outer walls of the first sliding rod and the two sliding rods on both sides of the collection box. A guide wheel is installed at one end of the first sliding rod. A fixed screen plate is fixed on the inner wall of the discharge cylinder.

[0020] Preferably, the outer wall of the guide wheel and the outer wall of the cam are in contact, the first slide rod and the second slide rod are fixedly connected to the movable screen plate, and the cross section of the first slide rod is a "Z" shaped structure.

[0021] Preferably, the two ends of the first spring are fixedly connected to the first slide rod and the leftmost limiting ring of the two limiting rings, and the two ends of the second spring are fixedly connected to the second slide rod and the rightmost limiting ring of the two limiting rings.

[0022] Compared with related technologies, the spiral feeding device and method for Chinese herbal medicine slices provided by this invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0023] Compared to traditional rotary crushing methods that break up clumps of Chinese herbal medicine, this design incorporates a fixed-stroke reciprocating ring on top of a screw conveyor to drive a lower pressure plate at a uniform speed, pressing down the herbal medicine. Below the lower pressure plate is a continuously rotating screw. Therefore, when the herbal medicine above the screw is under pressure, it comes into contact with the rotating spiral edge, ensuring stable and rapid conveying and preventing the formation of spiral gaps. Furthermore, if there are clumps of herbal medicine, pressure is applied from above, and the rotating screw can progressively break up the clumps layer by layer, avoiding over-crushing, eliminating material blockage, and ensuring the integrity of the herbal medicine. Attached Figure Description

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

[0025] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the optimal structure for the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the drive mechanism is shown below;

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The diagram shows the disassembled structure of the drive mechanism;

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the discharge cylinder.

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the pressing mechanism.

[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 5 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the mounting frame.

[0031] Figure 7 for Figure 6 The enlarged structural diagram at point A is shown below;

[0032] Figure 8 for Figure 6 The diagram shows the lower pressure plate in its descent working state.

[0033] Figure 9 for Figure 6 The diagram shows the split structure of the lower pressure plate and reciprocating ring.

[0034] Figure 10 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the initial working state of the screening mechanism.

[0035] Figure 11 for Figure 10 The diagram shows the working state in which the cam rotates and drives the movable screen plate to move.

[0036] Figure 12 for Figure 11 The diagram shows the installation structure of the discharge cylinder and the fixed screen plate.

[0037] Figure 13 for Figure 10 The diagram shows the state where the internal holes of the fixed sieve plate and the movable sieve plate do not overlap.

[0038] Figure 14 for Figure 11 The diagram shows the overlapping state of the internal holes of the fixed sieve plate and the movable sieve plate.

[0039] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0040] 1. Base plate;

[0041] 2. Drive mechanism; 21. Mounting bracket; 22. Dual-head motor; 23. First ratchet; 24. First ratchet ring; 25. First gear; 26. Second ratchet; 27. Second ratchet ring; 28. Cam; 29. ​​Second gear; 210. Drive pulley; 211. Driven pulley; 212. Rotating rod; 213. Belt;

[0042] 3. Pressing mechanism; 31. Frame; 32. Mounting frame; 33. Discharge port; 34. Spring rod; 35. Sealing plate; 36. Baffle; 37. Half gear; 38. Reciprocating ring; 39. First rack; 310. Second rack; 311. Pressing plate; 312. Limiting groove; 313. Limiting plate.

[0043] 4. Hopper;

[0044] 5. Screening mechanism; 51. Limiting ring; 52. First slide rod; 53. Second slide rod; 54. Moving screen plate; 55. First spring; 56. Second spring; 57. Guide wheel; 58. Fixed screen plate.

[0045] 6. Positioning frame, 7. Discharge cylinder, 8. Positioning plate, 9. Limiting frame, 10. Collection box, 11. Screw. Detailed Implementation

[0046] 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 a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0047] This invention provides a spiral feeding device and method for Chinese herbal medicine slices.

[0048] First embodiment:

[0049] Please combine Figures 1 to 9 A spiral feeding device and method for Chinese herbal medicine slices, comprising a base plate 1 and a drive mechanism 2;

[0050] A positioning frame 6 is fixed above the base plate 1, a discharge cylinder 7 is fixed inside the positioning frame 6, a positioning plate 8 is fixed at the left end of the discharge cylinder 7, and a screw 11 is installed inside the discharge cylinder 7.

[0051] The drive mechanism 2 includes a mounting bracket 21 mounted on the upper surface of the base plate 1. A dual-head motor 22 is bolted inside the mounting bracket 21. A first ratchet 23 is connected to the keyway of the top output shaft of the dual-head motor 22. A first ratchet ring 24 is meshed with the outer wall of the first ratchet 23. A first gear 25 is connected to the keyway at the bottom axis of the first ratchet ring 24. A second gear 29 is meshed with one side of the first gear 25. A drive pulley 210 is connected to the keyway at the axis of the second gear 29. A driven pulley 211 is rotatably connected above the positioning plate 8. A belt 213 is sleeved on the outer wall of the drive pulley 210 and the driven pulley 211. A rotating rod 212 is connected to the keyway at the axis of the driven pulley 211.

[0052] Please combine Figure 2 and Figure 3 During operation, the user can start the dual-head motor 22 to drive the first ratchet 23 at the top to rotate counterclockwise. Due to the locking restriction of the first ratchet ring 24, when the first ratchet 23 rotates counterclockwise, it can drive the first ratchet ring 24 to rotate counterclockwise. Then the second ratchet ring 27 will synchronously drive the first gear 25 to rotate counterclockwise.

[0053] Please refer to 1. Figure 2 and Figure 4 When the first gear 25 rotates counterclockwise, it will mesh and control the second gear 29 to rotate counterclockwise. The second gear 29 synchronously controls the drive pulley 210 to make the screw 11 rotate inside the discharge cylinder 7. The rotation of the screw 11 can continuously convey the Chinese herbal medicine pieces inside the discharge cylinder 7.

[0054] At the same time, when the drive pulley 210 rotates counterclockwise, it can transmit the belt 213 to control the driven pulley 211 so that the rotating rod 212 rotates counterclockwise synchronously.

[0055] A pressing mechanism 3 is installed above the discharge cylinder 7. The pressing mechanism 3 includes a frame 31 fixed to the upper surface of the discharge cylinder 7. An installation frame 32 is installed on the inner wall of the frame 31. A hopper 4 is fixed on both sides of the frame 31. A discharge port 33 is opened on the inner wall of the frame 31 and on both sides of the installation frame 32.

[0056] The mounting frame 32 is equipped with a half gear 37 and a reciprocating ring 38. The inner wall of the reciprocating ring 38 is fixed with a first rack 39 and a second rack 310 respectively. The outer wall of the reciprocating ring 38, located below the half gear 37, is bolted with a lower pressure plate 311. The inner wall of the frame 31, located inside the mounting frame 32, has two limiting grooves 312. The back of the reciprocating ring 38 is fixed with a limiting plate 313 that matches the two limiting grooves 312.

[0057] Please see Figure 5 When feeding Chinese medicinal herbs, they need to be fed into the hoppers 4 on both sides and fall into the frame 31 through the discharge port 33.

[0058] Please see Figure 6 and Figure 8 When the rotating rod 212 rotates counterclockwise, it will simultaneously drive the half gear 37 to rotate counterclockwise. The half gear 37 will first drive the tooth surface to mesh and rotate, controlling the first rack 39 to drive the reciprocating ring 38 to simultaneously control the lower pressure plate 311 to descend, pressing the Chinese herbal medicine pieces at the bottom of the frame 31 downwards and close to the rotating screw 11. Because when the tooth surface of the half gear 37 contacts the first rack 39, the tooth surface is not facing the second rack 310, thus avoiding interference with the second rack 310. When the tooth surface of the half gear 37 rotates to the second rack 310, it will mesh and control the second rack 310 to control the reciprocating ring 38 to simultaneously drive the lower pressure plate 311 to rise to the initial working state. In this way, the reciprocating movement of the reciprocating ring 38 can control the lower pressure plate 311 to rise and press the lowered Chinese herbal medicine pieces close to the rotating screw 11.

[0059] The shaft of the first gear 25 is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket 21 via a bearing, the shaft of the drive pulley 210 is keyway connected to the shaft of the screw 11, and the shaft of the drive pulley 210 is rotatably connected to the positioning plate 8.

[0060] Understandable: From Figure 5 As can be seen, since all components such as the half gear 37 are installed inside the mounting frame 32, the transmission components can be well protected.

[0061] Secondly from Figure 4 As can be seen, due to the different diameters of the drive pulley 210 and the driven pulley 211, a speed difference is formed. The rotational speed of the screw 11 is faster than that of the driven pulley 211. Therefore, while ensuring conveying efficiency, it can also press down the Chinese herbal medicine pieces at a uniform speed.

[0062] from Figure 7 and Figure 9 As can be seen, the reciprocating ring 38 slides within the limiting groove 312 via the "T"-shaped limiting plate 313, thus ensuring that the reciprocating ring 38 rises and falls more stably and smoothly, and also preventing derailment.

[0063] The rotating rod 212 is rotatably connected to the frame 31. The axis of the rotating rod 212 is keyway connected to the axis of the half gear 37. The tooth surface of the half gear 37 is adapted to the first rack 39 and the second rack 310.

[0064] The two hoppers 4 and the two discharge ports 33 are interconnected, the two limiting grooves 312 pass through the frame 31 from top to bottom, the two limiting plates 313 and the two limiting grooves 312 are slidably connected, and the outer wall of the lower pressure plate 311 is in contact with the inner wall of the frame 31.

[0065] In this embodiment, compared to the traditional rotary crushing method for breaking up clumps of Chinese herbal medicine slices, this design incorporates a fixed-stroke reciprocating ring 38 linked to the rotating conveyor of the screw 11. This ring drives the lower pressure plate 311 to rise and fall at a uniform speed, pressing down the Chinese herbal medicine slices. Below the lower pressure plate 311 is the continuously rotating screw 11. Therefore, when the Chinese herbal medicine slices above the screw 11 are subjected to pressure, they will come into contact with the rotating spiral edge, ensuring stable and rapid conveying and avoiding the formation of spiral gaps. Furthermore, if there are clumps of Chinese herbal medicine slices, pressure is applied from above. The rotating screw 11 can progressively break up the clumps layer by layer, avoiding over-crushing, eliminating material blockage, and ensuring the integrity of the Chinese herbal medicine slices.

[0066] Second embodiment:

[0067] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 9 A spring rod 34 is installed inside the frame 31 and above the two discharge ports 33. A sealing plate 35 is fixed at the bottom end of the spring rod 34. Baffles 36 are fixed on the outer walls of the two sealing plates 35. The two baffles 36 are continuously in contact with the upper surface of the lower pressure plate 311.

[0068] The two sealing plates 35 are adapted to the two discharge ports 33, and the two sealing plates 35 are slidably connected to the two discharge ports 33 and the frame 31. The top end of the spring rod 34 is fixedly connected to the frame 31.

[0069] Please see Figure 6 Since the baffle 36 is always above the lower pressure plate 311, the baffle 36 moves along with the lower pressure plate 311 during the lifting and lowering process. When the lower pressure plate 311 rises, it will drive the baffle 36 to control the sealing plate 35 to rise and open the discharge port 33. Therefore, when the lower pressure plate 311 rises, the Chinese herbal medicine pieces can be smoothly fed into the screw 11.

[0070] Please see Figure 8 As the pressing plate 311 presses down, it will simultaneously drive the baffle 36 to lower the sealing plate 35 and block the discharge port 33, thus isolating the Chinese herbal medicine pieces inside the hopper 4.

[0071] Understandably: Since the sealing plate 35 and the frame 31 are connected by a spring rod 34, this ensures that the sealing plate 35 can be raised and lowered stably.

[0072] In this embodiment, by linking the pressing and feeding processes, material is only fed during the upward movement of the pressing plate 311, and is blocked during the downward movement. This feeding method allows for quantitative feeding. Subsequent feeding can only proceed after all the Chinese herbal medicine pieces inside the frame 31 have been pressed down. Therefore, this design further ensures smooth feeding and avoids material blockage. Even if material blockage occurs, it will never occur at the screw 11; the blockage will only exist in the hopper 4. This also makes it convenient for users to troubleshoot and repair material blockage.

[0073] Third embodiment:

[0074] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figures 10 to 14 It also includes a screening mechanism 5;

[0075] Limiting frames 9 are fixed on the front and rear sides of the discharge cylinder 7. The bottom output shaft of the dual-head motor 22 is connected to a second ratchet 26 via a keyway. A second ratchet ring 27 is meshed with the outer wall of the second ratchet 26. A cam 28 is fixed at the axis of the second ratchet ring 27.

[0076] The sieving mechanism 5 includes a movable screen plate 54 slidably connected inside the two limiting frames 9. A collection box 10 is placed on the upper surface of the base plate 1 and below the discharge cylinder 7. Two limiting rings 51 are fixed on the upper surface of the collection box 10. A first sliding rod 52 and a second sliding rod 53 are slidably connected inside the two limiting rings 51. A first spring 55 and a second spring 56 are respectively sleeved on the outer walls of the first sliding rod 52 and the second sliding rod 53 and on both sides of the collection box 10. A guide wheel 57 is installed at one end of the first sliding rod 52. A fixed screen plate 58 is fixed on the inner wall of the discharge cylinder 7.

[0077] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 Since the first ratchet 23 and the second ratchet 26 are not set in the same direction, and the sawtooth direction of the second ratchet 26 is set in the opposite direction to the sawtooth direction of the first ratchet 23, when the double-headed motor 22 rotates counterclockwise, the second ratchet 26 will not affect the second ratchet ring 27 when it rotates counterclockwise. Therefore, during normal operation, the cam 28 and the entire screening mechanism 5 will not work.

[0078] If the prescription does not require small pieces of Chinese medicinal herbs, or if there is a lot of fine dust in the Chinese medicinal herbs, then the user needs to start the sieving mechanism 5.

[0079] The dual-head motor 22 rotates clockwise. When it rotates clockwise, the first ratchet 23 will not affect the first ratchet ring 24, so the screw 11 stops working.

[0080] When rotated clockwise, it controls the second ratchet 26 to engage, controls the second ratchet ring 27 to control the cam 28 to rotate 180 degrees.

[0081] Please see Figure 10 and Figure 13 In the initial state, the inner holes of the fixed screen plate 58 and the moving screen plate 54 are designed in an alternating manner to form blind holes, so the screw 11 will not cause material to fall through the screen during the conveying process.

[0082] Please see Figure 11 and Figure 14 When the cam 28 rotates 180 degrees, it will drive the control guide wheel 57 to make the first slide rod 52 and the second slide rod 53 slide inside the limit ring 51. During the sliding process, it will control the sliding of the moving screen plate 54. At this time, the first spring 55 is pushed and compressed, and the second spring 56 is extended.

[0083] When the movable sieve plate 54 moves, the holes inside it will overlap with the holes inside the fixed sieve plate 58 to form a through hole. In this way, when the screw 11 is rotating and feeding, the fine dust and small particles inside the Chinese herbal medicine pieces will enter the collection box 10 through the closed holes to complete the sieving and collection.

[0084] The outer wall of the guide wheel 57 is in contact with the outer wall of the cam 28. The first slide rod 52 and the second slide rod 53 are fixedly connected to the movable screen plate 54. The cross section of the first slide rod 52 is a "Z" shaped structure.

[0085] The two ends of the first spring 55 are fixedly connected to the first slide rod 52 and the leftmost limiting ring 51 of the two limiting rings 51, and the two ends of the second spring 56 are fixedly connected to the second slide rod 53 and the rightmost limiting ring 51 of the two limiting rings 51.

[0086] It is understandable that the movable screen plate 54 slides inside the limiting frame 9, thus limiting the horizontal degree of freedom of the movable screen plate 54 and ensuring the stability of the movable screen plate 54 when it moves horizontally.

[0087] In this embodiment, compared to the traditional integrated discharge cylinder 7 design, the dual-head motor 22 in this case will not affect the screw 11 during clockwise rotation. At the same time, it can drive the cam 28 to rotate and control the movement of the moving screen plate 54. After movement, the holes in the moving screen plate 54 and the holes in the fixed screen plate 58 form overlapping through holes, thus activating the sieving function. When the screw 11 rotates, it can sieve the dust or fine particles inside the Chinese herbal medicine slices. Therefore, this design makes the device multifunctional, and users can freely choose whether to sieve according to the specific situation of the Chinese herbal medicine slices.

[0088] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 14 The working principle of the spiral feeding device and feeding method for traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces provided by the present invention is as follows:

[0089] Step S1: The user can start the dual-head motor 22 to drive the first ratchet 23 at the top to rotate counterclockwise. Due to the locking restriction of the first ratchet ring 24, when the first ratchet 23 rotates counterclockwise, it can drive the first ratchet ring 24 to rotate counterclockwise. Then the second ratchet ring 27 will synchronously drive the first gear 25 to rotate counterclockwise.

[0090] When the first gear 25 rotates counterclockwise, it will mesh and control the second gear 29 to rotate counterclockwise. The second gear 29 synchronously controls the drive pulley 210 to make the screw 11 rotate inside the discharge cylinder 7. The rotation of the screw 11 can continuously transport the Chinese herbal medicine pieces inside the discharge cylinder 7.

[0091] Step S2: When the rotating rod 212 rotates counterclockwise, it will simultaneously drive the half gear 37 to rotate counterclockwise. The half gear 37 will first drive the tooth surface to mesh and rotate, controlling the first rack 39 to drive the reciprocating ring 38 to simultaneously control the lower pressure plate 311 to descend, pressing the Chinese herbal medicine pieces at the bottom of the frame 31 downwards and close to the rotating screw 11. Because when the tooth surface of the half gear 37 contacts the first rack 39, the tooth surface is not facing the second rack 310, thus avoiding interference with the second rack 310. When the tooth surface of the half gear 37 rotates to the second rack 310, it will mesh and control the second rack 310 to control the reciprocating ring 38 to simultaneously drive the lower pressure plate 311 to rise to the initial working state. In this way, the reciprocating movement of the reciprocating ring 38 can control the lower pressure plate 311 to rise and press the lowered Chinese herbal medicine pieces close to the rotating screw 11.

[0092] Step S3: During the lifting and lowering process of the lower pressure plate 311, the baffle 36 also moves with the movement of the lower pressure plate 311. During the lifting process of the lower pressure plate 311, it will drive the baffle 36 to control the sealing plate 35 to rise and open the discharge port 33. Therefore, when the lower pressure plate 311 rises, the Chinese medicine slices can be smoothly fed into the screw 11. When the lower pressure plate 311 is pressing down, it will simultaneously drive the baffle 36 to make the sealing plate 35 descend to block the discharge port 33 and isolate the Chinese medicine slices inside the hopper 4.

[0093] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made under the concept of the present invention using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A spiral feeding device for traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces, characterized in that, Includes the base plate and drive mechanism; A positioning frame is fixed above the base plate, a discharge cylinder is fixed inside the positioning frame, a positioning plate is fixed at the left end of the discharge cylinder, and a screw is installed inside the discharge cylinder. The drive mechanism includes a mounting bracket mounted on the upper surface of the base plate. A dual-head motor is bolted inside the mounting bracket. A first ratchet is connected to the keyway of the top output shaft of the dual-head motor. A first ratchet ring is meshed with the outer wall of the first ratchet. A first gear is connected to the keyway at the bottom axis of the first ratchet ring. A second gear is meshed with one side of the first gear. A drive pulley is connected to the keyway at the axis of the second gear. A driven pulley is rotatably connected above the positioning plate. A belt is sleeved on the outer wall of the drive pulley and the driven pulley. A rotating rod is connected to the keyway at the axis of the driven pulley. A pressing mechanism is installed above the discharge cylinder. The pressing mechanism includes a frame fixed to the upper surface of the discharge cylinder, an installation frame installed on the inner wall of the frame, hoppers fixed on both sides of the frame, and discharge ports opened on the inner wall of the frame and on both sides of the installation frame. The mounting frame is equipped with a half gear and a reciprocating ring. The inner wall of the reciprocating ring is fixed with a first rack and a second rack respectively. The outer wall of the reciprocating ring, located below the half gear, is equipped with a lower pressure plate by bolts. The inner wall of the frame, located inside the mounting frame, has two limiting grooves. The back of the reciprocating ring is fixed with a limiting plate that matches the two limiting grooves. A spring rod is installed inside the frame and above the two discharge ports. A sealing plate is fixed to the bottom end of the spring rod, and baffles are fixed to the outer walls of the two sealing plates. The two baffles are continuously in contact with the upper surface of the lower pressure plate. The two sealing plates are adapted to the two discharge ports, the two sealing plates are slidably connected to the two discharge ports and the frame, and the top end of the spring rod is fixedly connected to the frame; As the pressure plate presses down, it simultaneously drives the baffle to descend and block the discharge port, thus isolating the Chinese herbal medicine pieces inside the hopper. The shaft of the first gear is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket via a bearing; the shaft of the drive pulley is keyway connected to the shaft of the screw; and the shaft of the drive pulley is rotatably connected to the positioning plate. The rotating rod is rotatably connected to the frame, and the shaft of the rotating rod is keyway connected to the shaft of the half gear. The tooth surface of the half gear is adapted to the first rack and the second rack. The two hoppers and the two discharge ports are interconnected, the two limiting grooves run through the frame from top to bottom, the two limiting plates and the two limiting grooves are slidably connected, and the outer wall of the lower pressure plate is in contact with the inner wall of the frame.

2. The spiral feeding device for Chinese herbal medicine slices according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a screening mechanism; Limiting frames are fixed on the front and rear sides of the discharge cylinder. The bottom output shaft of the dual-head motor is connected to a second ratchet via a keyway. A second ratchet ring is meshed with the outer wall of the second ratchet. A cam is fixed at the axis of the second ratchet ring. The sieving mechanism includes a movable screen plate slidably connected inside the two limiting frames. A collection box is placed on the upper surface of the base plate and below the discharge cylinder. Two limiting rings are fixed on the upper surface of the collection box. A first sliding rod and a second sliding rod are slidably connected inside the two limiting rings. A first spring and a second spring are respectively sleeved on the outer walls of the first sliding rod and the two sliding rods on both sides of the collection box. A guide wheel is installed at one end of the first sliding rod. A fixed screen plate is fixed on the inner wall of the discharge cylinder. The outer wall of the guide wheel and the outer wall of the cam are in contact. The first slide rod and the second slide rod are fixedly connected to the movable screen plate. The cross-section of the first slide rod is a "Z" shaped structure.

3. The spiral feeding device for Chinese herbal medicine slices according to claim 2, characterized in that, The two ends of the first spring are fixedly connected to the first slide rod and the leftmost limiting ring of the two limiting rings, and the two ends of the second spring are fixedly connected to the second slide rod and the rightmost limiting ring of the two limiting rings.

4. A method for spiral feeding of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces, characterized in that, The spiral feeding method for Chinese herbal medicine slices is used in the spiral feeding equipment for Chinese herbal medicine slices as described in any one of claims 2-3, and includes the following steps: Step S1: Feeding the Chinese medicinal herbs; When feeding Chinese medicinal herbs, they need to be fed into the hoppers on both sides and fall into the frame through the discharge port; Step S2: Spiral conveying of Chinese herbal medicine slices; The dual-head motor is started, which drives the first ratchet at the top to rotate counterclockwise. Due to the locking restriction of the first ratchet ring, when the first ratchet rotates counterclockwise, it can drive the first ratchet ring to rotate counterclockwise. Then, the second ratchet ring will drive the first gear to rotate counterclockwise in sync. When the first gear rotates counterclockwise, it will mesh and control the second gear to rotate counterclockwise. The second gear synchronously controls the drive pulley to make the screw rotate inside the discharge cylinder. The rotation of the screw can continuously convey the Chinese herbal medicine pieces inside the discharge cylinder. Step S3: Applying downward pressure during the delivery of Chinese herbal medicine slices; When the rotating rod rotates counterclockwise, it simultaneously drives the half gear to rotate counterclockwise. The half gear first drives the tooth surface to mesh and rotate, controlling the first rack to drive the reciprocating ring to simultaneously control the lower pressure plate to descend, pressing the Chinese herbal medicine pieces at the bottom of the frame downwards and close to the rotating screw. Because when the tooth surface of the half gear contacts the first rack, the toothless surface faces the second rack, thus avoiding interference with the second rack. When the tooth surface of the half gear rotates to the second rack, it will mesh and control the second rack to control the reciprocating ring to simultaneously drive the lower pressure plate to rise to the initial working state. In this way, the up-and-down reciprocating movement of the reciprocating ring can control the lifting and lowering of the lower pressure plate to press the lowered Chinese herbal medicine pieces close to the rotating screw.

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