A hot air circulation drying bellow for traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces
By employing a rectangular array of air holes and a circulating flow design in the hot air circulating drying box for Chinese herbal medicine pieces, the problem of uneven hot air distribution was solved, achieving uniform and efficient drying of Chinese herbal medicine pieces.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GUANGXI LINGNAN YUTAI PHARM CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-28
AI Technical Summary
In existing hot air drying ovens, the hot air is not evenly distributed, resulting in the herbs near the air outlet drying faster and the herbs far from the air outlet drying slower, leading to uneven drying.
A hot air circulating drying box for Chinese herbal medicine slices is designed. Multiple air holes are distributed in a rectangular array. Hot air is blown evenly from both sides of the drying rack. The uniform distribution of hot air is achieved through the circulation of the heating chamber and the drying chamber. The hot air is recycled by using a combination of a fan and an electric heating element.
This method achieves uniform drying of Chinese herbal medicine slices, shortens drying time, improves drying efficiency, and reduces energy consumption.
Smart Images
Figure CN224567794U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of traditional Chinese medicine drying technology, specifically relating to a hot air circulating drying box for traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces. Background Technology
[0002] Prepared Chinese medicinal herbs are made by washing, slicing, and then processing raw medicinal materials. During the processing of prepared Chinese medicinal herbs, drying is necessary to remove excess moisture and ensure the quality and practical value of the herbs.
[0003] Currently, the main methods for drying Chinese herbal medicine slices include hot air drying, vacuum drying, microwave drying, and freeze drying. Hot air drying involves blowing heated air at a certain speed across the surface of the herbal slices, allowing heat exchange between the air and the slices. This method is suitable for most types of herbs and is suitable for large-scale drying. Vacuum drying involves creating a vacuum in a sealed container to reduce pressure, causing the moisture in the herbal slices to evaporate at a lower temperature. Simultaneously, heating is achieved through a jacket to accelerate moisture removal and prevent damage to the medicinal properties from high temperatures. However, this method is slow and not suitable for large-scale drying. Microwave drying utilizes microwaves to penetrate the interior of the herbal slices, causing water molecules to vibrate at high frequencies and generate heat, achieving simultaneous internal and external heating for rapid moisture evaporation. This method is fast but energy-intensive, sensitive to metals, and has high drying costs. Freeze-drying involves freezing the medicinal slices to below -40°C to freeze the water, and then allowing the ice to sublimate directly into water vapor under a high vacuum environment (vacuum degree ≤10Pa) to achieve drying. After drying, the medicinal slices are intact (without shrinkage) and have a very high retention rate of effective ingredients. However, it requires large equipment investment and high energy consumption.
[0004] In existing technologies, hot air drying is mostly used to dry Chinese medicinal herbs. This drying process primarily utilizes hot air drying chambers. However, existing hot air drying chambers typically have only one air outlet, meaning the hot air can only blow from one direction. The heat weakens with distance, resulting in herbs near the outlet drying faster than those further away, leading to uneven drying. Therefore, it is necessary to design a hot air circulating drying chamber for Chinese medicinal herbs that provides more uniform hot air distribution. Utility Model Content
[0005] This invention provides a hot air circulating drying box for traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background art.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A hot air circulating drying box for traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces includes: a storage box, comprising a box body, a door, and partitions; an opening is provided on the side of the box body; the door is connected to the box body through the opening, and the opening is controlled to open and close; partitions are disposed on both sides of the box body; the opening is located between the partitions; a gap is left between the partitions and the side of the box body to form a heating chamber and a drying chamber; multiple through-holes are provided on the surface of the partitions; and a drying assembly, including a fan and an electric heating element; the fan and the electric heating element are disposed within the heating chamber.
[0007] As a further improvement to the technical solution, the fan and the electric heating element are located at the top of the heating chamber; the fan is located above the electric heating element; and the air blowing hole is located below the electric heating element.
[0008] As a further improvement to the technical solution, the air intake end of the fan is connected to the drying chamber, and its air blowing end is located inside the heating chamber; the fan delivers the air in the drying chamber to the heating chamber; the fans are distributed in parallel at intervals along the horizontal direction of the partition.
[0009] As a further improvement to the technical solution, the air holes are distributed in a rectangular array.
[0010] As a further improvement to the technical solution, the storage box also includes an exhaust pipe and an exhaust valve; the exhaust pipe is connected to the drying chamber; and the exhaust valve is disposed on the exhaust pipe.
[0011] As a further improvement to the technical solution, the storage box also includes a drying rack; the drying rack is located inside the drying chamber; a tray is horizontally arranged on the drying rack; the trays are distributed in parallel at intervals along the high end of the drying rack.
[0012] As a further improvement to the technical solution, the tray is provided with multiple through holes; the through holes are distributed in a rectangular array.
[0013] As a further improvement to the technical solution, the drying rack is detachably connected to the box body; the width of the drying rack is smaller than the width of the opening; and the height of the drying rack is smaller than the height of the opening.
[0014] As a further improvement to the technical solution, the bottom of the drying rack is equipped with wheels.
[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: During the drying process, the Chinese herbal medicine slices are placed on a tray on a drying rack. The drying rack is then moved into the chamber, the door is closed, and the electric heating element and fan are activated. The fan draws air from the drying chamber into the heating chamber, and the electric heating element heats the air in the heating chamber. After being heated, the air flows horizontally into the drying chamber through the air vents. The hot air flows horizontally from both sides of the drying chamber and blows towards the drying rack, exchanging heat with the Chinese herbal medicine slices on the rack to dry them. After the heat exchange is complete, the hot air moves upward and is drawn back into the heating chamber by the fan for heating, thus completing the drying of the Chinese herbal medicine slices. This application provides multiple air vents arranged in a rectangular array, allowing hot air to be blown evenly from both sides of the drying rack. The hot air enters the gaps in the drying rack and is distributed throughout the rack, ensuring that the Chinese herbal medicine slices fully exchange heat with the hot air, resulting in a relatively uniform drying speed. Attached Figure Description
[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a hot air circulating drying box for traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces provided by this utility model. Figure 1 ; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Top view; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Sectional view at point AA; Figure 4 for Figure 2 Sectional view at point BB; Reference numerals: 1-Storage box, 11-Box body, 12-Box door, 13-Partition, 14-Heating chamber, 15-Drying chamber, 16-Air vent, 17-Exhaust pipe, 18-Exhaust valve, 19-Drying rack, 2-Drying assembly, 21-Fan, 22-Electric heating element. Detailed Implementation
[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model. Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein should have the ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art to which this utility model pertains.
[0019] The terms "first," "second," and similar words used in this utility model application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms of "an," "a," or "the," etc., do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" indicate that the element or object preceding "comprising" encompasses the features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components listed following "comprising" or "including," and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or collections thereof. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.
[0020] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "setting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0021] Example 1: like Figures 1 to 4As shown, a hot air circulating drying box for traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces includes: a storage box 1 and a drying assembly 2; the storage box 1 includes a box body 11, a door 12, partitions 13, a heating chamber 14, and a drying chamber 15; an opening is provided on the side of the box body 11; the door 12 is hinged to the box body 11 through the opening to control the opening and closing of the opening, and the door 12 can be a sealed door; partitions 13 are disposed on both sides of the box body 11; the opening is located between the two partitions 13, and the partitions 13 divide the interior of the box body 11 into a heating chamber 14 and a drying chamber 15; a gap is left between the partitions 13 and the side of the box body 11 to form the heating chamber 14, and the space between the partitions 13 is the drying chamber; the partitions 13... Multiple through-holes 16 are provided on the plate surface, and the heating chamber 14 and the drying chamber 15 are connected through the through-holes 16. The drying assembly 2 includes a fan 21 and an electric heating element 22. Both the fan 21 and the electric heating element 22 are located inside the heating chamber 14, and the electric heating element 22 can be an electric heating tube. Optionally, the drying assembly 2 also includes a controller and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is located inside the drying chamber 15, and the controller is located outside the housing 11. The fan 21, the electric heating element 22, and the temperature sensor are all connected to the controller circuit. The controller controls the operation of the fan 2 and the electric heating element 22, as well as the wind speed of the fan 21 and the heating power of the electric heating element 22. In addition, it should be noted that the connection method between the fan, the electric heating element, the temperature sensor, and the controller is a conventional connection. The specific models of the fan, the electric heating element, the temperature sensor, and the controller are not improvements of this application and will not be described in detail here.
[0022] like Figure 4 As shown, preferably, the fan 21 and the electric heating element 22 are located at the top of the heating chamber 14; the fan 21 is located above the electric heating element 22; the air blowing hole 16 is located below the electric heating element 22, and the electric heating element 22 heats the air in the heating chamber 14; preferably, the air intake end of the fan 21 is connected to the drying chamber 15, and its air blowing end is located inside the heating chamber 14. The fan 21 draws in the air in the drying chamber 15 and blows the air in the heating chamber 14, so that the air in the heating chamber 14 flows to the drying chamber 15, realizing the gas circulation flow between the heating chamber 14 and the drying chamber 15; the fan 21 delivers the air in the drying chamber 15 to the heating chamber 14; the fans 21 are distributed in parallel and at equal intervals along the horizontal direction of the partition 13, so that the air in the drying chamber 15 flows into the heating chamber 14 evenly and quickly.
[0023] like Figure 3 As shown, preferably, the air blowing holes 16 are distributed in a rectangular array to uniformly flow the hot air in the heating chamber 14 into the drying chamber 15.
[0024] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, preferably, the storage box 1 also includes an exhaust pipe 17 and an exhaust valve 18; the exhaust pipe 17 is connected to the drying chamber 15; the exhaust valve 18 is disposed on the exhaust pipe 17, optionally, the exhaust valve 18 is a solenoid valve, which discharges part of the air in the box 11 through the exhaust pipe 17 to avoid excessive gas and excessive air pressure in the box 11 during the drying process.
[0025] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, preferably, the storage box 1 also includes a drying rack 19; the drying rack 19 is located inside the drying chamber 15; a tray is horizontally arranged on the drying rack 19, preferably, the tray is detachably connected to the drying rack 19; the trays are distributed in parallel at equal intervals along the high end of the drying rack 19, and Chinese herbal medicine pieces are placed on the trays; multiple through holes are opened on the trays; the through holes are distributed in a rectangular array, so that gas can circulate at the bottom of the Chinese herbal medicine pieces.
[0026] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, preferably, the drying rack 19 is detachably connected to the housing 11; the width of the drying rack 19 is smaller than the width of the opening; the height of the drying rack 19 is smaller than the height of the opening, so as to facilitate the removal of the drying rack 19. Preferably, the bottom of the drying rack 19 is provided with casters to facilitate the movement of the drying rack 19. Optional casters have a self-locking function to fix the position of the drying rack 19. Chinese medicinal herbs are placed on the drying rack 19. After a batch of Chinese medicinal herbs is dried, another drying rack 19 containing Chinese medicinal herbs is used for drying, simplifying the handling of Chinese medicinal herbs and shortening the drying process time.
[0027] Work style: During drying, the Chinese herbal medicine slices are placed on a tray on the drying rack 19. The drying rack 19 is then moved into the chamber 11, the chamber door 12 is closed, and the electric heating element 22 and fan 21 are activated. The fan 21 draws air from the drying chamber 15 into the heating chamber 14, and the electric heating element 22 heats the air in the heating chamber 14. After being heated, the air in the heating chamber 14 flows horizontally into the drying chamber 15 through the air vents 16. The hot air flows horizontally from both sides of the drying chamber 15 and blows towards the drying rack 19, where it interacts with the dried herbs. The Chinese herbal medicine slices on the drying rack 19 undergo heat exchange to dry them. After the heat exchange is completed, the hot air moves upward and is then drawn into the heating chamber 14 by the fan 21 for heating. This process is repeated to complete the drying of the Chinese herbal medicine slices. This application provides multiple air blowing holes 16, which are distributed in a rectangular array. Hot air is blown evenly from both sides of the drying rack 19 and enters the gaps in the drying rack 19. The hot air is distributed throughout the drying rack 19, allowing the Chinese herbal medicine slices to fully exchange heat with the hot air, resulting in a relatively uniform drying speed.
[0028] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A hot air circulating drying box for traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces, characterized in that, include: The storage box (1) includes a box body (11), a box door (12), and a partition (13); the box body (11) has an opening on its side; the box door (12) is connected to the box body (11) through the opening and controls the opening and closing of the opening; the partition (13) is located on both sides of the box body (11); the opening is located between the partitions (13); the partitions (13) and the side of the box body (11) are spaced apart to form a heating chamber (14) and a drying chamber (15); the partition (13) has multiple through-holes (16) on its surface. The drying assembly (2) includes a fan (21) and an electric heating element (22); the fan (21) and the electric heating element (22) are disposed in the heating chamber (14).
2. The hot air circulating drying box for traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fan (21) and the electric heating element (22) are located at the top of the heating chamber (14); the fan (21) is located above the electric heating element (22); the air blowing hole (16) is located below the electric heating element (22).
3. The hot air circulating drying box for traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suction end of the fan (21) is connected to the drying chamber (15), and its blowing end is located in the heating chamber (14); the fan (21) delivers the air in the drying chamber (15) to the heating chamber (14); the fans (21) are distributed in parallel at intervals along the horizontal direction of the partition (13).
4. The hot air circulating drying box for traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air holes (16) are distributed in a rectangular array.
5. The hot air circulating drying box for traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage box (1) also includes an exhaust pipe (17) and an exhaust valve (18); the exhaust pipe (17) is connected to the drying chamber (15); the exhaust valve (18) is disposed on the exhaust pipe (17).
6. The hot air circulating drying box for traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage box (1) also includes a drying rack (19); the drying rack (19) is located inside the drying chamber (15); a tray is horizontally arranged on the drying rack (19); the trays are distributed in parallel at intervals along the high end of the drying rack (19).
7. The hot air circulating drying box for traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces according to claim 6, characterized in that, The tray has multiple through holes; the through holes are distributed in a rectangular array.
8. The hot air circulating drying box for traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces according to claim 6, characterized in that, The drying rack (19) is detachably connected to the box (11); the width of the drying rack (19) is smaller than the width of the opening; the height of the drying rack (19) is smaller than the height of the opening.
9. The hot air circulating drying box for traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces according to claim 8, characterized in that, The drying rack (19) is equipped with wheels at its bottom.