Tea airing device
By designing an inner and outer drying tray structure that can be reversed and inverted, the windproof problem of the tea drying device in strong wind environments is solved, realizing the continuity of the drying process and the integrity of the tea, and ensuring the stability of the drying process and the purity of the tea.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PINGCHANG COUNTY BASHAN JINYE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing tea drying equipment lacks wind protection mechanisms in strong wind environments, causing tea leaves to be easily blown off the drying trays, affecting the continuity of drying and material loss.
A tea drying device was designed, including an outer drying tray and an inner drying tray. The inner tray can be inverted and placed on the outside of the outer tray in windy conditions to form a windproof barrier. The inner tray is provided with air flow holes to ensure the continuity of the drying process and the integrity of the tea leaves. In windless conditions, the inner tray is installed upright on the inside of the outer tray, and gravity and mechanical restraint are used to ensure a stable installation.
It effectively resists the impact of strong winds on tea leaves, preventing them from being blown away and scattered, ensuring the continuity of the drying process and the integrity of the tea leaves, while also guaranteeing necessary lighting and ventilation conditions, thus improving the environmental adaptability and structural stability of the equipment.
Smart Images

Figure CN224246603U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tea processing technology, specifically to a tea drying device. Background Technology
[0002] Sun-drying tea leaves is an indispensable and crucial step in tea processing, directly affecting the quality and flavor of the tea. Freshly picked leaves have a high moisture content, and the sun-drying process, through controlled environmental conditions, induces physical and chemical changes in the leaves. Physically, the leaves gradually lose moisture under natural light, ventilation, or specific temperature and humidity conditions, transforming their texture from brittle and hard to soft, creating conditions for subsequent rolling and shaping processes while reducing the risk of mold. Chemically, as moisture is lost, enzyme activity is activated, polyphenols slowly oxidize, and large molecules such as proteins and polysaccharides break down into smaller molecules such as amino acids and monosaccharides, shaping the unique aroma and flavor of tea. For example, the downy aroma of white tea and the floral and fruity notes of oolong tea are gradually formed during this process.
[0003] A tea drying device disclosed in the patent announcement (CN222578786U) includes multiple uprights, multiple drying trays, an angle adjustment component, a material distribution component, and a vibration motor. The material distribution component evenly distributes the tea leaves into each drying tray, and the tea leaves, after being evenly spread by the material distribution component, enter the core drying process within the drying trays. However, the structure disclosed in this patent has defects in practical application, specifically as follows: the drying trays adopt a completely open structure without any windproof or protective devices, lacking an effective protection mechanism for the tea leaves. In strong winds, based on fluid mechanics principles, the dynamic pressure acting on the surface of the tea leaves will overcome the static friction between the tea leaves and the drying trays, causing the tea leaves to be blown away from the drying trays by the strong wind. The open structure cannot form an effective airflow buffer space, making it difficult to weaken the impact of wind on the tea leaves, which not only causes tea leaf loss but also seriously affects the continuity and production efficiency of the tea drying process. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a tea drying device that addresses the problem in the existing technology where the drying trays lack a windproof protection mechanism, causing tea leaves to be easily blown away and lost in strong winds, affecting the continuity of drying and material loss. The device can construct a windproof protection system to effectively resist the impact of strong winds on the dried tea leaves, prevent the tea leaves from being blown away and lost, and ensure the continuity of the drying process and the integrity of the materials.
[0005] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:
[0006] A tea drying device includes: a support base; multiple support columns, all mounted on the support base, forming an assembly area; multiple outer drying trays, installed from top to bottom inside the assembly area, each outer tray having a first annular barrier (the outer tray and the first annular barrier are integrally formed), the inner side of the first annular barrier having multiple positioning slots along the circumferential direction; an inner drying tray, the inner wall of which has multiple airflow holes, the edge of which has a second annular barrier (the inner tray and the second annular barrier are integrally formed), the outer side of the second annular barrier having multiple positioning protrusions along the circumferential direction, each positioning protrusion corresponding to one of the positioning slots; in a windy condition, the inner drying tray is inverted and placed against the outer side of the outer drying tray, used to intercept tea leaves; in a windless condition, the inner drying tray is upright and embedded inside the outer drying tray, used to support tea leaves.
[0007] Furthermore, in this invention, a limiting component is installed at the top of at least one positioning slot, which can prevent the positioning protrusion from disengaging from the positioning slot.
[0008] Furthermore, in this utility model, the aforementioned limiting component includes a first elastic member, a first limiting pin, and a first assembly channel formed on the inner wall of the positioning slot; one end of the first elastic member is connected to the bottom wall of the first assembly channel, and the other end of the first elastic member is connected to the first limiting pin; wherein, the first limiting pin can extend out of the outside of the first assembly channel under the action of the first elastic member, thereby limiting the upper part of the positioning protrusion.
[0009] Furthermore, in this utility model, the end of the first limiting pin away from the first elastic member is provided with a guide slope. When the positioning protrusion is embedded in the positioning slot, the positioning protrusion can act on the guide slope, thereby driving the first limiting pin to move into the first assembly channel.
[0010] Furthermore, in this utility model, the aforementioned support column is equipped with multiple bearing positioning seats from top to bottom, and the bearing positioning seats are provided with support grooves; a connecting base is installed at the bottom of the drying tray, and multiple telescopic components are installed on the connecting base along the circumferential direction, and the multiple telescopic components can respectively engage with and support the multiple bearing positioning seats of the same vertical height.
[0011] Furthermore, in this utility model, the telescopic assembly includes a telescopic driven shaft and a hollow telescopic actuating shaft; one end of the telescopic driven shaft is connected to the connecting base, and the other end of the telescopic driven shaft is fitted inside the telescopic actuating shaft; the telescopic driven shaft has a second assembly groove, in which a second elastic element is installed, and the free end of the second elastic element is connected to a second limiting pin; the telescopic actuating shaft has a limiting hole, which can be matched with the second limiting pin; wherein, after the telescopic actuating shaft moves away from the telescopic driven shaft, the second limiting pin can be engaged in the limiting hole, and thus the telescopic actuating shaft can be engaged in the supporting groove.
[0012] Furthermore, in this utility model, the end of the second limiting pin away from the second elastic member is provided with a transition arc.
[0013] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages and beneficial effects:
[0014] 1. This application addresses a method where, in windy conditions, the inner drying tray can be inverted and placed against the outer drying tray. The positioning protrusion on the second annular barrier of the inner tray engages with the positioning groove on the first annular barrier of the outer tray. In this configuration, the inner tray effectively traps the tea leaves, preventing them from being blown away and ensuring the continuity and integrity of the drying process. Simultaneously, airflow holes on the inner tray allow the tea leaves inside the outer tray to continue absorbing sunlight and ventilation, ensuring the drying process is not affected by strong winds.
[0015] 2. This application addresses the installation of an inner drying tray facing forward within the outer drying tray under windless conditions, with positioning protrusions engaging in positioning slots, ensuring stable installation under gravity. Operators can evenly spread tea leaves on the inner drying tray for drying, and impurities in the air can fall into the outer drying tray through airflow holes, ensuring the purity of the tea leaves. Attached Figure Description
[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present invention and form part of this application, do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:
[0017] Figure 1 A first-person perspective stereoscopic view of a tea drying device;
[0018] Figure 2 A second-person perspective stereoscopic view of a tea drying device;
[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;
[0020] Figure 4 A diagram showing the inner drying tray inverted onto the outer drying tray.
[0021] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the outer drying tray;
[0022] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the retractable component.
[0023] The attached diagram shows the markings and corresponding component names:
[0024] 1-Support base, 2-Support column, 3-Bearing positioning seat, 4-Supporting groove, 5-Telescopic component, 6-Drying outer tray, 7-Drying inner tray, 8-Connecting base, 9-Positioning slot, 10-Airflow hole, 11-First assembly channel, 12-Positioning protrusion, 13-First limiting pin, 14-Limiting hole, 15-First elastic element, 16-Second limiting pin, 17-Guide slope, 18-Telescopic actuator shaft, 19-Telescopic driven shaft, 20-Second assembly channel, 21-Second elastic element. Detailed Implementation
[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this utility model are only used to explain this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.
[0026] Example
[0027] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 This utility model provides a tea drying device. Its core structure consists of four parts: a support base 1, support columns 2, outer drying trays 6, and inner drying trays 7. These components work together to achieve an environmentally adaptive drying function. The support base 1 serves as the basic load-bearing unit of the system, with mounting positions arranged in a ring array at its top edge. At least three support columns 2 are vertically fixed to the mounting positions. The multi-layered outer drying trays 6 are detachably stacked within the assembly area enclosed by the support columns 2, maintaining a standard spacing between layers to ensure sufficient light and air circulation for each layer. Each outer drying tray 6 has a first annular barrier at its edge, with positioning grooves 9 evenly distributed along the circumference on the inner side of the first annular barrier, providing precise installation guidance and a stable locking structure for the inner drying tray 7.
[0028] As a core working component, the inner drying tray 7 has an array of airflow holes 10 formed on its surface through a stamping process. The hole walls are polished to prevent scratches and damage to the tea leaves. The second annular barrier on the edge of the inner drying tray 7 forms a precise fit with the first annular barrier on the outer drying tray 6. The outer side of the second annular barrier has multiple positioning protrusions 12 that correspond one-to-one with the positioning slots 9, ensuring that the inner drying tray 7 can be quickly and accurately connected in both forward insertion and reverse snap-fit modes.
[0029] The device features an environmentally adaptive operating mode: Under normal weather conditions, the inner drying tray 7 is inserted into the inner side of the outer drying tray 6 in a positive orientation. Multiple positioning protrusions 12 and multiple positioning slots 9 are embedded and engaged, with gravity and mechanical restraints ensuring stable installation. In this mode, the inner drying tray 7 acts as a support platform, with tea leaves evenly spread on its surface. The airflow holes 10 allow for natural sieving of impurities and air convection drying. In windy conditions, the operator can rotate the inner drying tray 7 180° and place it upside down on the outside of the outer drying tray 6. The secondary engagement of the multiple positioning protrusions 12 and multiple positioning slots 9 forms a windproof barrier. In this mode, the outer drying tray 6 receives the tea leaves, while the inner drying tray 7 intercepts them, preventing them from being blown away. Simultaneously, the airflow holes 10 ensure necessary light and ventilation, achieving the dual functions of wind protection and continuous drying.
[0030] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 In some embodiments of this application, at least one positioning slot 9 has a built-in limiting component at its top. When the positioning protrusion 12 of the inner drying tray 7 is inserted into the positioning slot 9, the limiting component limits the top of the positioning protrusion 12 after the positioning protrusion 12 is fully seated at the bottom of the positioning slot 9. This ensures stable operation under complex working conditions such as strong wind impact and effectively eliminates the risk of the positioning protrusion 12 accidentally coming off, thereby achieving a reliable connection between the inner drying tray 7 and the outer drying tray 6 in both forward mounting and reverse snap-fit working modes, significantly improving the environmental adaptability and structural stability of the tea drying device.
[0031] Specifically, the core of the limiting component consists of a first elastic element 15, a first limiting pin 13, and a first assembly channel 11 on the inner wall of the positioning slot 9, forming a dynamic limiting system. The first elastic element 15 is a high-strength helical compression spring. One end of the first elastic element 15 is firmly embedded in the bottom of the first assembly channel 11, and the other end of the first elastic element 15 is rigidly connected to the tail end of the first limiting pin 13. In the initial state, the first limiting pin 13 is subjected to the pre-tightening force of the first elastic element 15, and about one-third of the length of the first limiting pin 13 extends out of the first assembly channel 11, forming an initial blocking structure for the positioning protrusion 12.
[0032] When the inner drying tray 7 needs to be installed, the operator presses the first limiting pin 13 to overcome the compression resistance of the first elastic element 15, causing the first limiting pin 13 to fully retract into the first assembly slot 11. During this process, the first elastic element 15 is compressed and stores elastic potential energy. After the positioning protrusion 12 falls completely into the bottom of the slot along the guide slope 17 of the positioning slot 9, the first elastic element 15 quickly releases the stored elastic potential energy, driving the first limiting pin 13 to automatically pop out of the slot. At this time, the front end of the first limiting pin 13 is tightly fitted with the top surface of the positioning protrusion 12, forming a mechanical stop structure. Through the dual action of elastic preload and mechanical limiting, it effectively resists external forces such as vibration and wind, preventing the positioning protrusion 12 from dislodging from the positioning slot 9, thereby ensuring that the inner drying tray 7 and the outer drying tray 6 can maintain a stable connection under complex working conditions.
[0033] For example, the end of the first limiting pin 13 away from the first elastic member 15 is machined to form a 45° guide slope 17. The guide slope 17 is at the optimal mechanical matching angle with the insertion path of the positioning protrusion 12, which can efficiently convert the insertion force of the positioning protrusion 12 into the axial force that drives the first limiting pin 13 to retract.
[0034] When the operator pushes the inner drying tray 7 for assembly, the positioning protrusion 12 contacts the first limiting pin 13 along the guide slope 17. Based on the principle of force decomposition, the normal force applied by the positioning protrusion 12 is automatically decomposed into a normal force perpendicular to the slope and a component force along the axial direction of the first assembly channel 11. This axial component force acts on the first limiting pin 13, pushing it to overcome the pre-tightening resistance of the first elastic element 15, and the first limiting pin 13 smoothly retracts along the first assembly channel 11. This structural design not only reduces assembly steps and lowers the risk of human error, but also ensures a quick and reliable connection between the inner drying tray 7 and the outer drying tray 6 under complex working conditions, effectively improving the practicality of the tea drying device.
[0035] Please refer to Figure 6 In some embodiments of this application, the installation and positioning system of the drying tray 6 mainly consists of a support column 2, a bearing positioning seat 3, a connecting base 8, and a telescopic component 5. Through the coordinated cooperation of these components, the drying tray 6 can be flexibly installed and securely fixed. The support column 2 serves as the basic support structure of the entire system. On each support column 2, multiple bearing positioning seats 3 are evenly distributed axially from top to bottom. A support groove 4 is provided at the center of the top of each bearing positioning seat 3. The bottom of the drying tray 6 integrates an annular connecting base 8, on which multiple telescopic components 5 are evenly installed in the circumferential direction.
[0036] During the installation of the outer drying tray 6, the operator first controls the telescopic component 5 to retract it to its shortest position. Then, the outer drying tray 6 is lowered vertically between the supporting columns 2, and an appropriate installation height is selected according to actual needs. When the connecting base 8 is aligned with the corresponding support positioning seat 3, the telescopic component 5 is operated again to extend it. After extension, the telescopic component 5 can be inserted into the corresponding support groove 4. This not only provides flexible adjustment of the installation height of the outer drying tray 6, but also ensures that each layer of the outer drying tray 6 remains horizontally stable when carrying tea leaves through the cooperation between the telescopic component 5 and the support groove 4.
[0037] Specifically, the telescopic assembly 5 plays a crucial role. Employing a nested elastic limiting design, it achieves stable telescopic movement and reliable locking between the telescopic actuating shaft 18 and the telescopic driven shaft 19, providing solid support for the flexible installation of the drying tray 6. The telescopic assembly 5 mainly consists of two parts: the telescopic driven shaft 19 and the hollow telescopic actuating shaft 18. One end of the telescopic driven shaft 19 is securely connected to the connecting base 8, ensuring the integrity and stability of the entire structure. The other end of the telescopic driven shaft 19 is fitted inside the telescopic actuating shaft 18, with a clearance fit between the two. A guide keyway and guide slider are specially designed on the contact surface, forming a guiding fit structure. This structure effectively ensures good straightness and stability during telescopic movement, reducing unnecessary shaking and deviation.
[0038] A second assembly channel 20 is machined inside the telescopic driven shaft 19. A second elastic element 21, which is a helical compression spring with a high elastic modulus, is installed in the second assembly channel 20. One end of the second elastic element 21 is firmly fixed to the bottom of the second assembly channel 20, and the other end of the second elastic element 21 is rigidly connected to the tail end of the second limiting pin 16.
[0039] A limiting hole 14 is provided on the telescopic actuating shaft 18, and the limiting hole 14 perfectly matches the movement trajectory of the second limiting pin 16 during the telescopic process. When the operator pulls the telescopic actuating shaft 18, causing it to move away from the telescopic driven shaft 19, the telescopic assembly 5 gradually extends. As the telescopic actuating shaft 18 moves, the limiting hole 14 moves to a position aligned with the second limiting pin 16. At this time, under the action of the elastic force pre-stored in the second elastic element 21, the second limiting pin 16 quickly pops out and engages in the limiting hole 14, thereby forming a stable mechanical locking structure.
[0040] When it is necessary to shorten the telescopic assembly 5, the operator only needs to press the second limit pin 16 to overcome the elastic force of the second elastic element 21. The second limit pin 16 moves into the second assembly groove 20 until it is completely disengaged from the limit hole 14. At this time, the locking constraint of the telescopic actuator 18 is released, and the operator can push the telescopic actuator 18 towards the telescopic driven shaft 19 to shorten the telescopic assembly 5.
[0041] For example, a transition arc structure is machined at the end of the second limiting pin 16 away from the second elastic member 21. The transition arc greatly improves the interaction experience between the operator and the second limiting pin 16. When the operator needs to press the second limiting pin 16 to disengage it from the limiting hole 14, the unique shape of the transition arc can cleverly distribute the pressing force. Compared with traditional flat or sharp end designs, it can form a more ergonomic contact surface with the fingers, significantly increasing the contact area, thereby effectively reducing the pressure per unit area.
[0042] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this utility model. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.
Claims
1. A tea drying device, characterized in that, include: Support base (1); Multiple support columns (2) are installed on the support base (1), and the multiple support columns (2) enclose the assembly area; Multiple drying trays (6) are installed from top to bottom inside the assembly area. The edges of the drying trays (6) are equipped with a first annular barrier. Multiple positioning slots (9) are opened on the inner side of the first annular barrier along the circumferential direction. The inner drying tray (7) has multiple air passage holes (10) on its surface wall. The edge of the inner drying tray (7) is equipped with a second annular barrier. Multiple positioning protrusions (12) are installed on the outer side of the second annular barrier along the circumferential direction. The multiple positioning protrusions (12) correspond one-to-one with the multiple positioning slots (9). In windy conditions, the inner drying tray (7) is turned upside down and placed on the outside of the outer drying tray (6), and the inner drying tray (7) is used to intercept the tea leaves; In a windless state, the inner drying tray (7) is installed inside the outer drying tray (6) facing forward, and the inner drying tray (7) is used to hold the tea leaves.
2. The tea drying apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the positioning slots (9) has a limiting component installed at its top end, which is capable of preventing the positioning protrusion (12) from disengaging from the positioning slot (9).
3. The tea drying apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The limiting component includes a first elastic element (15), a first limiting pin (13), and a first assembly channel (11) formed on the inner wall of the positioning slot (9); One end of the first elastic member (15) is connected to the bottom wall of the first assembly channel (11), and the other end of the first elastic member (15) is connected to the first limiting pin (13). The first limiting pin (13) can extend out of the outside of the first assembly channel (11) under the action of the first elastic member (15), thereby limiting the upper part of the positioning protrusion (12).
4. The tea drying apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first limiting pin (13) is provided with a guide slope (17) at one end away from the first elastic member (15). When the positioning protrusion (12) is embedded in the positioning slot (9), the positioning protrusion (12) can act on the guide slope (17) and drive the first limiting pin to move into the first assembly channel (11).
5. The tea drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The support column (2) is equipped with multiple bearing positioning seats (3) from top to bottom, and the bearing positioning seats (3) are provided with supporting grooves (4); The bottom of the drying tray (6) is equipped with a connecting base (8), and the connecting base (8) is equipped with multiple telescopic components (5) along the circumferential direction. The multiple telescopic components (5) can be fitted and supported by multiple bearing positioning seats (3) of the same vertical height.
6. The tea drying apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The telescopic assembly (5) includes a telescopic driven shaft (19) and a hollow telescopic actuating shaft (18); One end of the telescopic driven shaft (19) is connected to the connecting base (8), and the other end of the telescopic driven shaft (19) is fitted inside the telescopic actuating shaft (18); The telescopic driven shaft (19) is provided with a second assembly channel (20), and a second elastic member (21) is installed in the second assembly channel (20). The free end of the second elastic member (21) is connected to a second limiting pin (16). The telescopic actuator (18) has a limiting hole (14), which can be engaged with the second limiting pin (16) for limiting. When the telescopic actuating shaft (18) moves away from the telescopic driven shaft (19), the second limiting pin (16) can be inserted into the limiting hole (14), and then the telescopic actuating shaft (18) can be engaged in the supporting groove (4).
7. The tea drying apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The end of the second limiting pin (16) away from the second elastic member (21) is provided with a transition arc.