Light quality withering device

By designing a light-based withering device, utilizing a detachable baffle and partition structure, combined with a radiator and lamps of different wavelengths, the heat radiation and health issues during the tea withering process were resolved, resulting in improved tea quality, reduced costs, and enhanced adaptability.

CN224140072UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-21SICHUAN AGRI UNIV
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
SICHUAN AGRI UNIV
Filing Date
2025-05-26
Publication Date
2026-04-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing tea withering devices suffer from thermal radiation effects that cause the leaf temperature to rise too quickly, affecting the formation of tea quality. Furthermore, colored light sources are harmful to human health, making them unsuitable for use with traditional withering troughs. This results in high production costs and makes observation and operation difficult.

Method used

Design a light-quality withering device that uses a detachable baffle and partition structure, combined with a heat sink and lamps of different wavelengths, to provide a light source suitable for different types of tea, avoid heat radiation damage, and can be used in conjunction with a traditional withering trough.

Benefits of technology

Optimize tea quality, improve taste and aroma, reduce health risks, lower production costs, and enhance adaptability and practicality.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of tea processing, and discloses a light quality withering device which comprises an arc cover and two side plates which are arranged on a withering groove and can be clamped and support the arc cover in a sliding manner, the side plate on one side is hinged with one side of the arc cover, and the side plate on the other side is movably clamped with the arc cover; a partition plate is arranged in the arc cover; a plurality of radiators are fixedly arranged on the top face of the partition plate, a plurality of lamp tubes are fixed on the bottom face of the partition plate, and radiating holes are distributed in the partition plate. A plurality of heat dissipation holes are also distributed above the corresponding arc cover; detachable baffles for shielding and sealing are arranged on the front side and the rear side of the arc cover; the baffles are used for sealing the lower part of the arc cover and the cavity of the withering trough; a switch is arranged on the arc cover and used for controlling on-off of the radiator and the lamp tube. The device is adaptive to the existing withering trough, is beneficial to heat dissipation of tea leaves in the withering process, applies light with different wavelengths to different tea leaves, remarkably improves the quality of tea leaf products, and is simple, practical and easy to popularize.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tea processing technology, and in particular to a light-based withering device. Background Technology

[0002] Withering is a crucial step in tea processing, primarily referring to the process of spreading freshly picked leaves in a suitable environment, allowing them to soften and lose their freshness through moisture evaporation and internal chemical changes. This step lays the foundation for subsequent rolling, fermentation (e.g., black tea) or fixation (e.g., green tea). During withering, physical and chemical changes occur. Physical changes include: reduced moisture content (typically 20%-30%), softening the leaves from brittle to supple, facilitating subsequent rolling and shaping, and preventing breakage; increased cell membrane permeability, promoting enzyme-substrate contact, preparing for fermentation (e.g., black tea). Chemical changes include: partial decomposition of macromolecules such as proteins and starches; increased free amino acids and soluble sugars, enhancing the sweetness of the tea liquor; volatilization of grassy aromas; and the gradual formation of aromatic substances (e.g., linalool and geraniol), laying the foundation for the tea's aroma.

[0003] Existing withering troughs use hot air (temperature 25-30℃) to accelerate withering, which is highly efficient and often used in large-scale production in modern tea factories.

[0004] Chinese patent CN207733575U discloses a tea withering machine, including a withering box with an air inlet, a feed inlet, and a discharge outlet. The air inlet is connected to a fan. The feed inlet is located at the top of the withering box and is hinged with a cover. The discharge outlet is located on one side of the withering box, opposite the air inlet. A support frame is located at the bottom of the withering box, including a fixed support rod and a telescopic support rod near the discharge outlet. A support plate is rotatably connected to the top of the fixed support rod, and a support plate is fixedly connected to the top of the telescopic support rod. A withering plate is fixed on the support plate. An inclined guide plate is located at the discharge outlet, with its upper end below the withering plate. A collection box is located below the lower end of the guide plate. Several yellow lights are also located at the top of the withering box. This technology uses yellow lights to provide temperature and light for withering, resulting in higher quality tea. The fan accelerates the withering process, and the guide plate and telescopic support rod facilitate tea collection.

[0005] The drawback of this technology is:

[0006] First, colored light sources usually have a thermal radiation effect. This device only provides a colored light source but does not provide a solution to its defects. This situation usually causes the leaf temperature of fresh leaves to rise too quickly during the withering or cooling process, which is not conducive to the formation of quality.

[0007] Secondly, colored light sources are usually high-energy waves, which can cause irreversible damage to the human eyes during operation. The equipment does not provide a solution to this defect, which poses related health risks to the workers.

[0008] Secondly, there are two main aspects that affect aroma formation: one is the conversion of carotenoids, as aroma precursors, into aroma molecules, and the other is the formation of carotenoids themselves. Yellow light may not necessarily be as effective as other light qualities in these two aspects, but if other light qualities are used, such as high-energy blue-violet light which performs better, then the device's shortcomings in the first two aspects become more apparent.

[0009] Finally, the device is a single unit, which results in relatively high production costs. It cannot be used in conjunction with traditional withering tank equipment, and its overall structure is not conducive to workers' observation of work-in-process. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In order to overcome or alleviate one or more of the above technical problems, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a light-quality withering device that allows tea leaves to undergo light-quality withering quickly and evenly, and is well adapted to existing withering troughs.

[0011] This utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0012] A light-quality withering device includes an arc-shaped cover and two side plates that can slide and support the arc-shaped cover on a withering groove. One side plate is hinged to one side of the arc-shaped cover, and the other side plate is movably engaged with the arc-shaped cover. A partition is provided inside the arc-shaped cover. Multiple heat sinks are fixed on the top surface of the partition, and multiple lamp tubes are fixed on the bottom surface. The partition is provided with heat dissipation holes. Correspondingly, multiple heat dissipation holes are also provided above the arc-shaped cover. Removable baffles for shielding and sealing are provided on both the front and rear sides of the arc-shaped cover. The baffles are used to seal the cavity under the arc-shaped cover and the withering groove. A switch is provided on the arc-shaped cover for controlling the opening and closing of the heat sinks and the lamp tubes.

[0013] Preferably, the partition consists of two parts: an upper first partition and a lower second partition. The bottom surface of the second partition is provided with several lamp tubes, and the top surface is provided with several heat sinks.

[0014] Preferably, the first partition has multiple strip-shaped heat dissipation holes, and the second partition has multiple circular heat dissipation holes.

[0015] Preferably, the baffle consists of two parts, an inner baffle and an outer baffle; the second baffle blocks the opening between the arc cover and the second partition, and the second baffle completely blocks the opening between the arc cover and the withering groove outside the first baffle.

[0016] Preferably, the multiple lamps are equipped with different colored lights according to the needs of making different teas. The different colored lights are selected from yellow light or red light. The yellow light has a wavelength of 580-595nm and is suitable for making oolong tea or green tea. The red light has a wavelength of 605-700nm and is suitable for making black tea.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] The photo-withering device provided by this utility model can be equipped with different light sources according to needs. Different light sources can be used when withering or cooling fresh leaves, or when making different types of tea. By making reasonable use of the characteristics of different light qualities, the quality of green tea, black tea, or other teas can be optimized, including improving taste, enhancing aroma, and increasing color. The photo-withering device is designed with a fan for heat dissipation, which can prevent the heat radiation effect of photo-withering from damaging the work-in-process. The device is a sealed design, which can prevent health hazards to workers during the photo-withering process. The device is low in cost and can be used in conjunction with traditional withering troughs, making it more adaptable and practical. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the light quality withering device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is an external schematic diagram of the light quality withering device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 A partial structural schematic diagram of the second baffle of the light quality withering device provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 4 A partial structural diagram of the light quality withering device provided in this embodiment of the present invention when the first baffle is sealed.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the multiple components of the light quality withering device provided in an embodiment of the present invention from different perspectives.

[0024] In the picture:

[0025] Right side panel 1; upper slot 1-1; lower slot 1-2; arc cover 3; first partition 4; heat dissipation hole 5; radiator 6; second partition 7; left side panel 8; first baffle 9; lamp tube 10; second baffle 11; switch 12. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the embodiments and accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. All reasonable modifications and combinations that fall within the inventive spirit of the present invention are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," "front," and "rear," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model; the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In addition, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Example 1

[0030] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a light-quality withering device for light-quality withering fresh leaves during the withering of black tea and the cooling of green tea. The device includes an arc-shaped cover 3, which is supported by a left side plate 8 and a right side plate 1 on both sides. The entire device is locked onto the withering trough for use. Each of the left and right side plates is provided with a lower locking groove 1-2, which locks the device onto the edge of the withering trough.

[0031] The upper end of the left side plate 8 is hinged to the arc cover 3. The upper end of the right side plate 1 is provided with an upper slot 1-1, which engages with the right side of the arc cover 3, so that the arc cover 3 can be opened from the right side during use to turn the fresh leaves in the withering trough. The arc cover 3 is the upper part of the device. The upper slot 1-1 is provided with support rods on the front and rear sides for supporting the arc cover 3 when it is opened. Multiple heat dissipation holes 5 are evenly distributed on the top of the arc cover 3 for heat dissipation.

[0032] like Figures 3-4The arc cover 3 has two partitions inside, namely the upper first partition 4 and the lower second partition 7. The ends of the first and second partitions are welded to the arc cover 3. The second partition 7 is used to place the lamp tube 10 and the heat sink 6. The upper first partition 4 is used to block the light and prevent the light radiation inside the device from leaking out. The main functions of the two partitions are heat dissipation and light blocking (reducing light leakage from the device). The radiator 6 is bolted to the upper part of the second partition 7, and multiple lamp tubes 10 are bolted to the lower part of the second partition 7. The second baffle 11 is fixed to the arc cover 3 with screws. Its main function is to shield the upper radiator and the two partitions, making the device look more beautiful and simple. The arc cover 3 has a first baffle 9 at both the front and rear openings to seal the openings at both ends. The first baffle 9 is a detachable baffle. In some embodiments, a second baffle 11 is also provided inside the first baffle 9. The second baffle 11 blocks the opening between the arc cover 3 and the second partition 7. At the corresponding positions of the first baffle 9 and the second baffle 11, the first baffle 9 extends outward by 3mm, and the second baffle 11 leaves a 3mm gap inward, so that the first baffle 9 and the second baffle 11 can be locked together tightly. Its function is to block the light from being exposed during use. The second baffle 11 can also shield the device at both ends of the arc cover 3, making the device more beautiful.

[0033] In some implementations, two light quality withering devices can be used in combination. When adding another device to the front of an existing device, the two first baffles 9 at the connection between the two devices can be removed to make the fresh leaves under the entire device receive light evenly. The switch 12 is fixed to the outer surface of the arc cover 3 with screws to control the switch of the radiator 6 and the lamp tube 10.

[0034] like Figure 5 .a is a schematic diagram of the overall device. Figure 5 .b is a top view of the first partition 4. Figure 5 .c is a top view of the second partition 7. Figure 5 .d represents the left view. Figure 5 .e is a right view showing the upper layer with a second baffle 11. Figure 5 .f is a schematic diagram of the upper layer without a second baffle 11.

[0035] The work process is described as follows:

[0036] Install the device on the withering trough, spread the fresh leaves evenly in the withering trough, install the first and second baffles, and turn on switch 12. The radiator 6 and lamp 10 are activated, and light of a specific wavelength shines on the fresh leaves. Different colors of light have different wavelengths. Lamp 10 is a reference lamp with a yellow light wavelength of 580-595nm, suitable for processing oolong tea and green tea. Yellow light withering treatment can increase the content of volatile floral aroma components such as nerolidol, thus improving the aroma quality of oolong tea. During the green tea spreading stage, green tea products treated with low-temperature yellow light have a high fragrance and floral and fruity aroma. Compared with natural spreading, low-temperature yellow light treatment can significantly improve the aroma quality of green tea, mainly by significantly increasing the content of volatile terpenoid alcohols. Red light, with a wavelength of 605-700nm, is suitable for processing black tea. When red light is applied during the withering process of black tea, the tea has a high content of tea polyphenols and a suitable ratio of phenols to amino acids and phenols to caffeine, which is beneficial to the improvement of the flavor of black tea. It can also activate the genes related to the synthesis of linalool (floral and characteristic components), promote the synthesis of linalool, and improve the aroma quality of black tea. The first partition 4 and the second partition 7 block the lower light to prevent light leakage from harming the eyes. The first and second partitions have gaps to facilitate the flow of hot air inside the device. Finally, the radiator 6 dissipates the heat generated by the light irradiation inside the sealed device through the top heat dissipation hole 5.

[0037] Example 2

[0038] This utility model provides a light-quality withering device for light-quality withering fresh leaves during the withering process of black tea and the cooling process of green tea. For example... Figure 1 As shown, it includes a right side plate 1 and a left side plate 8, which are used to support the arc cover 3. The left and right side plates are connected to the withering trough through the lower slot 1-2. The arc cover 3 is connected to the left side plate 8 through a hinge. The arc cover 3 is connected to the right side plate 1 through the upper slot 1-1. This can be opened manually to facilitate observation of the degree of wilting of the fresh leaves and timely turning of the fresh leaves.

[0039] The device contains multiple lamp tubes 10 arranged from bottom to top. These lamp tubes 10 are bolted to the lower part of the second partition 7, and a heat sink 6 is bolted to the upper part of the second partition 7. The first partition 4 has multiple strip-shaped holes, and the second partition 7 has multiple round holes. The second partition 7 also has multiple small round holes for placing the lamp tubes 10 and the heat sink 6. During use, the lamp tubes dissipate heat in a sealed state. The heat generated by the lower lamp tubes 10 is dissipated upwards through the small holes in the second partition 7, and then transferred from the top by the heat sink 6 to the first partition 4 and finally out through the heat dissipation holes 5. The first partition 4 is a rectangular perforated partition, its function being to allow heat to pass through from below and to prevent the bottom lamp tubes 10 from transmitting light, thus blocking the light.

[0040] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model, and the protection scope of this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of this utility model's concept are within its protection scope. It should be noted that improvements and modifications made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principle of this invention should also be considered within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A light quality withering apparatus, characterized in that: It includes an arc-shaped cover and two side plates that can slide and lock onto the withering trough to support the arc-shaped cover. One side plate is hinged to one side of the arc-shaped cover, and the other side plate is movably locked onto the arc-shaped cover. A partition is provided inside the arc-shaped cover. Multiple heat sinks are fixed on the top surface of the partition and multiple lamp tubes are fixed on the bottom surface. The partition is provided with heat dissipation holes. Correspondingly, multiple heat dissipation holes are also provided above the arc-shaped cover. Removable baffles for shielding and sealing are provided on the front and rear sides of the arc-shaped cover. The baffles are used to seal the cavity under the arc-shaped cover and the withering trough. A switch is provided on the arc-shaped cover to control the opening and closing of the heat sinks and the lamp tubes.

2. The light quality withering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The partition consists of two parts: an upper first partition and a lower second partition. The bottom surface of the second partition is provided with several lamp tubes, and the top surface is provided with several heat sinks.

3. The light quality withering device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first partition has multiple strip-shaped heat dissipation holes, and the second partition has multiple circular heat dissipation holes.

4. The photo-degradation device of claim 2, wherein: The baffle consists of two parts, an inner and an outer baffle. The inner part is the second baffle, and the outer part is the first baffle. The second baffle blocks the opening between the arc cover and the second partition. The second baffle completely blocks the opening between the arc cover and the withering groove outside the first baffle.

5. The light quality withering device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The multiple lamps are equipped with different colored lights according to the needs of making different teas. The different colored lights are selected from yellow light or red light. The yellow light has a wavelength of 580-595nm and is suitable for making oolong tea or green tea. The red light has a wavelength of 605-700nm and is suitable for making black tea.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Tea leaf withering machine

    CN207733575U