Drying apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to a drying device, which comprises a frame body, a clamping assembly and a supporting piece. The clamping assembly is arranged on the frame body and used for clamping tobacco leaves. The supporting piece is rotatably connected to one end of the frame body along a first direction around an axis parallel to the first direction and used for supporting one end of the frame body along the first direction. The application can change the drying direction of the tobacco leaves on the frame body, so that the tobacco leaves have better drying angles. Meanwhile, the drying direction of the tobacco leaves is inclined, which is beneficial to preventing dust and impurities from remaining on the tobacco leaves during the drying process and is beneficial to further improving the drying quality of the tobacco leaves.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of equipment for drying and curing tobacco, and in particular to a drying device. Background Technology

[0002] "Sun-dried tobacco" generally refers to the process of drying harvested tobacco leaves to make them yellow and dry, thus bringing them to a suitable state for storage, fermentation, and subsequent processing (such as curing and shredding). This process is a crucial step in tobacco production (especially for sun-dried tobacco), directly affecting the final quality and flavor of the tobacco leaves.

[0003] However, the drying equipment used in the yellowing process of tobacco using related technologies often results in insufficient drying of tobacco leaves and makes it easy for the tobacco leaves to accumulate dirt and grime, making it difficult to improve the quality of tobacco leaf drying. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a drying device to address the problem that the drying devices used in the yellowing process of tobacco in related technologies often result in insufficient drying of tobacco leaves and make it easy for the tobacco leaves to accumulate dirt and grime, thus making it difficult to improve the drying quality of tobacco leaves.

[0005] According to one aspect of this application, a drying apparatus is provided, the drying apparatus comprising:

[0006] Frame;

[0007] A clamping assembly, disposed on the frame, is used to clamp tobacco leaves; and

[0008] A support member, which is rotatably connected to one end of the frame along a second direction about an axis parallel to a first direction, and is used to support one end of the frame along the second direction;

[0009] The first direction and the second direction intersect each other.

[0010] In one embodiment, the drying device includes a plurality of said clamping components, which are spaced apart from each other on the frame along the second direction, and the same tobacco leaf is clamped by at least one of said clamping components.

[0011] In one embodiment, the frame includes two first connectors and two second connectors, the two first connectors are spaced apart from each other along the first direction, the two second connectors are spaced apart from each other along the second direction, and the two first connectors and the two second connectors are connected end to end in sequence.

[0012] The clamping assembly is disposed at both ends on the two first connectors along the first direction.

[0013] In one embodiment, the frame further includes at least one abutment member, the two ends of which are respectively disposed on the two second connectors along the second direction and abut against the side of the clamping assembly facing the frame.

[0014] In one embodiment, the clamping assembly includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member, the first clamping member being disposed on the frame, the second clamping member being detachably connected to the first clamping member, and a clamping space being defined between the first clamping member and the second clamping member.

[0015] In one embodiment, the clamping assembly further includes at least two connecting bolts. The first clamping member has at least two first screw holes, and the second clamping member has at least two second screw holes corresponding one-to-one with the at least two first screw holes. The connecting bolts are sequentially inserted through the second screw holes and the first screw holes to connect the first clamping member and the second clamping member.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first clamping member is detachably connected to the frame.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first clamping member has at least one anti-slip member on the side facing the second clamping member, the anti-slip member protruding from the first clamping member.

[0018] In one embodiment, the second clamping member is made of a transparent material.

[0019] In one embodiment, the drying device further includes a limiting chain disposed on the support member and extending along the direction of the limiting chain. The limiting chain has a plurality of spaced-apart through holes, and the frame is provided with hooks that can pass through the through holes.

[0020] The aforementioned drying device uses clamping components to hold tobacco leaves on the frame, which is primarily used to hold the tobacco leaves to be dried. It can also rotate relative to the support members around an axis parallel to the first direction, causing the frame to tilt relative to the horizontal under the support of the support members. This changes the tilt of the frame relative to the horizontal, thereby altering the drying direction of the tobacco leaves and providing a better drying angle, which improves the drying quality. Furthermore, the tilted drying direction helps prevent dust and other impurities from accumulating on the tobacco leaves during the drying process, further enhancing the drying quality. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the drying device in one embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first clamping member disposed on the frame in one embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first clamping member in one embodiment of this application.

[0024] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0025] 10. Drying equipment;

[0026] 11. First connector; 12. Second connector; 13. Abutment; 14. Hook;

[0027] 21. First clamping component; 22. Second clamping component; 23. Connecting bolt; 24. Anti-slip component;

[0028] 3. Support components;

[0029] 4. Limit chain;

[0030] F1, first direction; F2, second direction. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0032] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0033] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0034] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0036] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0037] Sun-cured tobacco is a unique tobacco resource, and its distinctive leaf quality has been developed through hundreds of years of natural selection and artificial cultivation. High-quality sun-cured tobacco boasts abundant aroma, rich flavor, unique style, good compatibility, and high safety. It is often used as a flavoring ingredient in cigarettes. Adding sun-cured tobacco to flue-cured cigarettes can effectively reduce tar and harm, improving cigarette quality. With the ongoing efforts in the tobacco industry to reduce harm and tar, sun-cured tobacco is further demonstrating its industrial application value, and the future demand for it is bound to increase significantly.

[0038] Sun-cured tobacco requires arranging the tobacco leaves on corresponding drying devices and relying on sunlight for heating. However, the drying devices used in related technologies often result in insufficient drying of the tobacco leaves and make them prone to accumulating dirt and grime.

[0039] Based on this, this application provides a drying device that can improve the quality of dried tobacco leaves.

[0040] See Figure 1 As shown, the drying device provided in this application includes a frame, a clamping assembly, and a support. The clamping assembly is mounted on the frame and is used to clamp the tobacco leaves. When it is necessary to dry the tobacco leaves, the tobacco leaves are clamped by the clamping assembly, and then the drying device is placed in the drying environment.

[0041] A support member is rotatably connected to one end of the frame along a second direction about an axis parallel to the first direction, and serves to support that end of the frame along the second direction. The first and second directions intersect each other. The supporting member's function allows one end of the frame to be supported, thereby tilting the clamping components and tobacco leaves on the frame for drying.

[0042] The drying device of this application uses a frame to hold tobacco leaves via clamping components; the frame is primarily used to hold the tobacco leaves to be dried. It can also rotate relative to a support member around an axis parallel to a first direction, causing the frame to tilt relative to the horizontal under the support of the support member. This allows the drying direction of the tobacco leaves on the frame to be changed by altering the tilt of the frame relative to the horizontal, resulting in a better drying angle and improved drying quality. Furthermore, the tilted drying direction helps prevent dust and other impurities from accumulating on the tobacco leaves during the drying process, further enhancing the drying quality.

[0043] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first clamping member on the frame in one embodiment of this application. The drying device includes multiple clamping components, which are spaced apart from each other on the frame along a second direction. The same tobacco leaf is clamped by at least one clamping component. In this way, by clamping the tobacco leaf with multiple clamping components, the tobacco leaf will not fall or collapse under the action of gravity, and the tobacco leaf will be laid flat on the frame for drying. This is beneficial to ensure that all parts of the tobacco leaf are fully exposed to sunlight and air, thereby improving the drying efficiency and quality.

[0044] In some embodiments, continue reading Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the frame includes two first connectors and two second connectors. The two first connectors are spaced apart from each other along a first direction, and the two second connectors are spaced apart from each other along a second direction. The two first connectors and the two second connectors are connected end to end in sequence. The two first connectors and the two second connectors form a frame structure, which can provide stable support for the clamping components and improve the stability of the frame during the drying process.

[0045] The clamping assembly is positioned at both ends along the first direction on the two first connectors, thus, as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 The clamping components and the hollowed-out position in the middle of the frame structure are opposite each other. When the tobacco leaves are clamped on the clamping components, they are also opposite to the hollowed-out position. This helps to improve air circulation during the drying process of the tobacco leaves through the hollowed-out position, thereby reducing the dampness of the tobacco leaves facing the frame and improving the drying efficiency and quality of the tobacco leaves.

[0046] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the frame also includes at least one abutment member, with its two ends along the second direction respectively disposed on the two second connecting members, and abutting against the side of the clamping assembly facing the frame. It can be understood that the abutment member, located on one side of the hollowed-out position in the middle of the frame structure, can provide further support to the clamping assembly portion opposite the hollowed-out position, minimizing the risk of the clamping assembly collapsing due to the weight of the tobacco leaves and bending.

[0047] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the clamping assembly includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member. The first clamping member is mounted on the frame, and the second clamping member is detachably connected to the first clamping member, with a clamping space defined between the first and second clamping members. This allows the distance between the two clamping members to be adjusted according to different tobacco leaf sizes, especially thicknesses, ensuring optimal clamping force for tobacco leaves of varying thicknesses. This prevents the tobacco leaves from being crushed or damaged, thus improving the flexibility of the drying device.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, the clamping assembly also includes at least two connecting bolts. The first clamping member has at least two first screw holes, and the second clamping member has at least two second screw holes that correspond one-to-one with the at least two first screw holes. The connecting bolts are sequentially inserted into the second screw holes and the first screw holes to connect the first clamping member and the second clamping member.

[0049] The bolted connection method is simple to operate and provides a secure connection, allowing for adjustable clamping space between the first and second clamping components. Furthermore, after adjusting the clamping space, the distance between the first and second clamping components can be stabilized at a preset position using nuts that are compatible with the connecting bolts. This provides a stable clamping force for the tobacco leaves, effectively reducing the probability of loosening or falling off during the drying process.

[0050] In this embodiment, the nut that matches the connecting bolt can be a wing nut, so as to facilitate the adjustment of the distance between the first clamping member and the second clamping member.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first clamping element is detachably connected to the frame. This facilitates the replacement of clamping components of different sizes or damage, improving the maintainability and flexibility of the drying device.

[0052] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first clamping member in one embodiment of this application. The first clamping member has at least one anti-slip member on the side facing the second clamping member, and the anti-slip member protrudes from the first clamping member. The anti-slip member increases the friction between the clamping assembly and the tobacco leaf, preventing the tobacco leaf from sliding during clamping and further improving the stability of the tobacco leaf clamping.

[0053] In some embodiments, the second clamping member is made of a transparent material. The transparent material of the second clamping member allows sunlight to pass through better and reach the tobacco leaves, increasing the light-receiving area and intensity of the tobacco leaves.

[0054] It is understandable that if an opaque structure, such as bamboo, is used to confine the tobacco leaves, the opacity of the bamboo structure can easily lead to incomplete chlorophyll degradation in the clamped areas, resulting in bluish marks. This can cause inconsistent tobacco quality and reduce the usability of sun-cured tobacco. Secondly, bamboo strips are highly hygroscopic, and during the drying process, weather conditions can easily cause localized humidity differences, affecting the drying of the tobacco leaves and also easily leading to bluish marks, ultimately reducing the usability of the tobacco leaves. Therefore, the drying device of this application can solve the problem of bluish marks that occur during the curing process of sun-cured tobacco.

[0055] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, the drying device also includes a limiting chain, which is mounted on the support member. Along the extension direction of the limiting chain, multiple spaced-apart holes are provided on the limiting chain. Hooks are provided on the frame, and these hooks can pass through the holes. The combined use of the limiting chain and hooks allows for precise adjustment and fixation of the frame's tilt angle. This enables the frame to be flexibly adjusted to the optimal tilt position according to the angle of sunlight and the drying requirements of the tobacco leaves in different seasons and at different times of day, achieving diversified adjustment of the drying angle and further optimizing the drying effect of the tobacco leaves.

[0056] In this embodiment, the limiting chain can adopt a hinge structure, and the metal chain link of the hinge structure forms the above-mentioned through hole, which helps to simplify the limiting chain structure and facilitates replacement.

[0057] In some embodiments, both the frame and the limiting chain can be made of metal for better strength. The first and second clamping components can be made of transparent polycarbonate, i.e., transparent PC, to facilitate even drying of the tobacco leaves.

[0058] In this embodiment, the first and second connecting parts of the frame can be made of iron or aluminum alloy tubes with a square cross-section. The dimensions of the frame along the first direction are 2m, and along the second direction are 1.6m, meaning the length of the first connecting part is 2m and the length of the second connecting part is 1.6m. The corresponding support frame can be made of iron or aluminum alloy tubes with a length of 1.6m and a square cross-section, with one end of the support tube supporting the frame along its length. The corresponding limiting chain length can be 0.5m, and a hook can be fixed at 0.8m along the gravity direction of the second connecting part's tube extension direction, and a limiting chain can be set at 0.8m along the gravity direction of the support tube extension direction, to facilitate adjustment of the limiting chain length.

[0059] In this embodiment, the extension direction of the tube body of the second connector can be selected along the direction of gravity, and the end of the clamping assembly along the first direction can be set at 20cm, 40cm, 60cm, 80cm, 100cm, 120cm and 110cm of the second connector respectively.

[0060] In this embodiment, both the first clamping member and the second clamping member can be rectangular strips with a dimension of 2m along the first direction, a dimension of 3cm along the second direction, and a thickness of 0.15cm. The abutting member can be a rectangular strip with a dimension of 1.6m along the second direction, a dimension of 15cm along the first direction, and a thickness of 0.15cm.

[0061] When using the drying device of this application, the frame can be laid flat first. After checking and confirming that multiple first clamping parts are fixed to the frame, the tobacco leaves are laid on the first clamping parts of the frame. Then, the second clamping parts are installed on the corresponding first clamping parts. The distance between the two clamping parts is adjusted by adjusting the wing nuts, and the clamping force is adjusted accordingly. After the tobacco leaves are laid and clamped, the frame is erected and supported to a suitable tilt angle by the support members. The limit chain through hole on the hook is adjusted to a suitable limit chain length to ensure stable tilting of the frame.

[0062] The drying device of this application has several beneficial effects: First, the cooperation between the clamping components and the support components allows the tobacco leaves to be dried at an angle, which increases the contact area between the tobacco leaves and sunlight, prevents dust and impurities from accumulating, and effectively improves the drying quality. Second, the reasonable layout of multiple clamping components and their cooperation with the hollow structure of the frame enhances air circulation, avoids dampness, and further improves drying efficiency and quality. Third, the detachable connection and bolt adjustment design of the first and second clamping components allow for flexible adjustment of the clamping force according to the thickness of the tobacco leaves, making it suitable for various types of tobacco leaves and effectively reducing the risk of tobacco leaves loosening and falling off. In addition, the transparent second clamping component and the adjustable tilt angle support components not only solve the problem of green marks on tobacco leaves that are easily caused by traditional drying devices, but also make the tobacco leaves receive sunlight more evenly, resulting in a better drying effect. Finally, the detachable clamping components and anti-slip parts facilitate maintenance and replacement, improving the flexibility and stability of the device. Overall, the drying device of this application optimizes the tobacco leaf drying process in many ways, providing a more efficient and higher-quality drying solution.

[0063] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0064] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A drying device, characterized in that, The drying device includes: Frame; A clamping assembly, disposed on the frame, is used to clamp tobacco leaves; and A support member, which is rotatably connected to one end of the frame along a second direction about an axis parallel to a first direction, and is used to support one end of the frame along the second direction; The first direction and the second direction intersect each other.

2. The drying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drying device includes a plurality of clamping components, which are spaced apart from each other on the frame along the second direction, and the same tobacco leaf is clamped by at least one of the clamping components.

3. The drying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame includes two first connectors and two second connectors. The two first connectors are spaced apart from each other along the first direction, and the two second connectors are spaced apart from each other along the second direction. The two first connectors and the two second connectors are connected end to end in sequence. The clamping assembly is disposed at both ends on the two first connectors along the first direction.

4. The drying device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The frame also includes at least one abutment member, the two ends of which are respectively disposed on the two second connectors along the second direction and abut against the side of the clamping assembly facing the frame.

5. The drying device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping assembly includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member. The first clamping member is disposed on the frame, and the second clamping member is detachably connected to the first clamping member. A clamping space is defined between the first clamping member and the second clamping member.

6. The drying apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The clamping assembly further includes at least two connecting bolts. The first clamping member has at least two first screw holes, and the second clamping member has at least two second screw holes that correspond one-to-one with the at least two first screw holes. The connecting bolts are sequentially inserted through the second screw holes and the first screw holes to connect the first clamping member and the second clamping member.

7. The drying apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first clamping member is detachably connected to the frame.

8. The drying apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first clamping member has at least one anti-slip member on the side facing the second clamping member, and the anti-slip member protrudes from the first clamping member.

9. The drying apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second clamping component is made of transparent material.

10. The drying apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drying device also includes a limiting chain, which is disposed on the support member and extends along the direction of the limiting chain. The limiting chain has a plurality of spaced-apart holes, and the frame is provided with hooks that can pass through the holes.

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