Stepped tea leaf continuous fermentation device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of tea leaf fermentation, and discloses a stepped tea leaf continuous fermentation device which comprises a frame and further comprises a first fermentation frame rotationally connected to the frame through a rotating shaft and used for fermenting tea leaves, a turning mechanism arranged on the frame and used for driving the first fermentation frame to turn and discharge, and a scattering mechanism arranged on the frame and used for scattering the tea leaves. The scattering mechanism is arranged on the frame and used for scattering fallen tea leaves to facilitate subsequent secondary fermentation, and the rolling mechanism is arranged on the frame and used for rolling the fermented tea leaves. According to the device, the stirring mechanism is arranged, an electric push rod drives a moving plate, an L-shaped frame and a moving rod, so that the first fermentation frame is automatically stirred and discharged, manual operation is not needed in the whole process, the labor intensity is reduced, the operation convenience is improved, a knocking assembly is arranged in the stirring mechanism, the L-shaped frame drives a sliding rod to move up and down, and the stirring efficiency is improved. The spring repeatedly extrudes the waved plate so as to drive the knocking rod to continuously knock the first fermentation frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tea fermentation technology, specifically a stepped continuous tea fermentation device. Background Technology

[0002] Black tea production typically involves processes such as withering fresh leaves, rolling, fermentation, drying, and aroma enhancement. Fermentation is a crucial step in black tea production, greatly influencing the quality of the tea and being a key process in shaping its color, aroma, and flavor. Only with proper fermentation can high-quality black tea be produced.

[0003] According to the tea fermentation device disclosed in Chinese Patent Publication No. CN206005799U, it includes a fermentation box with a lid on top. Inside the fermentation box, there is a multi-tiered platform. A vertical baffle is provided between every two adjacent tiers of the platform, and the lower end of the baffle is hinged to the platform. Multiple hollow partitions arranged in a mesh pattern are provided on the platform. Each hollow partition has multiple air holes on its wall. The starting and ending ends of the hollow partitions are located on the walls of the fermentation box. The starting end of each hollow partition has a connector for an air-filling device, and the ending end has a rubber stopper. The technical problem this invention aims to solve is to provide a tea fermentation device that ensures uniform fermentation, convenient operation, and even agitation.

[0004] When using the aforementioned patent, turning the tea leaves requires manually rotating and flipping down the baffle before turning the tea leaves from the second-level step to the first-level step. Moreover, since the operation is inside the box, it is quite inconvenient. Therefore, a stepped continuous tea fermentation device is proposed to solve the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a stepped continuous tea fermentation device to address the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a stepped continuous tea fermentation device, including a frame, and further comprising:

[0007] The first fermentation frame is rotatably connected to the frame via a rotating shaft and is used for fermenting tea leaves;

[0008] A turning mechanism, mounted on the frame, is used to turn the first fermentation box over to dispose of the material.

[0009] The tea-dispersing mechanism, located on the frame, is used to disperse the falling tea leaves to facilitate subsequent fermentation.

[0010] The kneading mechanism, mounted on the frame, is used to knead the fermented tea leaves.

[0011] The support plate is fixedly connected to the frame and to the kneading mechanism, and is used to provide fixed support for the kneading mechanism;

[0012] The second fermentation frame is connected to the frame by a rotating shaft and is used for secondary fermentation of tea leaves;

[0013] The flipping mechanism includes:

[0014] The curved groove is formed on the frame;

[0015] The movable rod is fixedly connected to the first fermentation frame and the second fermentation frame, and the movable rod passes through the arc-shaped groove and is slidably connected to the inner wall of the arc-shaped groove;

[0016] The first fixing plate is fixedly connected to the frame;

[0017] An electric push rod is fixedly installed on the top of the first fixed plate;

[0018] The movable plate is fixedly connected to the top of the movable end of the electric push rod;

[0019] An L-shaped frame is fixedly connected to the left side of the movable plate, and the inner wall of the L-shaped frame is slidably connected to the movable rod.

[0020] Tap the component to set it on the frame.

[0021] Preferably, the striking assembly includes a striking rod, a wave plate, a spring, and a sliding rod. The striking rod movably penetrates the outer wall of the frame. The wave plate is fixedly connected to one end of the striking rod. The spring is sleeved on the striking rod, and both ends of the spring are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the frame and the striking rod, respectively. The sliding rod is fixedly connected to the left side of the L-shaped frame, and the sliding rod is slidably connected to the wave surface of the wave plate.

[0022] Preferably, the center of the arc groove coincides with the center of the rotating shaft, and the central angle of the arc groove is 135°.

[0023] Preferably, the disintegration mechanism includes a disintegration frame, a first rotating rod, a disintegration rod, a gear, and a rack. The disintegration frame is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the frame. The first rotating rod passes through the disintegration frame and is rotatably connected to it. The disintegration rods are staggered on the first rotating rod. The gear is fixedly sleeved on the first rotating rod. The rack is fixedly connected to the right side of the moving plate and meshes with the gear.

[0024] Preferably, there are two gears and two racks, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the scattering frame.

[0025] Preferably, the kneading mechanism includes a feeding frame, an elastic cloth, a moving frame, a drive motor, a second rotating rod, a kneading roller, and a moving assembly. The feeding frame is fixedly connected to the frame and to the support plate, and a feeding port is provided at the bottom right side of the feeding frame. The elastic cloth is placed on the feeding frame. The moving frame is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the elastic cloth and is located directly above the second fermentation frame. The drive motor is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the feeding frame. One end of the second rotating rod is fixedly connected to the output end of the drive motor, and the other end of the second rotating rod passes through the feeding frame and is rotatably connected to the feeding frame. The kneading roller is fixedly sleeved on the second rotating rod, and a heating wire is provided inside the kneading roller. The moving assembly is located at the bottom of the feeding frame.

[0026] Preferably, the moving component includes a second fixed plate, a reciprocating screw, a moving block, and a connecting rod. The second fixed plate is fixedly connected to the bottom of the unloading frame. The reciprocating screw passes through the second fixed plate and is rotatably connected to the second fixed plate. The reciprocating screw is driven by a second rotating rod through a synchronous pulley. The moving block is threaded onto the reciprocating screw, and the top of the moving block is slidably connected to the bottom of the unloading frame. One end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the moving block, and the other end of the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the moving frame.

[0027] Preferably, there are two of each of the turning mechanism, the dispersing mechanism, and the kneading mechanism, which are respectively set on the first fermentation frame and the second fermentation frame.

[0028] The present invention, by adopting the above technical solution, can bring the following beneficial effects:

[0029] 1. This stepped continuous tea fermentation device, through the setting of a turning mechanism, uses an electric push rod to drive a moving plate, an L-shaped frame, and a moving rod, so that the first fermentation frame is automatically turned over and the tea leaves are discharged. The entire process does not require manual operation, which not only reduces labor intensity but also improves the convenience of operation. By setting a striking component in the turning mechanism, the L-shaped frame drives the sliding rod to move up and down, causing the spring to repeatedly squeeze the wave plate, which in turn drives the striking rod to continuously strike the first fermentation frame, ensuring that the tea leaves in the first fermentation frame are completely poured out, effectively avoiding tea residue, ensuring the consistency of tea leaves during the fermentation process, and providing a stable foundation for subsequent fermentation.

[0030] 2. This stepped continuous tea fermentation device feeds tea leaves into the first fermentation frame by turning it over, so that the upper tea leaves fall first and the lower tea leaves fall later. This results in the tea leaves at the top of the first fermentation frame being below the second fermentation frame, and the tea leaves at the bottom of the first fermentation frame being above the second fermentation frame, thus making the tea leaves more evenly fermented in the two fermentation processes.

[0031] 3. This stepped continuous tea fermentation device features a linkage between a dispersing mechanism and a turning mechanism. A moving plate drives a rack and pinion to move up and down, which in turn drives a gear to rotate. This causes the first rotating rod to move a dispersing rod, dispersing the falling tea leaves. This method effectively prevents tea leaf agglomeration, allowing the tea leaves to fully contact oxygen and microorganisms during secondary fermentation, ensuring the uniformity and efficiency of the secondary fermentation and improving tea quality.

[0032] 4. This stepped continuous tea fermentation device features a kneading mechanism that kneads the fermented tea leaves, breaking down the tea cells, promoting oxidation, and resulting in a more compact tea shape. Heating wires inside the kneading rollers remove excess moisture from the tea leaves, preventing interference with secondary fermentation. Simultaneously, a moving component, driven by a reciprocating screw, moves a moving frame back and forth, ensuring the tea leaves fall more evenly into the second fermentation frame, creating favorable material distribution conditions for secondary fermentation and further enhancing its effectiveness.

[0033] 5. This stepped continuous tea fermentation device achieves stepped continuous fermentation by setting up a first fermentation frame and a second fermentation frame. After the first fermentation frame completes one fermentation, the tea is automatically fed, broken up, and kneaded, and then enters the second fermentation frame for a second fermentation. The entire process is seamless and efficient. Compared with traditional fermentation methods, it reduces the waiting time in intermediate steps, greatly improves the production efficiency of tea fermentation, and meets the needs of modern tea production. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a front view of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the back of the invention;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a front sectional view of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 5 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of point A in the present invention;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom of the structure of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the wave plate of the present invention.

[0042] In the diagram: 1. Frame; 2. First fermentation frame; 3. Turning mechanism; 31. Arc-shaped groove; 32. Moving rod; 33. First fixed plate; 34. Electric push rod; 35. Moving plate; 36. L-shaped frame; 37. Striking rod; 38. Wave plate; 39. Spring; 310. Slide rod; 4. Dispersing mechanism; 41. Dispersing frame; 42. First rotating rod; 43. Dispersing rod; 44. Gear; 45. Rack; 5. Kneading mechanism; 51. Feeding frame; 52. Elastic cloth; 53. Moving frame; 54. Drive motor; 55. Second rotating rod; 56. Kneading roller; 57. Second fixed plate; 58. Reciprocating screw; 59. Moving block; 510. Connecting rod; 6. Support plate; 7. Second fermentation frame. Detailed Implementation

[0043] 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.

[0044] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0045] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "setting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or setting, a detachable connection or setting, or an integral connection or setting. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0046] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a number" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0047] Please see Figure 1-8One embodiment of the present invention is a stepped continuous tea fermentation device, comprising a frame 1, and further comprising: a first fermentation frame 2 rotatably connected to the frame 1 via a rotating shaft for fermenting tea; a turning mechanism 3 disposed on the frame 1 for driving the first fermentation frame 2 to turn and discharge the tea; a dispersing mechanism 4 disposed on the frame 1 for dispersing the falling tea leaves to facilitate subsequent fermentation; a kneading mechanism 5 disposed on the frame 1 for kneading the fermented tea leaves; a support plate 6 fixedly connected to the frame 1 and connected to the kneading mechanism 5 for fixing and supporting the kneading mechanism 5; and a second fermentation frame 7 connected to the frame 1 via a rotating shaft. A rotating connection is made to frame 1 for secondary fermentation of tea leaves. The turning mechanism 3 includes: an arc-shaped groove 31 formed on frame 1; a moving rod 32 fixedly connected to the first fermentation frame 2 and the second fermentation frame 7, the moving rod 32 passing through the arc-shaped groove 31 and slidably connected to the inner wall of the arc-shaped groove 31; a first fixed plate 33 fixedly connected to frame 1; an electric push rod 34 fixedly installed on the top of the first fixed plate 33; a moving plate 35 fixedly connected to the top of the movable end of the electric push rod 34; an L-shaped frame 36 fixedly connected to the left side of the moving plate 35, the inner wall of the L-shaped frame 36 slidably connected to the moving rod 32; and a striking component. The striking assembly, placed on frame 1, includes a striking rod 37, a wave plate 38, a spring 39, and a sliding rod 310. The striking rod 37 movably passes through the outer wall of frame 1. The wave plate 38 is fixedly connected to one end of the striking rod 37. The spring 39 is sleeved on the striking rod 37, and both ends of the spring 39 are fixedly connected to the inner wall of frame 1 and the striking rod 37, respectively. The sliding rod 310 is fixedly connected to the left side of the L-shaped frame 36, and the sliding rod 310 is slidably connected to the wave surface of the wave plate 38. The center of the arc groove 31 coincides with the center of the rotating shaft, and the central angle of the arc groove 31 is 135°. The disintegration mechanism 4 includes a disintegration frame 41 and a first rotating rod 4. 2. The dispersing rod 43, gear 44, rack 45, and dispersing frame 41 are fixedly connected to the inner wall of frame 1. The first rotating rod 42 passes through the dispersing frame 41 and is rotatably connected to the dispersing frame 41. The dispersing rod 43 is staggered on the first rotating rod 42. The gear 44 is fixedly sleeved on the first rotating rod 42. The rack 45 is fixedly connected to the right side of the moving plate 35 and meshes with the gear 44. There are two of each gear 44 and rack 45, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the dispersing frame 41. There are two of each of the turning mechanism 3, dispersing mechanism 4, and kneading mechanism 5, which are respectively arranged on the first fermentation frame 2 and the second fermentation frame 7.

[0048] Working principle: The tea leaves are placed in the first fermentation frame 2 for primary fermentation. After the primary fermentation is complete, the electric push rod 34 drives the moving plate 35 to descend. The descent of the moving plate 35 causes the L-shaped frame 36 to descend, which in turn causes the moving rod 32 to descend. Under the action of the arc groove 31, the first fermentation frame 2 rotates 135° along the pivot, initially pouring the tea leaves from the first fermentation frame 2 into the dispersing frame 41. When the moving rod 32 descends to the bottom of the arc groove 31, the moving plate 35 continues to descend, moving the moving rod 32 to the left slide of the L-shaped frame 36, while the first fermentation frame 2 remains tilted. This continues until the moving rod 32 is at the top of the left slide of the L-shaped frame 36. Then, the electric push rod 34 drives the moving plate 35 to rise again, dispersing the tea leaves from the first fermentation frame 2. The fermentation frame 2 is reset to allow for subsequent tea fermentation. Simultaneously, the L-shaped frame 36, during its descent and ascent, moves the sliding rod 310 up and down, causing the spring 39 to repeatedly compress the wave plate 38. This, in turn, causes the striking rod 37 to continuously strike the first fermentation frame 2, completely emptying the tea leaves inside and preventing residue. This also helps loosen the tea leaves for easier subsequent dispersing. As the moving plate 35 descends and rises, it causes the rack 45 to descend and rise, rotating the gear 44 meshing with it. This, in turn, rotates the first rotating rod 42. The rotation of the first rotating rod 42 causes the staggered dispersing rods 43 on it to rotate, dispersing the falling tea leaves and preventing them from clumping together and affecting secondary fermentation.

[0049] Please see Figure 1-8Based on the above embodiments, in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the kneading mechanism 5 includes a feeding frame 51, an elastic cloth 52, a moving frame 53, a drive motor 54, a second rotating rod 55, a kneading roller 56, and a moving assembly. The feeding frame 51 is fixedly connected to the frame 1 and to the support plate 6, and a feeding port is provided at the bottom right side of the feeding frame 51. The elastic cloth 52 is disposed on the feeding frame 51. The moving frame 53 is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the elastic cloth 52 and is located directly above the second fermentation frame 7. The drive motor 54 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the feeding frame 51. One end of the second rotating rod 55 is fixedly connected to the output end of the drive motor 54, and the other end of the second rotating rod 55 passes through the feeding frame 51 and rotates with the feeding frame 51. The kneading roller 56 is fixedly sleeved on the second rotating rod 55. The kneading roller 56 is equipped with a heating wire inside. The moving component is located at the bottom of the feeding frame 51. The moving component includes a second fixed plate 57, a reciprocating screw 58, a moving block 59, and a connecting rod 510. The second fixed plate 57 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the feeding frame 51. The reciprocating screw 58 passes through the second fixed plate 57 and is rotatably connected to the second fixed plate 57. The reciprocating screw 58 is connected to the second rotating rod 55 through a synchronous pulley. The moving block 59 is threadedly sleeved on the reciprocating screw 58. The top of the moving block 59 is slidably connected to the bottom of the feeding frame 51. One end of the connecting rod 510 is fixedly connected to the moving block 59, and the other end of the connecting rod 510 is fixedly connected to the moving frame 53.

[0050] Working principle: After being broken up, the tea leaves fall onto the feeding frame 51. The drive motor 54 is activated, which drives the second rotating rod 55 to rotate, thereby driving the kneading roller 56 to rotate and knead the tea leaves. This further breaks down the tea cells, allowing tea polyphenols and other substances to fully contact with the air, promoting oxidation. At the same time, it makes the tea leaves more compact, creating better conditions for secondary fermentation. Depending on the moisture content of the tea leaves, if there is too much moisture, the kneading roller 56 is heated by heating wires to remove excess moisture from the tea leaves, preventing dampness from affecting the secondary fermentation. When the second rotating rod 55 rotates, it drives the reciprocating screw 58 to rotate via the synchronous belt pulley. The rotation of the reciprocating screw 58 drives the moving block 59 to move back and forth, which in turn drives the moving frame 53 to move back and forth via the connecting rod 510, allowing the tea leaves to fall more evenly into the second fermentation frame 7 for secondary fermentation.

[0051] This invention provides a stepped continuous tea fermentation device. Many methods and approaches exist for implementing this technical solution; the above description is merely a preferred embodiment. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of this invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this invention. All components not explicitly stated in this embodiment can be implemented using existing technologies.

Claims

1. A stepped continuous tea fermentation device, comprising a frame (1), characterized in that, Also includes: The first fermentation frame (2) is rotatably connected to the frame (1) via a rotating shaft and is used to ferment tea leaves; A turning mechanism (3) is set on the frame (1) to drive the first fermentation box (2) to turn over and feed the material. The dispersing mechanism (4) is set on the frame (1) to disperse the falling tea leaves, so as to facilitate subsequent fermentation. A kneading mechanism (5) is set on a frame (1) and is used to knead the fermented tea leaves; The support plate (6) is fixedly connected to the frame (1) and connected to the kneading mechanism (5) for fixing and supporting the kneading mechanism (5); The second fermentation frame (7) is rotatably connected to the frame (1) via a rotating shaft and is used for secondary fermentation of tea leaves; The flipping mechanism (3) includes: An arc-shaped groove (31) is formed on the frame (1); The movable rod (32) is fixedly connected to the first fermentation frame (2) and the second fermentation frame (7), and the movable rod (32) passes through the arc groove (31) and is slidably connected to the inner wall of the arc groove (31); The first fixing plate (33) is fixedly connected to the frame (1); An electric push rod (34) is fixedly installed on the top of the first fixed plate (33); The movable plate (35) is fixedly connected to the top of the movable end of the electric push rod (34); The L-shaped frame (36) is fixedly connected to the left side of the movable plate (35), and the inner wall of the L-shaped frame (36) is slidably connected to the movable rod (32); Tap the component and set it on the frame (1).

2. The stepped continuous tea fermentation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The striking assembly includes a striking rod (37), a wave plate (38), a spring (39), and a sliding rod (310). The striking rod (37) movably passes through the outer wall of the frame (1). The wave plate (38) is fixedly connected to one end of the striking rod (37). The spring (39) is sleeved on the striking rod (37), and both ends of the spring (39) are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the frame (1) and the striking rod (37), respectively. The sliding rod (310) is fixedly connected to the left side of the L-shaped frame (36), and the sliding rod (310) is slidably connected to the wave surface of the wave plate (38).

3. The stepped continuous tea fermentation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The center of the arc groove (31) coincides with the center of the rotating shaft, and the central angle of the arc groove (31) is 135°.

4. The stepped continuous tea fermentation device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The disintegration mechanism (4) includes a disintegration frame (41), a first rotating rod (42), a disintegration rod (43), a gear (44), and a rack (45). The disintegration frame (41) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the frame (1). The first rotating rod (42) passes through the disintegration frame (41) and is rotatably connected to the disintegration frame (41). The disintegration rods (43) are staggered on the first rotating rod (42). The gear (44) is fixedly sleeved on the first rotating rod (42). The rack (45) is fixedly connected to the right side of the moving plate (35), and the rack (45) meshes with the gear (44).

5. The stepped continuous tea fermentation device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The number of gears (44) and racks (45) are both two, and they are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the disintegration frame (41).

6. The stepped continuous tea fermentation device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The kneading mechanism (5) includes a feeding frame (51), an elastic cloth (52), a moving frame (53), a drive motor (54), a second rotating rod (55), a kneading roller (56), and a moving assembly. The feeding frame (51) is fixedly connected to the frame (1) and to the support plate (6), and a feeding port is provided at the bottom right side of the feeding frame (51). The elastic cloth (52) is placed on the feeding frame (51), and the moving frame (53) is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the elastic cloth (52). The drive motor (54) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the feeding frame (51), one end of the second rotating rod (55) is fixedly connected to the output end of the drive motor (54), and the other end of the second rotating rod (55) passes through the feeding frame (51) and is rotatably connected to the feeding frame (51). The kneading roller (56) is fixedly sleeved on the second rotating rod (55), and a heating wire is provided inside the kneading roller (56). The moving component is located at the bottom of the feeding frame (51).

7. A stepped continuous tea fermentation device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The moving component includes a second fixed plate (57), a reciprocating screw (58), a moving block (59), and a connecting rod (510). The second fixed plate (57) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the unloading frame (51). The reciprocating screw (58) passes through the second fixed plate (57) and is rotatably connected to the second fixed plate (57). The reciprocating screw (58) is connected to the second rotating rod (55) via a synchronous pulley. The moving block (59) is threaded onto the reciprocating screw (58), and the top of the moving block (59) is slidably connected to the bottom of the unloading frame (51). One end of the connecting rod (510) is fixedly connected to the moving block (59), and the other end of the connecting rod (510) is fixedly connected to the moving frame (53).

8. A stepped continuous tea fermentation device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The number of each of the turning mechanism (3), the dispersing mechanism (4), and the kneading mechanism (5) is two, and they are respectively set on the first fermentation frame (2) and the second fermentation frame (7).

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