Automatic decocting method

Abstract

The application discloses an automatic decocting method, comprising the following steps: S1, providing a decocting production line; S2, pressing medicine after water is added into a decocting pot; S3, covering a pot cover on the upper opening of the decocting pot; S4, moving the decocting pot away from the input conveying line and placing the decocting pot on a decocting platform by the action of an outer pot moving device; S5, after decocting is completed, suspending the inner pot on a medicine draining hanging plate and supporting the outer pot below the inner pot to drain medicine; S6, after medicine draining is completed, moving the outer pot to the medicine supplementing mechanism to pour and supplement medicine; S7, moving the outer pot on the medicine supplementing mechanism to the medicine draining device; S8, taking down the outer pot from the inner pot and moving the outer pot to the output conveying line; and S9, taking down the decocting pot on the output conveying line, cleaning the decocting pot and placing the decocting pot on the input conveying line. The automatic decocting method can be suitable for the automatic decocting of bulk Chinese herbal medicine and medicine bags, and the decocting effect is better.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automated decoction method for automatically decocting bulk or packaged Chinese herbal medicines. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of the pharmaceutical field and the advancement of medical techniques, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained widespread attention, and the demand for Chinese herbal medicines is increasing. However, the decoction process of Chinese herbal medicines has certain requirements regarding the decoction utensils, heat, water, and cooking method, and the decoction time is relatively long. To adapt to modern life and social needs, automated production lines are usually adopted to improve production efficiency. Patent application CN120346110A discloses an automatic decoction system for Chinese herbal medicines. This automatic decoction system includes a dispensing unit, a decoction unit, a lifting and squeezing unit, a medicine-pouring and packaging unit, a medicine-removing unit, a cleaning unit, a transfer unit, and a transport unit. Under the control of the control system, the decoction pot on the decoction unit is transferred to the lifting and squeezing unit to squeeze the medicine package, then the medicine is poured and packaged in the packaging unit, and finally the decoction pot is cleaned in the cleaning unit via the transport unit before returning to the dispensing unit. The decoction pot includes an outer pot and an inner support; the decoction unit includes a capping mechanism, which includes a fixing component, a pot lid, and a pressure plate. However, this automatic decoction system has the following drawbacks: 1. This decoction pot is actually suitable for decocting whole packets of Chinese medicine. During decoction, the sealing element of the medicine packet seals the packet, wraps it around the bottom of the connecting rod, and then clamps the end into the clamping element. This ensures that the medicine packet remains close to the bottom plate of the inner support assembly during the decoction process and does not float due to the buoyancy of the water in the decoction pot. However, this decoction pot is not suitable for bulk Chinese medicine or herbs, because after decoction, it is difficult to separate the Chinese medicine or herbs from the liquid after lifting the inner support assembly. 2. The operation of this decoction pot is relatively complicated each time it is used, requiring the medicine packet to be wrapped around the connecting rod once and then clamped by the clamping element. Therefore, it is difficult to integrate with automated dispensing production lines. 3. The pressure plate mechanism (fixed parts, pot lid, and pressure plate) is located directly above the heating module, meaning water is injected at the heating station. Since the heating module is generally powered, any malfunction in the water injection process, such as leaks or overflows in the water injection pipes, can easily lead to electrical leakage or short circuits. 4. The water inlet is located below the pot lid, spraying onto the pressure plate, but it cannot thoroughly clean the pressure plate. This is especially problematic when loose Chinese herbs are placed in the decoction pot. When the pressure plate is pressed down, it pushes the herbs into the water, but when it is lifted, the herbs may adhere to the bottom of the pressure plate, which the water inlet cannot clean. 5. The lid of the pressing plate is always above the pressing plate. In continuous production, when each decoction pot is under the pressing plate, the lid will descend and cover the top of the decoction pot. Therefore, the height of the entire mechanism is very high. The decoction station can generally only be set up in one row in the vertical direction. Multiple decoction pots always share one lid. This causes the decoction water to form water vapor during the decoction process. This water vapor will condense on the lid, and the lid is difficult to clean. Therefore, when the production line decocts different prescriptions, it may cause cross-contamination and affect the efficacy of the medicine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an automatic decoction method that is suitable for the automated decoction of both bulk Chinese herbs and medicine packets, and has a better decoction effect.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution of the present invention is: an automatic decoction method, comprising the following steps:

[0005] S1. A decoction production line is provided, including an input conveyor line and an output conveyor line for conveying a decoction pot. The decoction pot includes an outer pot and an inner pot placed inside the outer pot. The bottom of the inner pot is provided with a hollowed-out mesh structure. The upper edge of the inner pot is folded outward to form an overlapping edge, which is placed on the mouth of the outer pot. A clamping plate for clamping onto a chuck is installed at the lower part of the outer pot. The chuck is placed on the input conveyor line. A water injection station and a medicine pressing station are provided on the conveying route of the input conveyor line. A water injection and medicine pressing machine for injecting water and pressing medicine into the decoction pot is provided at the water injection station and the medicine pressing station.

[0006] The pot lid transfer device, located downstream of the water injection and pressing machine, is used to place the pot lid on the buffer platform onto the upper opening of the inner pot of the decoction pot on the input conveyor line, or to remove the pot lid from the decoction pot on the output conveyor line and place it on the buffer platform or onto the upper opening of the inner pot of the decoction pot on the input conveyor line.

[0007] A decoction device is set downstream of the pot lid transfer device, and the decoction device is equipped with multiple decoction platforms for heating the decoction pot.

[0008] The decoction device is located downstream of the decoction device. The decoction device includes a decoction frame, a decoction hanging plate on the decoction frame, and a U-shaped decoction groove on the decoction hanging plate. The size of the decoction groove is larger than the diameter of the outer pot but smaller than the diameter of the inner pot's rim to facilitate the hanging of the inner pot.

[0009] The Chinese medicine packaging machine, located downstream of the decoction device, is used to automatically package the decoction liquid. The Chinese medicine packaging machine is equipped with a pouring and replenishing mechanism for pouring the liquid from the outer pot into the medicine chamber of the Chinese medicine packaging machine.

[0010] An outer pot transfer device for transferring the outer pot of a decoction pot includes an outer pot transfer frame horizontally slidably mounted on a ground rail. The ground rail extends parallel to the conveying direction of the input conveyor line and connects to the output end and input front end of the output conveyor line. The outer pot transfer frame is driven by a longitudinal transfer power device. The movement range of the outer pot transfer frame covers the decoction device, the slurry device, and the traditional Chinese medicine packaging machine. A vertically lifting and sliding outer pot transfer mechanism is mounted on the outer pot transfer frame. The outer pot lifting and transfer seat is driven by an outer pot lifting and transfer power device. An outer pot transverse transfer seat is slidably mounted on the outer pot lifting and transfer seat. The outer pot transverse transfer seat is driven by an outer pot transverse transfer power device. An outer pot rotating transfer double fork arm is rotatably mounted on the outer pot transverse transfer seat. The outer pot rotating transfer double fork arm is driven by a rotation power device to switch between an avoidance state and a pick-up and put-down state. The card plate is provided with slot blocks to facilitate the insertion of the outer pot rotating transfer double fork arm.

[0011] S2. The decoction pot containing Chinese herbal medicine is transported by the input conveyor line to the water injection station for water injection. After water injection, it is moved to the pressing station for pressing the medicine, so that the Chinese herbal medicine in the decoction pot is pressed into the water and soaked.

[0012] S3. The input conveyor line continues to transport the water-filled decoction pot to the lid transfer device, which moves the lid to the top of the decoction pot and closes it.

[0013] S4. The input conveyor line outputs the decoction pot with the lid closed to the end position. The outer pot transfer device moves to insert the outer pot rotating transfer double fork arm into the slot block of the decoction pot and lift it, so that the decoction pot is separated from the input conveyor line. Then the outer pot rotating transfer double fork arm rotates to make the decoction pot avoid the downstream decoction device. The outer pot transfer frame moves along the ground rail to correspond to the decoction position of the decoction device. The outer pot rotating transfer double fork arm rotates again and, in conjunction with the lifting and horizontal movement, places the decoction pot on the corresponding decoction platform.

[0014] S5. The decoction platform starts the decoction process. After the decoction is completed, the outer pot transfer device removes the decoction pot from the decoction platform and moves it to the draining device. The inner pot is then suspended on the draining plate, and the outer pot is supported to drain the medicine below the inner pot.

[0015] S6. After the decoction is completed, the outer pot transfer device moves the outer pot to the pouring and replenishing mechanism of the Chinese medicine packaging machine and separates it from the outer pot; the pouring and replenishing mechanism clamps the outer pot and flips it to pour the liquid into the medicine chamber, and resets after pouring and replenishing.

[0016] S7. The outer pot transfer device's outer pot rotating transfer double fork arm is inserted into the slot block of the decoction pot to lift and rotate the outer pot on the pouring and replenishing mechanism and move it to the medicine draining device.

[0017] S8. The outer pot transfer device drives the outer pot to rise and move so that the outer pot is fitted outside the inner pot. Then it continues to rise to remove the inner pot from the decanting plate and move it to the output conveyor line.

[0018] S9. Remove the decoction pot from the output conveyor line, clean it, and then place it on the input conveyor line.

[0019] The preferred step in step S2, specifically the steps for pressing the drug at the pressing station, are as follows:

[0020] S21. Use the liftable pressing plate to lower the herb into the decoction pot and squeeze the Chinese herbs at least once.

[0021] S22. After pressing the medicine, the pressing plate stays in the cleaning position. At this time, the pressing plate is higher than the liquid level and lower than the top of the decoction pot.

[0022] S23. Use the upper spray head to rinse the upper surface of the pressing plate from top to bottom; the rinsing liquid flows into the decoction pot and is used for decocting the medicine.

[0023] S24. The pressure plate rises to the initial position, and the cleaning water tank moves horizontally to directly below the lower pressure plate. The lower spray head in the cleaning water tank rinses the lower surface of the pressure plate from bottom to top. The rinsing liquid flows into the cleaning water tank and is discharged. After cleaning, the cleaning water tank moves back to the clearance position.

[0024] Therefore, the above cleaning process can better clean the upper and lower surfaces of the medicine pressing plate, avoid cross-contamination when decocting different prescriptions, and also prevent loose Chinese herbal medicine residues from adhering to the medicine pressing plate.

[0025] Preferably, in step S3, the specific method by which the pot lid transfer device transfers the pot lid is as follows:

[0026] When the herbal formula in the decoction pot remains unchanged, the pot lid transfer device transfers the pot lid from the decoction pot on the output conveyor line; if the conveying rhythm of the decoction pot on the input conveyor line is slower than that on the output conveyor line, the pot lid transfer device will transfer the pot lid from the decoction pot on the output conveyor line to the buffer rack for stacking and buffering, and then place the pot lids on the buffer rack onto the decoction pot on the input conveyor line in sequence.

[0027] When the herbal formula in the decoction pot is changed, all the decoction pots on the output conveyor line are output, and the pot lids that have been cleaned are placed on the buffer rack. The pot lid transfer device directly places the pot lids on the buffer rack onto the decoction pots on the input conveyor line in sequence.

[0028] This optimizes the transfer route of the pot lid. When the recipe is the same, the pot lid can be reused without contamination, while when the recipe changes, a new pot lid is used to reduce contamination.

[0029] Preferably, in step S5, the outer pot is also weighed during the decoction process. The specific weighing procedure is as follows: after the inner pot is suspended on the decoction plate, the outer pot transfer device lowers the outer pot, causing it to fall onto the weighing platform. The weighing platform then rises to lift the outer pot for weighing, and the result is used to determine whether the decoction has reached the preset standard. Weighing allows monitoring of the weight of the liquid in the outer pot, preventing insufficient liquid due to platform malfunction; it also monitors the decoction process. If the weight remains unchanged within a preset time during weighing, the decoction is complete.

[0030] Preferably, in step S8, the outer pot transfer device removes the inner pot from the dredging plate and moves the outer pot to the end of the input conveyor line. Then, the transverse station switching device at the end of the input conveyor line lifts the outer pot. At the same time, the transverse station switching device at the beginning of the output conveyor line lifts and connects with the transverse station switching device at the end of the input conveyor line. Then, the transverse station switching device uses the transverse conveyor belt to transport the outer pot from the input conveyor line to the output conveyor line.

[0031] Preferably, in step S9, the cleaned decoction pot is placed on the output conveyor line. A lateral station switching device is also installed at the end of the output conveyor line and the beginning of the input conveyor line, connecting them to each other. The decoction pot on the output conveyor line is switched and sent to the input conveyor line via the lateral station switching device. Through the aforementioned lateral station switching device, the translational switching of the decoction pot between the two conveyor lines can be achieved.

[0032] After adopting the above technical solution, the effects of this invention are as follows: Compared with the prior art, this automatic decoction method has at least the following advantages: 1. This automatic decoction method is suitable for decocting herbs in both bulk and bagged states; water injection, pressing, and decoction are performed at different stations, avoiding cross-contamination, improving decoction efficiency and safety, and allowing the pressed herbs to have more thorough contact with water, accelerating the dissolution rate of active ingredients; 2. In this automatic decoction method, the pot lid remains on the decoction pot during decoction, eliminating the need for lifting or lowering, allowing the decoction platform to be set up with a multi-layered structure, making full use of space; 3. This automatic decoction method includes a slurry operation, minimizing the residue of the decoction in the dregs and increasing the yield; 4. This automatic decoction method uses an insert-type transfer method for the outer pot, making the entire operation very convenient and reliable. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a top view of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the water-injection press and the pot lid transfer device;

[0037] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional view of the decoction device, the slurry device, the Chinese medicine packaging machine, and the outer pot transfer device;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a 3D view of the pot lid transfer device;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the leaching device;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view of the outer pot transfer device;

[0041] Figure 8 This is a 3D view of the horizontal workstation switching device;

[0042] Figure 9 It is a 3D diagram of a decoction pot;

[0043] Figure 10 It is a 3D diagram of a decoction pot;

[0044] Figure 11 It is a 3D diagram of a water-injection pressure medicine machine;

[0045] Figure 12 It is a 3D view that hides the water injection machine frame;

[0046] Figure 13 This is a magnified view of a portion of the installation of the cleaning sink;

[0047] In the attached diagram: 1. Input conveyor line; 2. Output conveyor line; 3. Water injection and pressing machine; 31. Water injection frame; 32. Water injection nozzle; 33. Pressing plate; 34. Water injection pump; 35. Water injection pipeline; 36. Upper cleaning branch pipe; 37. Lower cleaning branch pipe; 38. Cleaning water tank; 39. Water tank horizontal drive device; 310. Lower cleaning spray ring pipe; 311. Lower spray head; 312. Upper cleaning spray ring pipe; 313. Upper spray head; 314. Pressing lifting slide; 315. Pressing lifting power device; 4. Pot lid transfer device; 41. Pot lid transfer frame; 42. Pot lid transverse slide; 43. Pot lid transverse power device. 44. Pot lid lifting rod; 45. Positioning rod; 46. Air nozzle clamp; 5. Outer pot transfer device; 51. Outer pot transfer frame; 52. Outer pot lifting and transfer seat; 53. Outer pot lifting and transfer power unit; 54. Outer pot transverse transfer seat; 55. Outer pot transverse transfer power unit; 56. Outer pot rotating transfer double fork arm; 57. Rotating power unit; 6. Decoction device; 7. Draining device; 71. Draining plate; 72. Draining trough; 73. Weighing lifting seat; 74. Weighing lifting power unit; 75. Weighing sensor; 76. Weighing platform; 77. Draining frame; 8. Traditional Chinese medicine packaging machine; 9. Transverse workstation Switching device; 91. Switching fixed seat; 92. Lifting switching seat; 93. Lifting switching drive cylinder; 94. Switching drive shaft; 95. Lateral switching motor; 96. Switching conveyor belt; 10. Decoction pot; 101. Outer pot; 1011. Outer guide slope; 1012. Outer cylindrical section; 1013. Chuck; 102. Inner pot; 1021. Inner guide slope; 1022. Inner cylindrical section; 1023. Overlap; 103. Pot lid; 104. Chesing plate; 105. Slot block; 106. Exhaust nozzle; 107. Inner convex ring; 108. Circulation gap; 109. Guide block; 1010. Perforated plate; 11. Tilting and replenishing mechanism; 111. Tilting seat; 112. Tilting power device; 113. Clamping device. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The present invention will be further described in detail below through specific embodiments.

[0049] like Figures 1 to 13 As shown, an automated decoction method includes the following steps:

[0050] S1. A decoction production line is provided, including an input conveyor line 1 and an output conveyor line 2 for conveying a decoction pot 10. The decoction pot 10 includes an outer pot 101 and an inner pot 102 placed inside the outer pot 101. The bottom of the inner pot 102 is provided with a hollow mesh structure. The upper edge of the inner pot 102 is folded outward to form an overlapping edge, which is placed on the mouth of the outer pot 101. A clamping plate for clamping on a chuck is installed at the lower part of the outer pot 101. The chuck is placed on the input conveyor line 1. A water injection station and a medicine pressing station are provided on the conveying route of the input conveyor line 1. A water injection and medicine pressing machine 3 for injecting water and pressing medicine into the decoction pot 10 is provided at the water injection station and the medicine pressing station.

[0051] The pot lid transfer device 4, located downstream of the water injection and pressing medicine machine 3, is used to place the pot lid on the buffer platform onto the upper opening of the inner pot 102 of the decoction pot 10 on the input conveyor line 1, or to remove the pot lid from the decoction pot 10 on the output conveyor line 2 and place it on the buffer platform or onto the upper opening of the inner pot 102 of the decoction pot 10 on the input conveyor line 1.

[0052] A decoction device 6 is set downstream of the pot lid transfer device 4. The decoction device 6 is equipped with multiple decoction platforms for heating the decoction pot 10.

[0053] The decoction device 7 is located downstream of the decoction device 6. The decoction device 7 includes a decoction frame, a decoction hanging plate on the decoction frame, and a U-shaped decoction hanging groove on the decoction hanging plate. The size of the decoction hanging groove is larger than the diameter of the outer pot 101 but smaller than the diameter of the inner pot 102's rim, which facilitates the hanging of the inner pot 102.

[0054] The Chinese medicine packaging machine 8, located downstream of the decoction device 7, is used to automatically package the decoction liquid. The Chinese medicine packaging machine 8 is equipped with a pouring and replenishing mechanism 11 for pouring the decoction liquid in the outer pot 101 into the medicine chamber of the Chinese medicine packaging machine 8.

[0055] An outer pot 101 transfer device 5 is used for transferring the outer pot 101 of the decoction pot 10. The outer pot 101 transfer device 5 includes an outer pot 101 transfer frame that is horizontally slidably mounted on a ground rail. The extension direction of the ground rail is parallel to the conveying direction of the input conveyor line 1 and is connected to the output end of the input conveyor line 1 and the input front end of the output conveyor line 2. The outer pot 101 transfer frame is driven by a longitudinal transfer power device. The movement range of the outer pot 101 transfer frame covers the decoction device 6, the slurry device 7, and the traditional Chinese medicine packaging machine 8. A vertically lifting and sliding outer pot 101 transfer device is mounted on the outer pot 101 transfer frame. The carrier includes a lifting and transferring base for the outer pot 101, driven by a lifting and transferring power device for the outer pot 101. A transverse transferring base for the outer pot 101 is slidably mounted on the lifting and transferring base, driven by a transverse transferring power device for the outer pot 101. A rotating transferring double fork arm for the outer pot 101 is rotatably mounted on the transverse transferring base for the outer pot 101. The rotating transferring double fork arm is driven by a rotating power device to switch between an avoidance state and a pick-and-place state. The card plate is provided with slot blocks for easy insertion of the rotating transferring double fork arm for the outer pot 101.

[0056] S2. The decoction pot 10 with added Chinese herbal medicine is conveyed by the input conveyor line 1 to the water injection station for water injection. After water injection, it moves to the pressing station for pressing the medicine, so that the Chinese herbal medicine in the decoction pot 10 is pressed into the water and soaked.

[0057] S3. The input conveyor line 1 continues to convey the decoction pot 10 that has been filled with water to the pot lid transfer device 4. The pot lid transfer device 4 moves the pot lid to the top of the decoction pot 10 and closes it.

[0058] S4. The input conveyor line 1 outputs the decoction pot 10 with the lid closed to the end position. The outer pot 101 transfer device 5 operates to insert the outer pot 101 rotating transfer double fork arm into the slot block of the decoction pot 10 and lift it, so that the decoction pot 10 is separated from the input conveyor line 1. Then the outer pot 101 rotating transfer double fork arm rotates to make the decoction pot 10 avoid the downstream decoction device 6. The outer pot 101 transfer frame moves along the ground rail to correspond to the decoction position of the decoction device 6. The outer pot 101 rotating transfer double fork arm rotates again and, in conjunction with lifting and horizontal movement, places the decoction pot 10 on the corresponding decoction platform.

[0059] S5. The decoction platform starts to decoct the medicine. After the decoction is completed, the outer pot 101 transfer device 5 moves the decoction pot 10 from the decoction platform and moves it to the medicine draining device 7 to suspend the inner pot 102 on the medicine draining plate and support the outer pot 101 to be below the inner pot 102 for medicine draining.

[0060] S6. After the decoction is completed, the outer pot 101 transfer device 5 moves the outer pot 101 to the pouring and replenishing mechanism 11 of the Chinese medicine packaging machine 8 and separates it from the outer pot 101; the pouring and replenishing mechanism 11 clamps the outer pot 101 and flips it to pour the medicine into the medicine chamber, and resets after pouring and replenishing.

[0061] S7. The outer pot 101 transfer device 5 rotates and transfers the double fork arm into the slot block of the decoction pot 10, lifting and rotating the outer pot 101 on the pouring and replenishing mechanism 11 and moving it to the medicine draining device 7.

[0062] S8. The outer pot 101 transfer device 5 drives the outer pot 101 to rise and move, and puts the outer pot 101 on the outside of the inner pot 102. Then it continues to rise to remove the inner pot 102 from the decanting plate and move it to the output conveyor line 2.

[0063] S9. Remove the decoction pot 10 from the output conveyor line 2, clean it, and place it on the input conveyor line 1.

[0064] The preferred step in step S2, specifically the steps for pressing the drug at the pressing station, are as follows:

[0065] S21. The medicine is pressed down into the decoction pot 10 using a lifting and lowering plate to squeeze the Chinese herbs at least once.

[0066] S22. After pressing the medicine, the pressing plate stays in the cleaning position. At this time, the pressing plate is higher than the liquid level and lower than the top of the decoction pot 10.

[0067] S23. Use the upper spray head 313 to rinse the upper surface of the pressing plate from top to bottom; the rinsing liquid flows into the decoction pot 10 and is used for decoction.

[0068] S24. The pressure plate rises to the initial position, and the cleaning water tank 38 moves horizontally to directly below the lower pressure plate. The lower spray head 311 located in the cleaning water tank 38 rinses the lower surface of the pressure plate from bottom to top. The rinsing liquid flows into the cleaning water tank 38 and is discharged. After cleaning, the cleaning water tank 38 retreats to the clearance position.

[0069] Therefore, the above cleaning process can better clean the upper and lower surfaces of the medicine pressing plate, avoid cross-contamination when decocting different prescriptions, and also prevent loose Chinese herbal medicine residues from adhering to the medicine pressing plate.

[0070] Preferably, in step S3, the pot lid transfer device 4 transfers the pot lid in the following manner:

[0071] When the herbal medicine formula in the decoction pot 10 remains unchanged, the lid transfer device 4 transfers the lid of the decoction pot 10 on the output conveyor line 2; if the conveying rhythm of the decoction pot 10 on the input conveyor line 1 is slower than the conveying rhythm of the output conveyor line 2, the lid transfer device 4 transfers the lid of the decoction pot 10 on the output conveyor line 2 to the buffer rack for stacking and buffering, and then places the lids on the buffer rack onto the decoction pot 10 on the input conveyor line 1 in sequence.

[0072] When the herbal medicine formula in the decoction pot 10 is changed, all the decoction pots 10 on the output conveyor line 2 are output, and the pot lids that have been cleaned are placed on the buffer rack. The pot lid transfer device 4 directly places the pot lids on the buffer rack onto the decoction pots 10 on the input conveyor line 1 in sequence.

[0073] This optimizes the transfer route of the pot lid. When the recipe is the same, the pot lid can be reused without contamination, while when the recipe changes, a new pot lid is used to reduce contamination.

[0074] Preferably, in step S5, the outer pot 101 is also weighed during the decoction process. The specific weighing procedure is as follows: after the inner pot 102 is suspended on the decoction hanging plate, the outer pot 101 transfer device 5 lowers the outer pot 101, causing it to fall onto the weighing platform. The weighing platform then rises to lift the outer pot 101 for weighing, and the weighing result is used to determine whether the decoction has reached the preset standard. Weighing allows monitoring of the weight of the medicinal liquid inside the outer pot 101, preventing insufficient liquid volume due to platform malfunction; it also monitors the decoction process. When the weight remains unchanged within a preset time during weighing, it indicates that the decoction is complete.

[0075] Preferably, in step S8, the outer pot 101 transfer device 5 removes the inner pot 102 from the dredging plate and moves the outer pot 101 to the end of the input conveyor line 1. Then, the transverse station switching device 9 at the end of the input conveyor line 1 lifts the outer pot 101. At the same time, the transverse station switching device 9 at the beginning of the output conveyor line 2 lifts and connects with the transverse station switching device 9 at the end of the input conveyor line 1. Then, the transverse station switching device 9 uses the transverse conveyor belt to transport the outer pot 101 from the input conveyor line 1 to the output conveyor line 2.

[0076] Preferably, in step S9, the cleaned decoction pot 10 is placed on the output conveyor line 2. A transverse station switching device 9, interconnected with each other, is also provided at the end of the output conveyor line 2 and the beginning of the input conveyor line 1. The decoction pot 10 on the output conveyor line 2 is switched and fed onto the input conveyor line 1 via the transverse station switching device 9. Through the aforementioned transverse station switching device 9, the translational switching of the decoction pot 10 between the two conveyor lines can be achieved.

[0077] like Figures 1 to 13As shown, this embodiment also discloses a decoction production line, including an input conveyor line 1 and an output conveyor line 2 for conveying the decoction pot 10.

[0078] In this embodiment, the input conveyor line 1 and the output conveyor line 2 are arranged in parallel to each other. The input front end, the output end of the input conveyor line 1, the input front end and the output end of the output conveyor line 2 are all equipped with a lateral workstation switching device 9. The lateral workstation switching device 9 is used to raise and lower the decoction pots 10 at both ends of the input conveyor line 1 and the output conveyor line 2 and switch their lateral positions. Therefore, the lateral positions of the decoction pots 10 on the input conveyor line 1 and the output conveyor line 2 can be switched, optimizing the spatial layout and reducing the equipment footprint.

[0079] Both the input conveyor line 1 and the output conveyor line 2 include conveyor tracks, and conveyor belts driven by conveyor servo motors are installed on the conveyor tracks. When the chuck of the decoction pot 10 is placed on the conveyor track, it will be driven to move linearly by the conveyor belt.

[0080] like Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the lateral workstation switching device 9 is used to laterally switch the decoction pot 10 between the input conveyor line 1 and the output conveyor line 2.

[0081] The transverse workstation switching device 9 includes a switching fixed base 91, which is fixed on the conveyor frame of the input conveyor line 1 and the output conveyor line 2. A lifting switching base 92 is mounted on the switching fixed base 91. A lifting switching drive cylinder 93 is provided between the switching fixed base 91 and the lifting switching base 92. A pair of transverse switching conveyor pulleys are rotatably mounted on the upper end of the lifting switching base 92. A switching drive shaft 94 and a transverse switching motor 95 that drives the switching drive shaft 94 are rotatably mounted on the lifting switching base 92. A switching conveyor belt 96 is installed between the transverse switching conveyor pulleys and the switching drive shaft 94. During the switching process, the lifting switching drive cylinder 93 drives the lifting switching seat 92 to rise, thereby lifting the decoction pot 10 away from the conveyor track. Then, the lateral switching motor 95 drives the switching conveyor belt 96 to move the decoction pot 10 laterally to the lifting switching seat 92 of another lateral workstation switching device 9 on the adjacent conveyor line. After the transfer is completed, the other lifting switching seat 92 descends, thereby lowering the decoction pot 10 onto the conveyor track of the conveyor line, thus completing the lateral workstation switching.

[0082] like Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the decoction pot 10 includes an outer pot 101, inside which is placed an inner pot 102. The bottom of the inner pot 102 is provided with a perforated mesh structure, which is a perforated mesh plate 1010, and is detachably fixed to the bottom of the pot by bolts and an outer ring. The upper edge of the inner pot 102 is folded outward to form an overhang 1023, which rests on the mouth of the outer pot 101. The lower part of the outer pot 101 is equipped with a clamping plate 104 for clamping onto a chuck 1013, which is placed on the input conveyor line 1.

[0083] The inner pot 102 is also provided with an inwardly arched inner convex ring 107, which is located in the upper half of the inner pot 102. A circulation gap 108 is provided between the inner pot 102 and the outer pot 101. The inner convex ring 107 is provided with several internal circulation holes, which connect the circulation gap 108 to the inner cavity of the inner pot 102. A pot lid 103 is placed at the upper opening of the inner pot 102. A concentric guide structure is also provided between the outer pot 101 and the inner pot 102. Therefore, when heating, hot water flows through the internal circulation holes between the circulation gap 108 and the inner cavity, so that the medicinal materials are heated evenly and decocted more thoroughly. At the same time, due to the presence of the inner convex ring 107, any bubbles that may be generated during decoction will also hit the inner convex ring 107 and break, thereby avoiding the overflow phenomenon and improving the safety of decoction. After decoction, the inner pot 102 can be lifted to separate the dregs from the liquid.

[0084] The concentric guide structure includes an inclined inner guide slope 1021 disposed at the bottom of the inner pot 102. The upper end of the inner guide slope 1021 is connected to the side wall of the inner pot 102, and the lower end of the inner guide slope 1021 is connected to an inner cylindrical section 1022 with a diameter smaller than that of the side wall of the inner pot 102. Correspondingly, an inclined outer guide slope 1011 is disposed at the bottom of the outer pot 101. The upper end of the outer guide slope 1011 is connected to the side wall of the outer pot 101. The lower end is connected to the outer cylindrical section 1012 with a diameter smaller than that of the outer pot 101 sidewall. The outer guide slope 1011 is discretely provided with guide blocks 109 that cooperate with the inclined inner guide slope 1021. Therefore, by cooperating with the inclined inner guide slope 1021 of the inner pot 102 through the guide block 109, the inner pot 102 can automatically center itself after being placed in. In this way, the circulation gap 108 between the inner pot 102 and the sidewall of the outer pot 101 is more uniform, the flow of the medicine is smoother, and the decoction effect is further improved.

[0085] The input conveying line 1 is equipped with a water injection station and a medicine pressing station. The water injection station and the medicine pressing station are equipped with a water injection and medicine pressing machine 3 for injecting water and pressing medicine into the decoction pot 10.

[0086] like Figures 11 to 13As shown, the water-injecting and pressing machine 3 includes a water-injecting frame 31. A water-injection system is installed on the water-injection frame 31 to inject water into the decoction pot 10 at the water-injection station. The outlet of the water-injection system is located at the water-injection station to inject water into the decoction pot 10. A pressing plate 33 is vertically and slidably mounted on the water-injection frame 31 at the pressing station via a pressing lifting slide 314. The pressing plate 33 is driven by a pressing lifting power device 315. The frame is also equipped with a cleaning device for cleaning the upper and lower parts of the pressing plate 33. The pressing lifting power device 315 includes a motor and a synchronous belt. The motor drives the synchronous belt, and the pressing lifting slide 314 is fixed to the surface of the synchronous belt, thereby completing the lifting and sliding motion.

[0087] In this embodiment, the water injection system includes a water injection pump 34 and a water injection pipeline 35. A water injection nozzle 32 is provided at the end of the water injection pipeline 35, and the water injection nozzle 32 is located above the water injection station.

[0088] The cleaning device includes an upper cleaning device and a lower cleaning device. The upper cleaning device includes an upper cleaning spray ring pipe 312 fixedly connected to the pressing and lifting slide 314. The upper cleaning spray ring pipe 312 is located above the pressing plate 33. The upper cleaning spray ring pipe 312 is provided with a plurality of upper spray heads 313 that spray downwards onto the upper surface of the pressing plate 33. The upper spray heads 313 are connected to the inner flow channel of the upper cleaning spray ring pipe 312. The upper cleaning spray ring pipe 312 is connected to the water injection system through an upper cleaning branch pipe 36. Therefore, when the pressing plate 33 descends, the upper cleaning device descends with it and cleans the pressing plate 33 inside the decoction pot 10, preventing herbs from remaining on the upper surface of the pressing plate 33.

[0089] The lower cleaning device includes a cleaning water tank 38, which is mounted on a horizontal slide. The horizontal slide is horizontally slidably mounted on a water injection frame 31. A horizontal driving device 39 for the water tank is installed between the water injection frame 31 and the horizontal slide. This horizontal driving device 39 is a cylinder that drives the horizontal slide to slide, thereby causing the cleaning water tank 38 to slide. The horizontal driving device 39 drives the horizontal slide to slide between the clearance position and the pressing position. When the horizontal slide is at the pressing position, the cleaning water tank 38 is located below the pressing plate 33. The cleaning water tank 38 is equipped with a lower spray structure that sprays water onto the bottom of the pressing plate 33. A drain outlet is provided at the bottom of the cleaning water tank 38. The lower spray structure, connected to the drainage pipe via a flexible hose, includes a lower cleaning spray ring pipe 310 fixed inside the cleaning water tank 38. Several lower spray heads 311 are installed on the lower cleaning spray ring pipe 310, each connected to the inner flow channel of the lower cleaning spray ring pipe 310 and facing upwards. A lower connecting pipe joint is installed on the cleaning water tank 38. One end of the lower connecting pipe joint passes through the cleaning water tank 38 and connects to the lower cleaning spray ring pipe 310, while the other end is exposed outside the cleaning water tank 38 and connected to the water injection system via a flexible hose through a lower cleaning branch pipe 37. Therefore, the upper and lower cleaning devices can perform comprehensive cleaning of the pressing plate 33, avoiding cross-contamination of the medicine and ensuring the hygiene and safety of the decoction.

[0090] The pot lid transfer device 4, located downstream of the water injection and pressing medicine machine 3, is used to place the pot lid 103 on the buffer platform onto the upper opening of the inner pot 102 of the decoction pot 10 on the input conveyor line 1, or to remove the pot lid 103 on the decoction pot 10 on the output conveyor line 2 and place it on the buffer platform or onto the upper opening of the inner pot 102 of the decoction pot 10 on the input conveyor line 1.

[0091] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the buffer platform is hidden in this embodiment. The buffer platform is a placement platform used to store the pot lids 103. Since the top of the pot lid 103 has a vent 106, the vent 106 can be inserted into each other for guidance when the pot lids 103 are stacked, thereby completing the stacking of the pot lids 103.

[0092] The pot lid transfer device 4 includes a pot lid transfer frame 41 spanning the input conveyor line 1 and the output conveyor line 2. A pot lid transverse slide block 42 driven by a pot lid transverse power device 43 is slidably mounted on the pot lid transfer frame 41. A pot lid lifting rod 44 is vertically and slidably mounted on the pot lid transverse slide block 42. The pot lid lifting rod 44 is driven to rise and fall by a pot lid lifting power device. Both the pot lid transverse power device 43 and the pot lid lifting power device are driven by servo motors and synchronous belt drives, which can accurately control the sliding position of the pot lid lifting rod 44 and the pot lid transverse slide block 42.

[0093] The pot lid 103 has a vent 106 at its center. The lower end of the pot lid lifting rod 44 is equipped with a gas nozzle clamp 46 for holding the vent 106. The gas nozzle clamp 46 is a pneumatic clamp. The lower end of the pot lid lifting rod 44 is equipped with a positioning rod 45 that contacts and engages with the upper surface of the pot lid 103. Therefore, when the pot lid lifting rod 44 descends to the bottom, the positioning rod 45 contacts the upper surface of the pot lid 103. At this time, the gas nozzle clamp 46 moves to clamp the gas nozzle, thereby realizing the transfer of the pot lid 103. This pot lid 103 transfer device ensures that the pot lid 103 can be accurately and reliably clamped.

[0094] The pot lid transfer device 4 can move between the buffer rack, the input conveyor line 1 and the output conveyor line 2, so as to selectively pick up the pot lid 103 at the corresponding position according to the actual situation.

[0095] A decoction device 6 is set downstream of the pot lid transfer device 4. The decoction device 6 is equipped with multiple decoction platforms for heating the decoction pot 10.

[0096] The decoction device 6 includes a decoction frame with several electromagnetic heating platforms arranged in at least two layers. The card plate 104 has an embedded through hole, and the outer pot 101 extends into the embedded through hole with its bottom exposed. The bottom of the outer pot 101 has an electromagnetic heating area. The outer pot 101 is welded to the card plate 104 by a welding connecting block. In this embodiment, the decoction pot 10 is placed on the decoction platform, and the outer pot 101 of the decoction pot 10 is heated by electromagnetic heating to achieve decoction. During decoction, the pot lid 103 is placed on the inner pot 102.

[0097] The decoction device 7 is located downstream of the decoction device 6. The decoction device 7 includes a decoction frame 77, on which a decoction hanging plate 71 is provided. The decoction hanging plate 71 is provided with a U-shaped decoction groove 72. The size of the decoction groove 72 is larger than the diameter of the outer pot 101 but smaller than the diameter of the inner pot 102's rim 1023 to facilitate the hanging of the inner pot 102. During the decoction process, while the outer pot 101 is separated from the inner pot 102, the outer pot 101 is positioned below the inner pot 102 to receive the dripping medicinal liquid.

[0098] The Chinese medicine packaging machine 8, located downstream of the decoction device 7, is used to automatically package the decoction. The Chinese medicine packaging machine 8 is equipped with a pouring and replenishing mechanism 11 for pouring the decoction from the outer pot 101 into the medicine bin of the Chinese medicine packaging machine 8. The Chinese medicine packaging machine 8 is a conventional packaging equipment. The packaging machine has a medicine bin, and the decoction from the outer pot 101 is poured into the medicine bin through the pouring and replenishing mechanism for replenishment.

[0099] An outer pot transfer device 5 is used to transfer the outer pot 101 of the decoction pot 10. The outer pot transfer device 5 includes an outer pot transfer frame 51 horizontally slidably mounted on a ground rail. The extension direction of the ground rail is parallel to the conveying direction of the input conveyor line 1 and connects to the output end of the input conveyor line 1 and the input front end of the output conveyor line 2. The outer pot transfer frame 51 is driven by a longitudinal transfer power device. The movement range of the outer pot transfer frame 51 covers the decoction device 6, the slurry device 7, and the traditional Chinese medicine packaging machine 8. An outer pot lifting and transfer seat 52 is vertically and slidably mounted on the outer pot transfer frame 51. The outer pot lifting and transfer seat 52 is driven by the outer pot lifting and transfer power device 53. The outer pot horizontal transfer seat 54 is slidably installed on the outer pot lifting and transfer seat 52. The outer pot horizontal transfer seat 54 is driven by the outer pot horizontal transfer power device 55. The outer pot rotating transfer double fork arm 56 is rotatably installed on the outer pot horizontal transfer seat 54. The outer pot rotating transfer double fork arm 56 is driven by the rotating power device 57 to switch between the avoidance state and the pick-up and put-down state. The card plate 104 is provided with a slot block 105 to facilitate the insertion of the outer pot rotating transfer double fork arm 56.

[0100] In this embodiment, both the outer pot lifting and transferring power device 53 and the outer pot lateral transferring power device 55 include servo motors and synchronous belts, while the rotation power device 57 uses a servo motor and gear transmission, thereby driving the rotation of the outer pot rotation transfer double fork arm. In actual operation, the angle of the outer pot rotation transfer double fork arm 56 can be adjusted by the outer pot lifting and transferring seat 52 and the outer pot lateral transferring seat 54 to realize the insertion, lifting, transfer, lowering, and disengagement from the slot block 105.

[0101] In this embodiment, as Figure 6 As shown, a weighing device is located below the decoction hanging plate 71 on the decoction frame 77. The weighing device includes a weighing lifting seat 73 that is slidably mounted on the decoction frame 77. The weighing lifting seat 73 is driven to rise and fall by a weighing lifting power device 74, which is a cylinder. A weighing sensor 75 is installed on the weighing lifting seat 73, and a weighing platform 76 is fixed to the weighing sensor 75. Using the weighing platform 76, the outer pot 101 and the decoction liquid after decoction can be weighed together to calculate the actual weight of the decoction. This allows for a simple calculation of the replenishment time for the subsequent Chinese medicine packaging machine 8. Of course, any abnormality in the weight of the decoction liquid can also indicate a malfunction in the decoction device 6, prompting an alarm to alert the operator for verification.

[0102] The tilting and replenishing mechanism 11 includes a tilting seat 111, which is hinged to the base of the Chinese medicine packaging machine 8 and driven to rotate by a tilting power device 112. The tilting seat 111 is provided with a tilting platform for convenient placement of the outer pot 101. The tilting platform is provided with a clamping device 113 for clamping the chuck 104. When the tilting seat 111 is rotated to the tilting position, the opening of the outer pot 101 is aligned with the medicine replenishing port of the Chinese medicine packaging machine 8. The tilting power device 112 is a tilting cylinder, one end of which is hinged to the base of the Chinese medicine packaging machine 8 and the other end is hinged to the tilting seat 111. The clamping device 113 is a pneumatic rotating clamp. After the decoction pot 10 is placed on the tilting platform, the clamping device 113 moves to press the chuck and fix it, so that the decoction pot 10 will not fall off when it is rotated.

[0103] The working principle of this invention is as follows: First, a clean decoction pot 10 is placed on the input conveyor line 1 and conveyed. Before entering the water injection and pressing machine 3, Chinese herbal medicines are added. Then, the water injection station of the moving water injection and pressing machine 3 injects water. After water injection, the pressing station moves to press the medicine. After pressing, the top and bottom of the pressing plate 33 are cleaned simultaneously. Then, the pot lid 103 is placed on the pot lid transfer device 4. This pot lid 103 can be a clean pot lid 103 stored on the buffer platform, or it can be a pot lid 103 on the decoction pot 10 on the output conveyor line 2, depending on the situation. Then, the decoction pot 10 with the pot lid 103 on is moved by the outer pot transfer device 5 to the electromagnetic heating platform of the decoction device 6 for timed decoction. After the decoction is completed, the outer pot transfer device 5 moves the decoction pot 10 to the draining device 7 for draining. During draining, the inner pot 102 and the pot lid 103 are hung on the draining plate 71, while the outer pot 101 is placed on the weighing device below for weighing. After weighing, the outer pot transfer device 5 transfers the outer pot 101 to the tilting platform of the Chinese medicine packaging machine 8. After the clamping device 113 clamps the chuck of the decoction pot 10, the supplementary medicine is poured out.

[0104] After the medicine is replenished, the outer pot transfer device 5 moves the outer pot 101 on the tilting platform to below the inner pot 102 of the medicine draining device 7, then lifts it up to remove the inner pot 102, and moves it to the end of the input conveyor line 1. The used decoction pot 10 is then moved laterally to the output conveyor line 2 by the horizontal station switching device 9. The used decoction pot 10 on the output conveyor line 2 can be manually removed and cleaned. After cleaning, it is placed back on the output conveyor line 2. The horizontal station switching device 9 at the end of the output conveyor line 2 moves the cleaned decoction pot 10 back to the input conveyor line 1.

[0105] The above-described embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Any modifications and alterations made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic decoction method, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1. A decoction production line is provided, including an input conveyor line and an output conveyor line for conveying a decoction pot. The decoction pot includes an outer pot and an inner pot placed inside the outer pot. The bottom of the inner pot is provided with a hollowed-out mesh structure. The upper edge of the inner pot is folded outward to form an overlapping edge, which is placed on the mouth of the outer pot. A clamping plate for clamping onto a chuck is installed at the lower part of the outer pot. The chuck is placed on the input conveyor line. A water injection station and a medicine pressing station are provided on the conveying route of the input conveyor line. A water injection and medicine pressing machine for injecting water and pressing medicine into the decoction pot is provided at the water injection station and the medicine pressing station. The pot lid transfer device, located downstream of the water injection and pressing machine, is used to place the pot lid on the buffer platform onto the upper opening of the inner pot of the decoction pot on the input conveyor line, or to remove the pot lid from the decoction pot on the output conveyor line and place it on the buffer platform or onto the upper opening of the inner pot of the decoction pot on the input conveyor line. A decoction device is set downstream of the pot lid transfer device, and the decoction device is equipped with multiple decoction platforms for heating the decoction pot. The decoction device is located downstream of the decoction device. The decoction device includes a decoction frame, a decoction hanging plate on the decoction frame, and a U-shaped decoction hanging groove on the decoction hanging plate. The size of the decoction hanging groove is larger than the diameter of the outer pot but smaller than the diameter of the inner pot's rim to facilitate the hanging of the inner pot. The Chinese medicine packaging machine, located downstream of the decoction device, is used to automatically package the decoction liquid. The Chinese medicine packaging machine is equipped with a pouring and replenishing mechanism for pouring the liquid from the outer pot into the medicine chamber of the Chinese medicine packaging machine. An outer pot transfer device for transferring the outer pot of a decoction pot includes an outer pot transfer frame horizontally slidably mounted on a ground rail. The ground rail extends parallel to the conveying direction of the input conveyor line and connects to the output end and input front end of the output conveyor line. The outer pot transfer frame is driven by a longitudinal transfer power device. The movement range of the outer pot transfer frame covers the decoction device, the slurry device, and the traditional Chinese medicine packaging machine. A vertically lifting and sliding outer pot transfer mechanism is mounted on the outer pot transfer frame. The outer pot lifting and transfer seat is driven by an outer pot lifting and transfer power device. An outer pot transverse transfer seat is slidably mounted on the outer pot lifting and transfer seat. The outer pot transverse transfer seat is driven by an outer pot transverse transfer power device. An outer pot rotating transfer double fork arm is rotatably mounted on the outer pot transverse transfer seat. The outer pot rotating transfer double fork arm is driven by a rotation power device to switch between an avoidance state and a pick-up and put-down state. The card plate is provided with slot blocks to facilitate the insertion of the outer pot rotating transfer double fork arm. S2. The decoction pot containing Chinese herbal medicine is transported by the input conveyor line to the water injection station for water injection. After water injection, it is moved to the pressing station for pressing the medicine, so that the Chinese herbal medicine in the decoction pot is pressed into the water and soaked. S3. The input conveyor line continues to transport the water-filled decoction pot to the lid transfer device, which moves the lid to the top of the decoction pot and closes it. S4. The input conveyor line outputs the decoction pot with the lid closed to the end position. The outer pot transfer device moves to insert the outer pot rotating transfer double fork arm into the slot block of the decoction pot and lift it, so that the decoction pot is separated from the input conveyor line. Then the outer pot rotating transfer double fork arm rotates to make the decoction pot avoid the downstream decoction device. The outer pot transfer frame moves along the ground rail to correspond to the decoction position of the decoction device. The outer pot rotating transfer double fork arm rotates again and, in conjunction with the lifting and horizontal movement, places the decoction pot on the corresponding decoction platform. S5. The decoction platform starts the decoction process. After the decoction is completed, the outer pot transfer device removes the decoction pot from the decoction platform and moves it to the draining device. The inner pot is then suspended on the draining plate, and the outer pot is supported to drain the medicine below the inner pot. S6. After the decoction is completed, the outer pot transfer device moves the outer pot to the pouring and replenishing mechanism of the Chinese medicine packaging machine and separates it from the outer pot; the pouring and replenishing mechanism clamps the outer pot and flips it to pour the liquid into the medicine chamber, and resets after pouring and replenishing. S7. The outer pot transfer device's outer pot rotating transfer double fork arm is inserted into the slot block of the decoction pot to lift and rotate the outer pot on the pouring and replenishing mechanism and move it to the medicine draining device. S8. The outer pot transfer device drives the outer pot to rise and move so that the outer pot is fitted outside the inner pot. Then it continues to rise to remove the inner pot from the decanting plate and move it to the output conveyor line. S9. Remove the decoction pot from the output conveyor line, clean it, and then place it on the input conveyor line.

2. The automatic decoction method as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The specific steps for pressing the drug at the pressing station in step S2 are as follows: S21. Use the liftable pressing plate to lower the herb into the decoction pot and squeeze the Chinese herbs at least once. S22. After pressing the medicine, the pressing plate stays in the cleaning position. At this time, the pressing plate is higher than the liquid level and lower than the top of the decoction pot. S23. Use the upper spray head to rinse the upper surface of the pressing plate from top to bottom; the rinsing liquid flows into the decoction pot and is used for decocting the medicine. S24. The pressure plate rises to the initial position, and the cleaning water tank moves horizontally to directly below the lower pressure plate. The lower spray head in the cleaning water tank rinses the lower surface of the pressure plate from bottom to top. The rinsing liquid flows into the cleaning water tank and is discharged. After cleaning, the cleaning water tank moves back to the clearance position.

3. The automatic decoction method as described in claim 2, characterized in that: In step S3, the specific method by which the pot lid transfer device transfers the pot lid is as follows: When the herbal formula in the decoction pot remains unchanged, the pot lid transfer device transfers the pot lid from the decoction pot on the output conveyor line; if the conveying rhythm of the decoction pot on the input conveyor line is slower than that on the output conveyor line, the pot lid transfer device will transfer the pot lid from the decoction pot on the output conveyor line to the buffer rack for stacking and buffering, and then place the pot lids on the buffer rack onto the decoction pot on the input conveyor line in sequence. When the herbal formula in the decoction pot is changed, all the decoction pots on the output conveyor line are output, and the pot lids that have been cleaned are placed on the buffer rack. The pot lid transfer device directly places the pot lids on the buffer rack onto the decoction pots on the input conveyor line in sequence.

4. The automatic decoction method as described in claim 3, characterized in that: In step S5, the outer pot is also weighed during the dredging process. The specific weighing process is as follows: after the inner pot is suspended on the dredging hanging plate, the outer pot transfer device drives the outer pot to descend so that the outer pot falls onto the weighing platform. The weighing platform rises to lift the outer pot for weighing, and the dredging is judged based on the weighing result to determine whether the preset standard has been met.

5. The automatic decoction method as described in claim 4, characterized in that: In step S8, the outer pot transfer device removes the inner pot from the dredging plate and moves the outer pot to the end of the input conveyor line. Then, the transverse station switching device at the end of the input conveyor line lifts the outer pot. At the same time, the transverse station switching device at the beginning of the output conveyor line lifts and connects with the transverse station switching device at the end of the input conveyor line. Then, the transverse station switching device uses the transverse conveyor belt to transport the outer pot from the input conveyor line to the output conveyor line.

6. The automatic decoction method as described in claim 5, characterized in that: In step S9, the cleaned decoction pot is placed on the output conveyor line. The end of the output conveyor line and the beginning of the input conveyor line are also equipped with interconnected transverse station switching devices. The decoction pot on the output conveyor line is switched and sent to the input conveyor line through the transverse station switching device.

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