Automatic stirring device and mobile decoction system for decoction machines

Abstract

This utility model discloses an automatic stirring device and a mobile decoction system for a decoction machine. The automatic stirring device includes a downward blowing assembly for blowing a gaseous medium into the decoction container to pneumatically stir the medicinal materials and liquid within. The gaseous medium can be air, water vapor, or a combination of both. This utility model solves the technical problem of ensuring uniform stirring in existing decoction machines.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of traditional Chinese medicine decoction equipment, and more specifically, to an automatic stirring device and a mobile decoction system for a decoction machine. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces typically require regular stirring during the decocting process to promote the full extraction of medicinal components and prevent scorching. Existing decoction machines generally require manual stirring with tools after opening the lid. This method is not only cumbersome and labor-intensive, but also makes it difficult to ensure uniform stirring, easily causing some herbs to float on the surface, affecting the decoction effect and the consistency of the liquid concentration. Furthermore, manual stirring carries the risk of hot steam overflow and cross-contamination, hindering the need for automated and clean decoction production.

[0003] There is currently no effective solution to the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model provides an automatic stirring device and a mobile decoction system for a decoction machine, which at least solves the technical problems in the prior art that the decoction machine requires manual opening of the lid and manual stirring, which is cumbersome to operate, labor-intensive, and difficult to guarantee the uniformity of stirring.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an automatic stirring device for a decoction machine is provided, comprising a downward blowing assembly for blowing a gaseous medium into the decoction pot to pneumatically stir the medicinal materials and liquid within the pot. The gaseous medium is air, water vapor, or alternating air and water vapor. This structure allows for uniform mixing of the medicinal materials and liquid, preventing scorching and increasing the extraction rate of active ingredients, thereby improving the quality and efficiency of the decoction process.

[0006] In some embodiments, the downward-pressing air-blowing assembly includes a downward-pressing plate for pressing down floating medicinal slices in the decoction pot, immersing the medicinal slices in the medicinal liquid. This structure presses the floating medicinal slices into the medicinal liquid through the downward-pressing plate while simultaneously blowing in air to achieve pneumatic stirring, further enhancing the mixing effect and effectively preventing the accumulation of medicinal slices and localized overheating.

[0007] In some embodiments, the downward-pressing air-blowing assembly further includes: an air-blowing inlet, with its upper end connected to an external air source and its lower end connected to an air-blowing guide rod, for introducing air from the external air source into the air-blowing guide rod; the air-blowing guide rod, with its upper end connected to the air-blowing inlet and its lower end penetrating the downward-pressing plate, for conveying the air input from the air-blowing inlet to the air-blowing outlet; and the air-blowing outlet, disposed within the lower end of the air-blowing guide rod, for blowing the air into the decoction pot. This structure, through the cooperation of the air-blowing inlet, air-blowing guide rod, and air-blowing outlet, achieves stable air introduction and precise delivery, effectively enhancing the uniformity and reliability of pneumatic stirring, and further preventing localized deposition and scorching.

[0008] In some embodiments, the automatic stirring device further includes a support frame assembly and an automatic control assembly. The downward blowing assembly further includes a rotary drive component, mounted on the support frame assembly, for driving the blowing guide rod and the downward pressing plate to rotate around their common axis under the control of the automatic control assembly. This structure, through the rotary drive component automatically controlling the blowing guide rod and the downward pressing plate to rotate around their axis, automates the stirring process and achieves omnidirectional uniform mixing, further improving the efficiency and quality stability of decoction.

[0009] In some embodiments, the downward-pressing air-blowing assembly further includes: a downward-pressing connecting plate, one end of which is fixedly connected to the rotary drive member, and the other end of which is connected to the air-blowing guide rod, for transmitting the rotational power of the rotary drive member to the air-blowing guide rod; and a guide bearing, disposed at the connection between the downward-pressing connecting plate and the air-blowing guide rod, for guiding and supporting the rotation and vertical movement of the air-blowing guide rod. This structure reliably transmits rotational power through the downward-pressing connecting plate and uses the guide bearing to precisely guide and support the rotation and vertical movement of the air-blowing guide rod, significantly improving the stability and accuracy of the stirring motion and extending the service life of the device.

[0010] In some embodiments, a downward-pressing guide assembly is further included, mounted on the support frame assembly, for driving the downward-pressing air-blowing assembly to move vertically up and down along the support frame assembly under the control of the automatic control assembly, so that the downward-pressing air-blowing assembly enters or exits the decoction pot during the decoction process. This structure enables precise control of the stirring head's entry and exit positions, ensuring effective stirring and reducing wear on the decoction pot.

[0011] In some embodiments, the downward movement guide assembly includes: a module fixing block, mounted on the support frame assembly, for fixing the downward movement module; the downward movement module, mounted on the module fixing block, for driving the downward blowing assembly to move up and down along the vertical direction under the control of the automatic control assembly; a guide fixing plate, fixedly mounted on the support frame assembly, for supporting and fixing a guide rod; one end of the guide rod is fixed to the guide fixing plate, and the other end is connected to the downward blowing assembly through a guide rod fixing seat, for providing guidance and support for the downward blowing assembly during its up and down movement; the guide rod fixing seat is disposed on the support frame assembly for limiting and fixing the guide rod. This structure ensures the smoothness and accuracy of the downward movement, prevents the stirring head from shifting, and improves the overall reliability and safety of the machine.

[0012] In some embodiments, an automatic lid-opening component is also included, used to grasp and open the lid of the decoction pot under the control of the automatic control component. This structure reduces manual intervention, improves work efficiency, and avoids direct contact between operators and high-temperature steam, thus enhancing safety.

[0013] In some embodiments, the automatic lid-opening assembly includes: upper and lower cylinders, mounted on the support frame assembly, for driving the gripper to move up and down in the vertical direction under the control of the automatic control assembly, so as to move the lid of the decoction pot up and down; an upper and lower connecting member, one end connected to the upper and lower cylinders and the other end connected to a rotary cylinder, for transmitting the lifting power of the upper and lower cylinders to the rotary cylinder; the rotary cylinder, mounted on the upper and lower connecting member, for driving the gripper to rotate around the vertical direction under the control of the automatic control assembly, so as to rotate and open or close the lid of the decoction pot; a rotary connecting member, one end connected to the rotary cylinder and the other end connected to the gripper cylinder, for transmitting the rotational power of the rotary cylinder to the gripper cylinder; the gripper cylinder, mounted on the rotary connecting member, for driving the gripper to open or close under the control of the automatic control assembly; the gripper, connected to the gripper cylinder, for gripping the lid of the decoction pot in the open state and releasing the lid of the decoction pot in the closed state. The above structure allows for flexible adaptation to different types of decoction pot lids, ensuring stable and reliable opening and closing actions.

[0014] In some embodiments, a pressure head cleaning assembly is further included, used to clean the lower pressure plate and the air outlet after stirring is completed under the control of the automatic control assembly. This structure effectively avoids cross-contamination between different batches of medicinal liquid, ensuring the hygiene and purity of the decoction.

[0015] In some embodiments, the pressure head cleaning assembly includes: a cleaning hood, mounted on the support frame assembly, for moving and covering the cleaning positions of the lower pressure plate and the air outlet under the control of the automatic control assembly; a guide assembly, connected between the cleaning hood and the support frame assembly, for providing guidance and support for the movement of the cleaning hood; a telescopic cylinder, mounted on the support frame assembly, for driving the cleaning hood to move vertically to the cleaning position or the reset position; a cleaning nozzle, disposed on the inner wall of the cleaning hood and connected to a cleaning fluid supply pipeline, for spraying cleaning fluid onto the lower pressure plate and the air outlet under the control of the automatic control assembly; and a cleaning water receiving tray, disposed below the cleaning hood, for collecting waste liquid flowing down after the cleaning nozzle sprays cleaning fluid. With the above structure, all-around rinsing of the stirring components can be achieved, resulting in thorough cleaning, smooth drainage, and easy maintenance.

[0016] In some embodiments, the automatic stirring device further includes a switching device for alternating between air and water vapor under the control of the automatic control component. By setting the switching device, alternating between air and water vapor can be achieved, thereby allowing flexible selection of stirring or heating methods according to different needs of the decoction process, thus improving the adaptability and control precision of the decoction.

[0017] In some embodiments, the steam is used not only for pneumatic stirring of the medicinal materials and liquid in the decoction pot, but also for heating the medicinal materials and liquid in the decoction pot. Through this scheme, pneumatic stirring is achieved while steam is used to heat the medicinal materials and liquid, thus combining stirring and heating functions and effectively improving decoction efficiency and uniformity.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, a mobile decoction system is also provided, including the automatic stirring device described in any of the above embodiments.

[0019] In this embodiment of the utility model, the above structure solves the technical problems of the prior art in the decoction machine, which requires manual opening of the lid and manual stirring, is cumbersome to operate, has high labor intensity, and is difficult to guarantee the uniformity of stirring. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the decoction machine according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 2This is a perspective view of an automatic stirring device according to an embodiment of the present utility model, wherein (a) is a perspective view from the left side and (b) is a perspective view from the right side.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the support frame according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the downward moving guide assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 5 (a) is a structural diagram of the pressure blowing assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the pressure blowing assembly taken along direction B in (a).

[0026] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the automatic lid opening assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the pressure head cleaning assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0028] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0029] 1. System control cabinet; 2. Automatic decoction machine conveying device; 3. Automatic decoction machine; 4. Automatic stirring device; 41. Support frame assembly; 411. Support frame; 412. Support feet; 42. Downward moving guide assembly; 421. Module fixing block; 422. Downward motion module; 423. Guide fixing plate; 424. Guide rod; 425. Guide rod fixing seat; 43. Downward blowing assembly; 431. Rotary drive component; 432. Downward connecting plate; 433. Guide bearing; 434. Blowing guide rod ; 435. Lower pressure plate component; 436. Air inlet component; 437. Air outlet component; 44. Automatic lid opening assembly; 441. Upper and lower cylinders; 442. Upper and lower connecting components; 443. Rotary cylinder; 444. Rotary connecting component; 445. Grip cylinder; 446. Grip component; 45. Pressure head cleaning assembly; 451. Cleaning cover component; 452. Guide kit; 453. Telescopic cylinder component; 454. Cleaning nozzle component; 455. Cleaning water receiving tray component; 456. Cleaning lower pipe component; 46. Automatic control assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0030] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0031] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0032] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this application. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0033] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0034] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0035] This embodiment provides a mobile decoction system, such as Figure 1As shown, the system includes a system control cabinet 1, an automatic decoction machine conveying device 2, an automatic decoction machine 3, and an automatic stirring device 4. The system control cabinet 1 is electrically connected to the automatic decoction machine conveying device 2, the automatic decoction machine 3, and the automatic stirring device 4, and is used for centralized control of the operation of each component. The automatic decoction machine conveying device 2 is mechanically connected to the automatic decoction machine 3, responsible for accurately conveying the automatic decoction machine 3, which contains the decoction barrel, to the designated workstation. The automatic decoction machine 3 is used to heat and decoct the medicinal materials / slices. The automatic stirring device 4 is installed above the automatic decoction machine 3 and is used to stir the liquid in the barrel and press down floating materials during the decoction process, improving the uniformity of the decoction and the extraction rate of effective components.

[0036] Automatic stirring device 4, such as Figure 2 As shown, it mainly includes: a support frame assembly 41, a downward moving guide assembly 42, a downward blowing assembly 43, an automatic cover opening assembly 44, a pressure head cleaning assembly 45, and an automatic control assembly 46. The automatic stirring device 4 is based on the support frame assembly 41, which is fixed to the workbench or the ground and serves as the platform for each functional module. The downward moving guide assembly 42 is installed on the support frame assembly 41 and is used to drive and guide the up-and-down movement of the downward blowing assembly 43. The downward blowing assembly 43 is connected to the downward moving guide assembly 42 and can realize the functions of downward pressing, blowing, and rotating stirring under the drive of the automatic control assembly 46, pressing floating medicinal materials into the liquid and promoting the circulation of the liquid. The automatic lid opening assembly 44 is also fixed on the support frame assembly 41 and connected to the automatic control assembly 46. It is used to automatically grab, lift, and rotate to open or close the lid of the decoction pot. The pressure head cleaning assembly 45 is installed above the support frame assembly 41 and works with the downward blowing assembly 43. After stirring, it moves the covering pressure head and sprays it for cleaning to prevent cross-contamination. The automatic control assembly 46 is electrically connected to the above components and realizes the automated sequential control and parameter adjustment of actions such as opening the lid, pressing, rotating, blowing, and cleaning through PLC, sensors, and actuators.

[0037] Specifically, support frame component 41, such as Figure 3As shown, the system includes a support frame 411 and support feet 412 positioned below the support frame 411. The support frame 411 is constructed using industrial aluminum or stainless steel profiles (profiles are preferred for ease of assembly and disassembly). Support feet 412 are fitted below to adjust the level and fix the system to the workbench or ground. The support frame assembly 41 serves as the load-bearing structure for each functional module. Several mounting surfaces and guide rails are provided on the frame for fixing components such as the downward moving guide assembly 42, the automatic cover opening assembly 44, and the pressure head cleaning assembly 45. Quick-positioning holes and locking grooves are preferably designed on the frame to facilitate modular assembly and on-site disassembly and maintenance. The frame material should be corrosion-resistant (such as 304 / 316 stainless steel) when in contact with the liquid or supporting the cleaning components. The remaining structure can use aluminum profiles to reduce weight and facilitate customized layouts.

[0038] Press down the moving guide assembly 42, such as Figure 4 As shown, the assembly includes a module fixing block 421, a downward motion module 422, a guide fixing plate 423, a guide rod 424, and a guide rod fixing seat 425. The module fixing block 421 securely mounts the downward motion module 422 onto the support frame 411. The downward motion module 422 can utilize an electric ball screw module, a linear servo module, or a pneumatic cylinder (with guide) to achieve precise vertical displacement control, meeting the height and stroke requirements of different decoction barrels. The guide fixing plate 423 and the guide rod 424 cooperate to form a rigid guide system. One end of the guide rod 424 is fixed to the guide fixing plate 423, and the other end is connected to the downward blowing assembly 43 via the guide rod fixing seat 425, providing support and guidance for the downward blowing assembly 43 during its vertical movement.

[0039] The downward air blowing assembly 43 is the core functional unit of this application, combining pneumatic stirring and downward immersion functions. Its main components are as follows: Figure 5As shown, it includes a rotary drive component 431, a pressing connecting plate component 432, a guide bearing 433, an air blowing guide rod 434, a pressing plate component 435, an air blowing inlet component 436, and an air blowing outlet component 437. The rotary drive component 431 is mounted on the support frame 411, and its output end is fixedly connected to the pressing connecting plate 432 to transmit rotational power. The pressing plate 432 is equipped with a guide bearing 433 and an air blowing guide rod 434. The pressing moving guide component 42 performs up and down movements, and the rotary drive component 431 performs rotational movements, so that the air blowing guide rod 434 can move up and down while rotating. The lower end of the air blowing guide rod 434 is connected in sequence to the pressing plate component 435 and the air blowing outlet component 437. The pressing plate component 435 is used to press the floating medicinal materials into the medicinal liquid, and the air blowing outlet component 437 is used to deliver clean compressed air introduced by the air blowing inlet component 436 to the decoction barrel to achieve pneumatic stirring. The air blowing inlet component 436 is connected to the internal air passage of the air blowing guide rod 434 to continuously provide an air source for the air blowing outlet component 437, thereby realizing the coordinated operation of stirring and pressing functions.

[0040] In some embodiments, in addition to compressed air, the gas medium introduced from an external gas source can also be water vapor. In other embodiments, the automatic stirring device further includes a switching device that, under the control of an automatic control component, can alternately switch the external gas source between air and water vapor. The water vapor is used not only for pneumatic stirring of the medicinal materials and liquid in the decoction pot, but also for heating the medicinal materials and liquid in the decoction pot.

[0041] The air outlet 437 can be made into a mushroom head shape, a porous diffuser head, or a groove-shaped air outlet. The aperture, number of holes, and arrangement of the air outlet 437 can be optimized according to the diameter of the decoction pot and the characteristics of the decoction pieces / materials. The mushroom head-shaped air outlet can achieve downward and annular airflow, thereby creating convective aerodynamic disturbance in the decoction pot, promoting the circulation of the liquid and the agitation of the herbs, and preventing the herbs from clumping or sticking to the bottom. In some other embodiments, when decocting viscous or easily clumped herbs, a low-speed electric paddle or a retractable mechanical stirrer can be added to the pneumatic stirring to improve the stirring and breaking-up ability.

[0042] The pressing disc 435 is located near or coaxial with the air outlet 437. It performs a downward pressing motion simultaneously with or under alternating control of air blowing to press the medicinal slices floating on the surface of the liquid into the liquid, ensuring that the medicinal materials are fully heated and in contact with the liquid, thereby increasing the extraction of active ingredients. The pressing disc 435 can be disc-shaped, annular, or mesh-shaped. A soft protective ring (such as food-grade silicone) can be fitted to the edge of the disc to reduce impact and wear on the inner wall of the decoction pot.

[0043] In other embodiments, for large-sized or multi-compartment decoction pots, the air blowing outlet and the pressure plate can be arranged in a multi-head configuration, with multiple air blowing guide rods working in parallel or distributed in a support manner to achieve large-area stirring coverage.

[0044] The rotary drive component 431, which can be a servo motor or a geared motor, is mounted on the support frame 411 and transmits the rotational motion to the air blowing guide rod 434 and the pressure plate 435 via the pressing connecting plate 432, causing them to rotate around a common axis at a preset speed. This rotational motion expands the coverage of aerodynamic disturbances, enabling the air blowing outlet 437 to achieve a circular stirring action within the decoction pot, avoiding dead zones in the stirring process. The pressing connecting plate 432 is typically fixed to the output shaft of the rotary drive component 431 at one end, and connected to the air blowing guide rod 434 via a rigid connection or flexible coupling at the other end. A guide bearing 433 is installed at the connection point to accommodate both rotation and vertical displacement.

[0045] The guide bearing 433 is located at the connection between the lower connecting plate 432 and the air blowing guide rod 434 or between the guide rod and the frame. It is used to precisely guide and support rotation and vertical movement, reduce the impact of axial and radial loads on the drive system, and extend the service life of the equipment.

[0046] The automatic lid-opening assembly 44, in coordination with the automatic control assembly 46, is used to grip, lift, and rotate the lid of the decoction pot to open it. Figure 6 As shown, the automatic lid opening assembly 44 may include an upper and lower cylinder 441, an upper and lower connecting piece 442, a rotary cylinder 443, a rotary connecting piece 444, a gripper cylinder 445, and a gripper piece 446.

[0047] The upper and lower cylinders 441 drive the gripper 446 to move up and down in the vertical direction. When the gripper is in the low position, it opens or closes to grab the lid and then moves up and out of the top surface of the pot. The upper and lower connecting parts 442 transmit the lifting and lowering action of the upper and lower cylinders 441 to the rotating part.

[0048] Rotary cylinder 443 drives gripper 446 to rotate around a vertical axis by a certain angle (e.g., 90° or an angle set according to the cover structure), thereby realizing the rotational opening or closing of the cover. Gripper cylinder 445 is used to complete the opening and closing action of the gripper.

[0049] The gripper 446 can be an adjustable jaw or a replaceable jaw to fit different sizes and shapes of decoction pot lids. The contact surface between the gripper and the lid is preferably made of food-grade soft padding or non-slip material to prevent slippage or damage to the lid surface during gripping.

[0050] To avoid cross-contamination between different batches, the lower pressure plate 435 and the air outlet 437 must be cleaned after mixing. The pressure head cleaning assembly 45, such as... Figure 7As shown, it includes a cleaning hood 451, a guide kit 452, a telescopic cylinder 453, a cleaning nozzle 454, a cleaning water tray 455, and a cleaning lower pipe 456.

[0051] The cleaning hood 451 can be moved from the reset position to the cleaning position covering the pressure plate 435 and the air outlet 437 along the guide kit 452 under the control signal. The cleaning nozzle 454 is arranged inside the hood and forms a closed space to improve rinsing efficiency and water saving.

[0052] The cleaning nozzle 454 sprays cleaning fluid through the cleaning fluid supply pipeline (which can be connected to municipal tap water or a special cleaning fluid) down to the pressure plate 435 and the air outlet 437. The cleaning water collection tray 455 collects the waste fluid and discharges it to a sewage treatment or centralized discharge system through the cleaning drain pipe 456. To improve hygiene requirements, a high-temperature rinsing or a rinsing step with disinfectant can be performed after cleaning.

[0053] The telescopic cylinder 453 drives the cleaning hood 451 to perform rapid up-and-down reciprocating motion, achieving rinsing and resetting. Both the cleaning hood 451 and the cleaning nozzle 454 are designed with easy-to-disassemble structures for convenient manual inspection and maintenance.

[0054] In other embodiments, the cleaning fluid supply can be integrated with the wastewater recovery system, combining a cleaning circulation pump and a filter to achieve online cleaning and recycling, reducing water consumption and improving hygiene control.

[0055] The automatic control component 46 includes a main control PLC or industrial controller, an HMI (touchscreen), a power control module, an air source regulation and distribution system (including pressure gauges, solenoid valves, pressure regulating valves, filters, and dryers), a rotary motor driver, stroke limit and position feedback sensors (limit switches, photoelectric or proximity switches), and pressure / flow sensors. The automatic control component 46 enables timing control and parameter setting for actions such as opening the lid, pressing down / lifting, rotating, blowing air, and cleaning. In other embodiments, servo control with closed-loop feedback and matching pressure / flow sensors can be used to achieve real-time closed-loop control of air source pressure, rotation speed, and downward pressure; the stirring curve can be automatically adjusted based on different prescriptions or medicinal materials to optimize the extraction effect.

[0056] In this embodiment, the components in contact with the medicinal liquid (such as the lower pressure plate, the air outlet, the cleaning cover, and the lower end of the guide rod) are preferably made of food-grade stainless steel (e.g., 304 or 316) or food-grade treated engineering plastics; the sealing rings are made of high-temperature resistant and corrosion-resistant food-grade materials (e.g., silicone rubber or fluororubber). Flexible couplings can be used at the couplings of the rotary transmission components to buffer impacts and reduce vibration. To accommodate different sizes of decoction pots, the lower pressure plate, the air outlet, and the gripper are designed with modular interfaces that can be quickly disassembled and assembled, allowing for on-site adaptation by replacing different sized components.

[0057] To ensure operational safety, the system can also be equipped with an emergency stop button, door / cover interlock, abnormal air source pressure shutdown protection, rotational overload protection, and return-to-position detection functions. Several decoction programs are pre-set on the HMI (e.g., regular stirring, enhanced stirring of traditional Chinese medicine decoctions, gentle stirring, etc.), allowing operators to select and set parameters such as stirring time, air pressure, rotation speed, and downward stroke according to the properties of the medicinal materials. Furthermore, to prevent the spillage of powder or vapor, localized ventilation and high-efficiency filtration devices can be installed in the work area; key contact surfaces feature rounded corners and a seamless structure for easy cleaning and disinfection.

[0058] The mobile decoction system provided in this application should be assembled by first installing and leveling the support frame, then installing the downward motion module, rotary drive, and air pipeline in module order, and finally connecting the controller and HMI. During commissioning, limit switches, stroke, and air pressure thresholds should be verified item by item, and several commonly used decoction programs should be set and saved. Routine maintenance includes: checking the air source filter and dryer, lubricating the rotary bearing, checking the wear of the guide rod and guide bearing, replacing seals, and regularly descaling the cleaning nozzles.

[0059] The working process and control flow of the mobile decoction system will be described below.

[0060] (1) Equipment initialization / positioning. The system performs a self-check, checking the gas source pressure, valve status, and position sensor status; the conveying device transports the automatic decoction machine containing the decoction pot to the stirring position and stops it, and the automatic decoction machine decocts the decoction pot.

[0061] (2) Automatic lid opening: After confirming that the decoction pot is in place and the lid is recognized, the automatic lid opening component picks up the lid and lifts and rotates it to the open position, releases the lid and resets the gripper.

[0062] (3) Pressing and Air Blowing Stirring: The automatic control component drives the pressing guide component to lower the pressing air blowing component to the preset depth. Clean compressed air is connected to the air blowing inlet. The rotary drive component starts to rotate the air blowing outlet and the pressing plate component, and simultaneously / intermittently blows air to perform pneumatic stirring and pressing immersion actions, which promotes the sinking of floating materials and maintains the flow in the decoction tank. The parameters (pressure, speed, pressing force and stroke) during the stirring process are monitored and adjusted in real time by the automatic control component.

[0063] (4) Stop stirring and lift: After the set stirring time is reached, stop blowing and rotating, and lift the lower blowing component to the reset position.

[0064] (5) Pressure head cleaning: After the automatic decoction machine finishes decoction, the pressure head cleaning component moves and covers the lower pressure plate and air outlet, starts the nozzle cleaning program, collects and discharges waste liquid; and resets after cleaning.

[0065] (6) Closing and removing: The automatic lid opening component (or independent lid closing device) closes and locks the lid, and the conveying device continues to remove the decoction machine to prepare for the next station or the next batch of operations.

[0066] Through the above structure, this application realizes the use of clean compressed air to deeply pneumatically stir the medicine in the decoction tank during the automatic decoction process, and combined with the lower pressure plate to immerse the floating material into the medicine liquid. This significantly improves the uniformity of stirring and the extraction rate of effective ingredients of medicinal materials. At the same time, it reduces the intensity of manual operation, reduces the risk of hot steam overflow and cross-contamination, and the modular design makes it easy to adapt to different specifications of decoction tanks and simplifies maintenance.

[0067] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An automatic stirring device for a decoction machine, characterized in that, It includes a downward blowing assembly for blowing a gaseous medium into the decoction barrel to pneumatically stir the medicinal materials and liquid in the decoction barrel, wherein the gaseous medium is air, water vapor, or alternating air and water vapor.

2. The automatic stirring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The downward blowing assembly includes a downward pressing plate, used to press down the floating medicinal slices in the decoction barrel, so that the medicinal slices are immersed in the medicinal liquid.

3. The automatic stirring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The downward blowing assembly also includes: An air inlet component is provided, with an external air source connected to the upper end and an air blowing guide rod connected to the lower end, for introducing air from the external air source into the air blowing guide rod. The air blowing guide rod passes through the lower pressure plate and is used to transport the air input by the air blowing inlet to the air blowing outlet. The air outlet is located inside the lower end of the air blowing guide rod and is used to blow air into the decoction pot.

4. The automatic stirring device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The automatic stirring device further includes a support frame assembly and an automatic control assembly. The downward blowing assembly further includes a rotary drive component, which is mounted on the support frame assembly and is used to drive the blowing guide rod and the downward pressing plate to rotate around the common axis of the blowing guide rod and the downward pressing plate under the control of the automatic control assembly.

5. The automatic stirring device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The downward blowing assembly also includes: The pressing connecting plate is fixedly connected at one end to the rotary drive component and at the other end to the air blowing guide rod, which is used to transmit the rotational power of the rotary drive component to the air blowing guide rod. A guide bearing is provided at the connection between the pressing connecting plate and the blowing guide rod, and is used to guide and support the rotation and vertical movement of the blowing guide rod.

6. The automatic stirring device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The automatic stirring device further includes a downward moving guide assembly, which is installed on the support frame assembly and is used to drive the downward blowing assembly to move up and down along the vertical direction of the support frame assembly under the control of the automatic control assembly, so that the downward blowing assembly enters into the decoction barrel or exits from the decoction barrel during the decoction process.

7. The automatic stirring device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The downward pressure moving guide assembly includes: A module fixing block is installed on the support frame assembly to fix the pressing motion module; The downward motion module is mounted on the module fixing block and is used to drive the downward blowing component to move up and down along the vertical direction under the control of the automatic control component. A guide fixing plate is fixedly installed on the support frame assembly to support and fix the guide rod; One end of the guide rod is fixed to the guide fixing plate, and the other end is connected to the downward blowing assembly through the guide rod fixing seat, which is used to provide guidance and support for the downward blowing assembly during its up and down movement. The guide rod fixing seat is disposed on the support frame assembly and is used to limit and fix the guide rod.

8. The automatic stirring device according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes an automatic lid opening component, which comprises: Upper and lower cylinders are installed on the support frame assembly and are used to drive the gripper to move up and down in the vertical direction under the control of the automatic control assembly, so as to move the lid of the decoction pot up and down. The upper and lower connecting parts are connected at one end to the upper and lower cylinders and at the other end to the rotary cylinder, and are used to transmit the lifting power of the upper and lower cylinders to the rotary cylinder. The rotary cylinder is mounted on the upper and lower connecting parts and is used to drive the gripper to rotate around the vertical direction under the control of the automatic control component, so as to rotate and open or close the lid of the decoction pot. A rotary connector, one end of which is connected to the rotary cylinder and the other end of which is connected to the gripper cylinder, is used to transmit the rotational power of the rotary cylinder to the gripper cylinder. The gripper cylinder is mounted on the rotary link and is used to drive the gripper to open or close under the control of the automatic control component. The gripper is connected to the gripper cylinder and is used to grip the lid of the decoction pot when it is open and to release the lid of the decoction pot when it is closed.

9. The automatic stirring device according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a pressure head cleaning assembly, which is used to clean the lower pressure plate and the air outlet after stirring is completed under the control of the automatic control assembly.

10. The automatic stirring device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The pressure head cleaning assembly includes: A cleaning hood is installed on the support frame assembly and is used to move and cover the cleaning position of the pressure plate and the air outlet under the control of the automatic control assembly. A guide kit, connected between the cleaning hood and the support frame assembly, is used to provide guidance and support for the movement of the cleaning hood; A telescopic cylinder is installed on the support frame assembly to drive the cleaning hood to move vertically to the cleaning position or the reset position. A cleaning nozzle is disposed on the inner wall of the cleaning hood and connected to the cleaning fluid supply pipeline. It is used to spray cleaning fluid onto the pressure plate and the air outlet under the control of the automatic control component. A cleaning water receiving tray is installed below the cleaning hood to collect the waste liquid that flows down after the cleaning nozzle sprays the cleaning fluid.

11. The automatic stirring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic stirring device also includes a switching device for alternating between the air and the water vapor under the control of the automatic control component.

12. The automatic stirring device according to claim 11, characterized in that, In addition to pneumatically stirring the medicinal slices and liquid in the decoction pot, the steam is also used to heat the medicinal slices and liquid in the decoction pot.

13. A mobile decoction system, characterized in that, The automatic stirring device includes any one of claims 1 to 12.

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