Folding portable equipment for sunning tea leaves

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of tea leaf processing equipment, in particular to folding portable equipment for sunning tea leaves. Existing sunning equipment is large in size, inconvenient to transport and low in sunning efficiency. According to the key points of the technical scheme, the conveying device comprises stand columns, folding beams, transmission rollers, a conveying mesh belt and a driving mechanism; the folding beams are supported by the stand columns and can be folded and stored; the transmission rollers are arranged on the folding beams, and the conveying mesh belt is arranged on the transmission rollers in a sleeving mode and driven by the driving mechanism to rotate. The conveying mesh belt is used for bearing and conveying tea leaves for sunning. Portable transportation and storage are achieved through a folding structure, tea leaves are evenly heated through conveying type sunning, the process is controllable, the sunning efficiency and the tea leaf quality are improved, and the tea leaf sunning device is suitable for tea leaf processing of professional tea factories and small tea workshops.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tea production equipment technology, specifically a foldable and portable device for sun-drying tea leaves. Background Technology

[0002] Dancong tea is a special type of oolong tea, belonging to the semi-fermented category, possessing its own unique style and excellent quality. The initial processing of Dancong tea consists of six steps: sun-drying, air-drying, oxidation, fixation, rolling, and roasting. Among these, oxidation is the key process for forming its quality characteristics, consisting of multiple alternating processes of shaking and resting. Through oxidation, the grassy aroma in the fresh leaves transforms into aromatic substances and the unique floral and fruity flavors of Dancong tea.

[0003] Sun-drying is a crucial step in the initial processing of Dancong tea (and other types of oolong and Pu'er tea). Its core significance lies in the initial physical and chemical reactions of fresh leaves through sunlight exposure and spreading, laying the foundation for subsequent processes. Traditionally, sun-drying involves manually selecting the time, humidity, and light intensity using traditional tools such as sieves and mesh frames. To adapt to automated production, conveyor belt sun-drying machines have been developed. These machines are key equipment for achieving large-scale, standardized sun-drying in modern tea processing. Their structural design closely revolves around the goals of "uniform light exposure, precise time control, and high energy efficiency," making them particularly suitable for oolong teas (such as Dancong tea) and Pu'er tea, which require a high degree of sun-drying.

[0004] Existing conveyor belt sun-drying machines typically have turners spaced along the conveyor belt. When the conveyor belt is running, the turners turn the tea leaves to ensure uniform sun-drying. However, because the turners directly contact the tea leaves, they can easily cause some damage. Furthermore, since the turners move from the surface of the conveyor belt, multiple turners are needed to ensure uniform turning, which can lead to even more damage to the tea leaves.

[0005] Tea trees are typically grown in hilly and mountainous areas. Fresh tea leaves, once picked, need to be transported to factories for processing promptly. However, factors such as transportation can cause long transit times, and the tea's quality can be affected by compression during transport. If the sun-drying process could be completed locally or on-site at the tea garden, the quality of the tea would be greatly improved. Existing conveyor belt sun-drying machines are not suitable for use in areas with complex terrain. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a foldable portable device for sun-drying tea leaves, in order to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A foldable portable device for sun-drying tea leaves includes multiple uprights, with folding beams positioned between adjacent uprights. A set of mounting brackets connects the outer sides of each upright at both ends to drive rollers, on which a conveyor belt is fitted. A drive motor is mounted on one upright, and the drive motor drives the drive rollers to rotate via a drive transmission component. When the folding beams are horizontally unfolded, adjacent uprights are moved apart, and the conveyor belt unfolds synchronously. When the folding beams are vertically folded, adjacent uprights are brought closer together, and the conveyor belt folds synchronously.

[0008] Specifically, multiple columns are distributed along the length of the conveyor belt, and the lower sides of two opposing columns along the width of the conveyor belt are connected by a crossbeam. Each column has a caster wheel at its lower end via a bottom beam.

[0009] Optionally, the bottom beam is also provided with adjustable supports.

[0010] Furthermore, along the length of the conveyor belt, the installation height of the folding beams increases sequentially, causing the conveyor belt to tilt and rotate upwards when unfolded.

[0011] Optionally, along the width of the conveyor belt, adjacent bottom beams are staggered at the installation positions of the crossbeams, and the folding beams are folded vertically so that adjacent bottom beams are staggered. The staggered bottom beams prevent interference during folding, achieving the most compact folding and storage.

[0012] Specifically, a drive shaft is mounted on each of the corresponding sets of mounting brackets via a bearing seat, and the drive roller is mounted on the drive shaft.

[0013] Optionally, the bearing housing is mounted on the mounting bracket via an adjusting plate, and adjusting screws are provided corresponding to the adjusting plate.

[0014] Furthermore, support rods are evenly arranged along the width direction of the conveyor belt. The support rods are installed on the conveyor belt through fixing strips. Support rollers are provided at both ends of the support rods. Roller support plates are provided on the inner side of the column and the folding beam corresponding to the support rollers.

[0015] Optionally, the support rod is further provided with limiting rollers at both ends corresponding to the fixing strips, and the fixing strips on both sides of the conveyor belt are disposed in the limiting rollers.

[0016] Optionally, a support wheel is provided on the drive shaft corresponding to the limiting roller. The support wheel is located on both sides of the drive roller, and the support wheel and the drive roller are mounted on the drive shaft and rotate synchronously.

[0017] Furthermore, the support roller is equipped with several roller levers via a torsion spring shaft. A lever fixing seat is positioned at the end of each roller lever. When the support roller reaches the outer side of the support roller, as the drive shaft rotates, the lever fixing seat acts on the end of the roller lever, causing the upper end of the roller lever to act on the support roller, thus moving the support roller downwards in the direction of rotation. As the shaft continues to rotate, when the lever fixing seat separates from the end of the roller lever, the torsion spring shaft resets the roller lever, allowing the support roller to rotate smoothly along the drive roller.

[0018] Furthermore, the folding beam includes an upper folding beam and a lower folding beam, the vertical height of which is adapted to the outer diameter of the transmission roller.

[0019] Specifically, along the length of the conveyor belt, one end of the upper folding beam is installed on one side of the column via a hinge, and the other ends of the two upper folding beams are connected via a hinge block; One end of the lower folding beam is mounted on a clearance block on one side of the column via a hinge, and the other ends of the two lower folding beams are connected by a hinge.

[0020] Optionally, a limit lever is provided between the columns at both ends along the length of the conveyor belt for fixing and locking when the conveyor belt is folded.

[0021] In use, two or more foldable portable devices can be arranged sequentially at different heights along the conveyor belt, with the end of the previous conveyor belt located above the front end of the next conveyor belt; tea leaves fall from the end of the previous foldable portable device to the front end of the next foldable portable device along the conveyor direction.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this invention are: Compared with the prior art, the present invention can achieve the following beneficial effects through the above technical solution: Significantly improved portability: This invention achieves horizontal unfolding and vertical folding of the entire equipment through the coordinated design of the folding beams, columns, and conveyor belt. This expands the working area during production and reduces the footprint during idle periods, allowing for easy relocation to suitable production sites and storage locations. In its folded state, the equipment is compact and significantly smaller, facilitating transportation and handling in complex terrains and greatly reducing storage space requirements. This solves the problems of inconvenient transportation and large storage volume associated with traditional sun-drying equipment.

[0023] Improving Sun-Drying Efficiency and Tea Quality: The equipment uses a conveyor belt as the sun-drying carrier. Utilizing its flexible and light-transmitting properties, the tea leaves naturally tumble on the belt, ensuring uniform light and air circulation during the sun-drying process. This effectively prevents localized overheating or uneven fermentation. Simultaneously, a drive motor rotates the transmission rollers, enabling continuous conveying of the tea leaves through the conveyor belt. This dynamic sun-drying process significantly improves efficiency compared to static spreading, contributing to higher final tea quality.

[0024] Stable and reliable structure: The core of this invention lies in the coordinated movement mechanism of the folding beam, column and conveyor belt. This design not only realizes the folding function, but also provides a stable and reliable support and transmission foundation for the conveyor belt in the unfolded state, ensuring the smooth operation of the sun-drying process. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the unfolded state of a foldable portable device for sun-drying tea leaves according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the folded portable device for sun-drying tea leaves according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a top view of the unfolded state of a foldable portable device for sun-drying tea leaves according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a frame structure diagram of a foldable portable device for sun-drying tea leaves according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a foldable portable device for sun-drying tea leaves according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a side view of the support wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention; Among them, 1-upper column, 2-crossbeam, 3-bottom beam, 4-universal wheel, 5-adjustable support, 6-mounting bracket, 7-bearing seat, 8-adjusting seat plate, 9-adjusting screw, 10-drive shaft, 11-drive roller, 12-support wheel, 13-roller lever, 14-torsion spring shaft, 15-moving fixed seat, 16-conveyor belt, 161-fixed strip, 17-support rod, 18-support roller, 19-limiting roller, 110-upper folding beam, 111-hinge block, 112-lower folding beam, 113-yielding block, 114-hinge component, 115-drive motor, 116-drive transmission component, 117-limiting swing arm, 118-roller support plate. Detailed Implementation

[0026] 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. Example 1

[0027] like Figure 1-4 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a foldable portable device for sun-drying tea leaves, including multiple columns 1. A folding beam is provided between adjacent columns 1. A set of mounting brackets 6 are respectively provided on the outer side of each of the two ends of the columns 1, and a conveyor belt 16 is sleeved on the conveyor roller 11. A drive motor 115 is provided on one end of the column, and the drive motor 115 drives the conveyor roller 11 to rotate through a drive transmission component 116. When the folding beam is horizontally unfolded, the adjacent columns 1 are moved away from each other and the conveyor belt 16 is unfolded synchronously. When the folding beam is vertically folded, the adjacent columns 1 are brought closer together and the conveyor belt 16 is folded synchronously.

[0028] This invention aims to solve the problems of traditional sun-drying equipment being bulky, inconvenient to transport and move, and having low sun-drying efficiency. By designing the equipment with a foldable structure, its volume in the stored state is significantly reduced, facilitating transfer and storage between different locations. Simultaneously, utilizing a conveyor-based sun-drying method, compared to traditional static spreading, enables more even heating of the tea leaves and a more controllable sun-drying process, thereby improving the efficiency and quality of tea processing. Therefore, this invention is suitable not only for large-scale production in professional tea processing plants but also for small tea workshops or decentralized operations by tea farmers, possessing broad application prospects.

[0029] Specifically, multiple columns 1 are distributed along the length of the conveyor belt 16, and the lower sides of two opposing columns 1 along the width of the conveyor belt 16 are connected by a crossbeam 2. Each column 1 has a caster wheel 4 at its lower end via a bottom beam 3.

[0030] Optionally, the bottom beam 3 is also provided with an adjustable support 5.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the installation height of the folding beams increases sequentially along the length of the conveyor belt 16, causing the conveyor belt 16 to tilt and rotate upwards when unfolded.

[0032] like Figure 4As shown, along the width direction of the conveyor belt 16, adjacent bottom beams 3 are staggered at the installation positions of the crossbeams 2, and the folding beams are vertically folded so that adjacent bottom beams 3 are staggered. The staggered arrangement of the bottom beams 3 avoids mutual interference during folding, achieving the most compact folding and storage.

[0033] Specifically, a drive shaft 10 is mounted on a set of mounting brackets 6 via a bearing seat 7, and the drive roller 11 is mounted on the drive shaft 10.

[0034] Optionally, the bearing housing 7 is mounted on the mounting bracket 6 via an adjusting seat plate 8, and an adjusting screw 9 is provided corresponding to the adjusting seat plate 8.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, support rods 17 are evenly arranged along the width direction of the conveyor belt 16. The support rods 17 are installed on the conveyor belt 16 through fixing strips 161. Support rollers 18 are provided at both ends of the support rods 17. Roller support plates 118 are provided on the inner side of the column 1 and the folding beam corresponding to the support rollers 18.

[0036] Optionally, the support rod 17 is further provided with limiting rollers 19 at both ends corresponding to the fixing strip 161, and the fixing strips 161 on both sides of the conveyor belt 16 are disposed in the limiting rollers 19.

[0037] Optionally, a support wheel 12 is provided on the drive shaft 10 corresponding to the limiting roller 19. The support wheel 12 is located on both sides of the drive roller 11, and the support wheel 12 and the drive roller 11 are mounted on the drive shaft 10 and rotate synchronously.

[0038] like Figure 3 , 5 As shown in Figure 6, a plurality of roller levers 13 are mounted on the support wheel 12 via a torsion spring shaft 14. A lever fixing seat 15 is provided at the end of each roller lever 13. When the support roller 18 reaches the outer side of the support wheel 12, as the drive shaft 10 rotates, the lever fixing seat 15 acts on the end of the roller lever 13, causing the upper end of the roller lever 13 to act on the support roller 18, thus moving the support roller 18 downwards in the direction of rotation. As the drive shaft 10 continues to rotate, when the lever fixing seat 15 separates from the end of the roller lever 13, the torsion spring shaft 14 resets the roller lever 13, allowing the support roller 18 to rotate smoothly along the drive roller 11. This lever-driven transmission achieves chainless, intermittent, continuous conveying.

[0039] like Figure 1 , 2As shown, the folding beam includes an upper folding beam 110 and a lower folding beam 112, and the vertical height of the upper folding beam 110 and the lower folding beam 112 is adapted to the outer diameter of the transmission roller 11.

[0040] Specifically, along the length of the conveyor belt 16, one end of the upper folding beam 110 is installed on one side of the column 1 via a hinge 114, and the other ends of the two upper folding beams 110 are connected via a hinge block 111. One end of the lower folding beam 112 is mounted on the relief block 113 on one side of the column 1 via a hinge 114, and the other ends of the two lower folding beams 112 are connected by a hinge 114.

[0041] Optionally, a limiting lever 117 is provided between the two ends of the uprights 1 along the length of the conveyor belt 16 for fixing and locking when the conveyor belt 16 is folded. In use, two or more foldable portable devices can be arranged sequentially at different heights along the conveyor belt 16, with the end of the previous conveyor belt 16 located above the front end of the next conveyor belt 16; tea leaves fall from the end of the previous foldable portable device to the front end of the next foldable portable device along the conveying direction.

[0042] The foldable portable device for sun-drying tea leaves according to this invention employs a flexible conveyor belt, uprights, and folding beams, allowing the entire mechanism to fold and unfold quickly. Fresh tea leaves are placed at the front end and conveyed to the rear end along the direction of the conveyor belt's rotation to allow them to dry. The conveyor belt's good light transmittance and breathable design ensure even heating and ventilation, resulting in uniform drying. During collection, the conveyor belt rotates and the leaves fall freely from the rear end. Multiple devices can also be used in conjunction; the inclined design of the conveyor belt creates a height difference between the end of one conveyor belt and the front end of the next, enabling automatic material turning.

[0043] Thanks to its folding mechanism, casters, and adjustable support, it is easy to transport and adaptable to complex terrains. When folded and stored, it takes up little space and, combined with its built-in portable power supply and AC power, it is highly portable.

[0044] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A foldable portable device for sun-drying tea leaves, characterized in that, The device includes multiple columns, with folding beams positioned between adjacent columns. A set of mounting brackets connects the outer sides of each column to a transmission roller, on which a conveyor belt is fitted. A drive motor is mounted on one of the columns, and the drive motor drives the transmission roller to rotate via a drive transmission component. When the folding beams are horizontally unfolded, adjacent columns are moved apart, and the conveyor belt unfolds synchronously. When the folding beams are vertically folded, adjacent columns are brought closer together, and the conveyor belt folds synchronously.

2. The foldable portable device for sun-drying tea leaves according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple columns are distributed along the length of the conveyor belt, and two opposing columns along the width of the conveyor belt are connected by a crossbeam at their lower sides. Each column has a caster wheel at its lower end via a bottom beam.

3. The foldable portable device for sun-drying tea leaves according to claim 1, characterized in that, Distributed along the length of the conveyor belt, the installation height of the folding beams increases sequentially, causing the conveyor belt to tilt and rotate upwards when unfolded.

4. The foldable portable device for sun-drying tea leaves according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the width direction of the conveyor belt, adjacent bottom beams are staggered at the installation positions of the crossbeams, and the folding beam is vertically folded so that adjacent bottom beams are staggered.

5. The foldable portable device for sun-drying tea leaves according to claim 1, characterized in that, A drive shaft is mounted on each of the opposite sets of mounting frames via a bearing seat, and the drive roller is mounted on the drive shaft; the bearing seat is mounted on the mounting frame via an adjusting seat plate, and an adjusting screw is provided corresponding to the adjusting seat plate.

6. The foldable portable device for sun-drying tea leaves according to claim 1, characterized in that, Support rods are evenly arranged along the width of the conveyor belt. The support rods are installed on the conveyor belt through fixing strips. Support rollers are provided at both ends of the support rods. Roller support plates are provided on the inner side of the column and the folding beam corresponding to the support rollers.

7. The foldable portable device for sun-drying tea leaves according to claim 6, characterized in that, A support wheel is provided on the drive shaft corresponding to the limiting roller. The support wheel is located on both sides of the drive roller. The support wheel and the drive roller are mounted on the drive shaft and rotate synchronously.

8. The foldable portable device for sun-drying tea leaves according to claim 6, characterized in that, The support roller is equipped with several roller levers via a torsion spring shaft. A toggle fixing seat is provided at the end of each roller lever. When the support roller reaches the outer side of the support roller, as the transmission shaft rotates, the toggle fixing seat acts on the end of the roller lever, causing the upper end of the roller lever to act on the support roller, causing the support roller to move downward along the rotation direction. As the rotation shaft continues to rotate, when the toggle fixing seat separates from the end of the roller lever, the torsion spring shaft causes the roller lever to return to its original position, and the roller lever allows the support roller to rotate smoothly along the transmission roller.

9. The foldable portable device for sun-drying tea leaves according to claim 1, characterized in that, The folding beam includes an upper folding beam and a lower folding beam, and the vertical height of the upper folding beam and the lower folding beam is adapted to the outer diameter of the transmission roller.

10. The foldable portable device for sun-drying tea leaves according to claim 9, characterized in that, Along the length of the conveyor belt, one end of the upper folding beam is mounted on one side of the column via a hinge, and the other ends of the two upper folding beams are connected by a hinge block; one end of the lower folding beam is mounted on a clearance block on one side of the column via a hinge, and the other ends of the two lower folding beams are connected by a hinge.

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