Automatic yellowing equipment for yellow tea and yellowing process thereof

Abstract

This invention relates to the technical field of tea production equipment, and discloses an automated yellow tea fermentation device and its fermentation process. The automated yellow tea fermentation device includes a fermentation cylinder and a hollow cylinder, which is rotatably installed inside the fermentation cylinder. Limiting rings are fixedly connected to both sides of the hollow cylinder. This invention utilizes a magnetic plate on the hollow cylinder to drive a magnetic sliding plate to reciprocate within a piston chamber, forming a gas replacement circulation system. When the temperature inside the cylinder is too high, it can follow the upward trend of the hot airflow, drawing in fresh air from the bottom and pushing out the high-temperature waste gas accumulated at the top, achieving bottom-up penetrating ventilation. This not only quickly removes excess heat and metabolic waste gases such as carbon dioxide, preventing the tea from becoming "waterlogged" or "sour and rancid" due to lack of oxygen, but also uses a micro-negative pressure environment to forcibly remove odors, achieving efficient heat dissipation and oxygen supply, ensuring that the tea undergoes high-quality transformation in a clean and humid environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of special equipment for tea production, specifically to an automated yellowing equipment for yellow tea and its yellowing process. Background Technology

[0002] "Molding" is a unique and core process in the production of yellow tea, and it is also the key to distinguishing yellow tea from other types of tea. Simply put, after the tea leaves have been withered, a warm and humid environment is artificially created, allowing the tea leaves to undergo a series of chemical changes under the influence of heat and moisture, thus forming the unique quality of yellow tea: "yellow soup and yellow leaves, mellow and sweet".

[0003] While some mechanized yellowing equipment, such as hot air circulating yellowing machines or insulated barrel yellowing devices, has emerged in the existing technology, it still faces many technical bottlenecks in practical applications. First, the yellowing process releases a large amount of heat and carbon dioxide through tea metabolism. Traditional equipment often adopts a closed or semi-closed structure, lacking an effective gas replacement mechanism, which can easily lead to heat accumulation and oxygen deficiency inside the barrel, resulting in "waterlogged" tea or the production of a "sour and rancid" taste, affecting the final quality. Second, existing equipment often uses rigid stirring rods or rapidly rotating drums for turning, which can easily cause the tea to break due to mechanical friction during the turning process, affecting the integrity of the leaf base and the quality of the final product. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an automated yellow tea fermentation device and its fermentation process. A magnetically driven piston enables bottom-up, penetrating ventilation, efficiently dissipating heat, supplying oxygen, and removing odors. Rotation triggers alternating expansion and contraction of air bladders, gently agitating the tea leaves to prevent breakage and clumping. Simultaneously, waste liquid and debris are automatically discharged, ensuring the integrity and cleanliness of the tea leaves, significantly improving the quality of yellow tea. This invention solves the problems mentioned in the background art, such as the lack of an effective gas exchange mechanism in traditional equipment, which easily leads to heat accumulation and oxygen deficiency, and the rigid turning action that easily damages the tea leaves, seriously affecting the fermentation quality.

[0005] This invention provides the following technical solution: An automated yellow tea fermentation device includes a fermentation cylinder and a perforated cylinder rotatably installed inside the fermentation cylinder. Limiting rings are fixedly connected to both sides of the perforated cylinder. A driving unit that cooperates with the limiting rings to drive the perforated cylinder to rotate is provided inside the fermentation cylinder. A displacement unit is located at the top of the fermentation cylinder and is used to generate a negative pressure environment inside the perforated cylinder, allowing external airflow to enter and pass through the perforated cylinder. A gentle stirring unit includes multiple sets of elastic airbags, each elastic airbag having a pulse motion towards the axis of the perforated cylinder.

[0006] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the driving unit includes a driving shaft, which is rotatably connected between the two ends of the inner cavity of the curing cylinder. Driving rollers are fixedly connected to both sides of the driving shaft. The two sets of driving rollers are aligned with the limiting rings on both sides, and the driving rollers and the limiting rings are tightly fitted together. Limiting slides are fixedly connected to both sides of the inner wall of the curing cylinder. The limiting rings on both sides are rotatably mounted in the limiting slides on both sides, that is, the hollow cylinder rotates on the limiting slides on both sides. A driving motor is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the curing cylinder, and the output shaft of the driving motor is fixedly connected to the end of the driving shaft.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the light-pulling part includes a first light-pulling cavity and a second light-pulling cavity opened circumferentially along the inner wall of the hollow cylinder. The first light-pulling cavity and the second light-pulling cavity are alternately arranged with the same spacing and number. An elastic airbag is fixedly connected to each of the first light-pulling cavity and the second light-pulling cavity. Air guide rings are fixedly connected to both sides of the outer wall of the hollow cylinder. A first air guide groove communicating with each group of first light-pulling cavities is opened in one side of the air guide ring, and a second air guide groove communicating with each group of second light-pulling cavities is opened in the other side of the air guide ring. Furthermore, air guide parts that alternately draw air into the first air guide groove and the second air guide groove are respectively provided in the limiting rings on both sides.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the air guiding part includes piston grooves axially spaced at equal intervals along the outer wall of the two limiting rings. Each set of piston grooves is slidably connected to a piston plate. A first spring is fixedly connected between the bottom of the piston plate and the bottom of the inner cavity of the piston groove. Each set of piston grooves on one limiting ring is connected to the first air guiding groove through a first air guiding pipe. Each set of piston grooves on the other limiting ring is connected to the second air guiding groove through a second air guiding pipe. The driving rollers on both sides alternately contact the piston plates on the two limiting rings.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the replacement part includes a piston chamber, which is fixedly connected to the top of the yellowing cylinder. A magnetic sliding plate is slidably connected inside the piston chamber. A second spring is fixedly connected between the top of the magnetic sliding plate and the top of the piston chamber. Both sides of the upper cavity of the piston chamber are fixedly connected to suction pipes. The input ends of the two sets of suction pipes are located on the top sides of the cavity formed by the yellowing cylinder and the hollow cylinder, respectively. A one-way valve is provided in the suction pipe. The top of the piston chamber is fixedly connected to an exhaust pipe, and a one-way valve is installed in the exhaust pipe. Magnetic plates are fixedly connected at equal intervals along the circumference of the outer wall of the hollow cylinder. The magnetic plates and the magnetic sliding plate repel each other magnetically. Both sides of the yellowing cylinder are fixedly connected to air inlets, and a one-way valve is provided in each of the air inlets on both sides.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a water storage tank is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the yellowing cylinder, and a liquid supply pipe is fixedly connected inside the water storage tank. The liquid supply pipe extends through and into the hollow cylinder, and the central axis of the liquid supply pipe coincides with that of the hollow cylinder. The liquid supply pipe and the hollow cylinder are rotatably connected, that is, the hollow cylinder rotates around the liquid supply pipe. A water pump is installed on the liquid supply pipe located in the water storage tank. Multiple sets of atomizing spray pipes are fixed at equal intervals at the top of the liquid supply pipe located in the hollow cylinder, and one set of air inlet pipes passes through the bottom of the water storage tank.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a water collection trough is fixedly connected to the bottom of the yellowing cylinder, the bottom of the water collection trough is fixed and connected to a wastewater pipe, and the water collection trough is located directly below the entire hollow area of ​​the hollow cylinder.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, both the yellowing tube and the hollowed-out tube have open ends. The open end of the hollowed-out tube extends into the open end of the yellowing tube, and the outer wall of the open end of the hollowed-out tube is in contact with and rotates against the inner wall of the open end of the yellowing tube. An outer cap for sealing its open end is rotatably connected to the outer wall of the yellowing tube. Magnetic plates are fixedly connected to both sides of the inner wall of the open end of the hollowed-out tube. An inner sealing plate is inserted into the open end of the hollowed-out tube. The inner sealing plate and the magnetic plates are magnetically attracted to each other, and the outer arc wall of the inner sealing plate is in contact with the inner arc wall of the hollowed-out tube.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it further includes a movable base. Two sets of positioning plates are fixedly connected to the top of the movable base near the open end of the yellowing cylinder. Hinges are fixedly connected to both sides of the bottom of the open end of the yellowing cylinder. The top of the positioning plates is rotatably connected to the hinges. A discharge cylinder is rotatably connected to the other end of the top of the movable base. The top of the telescopic end of the discharge cylinder is rotatably connected to the bottom of the yellowing cylinder through a rotating seat. That is, when the discharge cylinder telescopically extends or retracts, the entire yellowing cylinder rotates around the hinge point between the positioning plates and the hinges.

[0014] An automated yellowing process for yellow tea includes the following steps: Step 1: Place the tea leaves to be fermented into a perforated tube, and then seal the fermentation environment. Step 2: Adjust the temperature and humidity in the sultry environment; Step 3: During the temperature and humidity control process, gently turn the tea leaves. Step 4: Tilt the yellowing cylinder and the hollowed-out cylinder towards their open ends to complete the unloading of the product.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides an automated yellowing device and yellowing process for yellow tea, which has the following beneficial effects: 1. This automated yellow tea fermentation equipment utilizes a magnetic plate on a hollow cylinder to drive a magnetic sliding plate to reciprocate within a piston chamber, forming a gas exchange circulation system. When the temperature inside the cylinder is too high, it follows the upward trend of the hot airflow, drawing in fresh air from the bottom and pushing out the high-temperature waste gas accumulated at the top, achieving bottom-up penetrating ventilation. This not only quickly removes excess heat and metabolic waste gases such as carbon dioxide, preventing the tea from becoming "waterlogged" or developing a "sour" or "sour" taste due to lack of oxygen, but also uses a slightly negative pressure environment to forcibly remove odors, achieving efficient heat dissipation and oxygen supply, ensuring that the tea undergoes high-quality transformation in a clean, humid, and hot environment.

[0016] 2. This automated yellow tea fermentation equipment utilizes the mechanical contact triggered by the rotation of the perforated cylinder to alternately expand and contract the airbags, gently tossing and agitating the tea leaves in a pulse-like "umbrella" shape. This non-rigid contact effectively prevents the tea leaves from breaking due to mechanical friction during the turning process. Simultaneously, the upward airflow and gentle agitation prevent the tea leaves from clumping together due to the seepage of sap. Furthermore, centrifugal force and gravity are used to automatically collect and discharge the waste liquid and debris generated during the fermentation process, avoiding the retention and secondary adsorption of wastewater on the tea leaf surface. This physically ensures the integrity and cleanliness of the tea leaves, further improving the quality of the final product. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to actual scale.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the interior of the yellowing tube of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a transverse half-section of the yellowing tube of the present invention; Figure 4 For the present invention Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram of region A in the middle; Figure 5 This is a longitudinal half-section diagram of the yellowing tube of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the internal cross-sectional structure of the limiting ring of the present invention; Figure 7 For the present invention Figure 6 Enlarged structural diagram of region B in the middle; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the first air guide groove of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the second air guide groove of the present invention.

[0019] In the diagram: 1. Yellowing cylinder; 2. Hollowed-out cylinder; 21. Limiting ring; 22. Limiting slide; 23. Outer cover; 24. Magnetic suction plate; 25. Inner sealing plate; 3. Drive shaft; 31. Drive roller; 32. Drive motor; 4. First light-duty chamber; 41. Second light-duty chamber; 42. Elastic airbag; 43. Air guide ring; 431. First air guide groove; 432. Second air guide groove; 5. Piston groove; 51. Piston plate; 52. First spring; 53. First air guide pipe; 54. Second air guide pipe; 6. Piston chamber; 61. Magnetic sliding plate; 62. Second spring; 63. Inhalation pipe; 64. Magnetic plate; 65. Inlet pipe; 66. Exhaust pipe; 7. Water collection tank; 71. Wastewater pipe; 8. Water storage tank; 81. Liquid supply pipe; 82. Water supply pump; 83. Atomizing spray pipe; 9. Moving base; 91. Positioning plate; 92. Hinge seat; 93. Unloading cylinder; 94. Rotating seat. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] Example 1: Reference Figures 1-9 An automated yellow tea fermentation device includes a fermentation cylinder 1 and a hollow cylinder 2, which is rotatably installed inside the fermentation cylinder 1 and connected to it. Limiting rings 21 are fixedly connected to both sides of the hollow cylinder 2. Limiting slides 22 are fixedly connected to both sides of the inner wall of the fermentation cylinder 1. The limiting rings 21 are rotatably mounted within the limiting slides 22, meaning the hollow cylinder 2 rotates on the limiting slides 22. A drive unit that cooperates with the limiting rings 21 to drive the hollow cylinder 2 to rotate is provided inside the fermentation cylinder 1. A replacement unit is located at the top of the fermentation cylinder 1 and is used to create a negative pressure environment inside the hollow cylinder 2, allowing external airflow to enter and pass through the hollow cylinder 2, thereby replacing the original gas inside the hollow cylinder 2. A gentle turning unit includes multiple sets of elastic airbags 42, each with a pulse motion towards the axis of the hollow cylinder 2, achieving a gentle, pulsed turning of the tea leaves.

[0022] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 6Both the yellowing tube 1 and the hollow tube 2 have open ends. The open end of the hollow tube 2 extends into the open end of the yellowing tube 1, and the outer wall of the open end of the hollow tube 2 is in contact with the inner wall of the open end of the yellowing tube 1 and rotates. An outer cap 23 for sealing its open end is rotatably connected to the outer wall of the yellowing tube 1. Magnetic plates 24 are fixedly connected to both sides of the inner wall of the open end of the hollow tube 2. An inner sealing plate 25 is inserted into the open end of the hollow tube 2. The inner sealing plate 25 and the magnetic plates 24 are magnetically attracted to each other, and the outer arc wall of the inner sealing plate 25 is in contact with the inner arc wall of the hollow tube 2. The inner sealing plate 25 can limit the tea leaves within the hollow area of ​​the hollow tube 2 to ensure that the tea leaves are yellowed evenly.

[0023] With the above structure, the outer cover 23 is opened and the inner cover 25 is taken out. Then, the tea leaves to be fermented are evenly placed in the hollowed-out cylinder 2, and the inner cover 25 is inserted. The magnetic effect between the inner cover 25 and the magnetic suction plate 24 is used to seal the tea loading end. Then, the outer cover 23 is closed to seal the open end of the fermentation cylinder 1, thereby creating a closed fermentation environment. This effectively prevents heat loss, moisture evaporation, and the infiltration of cold air from the outside into the fermentation cylinder 1, ensuring that an independent and stable "microclimate" environment is formed inside the fermentation cylinder 1, thereby improving the final product quality.

[0024] Reference Figures 2-5 The driving unit includes a drive shaft 3, which is rotatably connected between the two ends of the inner cavity of the blotting cylinder 1. Drive rollers 31 are fixedly connected to both sides of the drive shaft 3. The two sets of drive rollers 31 are aligned with the two side limiting rings 21, and the drive rollers 31 and the limiting rings 21 are tightly fitted together. A drive motor 32 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the blotting cylinder 1. The output shaft of the drive motor 32 is fixedly connected to the end of the drive shaft 3, and a reducer is installed between the output shaft of the drive motor 32 and the drive shaft 3 to ensure that the hollow cylinder 2 rotates slowly as a whole. The replacement unit includes a piston chamber 6, which is fixedly connected to the top of the blotting cylinder 1. A magnetic slide plate 61 is slidably connected inside the piston chamber 6. A second spring is fixedly connected between the top of the magnetic slide plate 61 and the top of the piston chamber 6. Spring 62, piston chamber 6 has two fixed and connected suction pipes 63 on both sides of the upper cavity. The input ends of the two sets of suction pipes 63 are located on the top sides of the cavity formed by the yellowing cylinder 1 and the hollow cylinder 2, respectively. A one-way valve is installed in the suction pipe 63. The top of the piston chamber 6 is fixed and connected to the exhaust pipe 66. The output end of the exhaust pipe 66 is connected to the external environment. A one-way valve is installed in the exhaust pipe 66. Magnetic plates 64 are fixedly connected at equal intervals along the circumference of the outer wall of the hollow cylinder 2. The magnetic plates 64 and the magnetic slide plate 61 are magnetically repelled. Both sides of the yellowing cylinder 1 are fixed and connected to the air inlet pipes 65. A one-way valve is installed in both air inlet pipes 65. A temperature sensor is installed in the yellowing cylinder 1. The temperature sensor is electrically connected to the drive motor 32.

[0025] It should be noted that the one-way valve in the intake pipe 63 can only allow the gas in the sump 1 to enter the piston chamber 6; the one-way valve in the exhaust pipe 66 can only allow the gas in the piston chamber 6 to be discharged to the outside environment; and the one-way valve in the intake pipe 65 can only allow the outside airflow to be supplied to the sump 1.

[0026] With the above-described structure, when the temperature sensor detects that the temperature inside the yellowing cylinder 1 is higher than the yellowing threshold, it will send a start command to the drive motor 32. At this time, the drive motor 32 drives the drive shaft 3 and drive roller 31 to rotate slowly through the reducer. The friction between the drive roller 31 and the limiting ring 21 drives the hollow cylinder 2 to rotate slowly as a whole, thereby turning over the tea leaves inside the hollow cylinder 2 and dissipating the heat accumulated inside the tea leaves. At the same time, using the magnetic repulsion between the magnetic plate 64 and the magnetic slide plate 61, whenever the magnetic plate 64 rotates with the hollow cylinder 2 to the underside of the magnetic slide plate 61, it will push the magnetic plate 61 to rotate. The sliding plate 61 slides towards the side that compresses the second spring 62, thereby compressing the gas in the top cavity of the piston chamber 6 and opening the one-way valve in the exhaust pipe 66, allowing the gas in the top cavity of the piston chamber 6 to be discharged through the exhaust pipe 66. Then, when the magnetic plate 64 disengages from the repulsive position with the magnetic sliding plate 61, under the rebound action of the second spring 62, the magnetic plate 64 slides downward to reset, and at the same time, a negative pressure suction force is generated in the top cavity of the piston chamber 6, thereby opening the one-way valve in the suction pipe 63, allowing the high-temperature airflow in the suffocating cylinder 1 to enter the piston chamber 6. This process is repeated, continuously discharging the high-temperature airflow from the suffocating cylinder 1. Meanwhile, as the internal air pressure of the yellowing cylinder 1 continuously decreases, the fresh airflow from the outside will open the one-way valve in the air inlet pipe 65 and enter the yellowing cylinder 1, thereby replenishing the fresh airflow and dynamically replacing the original high-temperature airflow inside the yellowing cylinder 1. The direction of the replacement airflow is from bottom to top, passing through the entire hollow cylinder 2. Combined with the turning action of the hollow cylinder 2 on the tea leaves, the fresh airflow can evenly and comprehensively contact all parts of the tea leaves, ensuring that each tea leaf can obtain oxygen evenly. This avoids "stale" or "sour" conditions caused by local oxygen deficiency. At the same time, it can more quickly and thoroughly remove excess heat and waste gas, preventing the tea leaves from developing a "stale" taste or being "burned by high temperature." This achieves efficient and energy-saving heat dissipation and ventilation. At the same time, the upward airflow and turning action help separate the tea leaves, preventing them from sticking together due to the seepage of sap, ensuring the integrity of the tea leaves, and thus improving the final product quality.

[0027] In addition, during the above process, a relatively negative pressure environment will be intermittently generated inside the yellowing cylinder 1, which can continuously force away the "waste gas" and "odor" generated during the yellowing process, ensuring that the tea leaves are always in a relatively "clean" humid and hot environment, avoiding the adhesion of odors, and effectively improving product quality.

[0028] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 A water storage tank 8 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the yellowing cylinder 1. A liquid supply pipe 81 is fixedly connected inside the water storage tank 8. The liquid supply pipe 81 extends through and into the hollow cylinder 2. The liquid supply pipe 81 coincides with the central axis of the hollow cylinder 2, and the liquid supply pipe 81 and the hollow cylinder 2 are rotatably connected, that is, the hollow cylinder 2 rotates around the liquid supply pipe 81. A water supply pump 82 is installed on the liquid supply pipe 81 located in the water storage tank 8. Multiple sets of atomizing nozzles 83 are fixed at equal intervals at the top of the liquid supply pipe 81 located in the hollow cylinder 2. One set of air inlet pipes 65 passes through the bottom of the water storage tank 8. In this way, the water stored in the water storage tank 8 can be used to reduce the temperature of the gas flowing in the air inlet pipe 65, thereby achieving rapid cooling. A humidity sensor is installed inside the yellowing cylinder 1. The humidity sensor is electrically connected to the water supply pump 82 and the drive motor 32.

[0029] With the above-described structure, when the humidity sensor detects that the humidity inside the yellowing cylinder 1 is higher than the preset value, the drive motor 32 will still be activated to use directional airflow to remove excess moisture. When the humidity sensor detects that the humidity inside the yellowing cylinder 1 is lower than the preset value, a humidification command will be sent to the water supply pump 82, causing the water supply pump 82 to draw water from the water storage tank 8 and spray it onto the top of the inner cavity of the hollow cylinder 2 through the liquid supply pipe 81 and each set of atomizing nozzles 83. Then, the water mist falls naturally under the action of gravity. At this time, the drive motor 32 can continue to be activated to tumble the tea leaves inside the hollow cylinder 2, so that the tea leaves come into uniform contact with the falling water mist, thereby meeting the humidity requirements for yellowing and effectively improving product quality.

[0030] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 In addition, a water collection tank 7 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the yellowing cylinder 1. The bottom of the water collection tank 7 is fixed and connected to a wastewater pipe 71, and the water collection tank 7 is located directly below the entire hollow area of ​​the hollow cylinder 2.

[0031] With the above-mentioned structure, during the rotation of the hollow cylinder 2, the centrifugal force and gravity generated by the rotation will cause the waste liquid and tea fragments generated during the yellowing process to fall through the hollow holes into the water collection tank 7, and then be discharged from the yellowing cylinder 1 through the wastewater pipe 71. This firstly avoids excessive accumulation of wastewater on the surface of the tea leaves, which would cause the tea leaves to "rot" and produce a sour taste, thus ensuring product quality. Secondly, it can remove the fragments inside the tea leaves, thereby improving the overall quality of the tea.

[0032] Reference Figure 2 , Figures 5-9The light-pulling part includes a first light-pulling cavity 4 and a second light-pulling cavity 41 opened circumferentially along the inner wall of the hollow cylinder 2. The first light-pulling cavity 4 and the second light-pulling cavity 41 are alternately arranged with the same spacing and number. The first light-pulling cavity 4 and the second light-pulling cavity 41 are both located between two adjacent sets of hollow holes in the hollow cylinder 2. Multiple sets of elastic airbags 42 are fixedly connected to the first light-pulling cavity 4 and the second light-pulling cavity 41 respectively. Air guide rings 43 are fixedly connected to both sides of the outer wall of the hollow cylinder 2. A first air guide groove 431 communicating with each set of first light-pulling cavities 4 is opened in one side of the air guide ring 43, and a second air guide groove 432 communicating with each set of second light-pulling cavities 41 is opened in the other side of the air guide ring 43. The limiting rings 21 on both sides are respectively provided with An air guide section is provided to alternately draw air from the first air guide groove 431 and the second air guide groove 432. The air guide section includes piston grooves 5 that are axially spaced at equal intervals along the outer wall of the two side limiting rings 21. Each set of piston grooves 5 is slidably connected to a piston plate 51. A first spring 52 is fixedly connected between the bottom of the piston plate 51 and the bottom of the inner cavity of the piston groove 5. Each set of piston grooves 5 on one side of the limiting ring 21 is connected to the first air guide groove 431 through a first air guide pipe 53. Each set of piston grooves 5 on the other side of the limiting ring 21 is connected to the second air guide groove 432 through a second air guide pipe 54. The two side drive rollers 31 alternately contact the piston plates 51 on the two side limiting rings 21. When the drive roller 31 on one side of the first air guide groove 431 contacts the piston plate 51, the first air guide groove 431 is in a positive pressure state. At this time, the drive roller 31 on the other side is in contact with the outer wall of the limiting ring 21, and the second air guide groove 432 is in a negative pressure state. When the drive roller 31 on one side of the second air guide groove 432 contacts the piston plate 51, the second air guide groove 432 is in a positive pressure state. At this time, the drive roller 31 on the other side is in contact with the outer wall of the limiting ring 21, and the first air guide groove 431 is in a negative pressure state. That is, when the two drive rollers 31 alternately contact the piston plates 51 on the two limiting rings 21, the elastic airbags 42 in the first light-pulling chamber 4 and the second light-pulling chamber 41 alternately expand and contract.

[0033] With the above structure, during the rotation of the limiting ring 21 driven by the drive roller 31, the two sets of drive rollers 31 will intermittently contact the piston plates 51 set on the two sets of limiting rings 21. When the drive roller 31 located on one side of the first air guide groove 431 contacts the piston plate 51, it will squeeze the piston plate 51 towards the side that compresses the first spring 52, causing the piston plate 51 to retract into the first air guide groove 431, thereby compressing the gas in the first air guide groove 431, and causing the compressed gas to pass through the first air guide pipe 53 into each set of first light paving chambers 4, causing the elastic air bladders 42 in each set of first light paving chambers 4 to expand outward. At this time, the other drive roller 31 is in contact with the outer wall of the limiting ring 21, and the second air guide groove 432 is in a negative pressure state. At this time, the elastic air bladders 42 in the second light paving chamber 41 are in a state of inward retraction. When the drive roller 31 located on one side of the first air guide groove 431 passes the piston plate 51, under the rebound action of the first spring 52, it will cause the piston plate 51 to retract into the first air guide groove 431. Piston plate 51 resets, thereby drawing back the gas into the first light-push chamber 4, causing the elastic air bladder 42 in the first light-push chamber 4 to retract. When the drive roller 31 located on one side of the second air guide groove 432 contacts piston plate 51, the opposite motion state described above will be achieved, that is, the elastic air bladder 42 in the first light-push chamber 4 retracts inward, while the elastic air bladder 42 in the second light-push chamber 41 expands outward. This process repeats, and during the rotation and turning of the hollowed-out cylinder 2, a pulse-like gentle pushing action can be generated at different positions inside, causing a large amount of tea leaves located in the middle of the elastic air bladder 42 to be lifted upward, while a small amount of tea leaves located on both sides of the elastic air bladder 42 are pushed to the sides, achieving a light and easy-to-spread and turn-over action similar to an "umbrella". This not only prevents the tea leaves from breaking due to mechanical friction during the turning process, but also ensures that the tea leaves are heated and moistened evenly, which is conducive to the formation of the "yellow soup and yellow leaves" characteristics of yellow tea, thereby improving the quality of tea products.

[0034] In addition, when the elastic airbag 42 rotates and moves into the limiting slide 22, the limiting slide 22 will also squeeze the elastic airbag 42, playing the same role as the drive roller 31, so that the corresponding elastic airbag 42 can once again lightly throw and turn the tea leaves in an "umbrella" shape, further improving the turning effect of the tea leaves.

[0035] Reference Figure 7 It should be noted that each set of piston grooves 5 is provided with a limiting block at the top of the piston plate 51 to limit the rebound position, so as to prevent the compressed gas from entering other piston grooves 5 when one set of piston grooves 5 is in a compressed state, thereby ensuring the normal expansion and contraction of the elastic airbag 42.

[0036] Reference Figures 1-3It also includes a movable base 9. Two sets of positioning plates 91 are fixedly connected to the top of the movable base 9 near the open end of the yellowing cylinder 1. Hinges 92 are fixedly connected to both sides of the bottom of the open end of the yellowing cylinder 1. The top of the positioning plate 91 is rotatably connected to the hinge 92. The other end of the top of the movable base 9 is rotatably connected to a discharge cylinder 93. The top of the telescopic end of the discharge cylinder 93 is rotatably connected to the bottom of the yellowing cylinder 1 through a rotating seat 94. That is, when the discharge cylinder 93 telescopically extends or retracts, the entire yellowing cylinder 1 rotates around the hinge point of the positioning plate 91 and the hinge 92.

[0037] With the above structure, after the tea leaves have finished yellowing, the outer cover 23 is opened and the inner cover 25 is taken out. At the same time, the unloading cylinder 93 is driven to extend upward, pushing the open end of the yellowing cylinder 1 to rotate downward around the hinge point of the positioning plate 91 and the hinge seat 92. In this way, the tea leaves that have finished yellowing are taken out by gravity, which effectively improves the convenience of material handling.

[0038] Example 2: Reference Figures 1-9 Similar to Example 1, but based on Example 1, an automated yellowing process for yellow tea is proposed, including the following steps: Step 1: Place the tea leaves to be fermented into the hollowed-out tube 2, and then seal the fermentation environment; Step 2: Adjust the temperature and humidity in the sultry environment; Step 3: During the temperature and humidity control process, gently turn the tea leaves. Step 4: Tilt the yellowing cylinder 1 and the hollowed-out cylinder 2 toward their open ends to complete the unloading of the product.

[0039] Reference Figures 1-9 In this invention, when in use, the outer cover 23 is opened and the inner cover 25 is taken out. Then, the tea leaves to be fermented are evenly placed in the hollow tube 2, and the inner cover 25 is inserted. The magnetic effect between the inner cover 25 and the magnetic suction plate 24 is used to seal the tea loading end. Then, the outer cover 23 is closed to seal the open end of the fermentation tube 1, thereby creating a closed fermentation environment.

[0040] During the yellowing process, when the temperature sensor detects that the temperature inside the yellowing cylinder 1 is higher than the yellowing threshold, it will send a start command to the drive motor 32. At this time, the drive motor 32 drives the drive shaft 3 and drive roller 31 to rotate slowly through the reducer. The friction between the drive roller 31 and the limit ring 21 drives the hollow cylinder 2 to rotate slowly, thereby turning over the tea leaves inside the hollow cylinder 2 and dissipating the heat accumulated inside the tea leaves. At the same time, using the magnetic repulsion between the magnetic plate 64 and the magnetic slide plate 61, whenever the magnetic plate 64 rotates with the hollow cylinder 2 to the underside of the magnetic slide plate 61, it will push the magnetic plate 61 to rotate. The slide plate 61 slides towards the side that compresses the second spring 62, thereby compressing the gas in the top cavity of the piston chamber 6 and opening the one-way valve in the exhaust pipe 66, allowing the gas in the top cavity of the piston chamber 6 to be discharged through the exhaust pipe 66. Then, when the magnetic plate 64 disengages from the repulsive position with the magnetic slide plate 61, under the rebound action of the second spring 62, the magnetic plate 64 slides downward to reset, and at the same time, a negative pressure suction force is generated in the top cavity of the piston chamber 6, thereby opening the one-way valve in the suction pipe 63, allowing the high-temperature airflow in the suffocating cylinder 1 to enter the piston chamber 6. This process is repeated, continuously discharging the high-temperature airflow from the suffocating cylinder 1. Meanwhile, as the internal air pressure of the yellowing cylinder 1 continuously decreases, the fresh airflow from the outside will open the one-way valve in the air inlet pipe 65 and enter the yellowing cylinder 1, thereby replenishing the fresh airflow and dynamically replacing the original high-temperature airflow inside the yellowing cylinder 1. The direction of the replacement airflow is from bottom to top, passing through the entire hollow cylinder 2. Combined with the turning action of the hollow cylinder 2 on the tea leaves, the fresh airflow can evenly and comprehensively contact all parts of the tea leaves, ensuring that each tea leaf can obtain oxygen evenly. This avoids "stale" or "sour" conditions caused by local oxygen deficiency. At the same time, it can more quickly and thoroughly remove excess heat and waste gas, preventing the tea leaves from developing a "stale" taste or being "burned by high temperature." This achieves efficient and energy-saving heat dissipation and ventilation. At the same time, the upward airflow and turning action help separate the tea leaves, preventing them from sticking together due to the seepage of sap, ensuring the integrity of the tea leaves, and thus improving the final product quality.

[0041] Additionally, during the rotation of the driving roller 31 driving the limiting ring 21, the two sets of driving rollers 31 will intermittently contact the piston plates 51 set on the two sets of limiting rings 21. When the driving roller 31 located on one side of the first air guide groove 431 contacts the piston plate 51, it will squeeze the piston plate 51 towards the side that compresses the first spring 52, causing the piston plate 51 to retract into the first air guide groove 431, thereby compressing the gas in the first air guide groove 431, and causing the compressed gas to pass through the first air guide pipe 53 into each set of first light-shifting chambers 4, causing the elastic airbags 42 in each set of first light-shifting chambers 4 to expand outward. At this time, the driving roller 31 on the other side is in contact with the outer wall of the limiting ring 21, and the second air guide groove 432 is in a negative pressure state. At this time, the elastic airbags 42 in the second light-shifting chamber 41 are in an inward retracting state ... After passing the piston plate 51, the piston plate 51 will be reset under the rebound action of the first spring 52, thereby drawing back the gas in the first light stirring chamber 4, causing the elastic air bladder 42 in the first light stirring chamber 4 to retract. When the drive roller 31 located on one side of the second air guide groove 432 contacts the piston plate 51, the opposite motion state as described above will be achieved, that is, the elastic air bladder 42 in the first light stirring chamber 4 will retract inward, while the elastic air bladder 42 in the second light stirring chamber 41 will expand outward. This process repeats, and during the rotation and turning of the hollowed-out cylinder 2, a pulse-like gentle stirring action can be generated at different positions inside it. This not only prevents the tea leaves from breaking due to mechanical friction during the turning process, but also ensures that the tea leaves are heated and moistened evenly, which is conducive to the formation of the "yellow soup and yellow leaves" characteristics of yellow tea, thereby improving the product quality of the tea.

[0042] In addition, when the humidity sensor detects that the humidity inside the yellowing cylinder 1 is higher than the preset value, the drive motor 32 will still be activated to remove excess moisture using directional airflow. When the humidity sensor detects that the humidity inside the yellowing cylinder 1 is lower than the preset value, a humidification command will be sent to the water supply pump 82, causing the water supply pump 82 to draw water from the water storage tank 8 and spray it onto the top of the inner cavity of the hollow cylinder 2 through the liquid supply pipe 81 and each set of atomizing spray pipes 83. Then, the water mist falls naturally under the action of gravity. At this time, the drive motor 32 can continue to be activated to tumble the tea leaves inside the hollow cylinder 2, so that the tea leaves come into even contact with the falling water mist, thereby meeting the humidity requirements for yellowing and effectively improving product quality.

[0043] Finally, after the tea leaves have finished yellowing, the outer cover 23 is opened and the inner cover 25 is removed. At the same time, the unloading cylinder 93 is driven to extend upward, pushing the open end of the yellowing cylinder 1 to rotate downward around the hinge point of the positioning plate 91 and the hinge seat 92, thereby removing the yellowed tea leaves and completing the entire tea yellowing process.

[0044] Components not described in detail in this article are existing technologies.

[0045] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated yellowing device for yellow tea, comprising a yellowing cylinder (1), characterized in that, Also includes: Hollowed-out cylinder (2), the hollowed-out cylinder (2) is rotatably installed inside the yellowing cylinder (1), and limit rings (21) are fixedly connected to both sides of the hollowed-out cylinder (2). The yellowing cylinder (1) is equipped with a driving part that cooperates with the limiting ring (21) to drive the hollow cylinder (2) to rotate. The displacement section is located at the top of the yellowing cylinder (1). The displacement section is used to create a negative pressure environment inside the hollow cylinder (2) so that external airflow can enter and pass through the hollow cylinder (2). The light-touch section includes multiple sets of elastic airbags (42), which have pulse motion in the direction of the axis of the hollow cylinder (2).

2. The automated yellowing equipment for yellow tea according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving unit includes a driving shaft (3), which is rotatably connected between the two ends of the inner cavity of the yellowing cylinder (1). Both sides of the driving shaft (3) are fixedly connected to driving rollers (31). The two sets of driving rollers (31) are aligned with the two side limiting rings (21), and the driving rollers (31) and the limiting rings (21) are tightly fitted together. Both sides of the inner wall of the yellowing cylinder (1) are fixedly connected to limiting slides (22). The two side limiting rings (21) are rotatably mounted in the two side limiting slides (22), that is, the hollow cylinder (2) rotates on the two side limiting slides (22). The outer wall of the yellowing cylinder (1) is fixedly connected to a driving motor (32), and the output shaft of the driving motor (32) is fixedly connected to the end of the driving shaft (3).

3. The automated yellowing equipment for yellow tea according to claim 2, characterized in that, The light-pulling part includes a first light-pulling cavity (4) and a second light-pulling cavity (41) opened circumferentially along the inner wall of the hollow cylinder (2). The first light-pulling cavity (4) and the second light-pulling cavity (41) are alternately arranged with the same spacing and number. Multiple sets of elastic airbags (42) are fixedly connected in the first light-pulling cavity (4) and the second light-pulling cavity (41) respectively. Both sides of the outer wall of the hollow cylinder (2) are fixedly connected with air guide rings (43). A first air guide groove (431) communicating with each set of first light-pulling cavities (4) is opened in one side of the air guide ring (43), and a second air guide groove (432) communicating with each set of second light-pulling cavities (41) is opened in the other side of the air guide ring (43). The limiting rings (21) on both sides are respectively provided with air guide parts that alternately draw air into the first air guide groove (431) and the second air guide groove (432).

4. The automated yellowing equipment for yellow tea according to claim 3, characterized in that, The air guide section includes piston grooves (5) that are axially spaced at equal intervals along the outer wall of the two side limiting rings (21). Each set of piston grooves (5) is slidably connected to a piston plate (51). A first spring (52) is fixedly connected between the bottom of the piston plate (51) and the bottom of the inner cavity of the piston groove (5). Each set of piston grooves (5) on one side limiting ring (21) is connected to the first air guide groove (431) through a first air guide pipe (53). Each set of piston grooves (5) on the other side limiting ring (21) is connected to the second air guide groove (432) through a second air guide pipe (54). The two side driving rollers (31) alternately contact the piston plates (51) on the two side limiting rings (21).

5. The automated yellowing equipment for yellow tea according to claim 1, characterized in that, The replacement part includes a piston chamber (6), which is fixedly connected to the top of the yellowing cylinder (1). A magnetic slide plate (61) is slidably connected inside the piston chamber (6). A second spring (62) is fixedly connected between the top of the magnetic slide plate (61) and the top of the piston chamber (6). Both sides of the upper cavity of the piston chamber (6) are fixedly connected to suction pipes (63). The input ends of the two sets of suction pipes (63) are located at the top of the cavity formed by the yellowing cylinder (1) and the hollow cylinder (2). Both sides are provided with one-way valves in the air intake pipe (63), the top of the piston chamber (6) is fixed and connected to the exhaust pipe (66), and the exhaust pipe (66) is installed with one-way valves. Magnetic plates (64) are fixedly connected at equal intervals along the circumference of the outer wall of the hollow cylinder (2). The magnetic plates (64) and the magnetic slide plate (61) are magnetically repelled. Both sides of the yellowing cylinder (1) are fixed and connected to the air intake pipe (65), and both sides of the air intake pipe (65) are provided with one-way valves.

6. The automated yellowing equipment for yellow tea according to claim 5, characterized in that, A water storage tank (8) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the yellowing cylinder (1). A liquid supply pipe (81) is fixedly connected inside the water storage tank (8). The liquid supply pipe (81) extends through into the hollow cylinder (2). The central axis of the liquid supply pipe (81) coincides with that of the hollow cylinder (2). The liquid supply pipe (81) and the hollow cylinder (2) are rotatably connected. That is, the hollow cylinder (2) rotates around the liquid supply pipe (81). A water supply pump (82) is installed on the liquid supply pipe (81) located inside the water storage tank (8). Multiple sets of atomizing spray pipes (83) are fixed at equal intervals at the top of the liquid supply pipe (81) located inside the hollow cylinder (2). One set of air inlet pipes (65) passes through the bottom of the water storage tank (8).

7. The automated yellowing equipment for yellow tea according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the yellowing cylinder (1) is fixedly connected to a water collection tank (7), the bottom of the water collection tank (7) is fixed and connected to a wastewater pipe (71), and the water collection tank (7) is located directly below the entire hollow area of ​​the hollow cylinder (2).

8. The automated yellowing equipment for yellow tea according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the yellowing tube (1) and the hollow tube (2) have open ends. The open end of the hollow tube (2) extends into the open end of the yellowing tube (1), and the outer wall of the open end of the hollow tube (2) is in contact with the inner wall of the open end of the yellowing tube (1) and rotates. An outer cap (23) for sealing its open end is rotatably connected to the outer wall of the yellowing tube (1). Magnetic plates (24) are fixedly connected to both sides of the inner wall of the open end of the hollow tube (2). An inner sealing plate (25) is inserted into the open end of the hollow tube (2). The inner sealing plate (25) and the magnetic plates (24) are magnetically attracted to each other, and the outer arc wall of the inner sealing plate (25) is in contact with the inner arc wall of the hollow tube (2).

9. The automated yellowing equipment for yellow tea according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a movable base (9), on which two sets of positioning plates (91) are fixedly connected to the top of the open end of the yellowing cylinder (1). Hinges (92) are fixedly connected to both sides of the bottom of the open end of the yellowing cylinder (1). The top of the positioning plate (91) is rotatably connected to the hinge (92). The other end of the top of the movable base (9) is rotatably connected to a discharge cylinder (93). The top of the telescopic end of the discharge cylinder (93) is rotatably connected to the bottom of the yellowing cylinder (1) through a rotating seat (94). That is, when the discharge cylinder (93) telescopically extends, the entire yellowing cylinder (1) rotates around the hinge point of the positioning plate (91) and the hinge (92).

10. An automated yellowing process for yellow tea, employing an automated yellowing device for yellow tea as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Put the tea leaves to be fermented into the hollow tube (2), and then seal the fermentation environment; Step 2: Adjust the temperature and humidity in the sultry environment; Step 3: During the temperature and humidity control process, gently turn the tea leaves. Step 4: Tilt the yellowing tube (1) and the hollow tube (2) toward their open ends to complete the unloading of the product.

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