Cooking and drying method for traditional Chinese medicinal material spices

Abstract

The invention discloses a traditional Chinese medicinal material spice cooking and drying method which comprises the following steps: when a sealing cover is in an open state, pushing a to-be-steamed material trolley of a drying section into a cooking section, and extruding a steamed material trolley of the cooking section to the drying section; the sealing cover descends, the bracket, the to-be-steamed skip car and the medicinal material perfume sink into the pit, the cover body covers an opening of the pit, and the cover body synchronously divides the tunnel kiln into a preheating section, a steaming section and a drying section; cover closing, pre-steaming, cooking, steam exhausting and stable feeding and discharging are circulated and reciprocated, and in the circulation process, the skip car of the drying section moves discontinuously, and drying is continuous. Compared with the prior art, the pit can execute high-temperature and high-pressure cooking more trustingly, natural heat preservation is achieved, and high-temperature cooking is effectively guaranteed; in the cooking process, a car can be put in, steamed and taken out, basket cleaning and basket filling work before and after cooking is eliminated, and the substantial cooking efficiency is improved; steaming and drying are directly linked, so that the efficiency is further improved; the sealing cover can separate the tunnel kiln, and overflowed heat is used for preheating and drying materials.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to equipment for processing medicinal herbs and spices, and more particularly to a method for steaming and drying Chinese medicinal herbs and spices. Background Technology

[0002] In the processing of Chinese medicinal herbs and spices (such as star anise and cinnamon), steaming and drying are necessary to ensure their safety, efficacy, stability, and ease of storage. Steaming kills insect eggs and microorganisms, decomposes or transforms toxic components to reduce or eliminate toxic side effects, and makes the medicinal properties milder and safer. Steaming also alters the properties of herbs such as cold, heat, warmth, and coolness, destroys cell structure, extracts active ingredients, "stimulates" or "fixes" aromas, and reduces astringent and pungent tastes.

[0003] In existing technologies, it is necessary to manually remove Chinese medicinal herbs and spices from the cooking pot, put them into baskets / nets, and then send them into the drying room / baking room.

[0004] Therefore, the existing cooking and drying equipment cannot be connected, and materials need to be frequently loaded and unloaded between the two processes and before cooking, which consumes a lot of labor and efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems mentioned above, and provides a method for steaming and drying Chinese medicinal materials and spices, which reduces the workload of cleaning, moving and repacking the baskets between the steaming and drying processes of medicinal materials and spices, as well as before steaming.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A method for steaming and drying Chinese medicinal herbs and spices includes:

[0008] When the material is initially fed in and the cover is open, the steaming cart on the first main rail is pushed into the first secondary rail.

[0009] The lid is closed and lowered. The support frame, the cart to be steamed, and the medicinal herbs and spices sink into the pit. The lid body covers the opening of the pit. The pit and the lid define the steaming space. The lid body simultaneously divides the tunnel kiln into a preheating section, a steaming section, and a drying section.

[0010] Pre-steaming: Open the steam inlet valve and exhaust valve, and the steam from the steam generator overflows into the pit;

[0011] When the temperature inside the pit is >80°C, close the steam inlet valve and the exhaust valve, observe the thermometer and / or pressure gauge, and when the temperature inside the pit reaches the target temperature T1, stabilize the power supply of the steam generator or the fuel supply rate to keep the temperature inside the pit stable at the target temperature T1. The medicinal herbs and spices are steamed at the target temperature for t hours.

[0012] After steam is released and cooking is complete, close the steam inlet valve and open the exhaust valve to control the pressure drop rate at 0.02 - 0.05 MPa / min.

[0013] After the pit pressure returns to zero, open the lid.

[0014] Stable feeding and discharging: When the cover is open, the steaming cart on the first main rail is pushed into the first secondary rail of the bracket, and the steaming cart squeezes the steamed cart on the first secondary rail to the second main rail.

[0015] Drying: The medicinal herbs and spices in the drying section are baked at a drying temperature T2.

[0016] The process of closing the lid, pre-steaming, cooking, venting steam, and stabilizing the feeding and discharging of materials is repeated continuously. During this process, the material in the drying section moves continuously, and the drying temperature remains constant.

[0017] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this application include: steam cooking, compared with water boiler cooking (95-100℃), eliminates the material filtration stage; the pit is a sunken pit, which can more reliably carry out high-temperature and high-pressure cooking, and the pit's natural insulation effectively ensures high-temperature cooking; during high-temperature and high-pressure cooking, the material is effectively penetrated and softened, making the material's medicinal properties more moderate, and the original toxic components remain on the surface of the material and are fully decomposed and transformed by heat, and the softened material then quickly and effectively releases pressure, bursts cell walls, and deeply releases the medicinal properties and aroma of the herbs and spices; the cooking device can be loaded, steamed, and unloaded, reducing the work of cleaning and loading baskets before and after cooking, and improving the actual efficiency of cooking; cooking and drying are directly connected, which not only reduces the work of loading baskets, but also avoids reheating when the material begins to dry; the cover can not only cover the pit to ensure high-temperature and high-pressure cooking, but also separate the tunnel kiln to ensure that cooking and drying do not interfere with each other, and the cover can also preheat the material through overflow heat to supplement the heat of the drying section.

[0018] As an improvement to the above technical solution, in the steaming step, the heat overflowing from the lid is used for preheating and drying of the medicinal herbs and spices.

[0019] As an improvement to the above technical solution, the target temperature T1 is 115°C ~ 121°C, the drying temperature T2 is 40-60°C, and the peripheral wall of the cover body is a double-layered cavity wall.

[0020] As an improvement to the above technical solution, in the stable feeding and discharging step, the steamed material cart completely passes the opening of the pit and directly below the cover. The rear self-positioning inclined block of the material cart to be steamed, which is pushed into the first auxiliary rail, is located directly above the edge of the pit opening, and the wheels and front self-positioning inclined block of the material cart to be steamed are located above the pit. In the closing step, the self-positioning inclined block is used to push the edge of the pit opening as the cover sinks, so that the material cart self-adjusts along the first auxiliary rail.

[0021] As an improvement to the above technical solution, in the stable feeding and discharging step, the push rod is used to push the material car queue inside the tunnel kiln, and also to retract the material car on the first main rail via the electromagnet.

[0022] As an improvement to the above technical solution, in the closing step, the cover is lowered so that the elastic sealing ring presses against the edge of the pit opening, and the steel plate slides to the top of the closed cover. During the process of the angled nozzle at the pressing end of the steel plate climbing to the top of the cover, the cover is pressed down, and the cover continues to press down, compressing the elastic sealing ring.

[0023] As an improvement to the above technical solution, a feeding rail is provided that extends laterally along the first main rail. The feeding flatcar travels along the feeding rail. The feeding flatcar is provided with two sets of second auxiliary rails that alternately change between the waiting station and the feeding station. In the stable feeding and discharging step, the pushing mechanism pushes the material car on the second auxiliary rail, so that the material car on the second auxiliary rail enters the preheating section, so that the material car in the preheating section enters the cooking section, and so that the material car in the cooking section enters the drying section.

[0024] As an improvement to the above technical solution, a material feeding rail is provided that extends laterally along the second main rail. The material feeding flatcar travels along the material feeding rail. The material feeding flatcar is provided with two sets of third auxiliary rails that alternately switch between the transfer station and the discharge station. In the stable feeding and discharging step, the trolley mechanism pushes the material car on the second auxiliary rail, so that the material car at the end of the drying section moves to the third auxiliary rail of the material feeding flatcar. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated steaming and drying device for medicinal herbs and spices according to an embodiment of the present invention. The material cart is simplified in this diagram to avoid some lines appearing as dense color blocks. For specific embodiments of the material cart, please refer to [link to specific embodiments]. Figure 7 ;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of an integrated steaming and drying apparatus for medicinal herbs and spices. The material cart is simplified to avoid some lines appearing as dense color blocks. For a detailed embodiment of the material cart, please refer to [link to specific examples]. Figure 7 ;

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view from the side of the integrated steaming and drying apparatus for medicinal herbs and spices is shown. Figure 1 The material cars are partially hidden to facilitate the demonstration of the relative relationship between the tunnel kiln, the cover, and the material cars.

[0029] Figure 4 for Figure 2A partial cross-sectional view from the side of the integrated steaming and drying apparatus for medicinal herbs and spices is shown. Figure 2 The cover is hidden to show the relative relationship between the material cart queue and the pit;

[0030] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view from the side angle of the integrated steaming and drying device for medicinal herbs and spices is shown.

[0031] Figure 6 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the sealing structure of the integrated steaming and drying device for medicinal herbs and spices is shown.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the material cart structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] The accompanying drawings are only one specific embodiment of the present invention, and the form and structure of this specific embodiment should not limit the extension of other embodiments.

[0034] Material cart 100, basket 110, self-positioning inclined block 120;

[0035] 200 tunnel kilns;

[0036] Pit 300, steam inlet pipe 310, steam inlet valve F2;

[0037] Cover 400, cover body 410, bracket 420, first sub-rail 421, elastic sealing ring 430, exhaust valve F3, safety valve F4;

[0038] First main rail 510, second main rail 520, feeding rail 530, unloading rail 540;

[0039] The trolley mechanism is 600, the push rod is 610, and the trolley power component is 620.

[0040] Loading flatcar 710, second auxiliary rail 711, unloading flatcar 720, third auxiliary rail 721;

[0041] Steel plate 810, pressure cylinder body 820;

[0042] 900 winches. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0044] Reference Figures 1 to 7This invention provides an integrated steaming and drying device for medicinal herbs and spices, including a material cart 100, a tunnel kiln 200, and a cover 400. The material cart 100 is equipped with multiple layers of baskets 110 for placing materials (medicinal herbs and spices). The tunnel kiln 200 has a pit 300 at its inner bottom, and the pit 300 is equipped with a steam inlet pipe 310 for connecting to a steam generator. The cover 400 includes a cover body 410 and a bracket 420 connected to the lower end of the cover body 410 and equipped with a first sub-rail 421. The cover 400 is used to drive the material cart 100 on the first sub-rail 421 into the pit 300, and the cover 400 covers the pit 300 and divides the tunnel kiln 200 into sections. The space is divided into a preheating section, a cooking section, and a drying section. The space occupied by the cover 400 is the cooking section. The top of the cover 400 is connected to a parallel exhaust valve F3 and a safety valve F4, meaning that exhaust valve F3 and safety valve F4 are each individually connected to the cover 400. Furthermore, exhaust valve F3 can be divided into a manual exhaust valve and a pneumatic exhaust valve, both connected in parallel. The cooking section and the drying section are respectively equipped with a first main rail 510 and a second main rail 520. The cover 400 is used to drive the first auxiliary rail 421 upward, connecting the first main rail 510 and the second main rail 520 via the first auxiliary rail 421. In other words, the first main rail 510 and the second main rail 520 themselves extend in the same direction. The drying section is equipped with heating structures, such as electric heating rods, hot water flow walls, and hot oil flow walls.

[0045] In essence, the medicinal herb and spice cooking device can be a self-contained system. That is, the cooking device can be combined with other non-tunnel drying methods, such as drying chambers or drum dryers. The accompanying kiln can only serve an isolation function, or it can be replaced by a support frame, or even omitted entirely. In the medicinal herb and spice cooking device of this invention, cooking is performed with the cart and rails connected, eliminating the need for frequent loading and unloading of medicinal herbs and spices before and after cooking. The medicinal herb and spice cooking device includes a material cart 100, a pit 300, a first main rail 510, a second main rail 520, and a cover 400; the first main rail 510 and the second main rail 520 are respectively arranged at the front and rear of the pit opening. The lower end of the cover 400 is provided with a bracket 420 with a first secondary rail 421. The cover 400 is used to drive the material car 100 of the first secondary rail 421 into the pit 300, and the cover 400 covers the pit 300. The pit 300 is provided with a steam inlet pipe 310 for connecting to the steam generator. The top of the cover 400 is provided with an exhaust valve F3. The cover 400 is used to drive the first secondary rail 421 to rise, so that the first main rail 510 and the second main rail 520 are connected through the first secondary rail 421.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2Understandably, to ensure smooth operation, the first main rail 510, the second main rail 520, the first auxiliary rail 421, and the following loading rail 530 and unloading rail 540 are generally installed in "sets," each consisting of at least two rails side-by-side, preferably two rails. To ensure the smooth movement of the material car 100, each rail must be laid with a certain degree of levelness. The material car 100 and all rails are made of high-temperature resistant and wear-resistant materials, and each rail and wheel is designed with a certain degree of roughness or is made of materials with a certain coefficient of friction, such as high-temperature resistant carbon fiber, silicon carbide fiber, powder metallurgy materials, high-temperature resistant resin, etc., making it less prone to slippage.

[0047] Ideally, the chassis of the material cart 100 is equipped with reinforcing ribs, and wheels are installed in the area of ​​the chassis corresponding to the reinforcing ribs.

[0048] To drain the condensate in the pit 300, a drain pipe is provided in the pit 300 for connecting to a pump. The pump is preferably a centrifugal pump. The pump is also used to extract steam. After cooking, the exhaust valve, in conjunction with the pump, can more fully extract the steam from the pit 300 and the cover body 410. Specifically, the exhaust valve is first used to relieve pressure, and then, when the pump is started, it switches to air intake to expel moisture from the cooking space.

[0049] The pit 300 is equipped with temperature and / or pressure sensors for monitoring the cooking process. The temperature and pressure sensors can be electrically connected to a digital display screen and / or an LCD screen, etc.

[0050] Reference Figure 5 According to industry requirements for steam cooking, the 400-sealed valve is equipped with a safety valve F4, such as a pilot-operated safety valve or a rupture disc device. The exhaust valve F3 can be a manually controlled stainless steel high-temperature ball valve, a stainless steel high-temperature shut-off valve, or even a manually controlled exhaust valve F3 connected to a worm gear reducer, which smoothly and precisely opens and closes the exhaust valve F3. The exhaust valve F3 can also be a pneumatic diaphragm regulating valve or a pneumatic O-ring shut-off ball valve.

[0051] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 Ideally, the pipelines containing safety valve F4 and exhaust valve F3 are straight steel pipes to prevent pipe slippage during pressure release.

[0052] The steam inlet valve F2 between the steam generator and the sump 300, and the discharge valve between the sump 300 and the pump, can be a manual ball valve, butterfly valve, gate valve, etc., preferably made of a material with high pressure resistance and corrosion resistance, such as stainless steel. (Refer to...) Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6A sealing ring is provided at the lower end of the cover body 410. The sealing ring is used to press against the opening edge of the sealing pit 300. Preferably, the sealing ring is an elastic sealing ring 430, such as a bellows type or a ring-shaped type.

[0053] The drying section is equipped with exhaust vents, through which the moisture from the drying of medicinal herbs and spices is discharged into the atmosphere or to the exhaust gas treatment device. The tunnel kiln 200 is constructed of earthen materials such as bricks, ceramics, or concrete, so the kiln body itself has good heat insulation properties; furthermore, thickening the kiln body greatly reduces heat loss.

[0054] Ideally, the inlet and outlet of the tunnel kiln 200 are equipped with gates or side-push doors, and the inlet and outlet of the tunnel kiln 200 are closed during steaming and drying.

[0055] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The operation process of this invention can be as follows (a method for steaming and drying Chinese medicinal herbs and spices includes the following steps):

[0056] Sterilization, cleaning and sterilization of steam generator, material cart 100, tunnel kiln 200, sealing cover 400, etc., loading of medicinal materials and spices;

[0057] Safety inspection to ensure that the exhaust valve F3, steam inlet valve F2, safety valve F4, thermometer, pressure gauge and other instruments are working properly and within the valid calibration period, and that the sealing rings of the doors, covers and other parts are intact and without cracks.

[0058] When the initial feeding occurs and the cover 400 is in the open state (i.e., when the first auxiliary rail 421 connects the first main rail 510 and the second main rail 520), the steaming cart 100 of the first main rail 510 is pushed into the first auxiliary rail 421.

[0059] The lid is closed, the cover 400 descends, the bracket 420 and its steaming cart 100 and medicinal herbs and spices sink into the pit 300, the cover body 410 covers the opening of the pit 300, the pit 300 and the cover 400 define the steaming space, and the cover body 410 simultaneously divides the tunnel kiln 200 into a preheating section, a steaming section and a drying section. The steaming space is the steaming section of the tunnel kiln 200.

[0060] Pre-steaming: Open steam inlet valve F2 and exhaust valve F3, allowing steam from boilers and other steam generating devices to overflow into pit 300.

[0061] When the temperature inside the pit 300 exceeds 80°C, close the steam inlet valve F2 and the exhaust valve F3. Observe the thermometer and / or pressure gauge. When the temperature inside the pit 300 reaches the target temperature T1 (i.e., the cooking temperature of medicinal materials and spices T1 = 115°C ~ 121°C, corresponding to a pressure of 0.07-0.11 MPa, or 1.1-1.2 standard atmospheres), stabilize the power supply of the steam generator or the fuel supply rate to keep the temperature inside the pit 300 stable at the target temperature T1. When the medicinal materials and spices are cooked at the target temperature for t1 (e.g., t1 = 30 min), under high temperature and high pressure cooking, the medicinal materials and spices are fully penetrated and softened from the inside to the surface. The original toxic components and bacteria are located on the surface of the material and are fully decomposed and transformed by heat.

[0062] After steam is released and cooking is completed, close the steam inlet valve F2 and slowly open the exhaust valve F3 slightly. Listen to the exhaust sound and observe the pressure gauge pointer drop rate. Control the pressure drop rate at 0.02 - 0.05 MPa / minute. This is both a relatively safe and rapid pressure release. Rapid pressure release enhances the cell wall bursting mechanism, effectively and fully "extracting" the medicinal properties and aroma from the herbs and spices. Furthermore, according to the pressure drop rate, gradually and steadily increase the opening of the exhaust valve F3 to achieve ideal "controllable and rapid" pressure release. It is strictly forbidden to fully open the valve at one time. The cover body 410 is actually free of herbs and spices. It is used to separate the tunnel kiln 200 and also as the boiling and osmosis zone and flash evaporation zone. The material-free zone must not experience material dispersion in the initial stage of pressure release.

[0063] Open the lid and keep observing the pressure gauge until the pointer returns to zero. After the pressure returns to zero, keep the exhaust valve F3 open and wait for 10-30 seconds. You may even turn on the pump to remove the steam in the cooking space and the condensate at the bottom of the pit 300. This will ensure that all residual steam is completely removed, thus removing most of the moisture from the cooking process and reducing the time required for subsequent drying. The pumping process also helps to cool the room to some extent. After the pressure is released, open the lid 400.

[0064] Stable feeding and discharging: When the cover 400 is in the open state (i.e., when the first auxiliary rail 421 connects the first main rail 510 and the second main rail 520), the steaming cart 100 of the first main rail 510 is pushed into the first auxiliary rail 421 of the bracket 420, and the steaming cart 100 squeezes the steamed cart 100 of the first auxiliary rail 421 to the second main rail 520.

[0065] Drying: The drying section of the tunnel kiln 200 is set with the corresponding electric heating rod power, or hot water / hot oil at the corresponding temperature T2 is circulated to bake the medicinal materials and spices in the drying section within the drying temperature T2 (e.g., T2=40-60℃), which facilitates the evaporation of moisture and reduces the volatilization of medicinal and aromatic components. The drying time is t2.

[0066] The process of closing the lid, pre-steaming, cooking, venting steam, and stabilizing the feeding and discharging of materials is repeated continuously. During this process, the material in the drying section moves continuously, and the drying temperature remains constant.

[0067] After the last batch of materials has been cooked, the materials are ejected from the empty car.

[0068] The material cart 100 is of length L, and its single-pass propulsion speed is V. t2 = N times (t1 + (L ÷ V)). Preferably, the drying section has multiple individually start-stop heating structures arranged along the axial direction. The corresponding number of heating structures is activated according to the drying time required by the material cart 100.

[0069] During the cooking process, the heat overflowing from the sealing wall to the preheating section is used for preheating the material, and the heat overflowing from the sealing wall to the drying section is used for drying the material. The temperature T2 used for drying medicinal herbs and spices is preferably controlled below 55°C and not exceeding 60°C. Therefore, in some embodiments, the peripheral wall of the lid body 410 is a double-layered cavity wall, which reduces the heat loss rate of the cooking space, reduces the rated power used for cooking, and also avoids the areas of the preheating and drying sections near the sealing 400 from becoming too hot.

[0070] The top of the drying section is equipped with an exhaust port and an exhaust fan. The drying section is set to a certain length so that it can accommodate a queue formed by multiple material carts 100 placed side by side; each material cart 100 moves intermittently along the drying section, so that the medicinal materials and spices on each material cart 100 are fully dried.

[0071] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this application include: steam cooking, compared with water boiler cooking (95-100℃), reduces the material filtration stage; the pit 300 is a sunken pit, which can more reliably perform high-temperature and high-pressure cooking, and the pit 300 has natural heat preservation to effectively ensure high-temperature cooking; during high-temperature and high-pressure cooking, the material is effectively penetrated and softened, making the material more mild in medicinal properties, and the original toxic components remain on the surface of the material and are fully decomposed and transformed by heat, and the softened material then quickly and effectively releases pressure, bursts cell walls, and deeply releases the medicinal properties and aroma of the herbs and spices; the cooking device can be loaded, steamed, and unloaded, reducing the work of cleaning and loading baskets before and after cooking, and improving the actual efficiency of cooking; cooking and drying are directly connected, which not only reduces the work of loading baskets, but also avoids reheating when the material begins to dry; the cover can not only cover the pit to ensure high-temperature and high-pressure cooking, but also separate the tunnel kiln to ensure that cooking and drying do not interfere with each other, and the cover can also preheat the material through overflow heat to supplement the heat of the drying section.

[0072] Ideally, to improve the compressive strength and scratch resistance of the pit 300, the pit 300 is a metal trough embedded in the soil, or it can be a concrete pit of P6 grade or above.

[0073] Reference Figures 1 to 5In some embodiments of the present invention, the upper end of the cover 400 is always inserted through the top of the tunnel kiln 200 during lifting and lowering, the cover 400 is positioned for lifting and lowering, and the cover 400 accurately covers the pit 300.

[0074] Reference Figures 1 to 4 In this invention, the first main rail 510, the first secondary rail 421, and the second main rail 520 are connected to form a composite rail that facilitates the movement of the material cart 100. Multiple material carts 100 form a queue and move along the composite rail by pushing against each other. (See reference...) Figures 2 to 4 In practice, the material cart 100 to be steamed may be misaligned when pushed into the pit 300, that is, the material cart 100 to be settled cannot be accurately aligned with the pit 300. In some embodiments, self-positioning ramps 120 are provided at both ends of the bottom of the material cart 100, and the wheels of the material cart 100 are closer to the middle area of ​​the material cart 100 than the self-positioning ramps 120.

[0075] Because the material carts 100 move in a queue within the tunnel kiln 200, and during the stable feeding and discharging process, the steamed material carts 100 completely pass the opening of the pit 300 and directly beneath the cover 400. The rear self-positioning inclined block 120 of the material cart 100 to be steamed, pushed into the first auxiliary rail 421, is positioned directly above the edge of the pit opening, while the wheels and front self-positioning inclined block 120 of the material cart 100 to be steamed are positioned above the pit 300. During the closing process, because the material carts 100 and their medicinal herbs and spices have a certain weight, the self-positioning inclined block 120 is used to push against the edge of the pit 300 opening as the cover 400 sinks, causing the material carts 100 to self-adjust along the first auxiliary rail 421, that is, the material carts 100 self-center during the process of sinking into the pit 300.

[0076] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 Preferably, it also includes a trolley mechanism 600, which includes a push rod 610 and a trolley power component 620 for driving the push rod 610. An electromagnet is provided at the trolley end of the push rod 610 to stabilize the feeding and discharging steps. The push rod 610 is used to push the material car queue inside the tunnel kiln 200 and also to retract the material car 100 on the first main rail 510 via the electromagnet.

[0077] In practice, the push rod 610 can be a hollow rod, with a cable chain connected to the non-trolley end. Both the hollow rod and the cable chain are used for cable laying. The trolley power component 620 can be a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or... Figure 1 , Figure 2 The diagram illustrates chain and belt configurations.

[0078] In some embodiments, a support wall is also included, which is provided with positioning holes to allow the push rod 610 to move around in a positioning manner.

[0079] In some configurations, the material cart 100 includes a frame and a multi-layered basket 110 / net tray integrally formed on the frame.

[0080] In some configurations, the frame is equipped with multiple sets of hooks, bosses, etc., distributed from top to bottom for hanging baskets 110.

[0081] The cap 400 is made of metal, while the medicinal herbs and spices are raw materials. The total weight of the cap 400 and the medicinal herbs and spices is quite heavy, and steam cannot provide buoyancy. Therefore, in some embodiments, the cap body 410 is suspended from the opening of the pit 300 based on the weight of the cap 400 and the materials; that is, the cap body 410 covers the opening of the pit 300 based on the weight of the cap 400 and the materials. (Refer to...) Figure 1 Figure 5 Furthermore, it also includes a steel plate 810 and a driving cylinder 820. The top of the tunnel kiln 200 is provided with a limiting hole. The driving cylinder 820 is used to drive the steel plate 810 to extend and retract along the limiting hole, so that the pressing end of the steel plate 810 slides up or away from the top of the cover body 410 when the cover is closed.

[0082] When the medicinal herb and spice cooking device forms a self-contained system, and the system does not have a tunnel kiln 200, the steel plate 810 and the pressure cylinder 820 are mounted on a support, and the support is provided with limiting holes. Alternatively, when the medicinal herb and spice cooking device forms a self-contained system, the tunnel kiln 200 may not have a heating structure; the tunnel kiln 200 serves an isolation function, and the tunnel kiln 200 is provided with limiting holes.

[0083] In some embodiments of the present invention, the tunnel kiln 200 is fitted with a steel tie rod, the upper end of which is located at the top of the tunnel kiln 200 and is provided with a limiting hole. The tunnel kiln 200 is used to forcefully press the cover 400 with the steel tie rod and the steel plate 810.

[0084] Reference Figure 5 In some embodiments of the present invention, the lower end of the cover body 410 is provided with an elastic sealing ring 430 for pressing against the edge of the pit opening, and the pressing end of the steel plate 810 is provided with a slanted nozzle for driving the closed cover 400 to press down again. (See reference...) Figure 5 During the closing process, the cover 400 is lowered so that the elastic sealing ring 430 presses against the edge of the opening of the pit 300. The steel plate 810 slides (climbs) to the top of the closed cover 400. As the angled nozzle of the pressing end of the steel plate 810 gradually climbs to the top of the cover 400, the cover 400 is pressed down. The cover 400 continues to press down, compressing the elastic sealing ring 430. Finally, the pressing end of the steel plate 810 securely presses the cover 400.

[0085] Reference Figures 1 to 5 In some embodiments of the present invention, a winch 900 is connected to the top of the cover 400, and the cover 400 is lifted and lowered by the winch 900.

[0086] Reference Figure 5 In some embodiments of the present invention, a pair of opposite sides of the top of the cover 400 are respectively used to be pressed by corresponding steel plate groups, each steel plate group including multiple steel plates 810 arranged side by side, and each steel plate group is controlled by a corresponding driving cylinder 820.

[0087] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 In some embodiments of the present invention, a feeding rail 530 and a feeding flatcar 710 are also included. The feeding rail 530 extends laterally along the first main rail 510. The feeding flatcar 710 is provided with two sets of second auxiliary rails 711. The feeding flatcar 710 is used to travel along the feeding rail 530, so that the two sets of second auxiliary rails 711 alternately connect with the first main rail 510. The two sets of second auxiliary rails 711 alternately change into a waiting station and a feeding station. A trolley mechanism 600 is used to drive the material car 100 of the feeding station to squeeze onto the first main rail 510. In the stable feeding and discharging step, the trolley mechanism 600 pushes the material car 100 of the second auxiliary rail 711, so that the material car 100 of the second auxiliary rail 711 enters the preheating section, so that the material car 100 of the preheating section enters the cooking section, and so that the material car 100 of the cooking section enters the drying section.

[0088] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 In some embodiments of the present invention, a feeding rail 540 and a feeding flatcar 720 are also included. The feeding rail 540 extends laterally along the second main rail 520. The feeding flatcar 720 is provided with two sets of third auxiliary rails 721. The feeding flatcar 720 is used to travel along the feeding rail 540, so that the two sets of third auxiliary rails 721 alternately engage with the second main rail 520. The two sets of third auxiliary rails 721 alternately change between the transfer station and the discharge station. In the stable feeding and discharging step, the trolley mechanism 600 pushes the material cart 100 of the second auxiliary rail 711, so that the material cart 100 at the end of the drying section moves to the third auxiliary rail 721 of the feeding flatcar 720. Thereafter, the material cart 100 of the second main rail 520 can be moved away by a forklift or the like.

[0089] The loading flatcar 710 and unloading flatcar 720 are active vehicles, equipped with motors for driving the wheels, and the cables connected to the motors are threaded through the corresponding cable chains.

[0090] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit them. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for steaming and drying Chinese medicinal herbs and spices, characterized in that, include: When the material is initially fed in and the cover (400) is in the open state, the steaming cart (100) on the first main rail (510) is pushed into the first auxiliary rail (421). The cover is closed, the cover (400) is lowered, the bracket (420) and its steaming cart (100) and medicinal herbs and spices sink into the pit (300), the cover body (410) covers the opening of the pit (300), the pit (300) and the cover (400) define the steaming space, and the cover body (410) simultaneously divides the tunnel kiln (200) into a preheating section, a steaming section and a drying section; Pre-steaming: Open the steam inlet valve (F2) and the exhaust valve (F3), and the steam from the steam generator overflows into the pit (300). When the temperature inside the pit (300) is >80°C, close the steam inlet valve (F2) and the exhaust valve (F3), observe the thermometer and / or pressure gauge, and when the temperature inside the pit (300) reaches the target temperature T1, stabilize the power supply of the steam generator or the fuel supply rate so that the temperature inside the pit (300) is stable at the target temperature T1. The medicinal herbs and spices are steamed at the target temperature for t hours. After steam is exhausted and cooking is complete, close the steam inlet valve (F2) and open the exhaust valve (F3) to control the pressure drop rate at 0.02-0.05 MPa / minute. After opening the lid and the pit pressure returns to zero, open the cover (400). Stable feeding and discharging: When the cover (400) is open, the steaming cart (100) on the first main rail (510) is pushed into the first auxiliary rail (421) of the bracket (420), and the steaming cart (100) squeezes the steamed cart (100) on the first auxiliary rail (421) to the second main rail (520). Drying: The medicinal herbs and spices in the drying section are baked at a drying temperature T2. The process of closing the lid, pre-steaming, cooking, venting steam, and stabilizing the feeding and discharging of materials is repeated continuously. During this process, the material in the drying section moves continuously, and the drying temperature remains constant.

2. The method for steaming and drying Chinese medicinal herbs and spices according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the steaming step, the heat overflowing from the lid (400) is used for preheating and drying of the medicinal herbs and spices.

3. The method for steaming and drying Chinese medicinal herbs and spices according to claim 2, characterized in that, The target temperature T1 is 115°C ~ 121°C, the drying temperature T2 is 40-60°C, and the peripheral wall of the cover body (410) is a double-layer cavity wall.

4. The method for steaming and drying Chinese medicinal herbs and spices according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, In the stable feeding and discharging step, the steamed material cart (100) completely passes the opening of the pit (300) and directly below the cover (400). The rear self-positioning inclined block (120) of the material cart (100) to be steamed, which is pushed into the first sub-rail (421), is located directly above the edge of the pit opening. The wheels of the material cart (100) to be steamed and the front self-positioning inclined block (120) are located above the pit (300). In the closing step, the self-positioning inclined block (120) is used to push the edge of the pit (300) opening when the cover (400) sinks down, so that the material cart (100) self-adjusts along the first sub-rail (421).

5. The method for steaming and drying Chinese medicinal herbs and spices according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the stable feeding and discharging step, the push rod (610) is used to push the material car queue inside the tunnel kiln (200), and also to retract the material car (100) on the first main rail (510) by means of the electromagnet.

6. The method for steaming and drying Chinese medicinal herbs and spices according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, In the closing step, the cover (400) is lowered so that the elastic sealing ring (430) presses against the edge of the opening of the pit (300). The steel plate (810) slides to the top of the closed cover (400). During the process of the angled nozzle of the pressing end of the steel plate (810) climbing up to the top of the cover (400), the cover (400) is pressed down. The cover (400) continues to press down, so that the elastic sealing ring (430) is compressed.

7. The method for steaming and drying Chinese medicinal herbs and spices according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A feeding rail (530) is provided that extends laterally along the first main rail (510). A feeding flat car (710) is used to travel along the feeding rail (530). The feeding flat car (710) is provided with two sets of second auxiliary rails (711) that alternately change between the waiting station and the feeding station. In the stable feeding and discharging step, the trolley mechanism (600) pushes the material car (100) of the second auxiliary rail (711) so that the material car (100) of the second auxiliary rail (711) enters the preheating section, the material car (100) of the preheating section enters the cooking section, and the material car (100) of the cooking section enters the drying section.

8. The method for steaming and drying Chinese medicinal herbs and spices according to claim 7, characterized in that, A discharge rail (540) is provided that extends laterally along the second main rail (520). A discharge flatcar (720) is used to travel along the discharge rail (540). The discharge flatcar (720) is provided with two sets of third auxiliary rails (721) that alternately change between the transfer station and the discharge station. In the stable feeding and discharging step, the pusher mechanism (600) pushes the material car (100) of the second auxiliary rail (711) so that the material car (100) at the end of the drying section moves to the third auxiliary rail (721) of the discharge flatcar (720).

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