Traditional Chinese medicine sorting device for traditional Chinese medicine decoction piece processing

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of traditional Chinese medicine tablet processing, in particular to a traditional Chinese medicine sorting device for traditional Chinese medicine decoction piece processing. A plurality of diameter screening areas are arranged in the multi-stage screening platform, and the multi-stage screening platform is used for screening traditional Chinese medicine tablets with different diameters; the thickness screening device is installed above the multi-stage screening platform and comprises a connecting support fixedly connected with the multi-stage screening platform, a piece separation device is installed on the connecting support, a feeding end is arranged at the top of the piece separation device, a discharging end is arranged at the bottom of the piece separation device, and a thickness grading device is installed at the bottom of the piece separation device. The feeding end of the thickness grading device is arranged below the discharging end of the sheet sorting device; according to the traditional Chinese medicine tablet two-dimensional sorting device, two-dimensional precise sorting of the thickness and the diameter of traditional Chinese medicine tablets is achieved, the quality control level is comprehensively improved, and the stability of the follow-up process and the drug effect of decoction are guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of traditional Chinese medicine slice processing technology, specifically to a sorting device for processing traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces. Background Technology

[0002] In the modern processing of Chinese herbal medicine slices, strict technical requirements are placed on the uniformity of the sliced ​​slices. The external dimensions of the slices, especially their diameter and thickness, are key physical parameters that directly affect the stability of subsequent drying and processing techniques, as well as the dissolution kinetics of active ingredients during clinical decoction.

[0003] Chinese Patent No. CN114377966B discloses an automatic sorting device for processing Chinese medicinal materials, including a medicine tray, a rod-type picking assembly, a drive disk, a drive motor, and a support frame. In this invention, an inclined medicine tray is provided, with a drive disk rotatably connected within it. The drive disk holds Chinese medicinal materials. A rectangular guide plate is connected to the outer periphery of the medicine tray, positioned diagonally above the drive disk. The upper surface of the rectangular guide plate and the upper surface of the drive disk are on the same plane. A rod-type picking assembly is provided, slidingly connected to the medicine tray. A picking plate assembly, which works in conjunction with the drive disk, is mounted on the rod-type picking assembly. The projection of the picking plate assembly onto the drive disk is a figure-eight shape, with the smaller end of the figure-eight facing the axis of the drive disk. During the reciprocating motion between the drive disk and the rectangular guide plate, the picking plate assembly can utilize the figure-eight space to pick Chinese medicinal materials of suitable specifications. A discharge pipe for material leakage is provided on the rectangular guide plate, allowing for the picking of Chinese medicinal materials of the target specifications.

[0004] However, existing single-dimensional diameter sorting devices have significant technical limitations. In actual industrialized slicing production, due to inherent differences in the morphology of raw medicinal materials, gradual wear of slicing blades, and dynamic fluctuations in material transport, the thickness of the same batch of medicinal slices often exhibits a considerable deviation perpendicular to the slicing plane. Existing mechanical diameter sorting devices are based on the assumption of ideally flat slices, making them completely incapable of identifying, detecting, or performing secondary sorting based on thickness. This results in substandard slices that are too thick or too thin being mixed with batches of acceptable diameter. Uneven thickness slices can trigger a series of chain reactions in the process and quality: in the subsequent drying process, different heat and mass transfer rates can lead to uneven moisture or component content; during decoction and extraction, excessively thick slices have low dissolution rates of active ingredients, while excessively thin slices may dissolve too quickly or produce too much debris, thus seriously affecting the stability and controllability of the decoction's quality and efficacy. Therefore, current automated sorting technology for Chinese herbal medicine slices suffers from deficiencies in its single detection dimension and incomplete quality control. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, a sorting device for processing Chinese medicinal herbs is provided. Through the coordinated operation of a multi-level screening platform and a thickness screening device, it achieves precise sorting of Chinese medicinal herbs based on both thickness and diameter, comprehensively improving the level of quality control and ensuring the stability of subsequent processes and the efficacy of decoctions.

[0006] To address the problems of existing technologies, this invention provides a sorting device for processing Chinese medicinal herbs, comprising a multi-stage screening platform and a thickness screening device. The multi-stage screening platform has multiple diameter screening areas and is used to screen Chinese medicinal herbs of different diameters. The thickness screening device is installed above the multi-stage screening platform and includes a connecting bracket fixedly connected to the multi-stage screening platform. A slice separating device is installed on the connecting bracket. The top of the slice separating device has a feeding end, and the bottom of the slice separating device has a discharging end. A thickness grading device is installed at the bottom of the slice separating device, and the feeding end of the thickness grading device is located below the discharging end of the slice separating device. The thickness grading device has multiple discharging ends.

[0007] Preferably, the slicing device includes an adjusting frame, a kneading and separating mechanism, and a reciprocating motion device; the adjusting frame is fixedly installed on the side of the connecting bracket; the reciprocating motion device is installed on the adjusting frame; one side of the kneading and separating mechanism is fixedly connected to the adjusting frame, and the other side of the kneading and separating mechanism is fixedly connected to the movable end of the reciprocating motion device.

[0008] Preferably, the adjusting frame includes a fixed frame, a movable adjusting bracket, a first adjusting screw, and an anti-rotation block; the fixed frame is mounted on a connecting bracket; the movable adjusting bracket is slidably mounted on the fixed frame and is connected to the reciprocating motion device; the first adjusting screw is rotatably mounted on the fixed frame and is threadedly connected to the movable adjusting bracket; the anti-rotation block is rotatably mounted on the fixed frame and is provided with a limiting groove.

[0009] Preferably, the kneading and separating mechanism includes a fixed friction plate, a movable friction plate, and a connecting sleeve; the fixed friction plate is fixedly installed on a fixed frame; the movable friction plate is fixedly installed on a reciprocating motion device, and the inner walls of both the movable and fixed friction plates are provided with anti-slip layers; the connecting sleeve is used to connect the fixed friction plate and the movable friction plate.

[0010] Preferably, the reciprocating motion device includes a movable mounting plate, a return spring, and a reciprocating pull-out device; the movable mounting plate is slidably mounted on the movable adjusting frame, and the movable mounting plate is fixedly connected to the movable friction plate; the return spring is installed between the movable mounting plate and the movable adjusting frame; the reciprocating pull-out device is fixedly mounted on the movable adjusting frame, and the telescopic end of the reciprocating pull-out device is fixedly connected to the movable mounting plate.

[0011] Preferably, the reciprocating pull-out device includes a telescopic shaft, a fixed mounting block, a rotary driver, and a rotary drive disk; the fixed mounting block is fixedly connected to the movable adjustment frame; the rotary driver is fixedly mounted on the fixed mounting block; the rotary drive disk is fixedly mounted on the drive end of the rotary driver, and the rotary drive disk is provided with a guide protrusion; one end of the telescopic shaft is fixedly connected to the movable mounting plate, the end of the telescopic shaft away from the movable mounting plate extends into the fixed mounting block, the telescopic shaft is slidably connected to the fixed mounting block, and the telescopic shaft is provided with a driven roller.

[0012] Preferably, the thickness grading device includes an inclined screening rail and a spacing adjustment device; the spacing adjustment device is fixedly installed at the bottom of the sheet separation device; the inclined screening rail is installed at the adjustment end of the spacing adjustment device, and a screening gap is provided at the bottom of the inclined screening rail.

[0013] Preferably, the inclined screening rail consists of two inclined guide shells, with a straight gap section and an expansion gap section between the two inclined guide shells. A material distribution guide rail is also installed on the side of the inclined screening rail, and the feed end of the material distribution guide rail is connected to the expansion gap section.

[0014] Preferably, the spacing adjustment device includes a mounting slide rail, a connecting block, a second adjusting screw, a limiting rod, and a connecting rod; the mounting slide rail is fixedly installed at the bottom of the segmentation device and is used to slide the two inclined guide shells; the second adjusting screw is rotatably installed on the side of the mounting slide rail; the connecting block is installed on the second adjusting screw and is threadedly connected to the second adjusting screw; multiple connecting rods are provided and distributed at both ends of the connecting block, one end of the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the connecting block, and the end of the connecting rod away from the connecting block is rotatably connected to the inclined guide shell; the limiting rod is rotatably installed on the side of the mounting slide rail, and multiple positioning slots are evenly distributed on the limiting rod.

[0015] Preferably, the multi-stage screening platform is equipped with multiple inclined screens and multiple guide baffles inside, which are arranged in an alternating manner. Each inclined screen has a discharge port on its side, and a vibration motor is also installed on the multi-stage screening platform.

[0016] The advantages of this invention compared to the prior art are: 1. This invention overcomes the technical limitations of existing single-dimensional diameter sorting devices by utilizing a thickness screening device and a multi-stage screening platform in a coordinated manner. The thickness screening device employs advanced thickness detection technology to accurately measure the thickness of each Chinese herbal medicine slice and sorts them according to preset standards, placing slices that do not meet thickness requirements into specific areas to prevent them from mixing with qualified batches. Subsequently, the multi-stage screening platform utilizes the weight of the Chinese herbal medicine slices themselves, combined with multiple diameter screening areas within its structure, to perform diameter-based sorting of the qualified slices that have passed the thickness screening. This dual-dimensional detection and screening mode effectively solves the problem of single-dimensional detection in existing devices, achieving comprehensive quality control over both the thickness and diameter of Chinese herbal medicine slices. This significantly improves the screening quality of the slices, provides a solid guarantee for the stability of subsequent drying processes, and ensures the stable and controllable quality and efficacy of the decoction.

[0017] 2. The slice-separating device and thickness grading device of the present invention possess highly flexible adjustability. The adjustment frame of the slice-separating device can precisely adjust the position of the kneading and separating mechanism according to the separation requirements of Chinese herbal medicine slices of different thicknesses, ensuring it is in optimal working condition and adaptable to the separation of Chinese herbal medicine slices of various specifications. The spacing adjustment device of the thickness grading device can precisely adjust the screening gap distance at the bottom of the inclined screening rail according to the thickness characteristics of different batches of Chinese herbal medicine slices and actual production needs. This flexible and adjustable design allows the device to adapt to complex production conditions such as differences in the morphology of medicinal materials, wear of slicing blades, and fluctuations in material conveying, ensuring accurate sorting of Chinese herbal medicine slice thickness under different production conditions, improving the versatility and production adaptability of the device, and reducing the risk of process and quality problems caused by inconsistent specifications of medicinal slices. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a front view of a Chinese herbal medicine sorting device for processing Chinese herbal medicine slices according to the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a Chinese herbal medicine sorting device for processing Chinese herbal medicine slices according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the thickness screening device in a traditional Chinese medicine sorting device for processing prepared slices of traditional Chinese medicine according to the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the herbal medicine sorting device in a herbal medicine processing equipment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a planar sectional perspective view of the kneading and separating mechanism in a traditional Chinese medicine sorting device for processing prepared slices of traditional Chinese medicine according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the adjusting frame in a traditional Chinese medicine sorting device for processing prepared slices of traditional Chinese medicine according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the thickness grading device in a traditional Chinese medicine sorting device for processing prepared slices of traditional Chinese medicine according to the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0026] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the thickness grading device in a traditional Chinese medicine sorting device for processing prepared slices of traditional Chinese medicine according to the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0027] Figure 10 This is a partial structural diagram of the thickness grading device in a traditional Chinese medicine sorting device for processing prepared slices of traditional Chinese medicine according to the present invention.

[0028] The numbers on the map are: 1. Multi-stage screening platform; 11. Inclined screen; 12. Guide baffle; 13. Discharge port; 14. Vibrating motor; 2. Thickness screening device; 3. Connecting bracket; 4. Slicing device; 41. Adjusting frame; 411. Fixed frame; 412. Movable adjusting frame; 413. First adjusting screw; 414. Anti-rotation block; 42. Kneading and separating mechanism; 421. Fixed friction plate; 422. Movable friction plate; 4221. Anti-slip layer; 423. Connecting sleeve; 43. Reciprocating motion device; 431. Movable mounting plate; 432. Return spring 433. Reciprocating pull-out device; 4331. Telescopic shaft; 4332. Driven roller; 4333. Fixed mounting block; 4334. Rotary driver; 4335. Rotary drive disk; 4336. Guide protrusion; 5. Thickness grading device; 51. Inclined screening rail; 511. Inclined guide shell; 512. Straight slit; 513. Expanding slit; 514. Material distribution guide rail; 52. Spacing adjustment device; 521. Mounting slide rail; 522. Connecting block; 523. Second adjusting screw; 524. Limiting lever; 525. Connecting rod. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To further understand the features, technical means, and specific objectives and functions achieved by the present invention, the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0030] See Figures 1 to 10As shown, a sorting device for processing Chinese medicinal herbs includes a multi-stage screening platform 1 and a thickness screening device 2. The multi-stage screening platform 1 has multiple diameter screening areas and is used to screen Chinese medicinal herbs of different diameters. The thickness screening device 2 is installed above the multi-stage screening platform 1 and includes a connecting bracket 3 fixedly connected to the multi-stage screening platform 1. A slicing device is installed on the connecting bracket 3. The top of the slicing device has a feeding end, and the bottom of the slicing device has a discharging end. A thickness grading device 5 is installed at the bottom of the slicing device, and the feeding end of the thickness grading device 5 is located below the discharging end of the slicing device. The thickness grading device 5 has multiple discharging ends.

[0031] After the Chinese medicine slices have completed the slicing process, they need to be sorted. At this time, the feeding equipment is started, which transports the slicing Chinese medicine slices to the feeding end at the top of the slicing device in the thickness screening device 2, thus starting the entire sorting process.

[0032] The Chinese herbal tablets entering the feeding end of the slicing device may not be completely cut or may stick together during the slicing process, resulting in some tablets not being single pieces. The slicing device uses physical friction separation to effectively separate the separable Chinese herbal tablets, ensuring that after processing, the Chinese herbal tablets fall from the discharge end at the bottom of the slicing device in single pieces.

[0033] After a single, flat Chinese medicine tablet falls from the dispensing end of the slicing device, it directly enters the feeding end of the thickness grading device 5 located below it. The thickness grading device 5 uses thickness detection technology to accurately measure the thickness of each Chinese medicine tablet. According to the preset thickness qualification standard, the thickness grading device 5 sorts the Chinese medicine tablets. Qualified Chinese medicine tablets with the thickness meeting the standard are guided to fall onto the multi-stage screening platform 1, while slicing Chinese medicine tablets with the thickness not meeting the standard are sorted to a specific processing area for subsequent re-slicing or other processing operations.

[0034] The multi-stage screening platform 1 has multiple diameter screening zones, each corresponding to a different diameter range. After passing through the thickness screening device 2, qualified Chinese herbal medicine slices fall onto the multi-stage screening platform 1. During platform operation, the weight of the Chinese herbal medicine slices, combined with the multi-stage screening platform 1, performs grading and screening. The slices are graded according to their diameter and placed in different diameter screening zones. Chinese herbal medicine slices that meet the specifications of each zone are retained in their respective screening zones, thus achieving the grading and screening of Chinese herbal medicine slices of different diameters.

[0035] Through the coordinated operation of the thickness screening device 2 and the multi-level screening platform 1, this device can simultaneously detect and screen the thickness and diameter of Chinese medicine slices, effectively solving the problems of single detection dimension and incomplete quality control in existing single-dimensional diameter sorting devices. It significantly improves the screening quality of Chinese medicine slices, ensuring the stability of subsequent processes and the stable and controllable quality and efficacy of decoctions.

[0036] See Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the slicing device includes an adjusting frame 41, a kneading and separating mechanism 42, and a reciprocating motion device 43; the adjusting frame 41 is fixedly installed on the side of the connecting bracket 3; the reciprocating motion device 43 is installed on the adjusting frame 41; one side of the kneading and separating mechanism 42 is fixedly connected to the adjusting frame 41, and the other side of the kneading and separating mechanism 42 is fixedly connected to the movable end of the reciprocating motion device 43.

[0037] The adjusting frame 41 is fixedly installed on the side of the connecting bracket 3, providing a stable support structure for the entire slicing device. At the same time, the adjusting frame 41 has a position adjustment function, which can precisely adjust the position of the kneading and separating mechanism 42 according to the separation requirements of Chinese medicine slices of different thicknesses in actual production, ensuring that the kneading and separating mechanism 42 is in the optimal working position to adapt to the separation operation of Chinese medicine slices of various specifications.

[0038] The reciprocating motion device 43 is mounted on the adjusting frame 41, and its movable end is fixedly connected to one side of the kneading and separating mechanism 42, providing a power source for the reciprocating motion of the kneading and separating mechanism 42. The other side of the kneading and separating mechanism 42 is fixedly connected to the adjusting frame 41 to ensure the stability of the kneading and separating mechanism 42 during the reciprocating motion.

[0039] When the slit Chinese herbal medicine slices enter the internal space of the kneading and separating mechanism 42, the reciprocating motion device 43 is activated, driving the kneading and separating mechanism 42 to reciprocate according to preset motion parameters. During the reciprocating motion, relative friction is generated between the kneading and separating mechanism 42 and the internal Chinese herbal medicine slices. This friction acts on the surface of the Chinese herbal medicine slices, exerting force on stacked, stuck, or incompletely cut Chinese herbal medicine slices.

[0040] Through continuous reciprocating friction, the adhesive parts between the Chinese medicine tablets are gradually broken down, and the stacked Chinese medicine tablets separate from each other under the action of friction, so that each Chinese medicine tablet exists in a single tablet form. The separated single Chinese medicine tablets fall from the discharge end at the bottom of the tablet separating device under the action of gravity and enter the subsequent thickness grading device 5 for thickness detection and sorting.

[0041] See Figures 2 to 4As shown, the adjusting frame 41 includes a fixed frame 411, a movable adjusting bracket 412, a first adjusting screw 413, and an anti-rotation block 414; the fixed frame 411 is mounted on the connecting bracket 3; the movable adjusting bracket 412 is slidably mounted on the fixed frame 411 and is connected to the reciprocating motion device 43; the first adjusting screw 413 is rotatably mounted on the fixed frame 411 and is threadedly connected to the movable adjusting bracket 412; the anti-rotation block 414 is rotatably mounted on the fixed frame 411 and is provided with a limiting groove.

[0042] When the position of the kneading and separating mechanism 42 needs to be adjusted according to the separation requirements of Chinese herbal medicine slices of different thicknesses in actual production, the operator rotates the first adjusting screw 413. Since the first adjusting screw 413 is threadedly connected to the movable adjusting frame 412, the movable adjusting frame 412 will move linearly along the fixed frame 411 under the action of threaded transmission. The movement of the movable adjusting frame 412 will drive the reciprocating motion device 43 connected to it to move synchronously. The reciprocating motion device 43 is fixedly connected to the kneading and separating mechanism 42. Therefore, the movement of the reciprocating motion device 43 will further drive the kneading and separating mechanism 42 to move synchronously, thereby realizing the horizontal position adjustment of the kneading and separating mechanism 42, so that it is in the optimal working position for separating Chinese herbal medicine slices of different specifications.

[0043] After the kneading and separating mechanism 42 is adjusted to the desired position, the operator rotates the anti-rotation block 414, causing the limiting groove on the anti-rotation block 414 to engage with the first adjusting screw 413. The shape and size of the limiting groove match the first adjusting screw 413, effectively preventing the first adjusting screw 413 from rotating. In this way, it prevents the first adjusting screw 413 from rotating on its own due to vibration or other external forces during subsequent operations, thereby ensuring the stable positions of the movable adjusting frame 412, the reciprocating motion device 43, and the kneading and separating mechanism 42, and ensuring that the separating device can continuously and stably separate the Chinese medicine tablets.

[0044] See Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the kneading and separating mechanism 42 includes a fixed friction plate 421, a movable friction plate 422, and a connecting sleeve 423; the fixed friction plate 421 is fixedly installed on the fixed frame 411; the movable friction plate 422 is fixedly installed on the reciprocating motion device 43, and the inner walls of both the movable friction plate 422 and the fixed friction plate 421 are provided with anti-slip layers 4221; the connecting sleeve 423 is used to connect the fixed friction plate 421 and the movable friction plate 422.

[0045] The fixed friction plate 421 is securely mounted on the fixed frame 411, providing a stable support foundation for the entire kneading and separating mechanism 42. The movable friction plate 422 is fixedly mounted on the reciprocating motion device 43 and moves with the movement of the reciprocating motion device 43. The connecting sleeve 423 is made of flexible material, with one end connected to the fixed friction plate 421 and the other end connected to the movable friction plate 422, connecting the two into a whole, while ensuring that the movable friction plate 422 can reciprocate relative to the fixed friction plate 421. The fixed friction plate 421 and the movable friction plate 422 are arranged opposite each other, with a large distance between their upper inlets and a small distance between their lower outlets, thus forming a Y-shaped structure in the channel between them. This Y-shaped space can effectively guide the Chinese medicine tablets into the kneading area between the fixed friction plate 421 and the movable friction plate 422, providing a reasonable spatial layout for subsequent friction separation operations. The connecting sleeve 423 is also used to connect the feeding equipment, ensuring that the Chinese medicine tablets can fall smoothly into the Y-shaped space and enter the separation area.

[0046] After the slit Chinese herbal medicine slices enter the Y-shaped space through the connecting sleeve 423 via the feeding device, the reciprocating motion device 43 is activated, driving the movable friction plate 422 to reciprocate linearly relative to the fixed friction plate 421. Both the movable friction plate 422 and the fixed friction plate 421 have anti-slip layers 4221 on their inner walls, which significantly increase the friction with the surface of the Chinese herbal medicine slices. During the reciprocating motion of the movable friction plate 422, the Chinese herbal medicine slices are subjected to dual friction from both the movable friction plate 422 and the fixed friction plate 421 within the Y-shaped space. This friction acts on the surface of the Chinese herbal medicine slices. For stacked slices, the friction causes relative movement between them, gradually separating them; for adhered or incompletely cut slices, the friction breaks down the adhered parts, separating them into individual slices.

[0047] The presence of the anti-slip layer 4221 on the inner wall of the movable friction plate 422 and the fixed friction plate 421 further enhances the friction effect between the herbal medicine slices and the tablets, improving the separation efficiency and quality. Through continuous reciprocating friction, the problems of adhesion and stacking between the herbal medicine slices are effectively solved, ultimately ensuring that each herbal medicine slice exists as a single piece. The separated individual herbal medicine slices fall from the discharge end at the bottom of the kneading and separating mechanism 42 under the influence of gravity, entering the subsequent thickness grading device 5 for thickness detection and sorting.

[0048] See Figures 3 to 6As shown, the reciprocating motion device 43 includes a movable mounting plate 431, a return spring 432, and a reciprocating pull-out device 433; the movable mounting plate 431 is slidably mounted on the movable adjusting frame 412, and the movable mounting plate 431 is fixedly connected to the movable friction plate 422; the return spring 432 is installed between the movable mounting plate 431 and the movable adjusting frame 412; the reciprocating pull-out device 433 is fixedly mounted on the movable adjusting frame 412, and the telescopic end of the reciprocating pull-out device 433 is fixedly connected to the movable mounting plate 431.

[0049] When it is necessary to separate the Chinese medicine tablets, the reciprocating pull-out device 433 is activated, and its telescopic end reciprocates and extends according to preset motion parameters. When the telescopic end extends, it drives the movable mounting plate 431 to move away from the reciprocating pull-out device 433 along the movable adjustment frame 412. The movement of the movable mounting plate 431 will synchronously drive the movable friction plate 422 fixedly connected to it to move, causing the movable friction plate 422 to be displaced relative to the fixed friction plate 421. At the same time, the movement of the movable mounting plate 431 will compress the return spring 432, causing the return spring 432 to undergo elastic deformation and store elastic potential energy.

[0050] When the telescopic end of the reciprocating pull-out device 433 reaches its maximum extended position, it begins to retract. At this time, the elastic potential energy stored in the return spring 432 is released, generating a restoring force that pushes the movable mounting plate 431 along the movable adjustment frame 412 towards the reciprocating pull-out device 433. The reverse movement of the movable mounting plate 431 also drives the movable friction plate 422 to move in the opposite direction, returning it to its initial position or moving it a certain distance in the opposite direction. Through the continuous reciprocating telescopic motion of the telescopic end of the reciprocating pull-out device 433 and the elastic restoring effect of the return spring 432, the movable mounting plate 431 achieves reciprocating linear motion on the movable adjustment frame 412, thereby driving the movable friction plate 422 to reciprocate linearly relative to the fixed friction plate 421.

[0051] See Figures 6 to 7 As shown, the reciprocating pull-out device 433 includes a telescopic shaft 4331, a fixed mounting block 4333, a rotary driver 4334, and a rotary drive disk 4335; the fixed mounting block 4333 is fixedly connected to the movable adjustment frame 412; the rotary driver 4334 is fixedly mounted on the fixed mounting block 4333; the rotary drive disk 4335 is fixedly mounted on the drive end of the rotary driver 4334, and the rotary drive disk 4335 is provided with a guide protrusion 4336; one end of the telescopic shaft 4331 is fixedly connected to the movable mounting plate 431, and the end of the telescopic shaft 4331 away from the movable mounting plate 431 extends into the fixed mounting block 4333; the telescopic shaft 4331 is slidably connected to the fixed mounting block 4333, and the telescopic shaft 4331 is provided with a driven roller 4332.

[0052] When it is necessary to separate the Chinese medicine tablets, the rotary driver 4334 is activated, and the drive end of the rotary driver 4334 drives the rotary drive disk 4335 to rotate. As the rotary drive disk 4335 rotates, the guide protrusion 4336 moves in a circular motion. During the rotation of the guide protrusion 4336, it comes into contact with the driven roller 4332 on the telescopic shaft 4331. As the guide protrusion 4336 continues to rotate, it applies a force to the driven roller 4332, causing the driven roller 4332 to move along the surface of the guide protrusion 4336. Since the driven roller 4332 is mounted on the telescopic shaft 4331, and the telescopic shaft 4331 is slidably connected to the fixed mounting block 4333, the movement of the driven roller 4332 will cause the telescopic shaft 4331 to move along the fixed mounting block 4333 in a direction away from the initial position of the movable mounting plate 431. The movement of the telescopic shaft 4331 will synchronously drive the movable mounting plate 431, which is fixedly connected to it, to move along the movable adjusting frame 412, thereby causing the movable friction plate 422 to be displaced relative to the fixed friction plate 421.

[0053] When the guide protrusion 4336 rotates to a certain position, it gradually disengages from the driven roller 4332. At this time, under the action of the return spring 432, which is installed between the movable mounting plate 431 and the movable adjusting bracket 412, the return spring 432 is compressed and stores elastic potential energy when the movable mounting plate 431 moves. The return spring 432 releases the stored elastic potential energy, generating a restoring force and pushing the movable mounting plate 431 to its original position. The resetting movement of the movable mounting plate 431 drives the telescopic shaft 4331 to move, returning the telescopic shaft 4331 to its initial position. When the rotary drive disk 4335 continues to rotate, and the guide protrusion 4336 contacts the driven roller 4332 again, the above process is repeated.

[0054] See Figure 3 and Figure 8 As shown, the thickness grading device 5 includes an inclined screening rail 51 and a spacing adjustment device 52; the spacing adjustment device 52 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the grading device; the inclined screening rail 51 is installed at the adjustment end of the spacing adjustment device 52, and a screening gap is provided at the bottom of the inclined screening rail 51.

[0055] When the individual sliced ​​Chinese medicine tablets, having completed the slicing process, fall from the discharge end at the bottom of the slicing device, they will first land on the inclined screening rail 51. Because the inclined screening rail 51 is inclined, the Chinese medicine tablets will move along the inclined screening rail 51 towards the screening gap under their own gravity.

[0056] During the movement of the Chinese herbal medicine slices, the spacing adjustment device 52 precisely adjusts the screening gap distance at the bottom of the inclined screening rail 51 according to the preset thickness qualification standard. When the thickness of the Chinese herbal medicine slice is less than or equal to the screening gap distance, the slice can pass through the screening gap smoothly and continue to fall onto the multi-stage screening platform 1 to enter the subsequent diameter screening process. However, when the thickness of the Chinese herbal medicine slice is greater than the screening gap distance, it cannot pass through the gap. In this case, the inclined screening rail 51 will guide these thicker slices to change their direction of movement and direct them to a specific processing area for subsequent re-cutting or other processing operations.

[0057] The spacing adjustment device 52 can adjust the screening gap distance according to the thickness characteristics of different batches of Chinese herbal medicine slices and actual production needs. This ensures that the thickness grading device 5 can adapt to various complex production conditions and achieve accurate sorting of Chinese herbal medicine slices by thickness.

[0058] See Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the inclined screening rail 51 is composed of two inclined guide shells 511. A straight gap 512 section and an expansion gap 513 section are provided between the two inclined guide shells 511. A material distribution guide rail 514 is also installed on the side of the inclined screening rail 51. The feed end of the material distribution guide rail 514 is connected to the expansion gap 513 section.

[0059] The inclined screening rail 51 consists of two inclined guide shells 511, with a straight slit 512 and an expanding slit 513 section between them. The straight slit 512 and the expanding slit 513 together form the screening gap for screening Chinese medicine slices. The straight slit 512 has a uniform and fixed width, allowing qualified Chinese medicine slices with a thickness meeting the preset standard to pass through smoothly. The expanding slit 513 starts from the junction with the straight slit 512 and gradually increases in width, guiding thicker Chinese medicine slices that are thicker than the width of the straight slit 512 and cannot pass through it.

[0060] When the individual sliced ​​Chinese medicine tablets, having completed the slicing process, fall from the discharge end at the bottom of the slicing device, they first land on the inclined screening rail 51. Because the inclined screening rail 51 is tilted, the Chinese medicine tablets, under their own weight, naturally move along the surface of the inclined guide shell 511 towards the screening gap. During this movement, the Chinese medicine tablets first reach the straight slit segment 512. At this point, the spacing adjustment device 52 has precisely adjusted the width of the straight slit segment 512 according to the preset thickness qualification standard. If the thickness of the Chinese medicine tablet is less than or equal to the width of the straight slit segment 512, the Chinese medicine tablet can pass through the straight slit segment 512 without obstruction and continue falling onto the multi-stage screening platform 1 below, entering the subsequent diameter screening process.

[0061] If the thickness of the herbal medicine slice is greater than the width of the straight slit segment 512, the slice cannot pass through it. In this case, as the slice continues to move, it will enter the expanding slit segment 513. The width of the expanding slit segment 513 gradually increases, allowing thicker slices to enter smoothly. When the thicker slice reaches the end of the expanding slit segment 513, it will naturally fall into the material distribution guide rail 514. The material distribution guide rail 514, according to a preset guide path, guides these non-standard thickness slices to a specific processing area for subsequent re-cutting or other targeted processing operations.

[0062] See Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, the spacing adjustment device 52 includes a mounting slide rail 521, a connecting block 522, a second adjusting screw 523, a limiting rod 524, and a connecting rod 525. The mounting slide rail 521 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the segmentation device and is used to slide the two inclined guide shells 511. The second adjusting screw 523 is rotatably installed on the side of the mounting slide rail 521. The connecting block 522 is installed on the second adjusting screw 523 and is threadedly connected to the second adjusting screw 523. Multiple connecting rods 525 are provided and distributed at both ends of the connecting block 522. One end of the connecting rod 525 is rotatably connected to the connecting block 522, and the end of the connecting rod 525 away from the connecting block 522 is rotatably connected to the inclined guide shell 511. The limiting rod 524 is rotatably installed on the side of the mounting slide rail 521 and has multiple positioning slots evenly distributed on it.

[0063] When it is necessary to adjust the two inclined guide shells 511 to change the distance between the straight slit segment 512 and the expansion slit segment 513 according to the thickness characteristics of different batches of Chinese medicine tablets or actual production needs, the operator rotates the second adjusting screw 523. Since the connecting block 522 is threadedly connected to the second adjusting screw 523, the connecting block 522 will move linearly along the axial direction of the second adjusting screw 523 during the rotation of the second adjusting screw 523. When the connecting block 522 moves, it will drive the connecting rod 525, which is rotatably connected to it, to move. During the movement, the connecting rod 525, because its other end is rotatably connected to the inclined guide shell 511, will transmit force to the inclined guide shell 511, causing the inclined guide shell 511 to slide on the mounting rail 521. As the inclined guide shell 511 moves, the distance between the straight slit segment 512 and the expansion slit segment 513 will change accordingly. According to the preset thickness qualification standard, the staff can precisely control the rotation of the second adjusting screw 523 to adjust the straight gap 512 section and the expansion gap 513 section to a suitable distance, so as to ensure that only the Chinese medicine tablets with the thickness meeting the standard can pass through the straight gap 512 section smoothly, while the Chinese medicine tablets with the thickness exceeding the standard are guided to the expansion gap 513 section and finally enter the material distribution guide rail 514 for subsequent processing.

[0064] After the gap between the straight slit segment 512 and the expanding slit segment 513 is adjusted to a suitable size, to prevent the connecting block 522 from moving due to vibration or other factors during device operation, which could lead to adjustment errors in the screening gap and affect the screening accuracy of the Chinese medicine slices, the positioning locking groove on the limiting rod 524 is used to limit and lock the connecting block 522. The operator rotates the limiting rod 524 to engage the positioning locking groove with the connecting block 522, fixing the connecting block 522 in its current position. This ensures that the inclined guide shell 511 no longer moves, maintains a stable gap between the straight slit segment 512 and the expanding slit segment 513, and ensures that the thickness grading device 5 can continuously and accurately screen the Chinese medicine slices based on their thickness.

[0065] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the multi-stage screening platform 1 is equipped with multiple inclined screens 11 and multiple guide partitions 12. The multiple inclined screens 11 and multiple guide partitions 12 are arranged in an alternating manner. Each inclined screen 11 has a discharge port 13 on its side. The multi-stage screening platform 1 is also equipped with a vibration motor 14.

[0066] After being screened by the thickness screening device 2, qualified Chinese herbal medicine slices fall from the discharge end of the thickness grading device 5 onto the top layer of the multi-stage screening platform 1, onto the first inclined screen 11. When the slices land on the first inclined screen 11, they begin to move on the screen under the vibration of the vibrating motor 14. Because the first inclined screen 11 has a specific aperture, slices smaller than this aperture can pass smoothly through it and fall onto the guide baffle 12 below. The guide baffle 12 is set at a certain angle; its function is to concentrate and guide the falling slices to one end of the second inclined screen 11, allowing the slices to re-aggregate and begin a new round of screening.

[0067] The second inclined screen 11 has a smaller aperture than the first inclined screen 11, and the herbal tablets are screened again on this screen. Similarly, herbal tablets smaller than the aperture of the second inclined screen 11 pass through the screen, fall to the next guide partition 12, and are guided to one end of the third inclined screen 11 for screening. This process is repeated, with the herbal tablets passing through each layer of inclined screen 11 in sequence. Each inclined screen 11 screens out herbal tablets that meet its aperture specifications, while larger herbal tablets remain on the corresponding inclined screen 11 for further screening.

[0068] During the screening process, the Chinese medicine tablets that meet the aperture specifications of each inclined screen 11 are gradually moved to the discharge port 13 on the side of the inclined screen 11 under the continuous vibration of the vibrating motor 14, and are discharged from the multi-stage screening platform 1 through the discharge port 13, and are respectively stored in the corresponding collection area, thereby realizing the graded screening of Chinese medicine tablets of different diameters.

[0069] Specific working principle: After the Chinese medicine slices have completed the slicing process, they need to be sorted. At this time, the feeding equipment is started, which transports the slicing Chinese medicine slices to the feeding end at the top of the slicing device in the thickness screening device 2, thus starting the entire sorting process.

[0070] The Chinese herbal tablets entering the feeding end of the slicing device may not be completely cut or may stick together during the slicing process, resulting in some tablets not being single pieces. The slicing device uses physical friction separation to effectively separate the separable Chinese herbal tablets, ensuring that after processing, the Chinese herbal tablets fall from the discharge end at the bottom of the slicing device in single pieces.

[0071] After a single, flat Chinese medicine tablet falls from the dispensing end of the slicing device, it directly enters the feeding end of the thickness grading device 5 located below it. The thickness grading device 5 uses thickness detection technology to accurately measure the thickness of each Chinese medicine tablet. According to the preset thickness qualification standard, the thickness grading device 5 sorts the Chinese medicine tablets. Qualified Chinese medicine tablets with the thickness meeting the standard are guided to fall onto the multi-stage screening platform 1, while slicing Chinese medicine tablets with the thickness not meeting the standard are sorted to a specific processing area for subsequent re-slicing or other processing operations.

[0072] The multi-stage screening platform 1 has multiple diameter screening zones, each corresponding to a different diameter range. After passing through the thickness screening device 2, qualified Chinese herbal medicine slices fall onto the multi-stage screening platform 1. During platform operation, the weight of the Chinese herbal medicine slices, combined with the multi-stage screening platform 1, performs grading and screening. The slices are graded according to their diameter and placed in different diameter screening zones. Chinese herbal medicine slices that meet the specifications of each zone are retained in their respective screening zones, thus achieving the grading and screening of Chinese herbal medicine slices of different diameters.

[0073] Through the coordinated operation of the thickness screening device 2 and the multi-level screening platform 1, this device can simultaneously detect and screen the thickness and diameter of Chinese medicine slices, effectively solving the problems of single detection dimension and incomplete quality control in existing single-dimensional diameter sorting devices. It significantly improves the screening quality of Chinese medicine slices, ensuring the stability of subsequent processes and the stable and controllable quality and efficacy of decoctions.

[0074] The above embodiments only illustrate one or more implementations of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sorting device for processing Chinese medicinal herbs, characterized in that, It includes a multi-level screening platform (1) and a thickness screening device (2); The multi-stage screening platform (1) has multiple diameter screening areas inside. The multi-stage screening platform (1) is used to screen Chinese medicine tablets of different diameters. The thickness screening device (2) is installed above the multi-stage screening platform (1). The thickness screening device (2) includes a connecting bracket (3) fixedly connected to the multi-stage screening platform (1). A piece separating device (4) is installed on the connecting bracket (3). The top of the piece separating device (4) is provided with a feeding end, and the bottom of the piece separating device (4) is provided with a discharging end. A thickness grading device (5) is installed at the bottom of the piece separating device (4). The feeding end of the thickness grading device (5) is located below the discharging end of the piece separating device (4). The thickness grading device (5) is provided with multiple discharging ends.

2. The herbal medicine sorting device for processing prepared herbal medicine pieces according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sheet-separating device (4) includes an adjusting frame (41), a kneading and separating mechanism (42), and a reciprocating motion device (43). The adjusting frame (41) is fixedly installed on the side of the connecting bracket (3); The reciprocating motion device (43) is mounted on the adjusting frame (41); One side of the kneading and separating mechanism (42) is fixedly connected to the adjusting frame (41), and the other side of the kneading and separating mechanism (42) is fixedly connected to the movable end of the reciprocating motion device (43).

3. The herbal medicine sorting device for processing prepared herbal medicine pieces according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adjustment frame (41) includes a fixed frame (411), a movable adjustment bracket (412), a first adjustment screw (413), and an anti-rotation block (414). The fixed frame (411) is mounted on the connecting bracket (3); The movable adjustment frame (412) is slidably mounted on the fixed frame (411), and the movable adjustment frame (412) is connected to the reciprocating motion device (43); The first adjusting screw (413) is rotatably mounted on the fixed frame (411), and the first adjusting screw (413) is threadedly connected to the movable adjusting bracket (412); The anti-rotation block (414) is rotatably mounted on the fixed frame (411), and the anti-rotation block (414) is provided with a limit slot.

4. The herbal medicine sorting device for processing prepared herbal medicine pieces according to claim 3, characterized in that, The kneading and separating mechanism (42) includes a fixed friction plate (421), a movable friction plate (422), and a connecting sleeve (423). The fixed friction plate (421) is fixedly installed on the fixed frame (411); The movable friction plate (422) is fixedly installed on the reciprocating motion device (43), and the inner walls of both the movable friction plate (422) and the fixed friction plate (421) are provided with anti-slip layer (4221). The connecting sleeve (423) is used to connect the fixed friction plate (421) and the movable friction plate (422).

5. A sorting device for processing Chinese medicinal herbs according to claim 4, characterized in that, The reciprocating motion device (43) includes a movable mounting plate (431), a return spring (432), and a reciprocating pull-out device (433). The movable mounting plate (431) is slidably mounted on the movable adjusting frame (412), and the movable mounting plate (431) is fixedly connected to the movable friction plate (422); The return spring (432) is installed between the movable mounting plate (431) and the movable adjusting bracket (412); The reciprocating pull-out device (433) is fixedly installed on the movable adjustment frame (412), and the telescopic end of the reciprocating pull-out device (433) is fixedly connected to the movable mounting plate (431).

6. A sorting device for processing Chinese medicinal herbs according to claim 5, characterized in that, The reciprocating pull-out device (433) includes a telescopic shaft (4331), a fixed mounting block (4333), a rotary driver (4334), and a rotary drive disk (4335). The fixed mounting block (4333) is fixedly connected to the movable adjustment bracket (412); The rotary actuator (4334) is fixedly mounted on the fixed mounting block (4333); The rotary drive disk (4335) is fixedly installed on the drive end of the rotary driver (4334), and the rotary drive disk (4335) is provided with guide protrusions (4336). One end of the telescopic shaft (4331) is fixedly connected to the movable mounting plate (431), and the other end of the telescopic shaft (4331) away from the movable mounting plate (431) extends into the fixed mounting block (4333). The telescopic shaft (4331) is slidably connected to the fixed mounting block (4333), and a driven roller (4332) is provided on the telescopic shaft (4331).

7. A sorting device for processing Chinese medicinal herbs according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness grading device (5) includes an inclined screening rail (51) and a spacing adjustment device (52). The spacing adjustment device (52) is fixedly installed at the bottom of the segmentation device (4); The inclined screening rail (51) is installed at the adjustment end of the spacing adjustment device (52), and the bottom of the inclined screening rail (51) is provided with a screening gap.

8. A sorting device for processing Chinese medicinal herbs according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inclined screening rail (51) consists of two inclined guide shells (511). A straight gap (512) section and an expansion gap (513) section are provided between the two inclined guide shells (511). A material distribution guide rail (514) is also installed on the side of the inclined screening rail (51). The feed end of the material distribution guide rail (514) is connected to the expansion gap (513) section.

9. A sorting device for processing Chinese medicinal herbs according to claim 8, characterized in that, The spacing adjustment device (52) includes a mounting slide rail (521), a connecting block (522), a second adjusting screw (523), a limit lever (524), and a connecting rod (525); The mounting slide rail (521) is fixedly installed at the bottom of the segmentation device (4). The mounting slide rail (521) is used to slide the two inclined guide shells (511). The second adjusting screw (523) is rotatably mounted on the side of the mounting slide rail (521); The connecting block (522) is installed on the second adjusting screw (523), and the connecting block (522) is threadedly connected to the second adjusting screw (523); Multiple connecting rods (525) are provided and distributed at both ends of the connecting block (522). One end of the connecting rod (525) is rotatably connected to the connecting block (522), and the end of the connecting rod (525) away from the connecting block (522) is rotatably connected to the inclined guide shell (511). The limiting rod (524) is rotatably mounted on the side of the mounting slide rail (521), and multiple positioning slots are evenly distributed on the limiting rod (524).

10. A sorting device for processing Chinese medicinal herbs according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-stage screening platform (1) is equipped with multiple inclined screens (11) and multiple guide partitions (12). The multiple inclined screens (11) and multiple guide partitions (12) are arranged in an alternating manner. Each inclined screen (11) has a discharge port (13) on its side. The multi-stage screening platform (1) is also equipped with a vibration motor (14).

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