Energy-saving crushing equipment for production raw materials of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces

Abstract

The invention relates to crushing equipment, in particular to traditional Chinese medicine decoction piece production raw material energy-saving crushing equipment which comprises a machine frame, an inclined feeding opening is formed in one side of the machine frame, a set of crushing rollers are rotationally connected into the machine frame, each crushing roller is fixedly connected with a first all-gear, every two adjacent first all-gears are meshed with each other, and each two adjacent first all-gears are meshed with each other. A fixed shell is fixedly connected to the machine frame, a transmission shaft is rotationally connected to the fixed shell, one crushing roller is fixedly connected with the transmission shaft, a speed reducing and torque increasing assembly is arranged in the fixed shell, a speed increasing and torque reducing assembly is arranged on the movable frame, and the speed reducing and torque increasing assembly and the speed increasing and torque reducing assembly share the same transmission shaft. By means of the double-transmission path design of speed reduction and torque increase and speed increase and torque reduction, the system can be automatically switched between high-torque low-speed and low-torque high-speed according to real-time loads, self-adaptive dynamic switching of the crushing mode is achieved, it is ensured that the motor always operates in an efficient load interval, and energy consumption of the whole equipment is remarkably saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a crushing device, and more particularly to an energy-saving crushing device for raw materials used in the production of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces. Background Technology

[0002] In the production of prepared slices of traditional Chinese medicine, raw medicinal materials (such as roots and rhizomes, high-fiber or hard fruits) usually need to be crushed to facilitate subsequent processing and the dissolution of active ingredients. Currently, most mainstream crushing equipment uses a fixed-speed-ratio drive system, where a motor directly drives the crushing rollers at a constant speed via direct drive or belt transmission. While this design is simple in structure and low in cost, it reveals serious problems of low motor energy efficiency and operational safety risks in actual operation, especially when processing complex medicinal materials.

[0003] The core problem lies in the fact that the motor outputs a fixed power at a single speed, unable to dynamically adjust its output characteristics according to the hardness of the material. When crushing high-fiber or high-hardness medicinal materials, the crushing resistance increases sharply, and the motor load rises dramatically. To maintain the speed, the current rapidly increases to several times the rated value, causing the motor to operate in an uneconomical range of "high current, low efficiency, and low power factor" for extended periods. This not only wastes a large amount of electrical energy as heat, significantly increasing energy consumption per unit output, but also keeps the motor windings at a continuously high temperature, accelerating insulation aging and easily triggering overheat protection shutdowns or even burnout accidents. Frequent start-stop cycles further reduce production continuity and increase maintenance costs. More importantly, current technologies generally equate "energy saving" with "speed reduction" or "current limiting," ignoring the fact that the essence of efficient motor operation lies in keeping it working within its optimal load range (usually 70%–90% of rated load).

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an energy-saving crushing equipment for raw materials of Chinese herbal medicine production that can automatically match the load and output characteristics through purely mechanical means under harsh working conditions. This equipment would enable the motor to obtain high torque support when crushing hard materials to avoid overload, and switch to high-speed mode when crushing soft materials to improve efficiency, thereby truly achieving "on-demand energy supply and efficient operation". Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome the shortcomings of fixed-speed ratio crushing equipment where the motor always outputs a fixed power at a single speed and cannot dynamically adjust the output characteristics according to the hardness of the material, this invention provides an energy-saving crushing equipment for raw materials in the production of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces.

[0006] An energy-saving crushing device for raw materials in the production of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces includes a frame with an inclined feed inlet on one side. A set of crushing rollers is rotatably connected inside the frame, and each crushing roller is fixedly connected to a first full gear. Adjacent first full gears mesh with each other. A fixed shell is fixedly connected to the frame, and a drive shaft is rotatably connected to the fixed shell. One of the crushing rollers is fixedly connected to the drive shaft. A speed reduction and torque increase component is provided inside the fixed shell, and a speed increase and torque reduction component is provided on a movable frame. The speed reduction and torque increase component and the speed increase and torque reduction component share the same drive shaft and switch modes through axial displacement. A drive component for driving the drive shaft is provided inside the frame.

[0007] Optionally, the drive assembly includes a motor fixedly connected to the frame, a spline shaft fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor, a movable frame splined to the spline shaft, and a first limiting tooth provided at one end of the movable frame.

[0008] Optionally, the speed reduction and torque amplification assembly includes a small-diameter second full gear and a large-diameter second gear ring. The second full gear is rotatably connected to the fixed housing. The second gear ring is fixedly connected to the transmission shaft. The second gear ring meshes with the second full gear. One end of the second full gear is provided with a second limiting tooth. The second limiting tooth engages with the first limiting tooth. The first limiting tooth moves and disengages from the second limiting tooth.

[0009] Optionally, the speed-increasing and torque-reducing assembly includes a first gear ring with a large diameter and a third full gear with a small diameter. The first gear ring is fixedly connected to the moving frame, and the third full gear is fixedly connected to one end of the drive shaft near the first gear ring. The first gear ring moves and meshes with the third full gear.

[0010] Optionally, the mobile frame is provided with a switching component for automatically switching between the deceleration and torque increase of the drive shaft and the speed increase and torque decrease.

[0011] Optionally, the switching assembly includes a switching frame fixedly connected to the movable frame. Electromagnets symmetrically distributed along the fixed shell are fixedly connected inside the fixed shell. The electromagnets are fixedly connected to the fixed shell. Adjacent electromagnets are connected by a fixed rod. The switching frame is slidably connected to the fixed rod. When energized, the electromagnets are magnetically attracted to the switching frame.

[0012] Optionally, the electromagnet and the switching frame are attracted by magnetic force.

[0013] Optionally, it also includes a torque sensor, which is fixed between the drive shaft and the adjacent crushing roller, and the torque sensor is electrically connected to the electromagnet through a control module.

[0014] Optionally, it also includes a fourth full gear, which is fixedly connected to the first gear ring. A connecting cylinder is fixedly connected inside the fixed housing, and a connecting shaft is rotatably connected inside the connecting cylinder. A first blade is fixedly connected to one end of the connecting shaft, and a fifth full gear is fixedly connected to the first blade. The fifth full gear meshes with the fourth full gear, and a second blade is fixedly connected to the other end of the connecting shaft.

[0015] Optionally, the frame is equipped with a door, which is opened to discharge the crushed raw materials for the production of Chinese herbal medicine slices.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are: 1. This invention uses a dual transmission path design of deceleration and torque increase and speed increase and torque decrease. The system can automatically switch between "high torque and low speed" and "low torque and high speed" according to the real-time load, realize the adaptive dynamic switching of crushing mode, ensure that the motor always operates in the high-efficiency load range, and significantly save the overall equipment energy consumption.

[0017] 2. This invention utilizes surplus kinetic energy to drive the first and second blades, thereby achieving heat dissipation and cooling of the motor and transmission components without the need for additional cooling fans or water cooling systems. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the motor and the first full gear of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the second and third full gears and other components of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the plum blossom shaft and movable frame components of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 This is an exploded three-dimensional structural diagram of the first limiting tooth and the second limiting tooth of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the components of the present invention, including the motor, the fixed housing, and the electromagnet.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the moving frame, electromagnet, and switching frame of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the fourth gear and connecting cylinder of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the fifth gear and connecting shaft and other components of the present invention.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 101_Frame, 102_Feed inlet, 103_Motor, 104_First full gear, 105_Crushing roller, 1051_Torque sensor, 106_Fixed housing, 107_Petal shaft, 108_Moving frame, 1081_First limit tooth, 109_First gear ring, 110_Second full gear, 1101_Second limit tooth, 111_Second gear ring, 112_Third full gear, 113_Drive shaft, 201_Electromagnet, 202_Switching frame, 301_Fourth full gear, 302_Connecting cylinder, 303_Fifth full gear, 304_First blade, 305_Connecting shaft, 306_Second blade, 307_Machine door. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] This invention relates to an energy-saving crushing equipment for raw materials in the production of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces, particularly suitable for the efficient, stable, and low-energy crushing of complex Chinese medicinal materials such as rhizomes (e.g., astragalus and licorice), high-fiber materials (e.g., polygonum cuspidatum and ephedra), or hard fruits (e.g., drynaria and soapberry thorns). This equipment integrates a mechanical dual-mode transmission system with an intelligent, seamless switching mechanism, achieving an adaptive crushing mode that increases torque when encountering hard materials and increases speed when encountering soft materials, without relying on high-precision electronic sensors. This effectively solves the core problems of traditional crushing equipment, such as easy overload shutdown under high loads, high energy consumption, and short machine life.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this energy-saving crushing equipment includes a frame 101, which is constructed entirely of stainless steel or carbon steel welded frame structure, possessing excellent rigidity and corrosion resistance to adapt to the harsh environment of high temperature, high humidity, and high dust in the pre-processing workshop for traditional Chinese medicine. An inclined feed inlet 102 is located on the top right side of the frame 101, with an inclination angle typically between 30° and 45°, allowing the medicinal materials to naturally slide into the crushing area by gravity, avoiding material jamming or operational risks caused by manual forced pushing. A set of parallel crushing rollers 105 are rotatably connected inside the frame 101. The surface of the crushing rollers 105 is provided with staggered crushing teeth or protrusions, made of wear-resistant alloy steel, used for shearing, compressing, and tearing the medicinal materials. A first full gear 104 is fixed to the right end of each crushing roller 105. Adjacent first full gears 104 mesh with each other, forming a synchronously rotating counter-rotating linkage system, ensuring that the material is uniformly crushed between the rollers, avoiding one-sided accumulation or uneven wear.

[0032] A fixed housing 106 is fixedly attached to the frame 101, which houses the core transmission components and provides dust and splash protection. A drive shaft 113 is rotatably connected to the fixed housing 106. One end of the shaft extends into the frame 101 and is coaxially fixed to one of the crushing rollers 105, thereby directly transmitting power to the crushing system. A speed reduction and torque amplification assembly is installed inside the fixed housing 106, while a speed increase and torque reduction assembly is installed on the moving frame 108. Both share the same drive shaft 113, but the mode is switched through axial displacement. A drive assembly for driving the drive shaft 113 is also installed inside the frame 101.

[0033] Specifically, the drive assembly includes a motor 103, which is fixedly connected within the frame 101, with its output shaft extending horizontally. A splined shaft 107 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor 103. The outer circumference of the splined shaft 107 has a splined groove. The movable frame 108 is splinedly connected to the splined shaft 107 via an internal spline, allowing the movable frame 108 to both rotate synchronously with the splined shaft 107 and slide axially. A first limiting tooth 1081 is provided at the left end of the movable frame 108 for meshing with the second limiting tooth 1101 in the speed reduction and torque amplification assembly to transmit torque.

[0034] The speed reduction and torque amplification assembly includes a small-diameter second full gear 110 and a large-diameter second gear ring 111. The second full gear 110 is rotatably connected to the inside of the fixed housing 106 via bearings, and its axis is parallel to the drive shaft 113. The second gear ring 111 is fixedly connected to the drive shaft 113, and the second gear ring 111 meshes with the second full gear 110 to form a typical "small gear driving a large gear" speed reduction structure. A second limiting tooth 1101 is provided at the left end of the second full gear 110, and the second limiting tooth 1101 engages with the first limiting tooth 1081 on the moving frame 108 in the initial position to form a rigid transmission chain. When the first limiting tooth 1081 engages with the second limiting tooth 1101, the power from the motor 103 travels through the plum blossom shaft 107 → moving frame 108 → first limiting tooth 1081 → second limiting tooth 1101 → second full gear 110 → second gear ring 111 → transmission shaft 113, ultimately driving the crushing roller 105 to operate in a high-speed, high-torque, high-strength crushing mode, suitable for the high-strength crushing stage of hard, high-fiber, or impurity-containing medicinal materials.

[0035] The speed-increasing and torque-reducing assembly includes a large-diameter first gear ring 109 and a small-diameter third full gear 112. The first gear ring 109 is fixedly connected to the moving frame 108 and rotates and moves axially together with the moving frame 108. The third full gear 112, whose diameter is smaller than that of the first gear ring 109, is fixedly connected to one end of the drive shaft 113 near the first gear ring 109. When the moving frame 108 moves towards the drive shaft 113 to the set position, the first gear ring 109 and the third full gear 112 mesh. At this time, the power transmission path becomes: slatted shaft 107 → moving frame 108 → first gear ring 109 → third full gear 112 → drive shaft 113, forming a "large leading small" speed-increasing structure, which allows the crushing roller 105 to enter a high-speed crushing mode with high speed and low torque, suitable for the fine crushing stage where the material has been initially crushed and the resistance is low.

[0036] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a switching assembly is provided on the movable frame 108 to achieve automatic switching between the two modes. This switching assembly includes a switching frame 202, which is fixedly connected to the movable frame 108. Electromagnets 201 are symmetrically distributed along the left and right sides of the fixed housing 106, and the two electromagnets 201 on the same side are rigidly connected by a fixing rod. The front and rear ends of the switching frame 202 are slidably connected to the two fixing rods, ensuring smooth movement of the switching frame 202. When the electromagnets 201 are energized, they generate magnetic force, forming a magnetic attraction with the switching frame 202 (made of magnetically conductive material), thereby pulling the movable frame 108 axially. Specifically, the electromagnets 201 and the switching frame 202 achieve non-contact driving through the magnetic attraction, avoiding mechanical wear.

[0037] The system is also equipped with a torque sensor 1051, which is fixed to the coupling between the drive shaft 113 and the adjacent crushing roller 105 to monitor the load torque on the drive shaft 113 in real time. The torque sensor 1051 is electrically connected to the electromagnet 201 through the control module. When encountering high-resistance medicinal materials (such as whole pieces of Drynaria fortunei or wrapped Ephedra sinica) in the initial stage of crushing, the torque rises rapidly, and the torque sensor 1051 sends a high torque signal. The control module keeps the right electromagnet 201 energized and the left electromagnet de-energized, so that the moving frame 108 is kept in the deceleration and torque increase position. As crushing proceeds, the material becomes finer, the resistance decreases, and the torque decreases below the threshold. The control module switches to energizing the left electromagnet 201 and de-energizing the right electromagnet. The switching frame 202 drives the moving frame 108 to move to the left, the first limiting tooth 1081 disengages from the second limiting tooth 1101, and at the same time, the first gear ring 109 meshes with the third full gear 112, and the system automatically switches to the speed increase and torque decrease mode. When a new batch of hard material is added, the torque increases again, and the system automatically switches back to high torque mode to achieve dynamic, cyclical, and adaptive energy-saving operation.

[0038] Example 2: Based on Example 1, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the equipment further integrates a self-cooling auxiliary system. A fourth full gear 301 is fixedly connected to the movable frame 108, and the fourth full gear 301 is coaxially fixedly connected to the first gear ring 109. A connecting cylinder 302 is fixedly connected inside the fixed housing 106, and a connecting shaft 305 is rotatably connected inside the connecting cylinder 302. A first blade 304 is fixedly connected to the right end of the connecting shaft 305, and a second blade 306 is fixedly connected to the left end. A fifth full gear 303 is fixedly connected to the first blade 304, and the fifth full gear 303 meshes with the fourth full gear 301. The first gear ring 109 drives the fourth full gear 301, the fifth full gear 303, and the connecting shaft 305 to rotate synchronously, thereby driving the first blade 304 and the second blade 306 to rotate, forming a directional airflow that introduces external air into the fixed housing 106 and blows it onto heat-generating components such as the motor 103, achieving air cooling and further improving the reliability of the system under continuous operation.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the frame 101 is also equipped with a machine door 307, which is usually located at the bottom or lower side of the crushing chamber. After crushing is completed, the operator can open the machine door 307 to allow the crushed Chinese herbal medicine raw materials to be discharged by gravity or slight vibration, which is convenient for collection and cleaning.

[0040] In summary, this embodiment constructs an intelligent crushing platform capable of long-term stable operation under harsh working conditions through mechanical dual-mode gear transmission, limit gear meshing switching, electromagnetic drive displacement, and a self-cooling fan system. Its core lies in responding to load changes with purely mechanical logic, avoiding the high cost and low reliability of traditional frequency conversion systems while overcoming the inherent contradiction of "high resistance and high consumption" in fixed-speed ratio equipment, truly achieving the engineering goal of "being able to handle tough tasks without exhausting itself."

[0041] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An energy-saving crushing device for raw materials in the production of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces, comprising a frame (101), an inclined feed inlet (102) on one side of the frame (101), a set of crushing rollers (105) rotatably connected inside the frame (101), each of the crushing rollers (105) being fixedly connected to a first full gear (104), adjacent first full gears (104) meshing with each other, a fixed shell (106) fixedly connected to the frame (101), a drive shaft (113) rotatably connected to the fixed shell (106), wherein one of the crushing rollers (105) is fixedly connected to the drive shaft (113), characterized in that, The fixed housing (106) is provided with a deceleration and torque increase component, and the moving frame (108) is provided with a speed increase and torque decrease component. The deceleration and torque increase component and the speed increase and torque decrease component share the same transmission shaft (113) and achieve mode switching through axial displacement. The frame (101) is provided with a drive component for driving the transmission shaft (113).

2. The energy-saving crushing equipment for raw materials in the production of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly includes a motor (103), which is fixedly connected to the frame (101). A spline shaft (107) is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the motor (103). The moving frame (108) is splined on the spline shaft (107). A first limiting tooth (1081) is provided at one end of the moving frame (108).

3. The energy-saving crushing equipment for raw materials in the production of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces according to claim 2, characterized in that, The speed reduction and torque increase assembly includes a small-diameter second full gear (110) and a large-diameter second gear ring (111). The second full gear (110) is rotatably connected to the fixed housing (106). The second gear ring (111) is fixedly connected to the transmission shaft (113). The second gear ring (111) meshes with the second full gear (110). One end of the second full gear (110) is provided with a second limiting tooth (1101). The second limiting tooth (1101) engages with the first limiting tooth (1081). The first limiting tooth (1081) moves and disengages from the second limiting tooth (1101).

4. The energy-saving crushing equipment for raw materials in the production of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces according to claim 3, characterized in that, The speed-increasing and torque-reducing assembly includes a large-diameter first gear ring (109) and a small-diameter third full gear (112). The first gear ring (109) is fixedly connected to the moving frame (108). The third full gear (112) is fixedly connected to one end of the drive shaft (113) near the first gear ring (109). The first gear ring (109) moves to mesh with the third full gear (112).

5. The energy-saving crushing equipment for raw materials in the production of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mobile frame (108) is equipped with a switching component for automatically switching the drive shaft (113) between deceleration and torque increase and speed increase and torque decrease.

6. The energy-saving crushing equipment for raw materials in the production of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces according to claim 5, characterized in that, The switching assembly includes a switching frame (202), which is fixed to the movable frame (108). Electromagnets (201) are symmetrically distributed along the fixed shell (106) and fixed inside the fixed shell (106). The electromagnets (201) are fixed to the fixed shell (106), and adjacent electromagnets (201) are connected by a fixed rod. The switching frame (202) is slidably connected to the fixed rod. When energized, the electromagnets (201) are magnetically attracted to the switching frame (202).

7. The energy-saving crushing equipment for raw materials in the production of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces according to claim 6, characterized in that, The electromagnet (201) and the switching frame (202) are attracted by magnetic force.

8. The energy-saving crushing equipment for raw materials in the production of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a torque sensor (1051), which is fixed between the drive shaft (113) and the adjacent crushing roller (105). The torque sensor (1051) is electrically connected to the electromagnet (201) through the control module.

9. The energy-saving crushing equipment for raw materials in the production of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a fourth full gear (301), which is fixedly connected to the first gear ring (109). A connecting cylinder (302) is fixedly connected inside the fixed shell (106). A connecting shaft (305) is rotatably connected inside the connecting cylinder (302). A first blade (304) is fixedly connected to one end of the connecting shaft (305). A fifth full gear (303) is fixedly connected to the first blade (304). The fifth full gear (303) meshes with the fourth full gear (301). A second blade (306) is fixedly connected to the other end of the connecting shaft (305).

10. The energy-saving crushing equipment for raw materials in the production of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces according to claim 9, characterized in that, The frame (101) is equipped with a machine door (307). When the machine door (307) is opened, the raw materials for the production of crushed Chinese herbal medicine slices are discharged.

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