A protective sensor for detecting the drying of traditional Chinese medicine

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of traditional Chinese medicine detection sensor technology, specifically relating to a traditional Chinese medicine drying detection sensor with protective function. It includes a drying processing unit and a probe body electrically connected to the drying processing unit. Both the drying processing unit and the probe body are installed within a protective mechanism. The protective mechanism includes a hollow tube, a wireless air pump, and a mounting cover installed on the top of the hollow tube. A conical block is fixed to the bottom of the hollow tube, and a movable plate is installed on the inner side of the hollow tube. The probe body is fixed on the movable plate. A through hole is provided on the hollow tube for the probe body to pass through. A protective pad is fixed to the inner wall of the hollow tube and to the outside of the probe body. An elastic air bag is fixed to one side of the movable plate. This utility model ensures that the probe body only extends and contacts the medicinal material after the hollow tube is inserted into the medicinal material to the designated position, reducing ineffective friction between the probe body and the medicinal material during insertion and reducing wear on the probe body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of traditional Chinese medicine detection sensor technology, specifically relating to a traditional Chinese medicine drying detection sensor with protective function. Background Technology

[0002] In the storage, processing, and distribution of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the dryness of medicinal materials is a core indicator determining their efficacy stability, shelf life, and quality grade. If the moisture content is too high, mold can easily grow, leading to mildew and insect infestation, resulting in the degradation of active ingredients. Conversely, if the moisture content is too low, the active ingredients will be lost, and the material will become brittle and easily broken, directly affecting clinical efficacy and economic value. Therefore, accurate and efficient detection of the dryness of TCM is a crucial step in ensuring its quality.

[0003] The current mainstream technology for detecting the dryness of traditional Chinese medicine is mainly based on the probe detection method. This method directly collects temperature and humidity signals by inserting a detection probe into the medicinal material. Although it can meet the needs of real-time detection, it still has significant shortcomings due to structural design defects: most existing detection probes adopt an exposed structure. During the insertion of the probe into the medicinal material, the probe surface needs to directly rub against the powder, particles and fibers of the medicinal material. Long-term use can easily cause the protective coating on the probe surface to wear off and peel off, resulting in a decrease in the temperature and humidity sensing sensitivity of the detection probe, shortening the probe's service life, and increasing the cost of equipment maintenance and replacement. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a traditional Chinese medicine drying detection sensor with protective function, so that the probe body only extends and contacts the medicinal material after the hollow tube is inserted into the designated position, thereby reducing the ineffective friction between the probe body and the medicinal material during the insertion process and reducing the wear of the probe body.

[0005] The specific technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0006] A protective sensor for detecting the drying of traditional Chinese medicine includes a drying unit and a probe body electrically connected to the drying unit. Both the drying unit and the probe body are installed within a protective mechanism. The protective mechanism includes a hollow tube, a wireless air pump, and a mounting cover on the top of the hollow tube. A conical block is fixed to the bottom of the hollow tube. A movable plate is installed on the inner side of the hollow tube. The probe body is fixed on the movable plate. A through hole is provided on the hollow tube for the probe body to pass through. A protective pad is fixed to the inner wall of the hollow tube and to the outside of the probe body. An elastic air bag is fixed to one side of the movable plate. The end of the elastic air bag away from the movable plate is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the hollow tube. The wireless air pump and the drying unit are both installed inside the mounting cover. The output end of the wireless air pump is connected to the elastic air bag through an elastic air tube. An electromagnetic three-way valve is provided between the output end of the wireless air pump and the elastic air bag.

[0007] Multiple springs are installed on the side of the movable plate near the elastic air bag, and the end of the spring away from the movable plate is fixed to the inner wall of the hollow tube.

[0008] The technical effects achieved by this utility model are as follows:

[0009] This invention enables the probe body to extend out of the hollow tube and come into contact with the medicinal material only after the medicinal material has been inserted into the hollow tube to the designated detection position. This reduces ineffective friction between the probe body and the medicinal material during insertion, reduces the risk of damage to the protective coating on the probe body surface due to friction and scratches, extends the service life of the probe body, and reduces maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0011] Figure 2 This is an internal sectional view of the mounting cover and the annular scraper in this utility model;

[0012] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the interior of the hollow tube in this utility model;

[0013] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the movement of the probe body in this utility model.

[0014] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:

[0015] 1. Hollow tube; 2. Probe body; 3. Moving plate; 4. Elastic air bag; 5. Elastic air tube; 6. Protective pad; 7. Sealing gasket; 8. Spring; 9. Dovetail slider; 10. Conical block; 11. Wireless air pump; 12. Drying unit; 13. Mounting cover; 14. Annular scraper; 15. First magnetic block; 16. Second magnetic block. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To make the objectives and advantages of this utility model clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with embodiments. It should be understood that the following text is merely used to describe one or more specific embodiments of this utility model and does not strictly limit the scope of protection specifically claimed by this utility model.

[0017] like Figure 1-4 As shown, a traditional Chinese medicine drying detection sensor with protective function includes a drying processing unit 12 and a probe body 2 electrically connected to the drying processing unit 12. Both the drying processing unit 12 and the probe body 2 are installed in a protective mechanism.

[0018] The aforementioned drying unit 12 and probe body 2 are both existing mature technologies, wherein:

[0019] The main function of the probe body 2 is to directly contact the medicinal materials and collect information related to dryness, such as humidity and temperature, to provide data support for judging the dryness of the medicinal materials.

[0020] The drying unit 12 includes a humidity sensor, a moisture measurement system, a control system, and a human-machine interface installed on the top of the mounting cover 13.

[0021] The drying unit 12 receives humidity-related signals transmitted from the probe body 2. The moisture measurement system processes the signals transmitted by the humidity sensor, converting them into a form that can be recognized and processed by the control system. The control system calculates the moisture content and other dryness information of the medicinal materials based on the received signals and can transmit the information to the human-machine interface. The human-machine interface displays the measurement results for easy viewing by operators and allows for related operations based on the moisture content information, such as adjusting the parameters of the drying equipment.

[0022] The above describes the working principle of the drying unit 12 and the probe body 2. They will not be described in detail in this embodiment. The core of this technical solution lies in the specific structure of the protective mechanism.

[0023] See attached document Figure 1 -Appendix Figure 4 The protective mechanism includes a hollow tube 1, a wireless air pump 11, and a mounting cover 13 that is fastened to the top of the hollow tube 1 by fasteners.

[0024] A movable plate 3 is installed on the inner side of the hollow tube 1, and the probe body 2 is fixed on the movable plate 3. A through hole is opened on the hollow tube 1 for the probe body 2 to pass through. In order to reduce the friction between the through hole and the probe body 2, the diameter of the through hole is set to be larger than the diameter of the probe body 2. When the probe body 2 passes through the through hole and exits the inner side of the hollow tube 1, the probe body 2 does not contact the through hole.

[0025] See attached document Figure 2 and attached Figure 3 A protective pad 6 is fixed on the inner wall of the hollow tube 1 and on the outside of the probe body 2. The protective pad 6 has a through hole adapted to the probe body 2. When the probe body 2 is working, the probe body 2 is located inside the through hole on the protective pad 6. When the probe body 2 is working, the probe body 2 can pass through the through hole on the protective pad 6, and the protective pad 6 is in close contact with the outside of the probe body 2.

[0026] An elastic air bag 4 is fixed on one side of the movable plate 3. The end of the elastic air bag 4 away from the movable plate 3 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the hollow tube 1. The wireless air pump 11 and the drying unit 12 are both installed inside the mounting cover 13. The output end of the wireless air pump 11 is connected to the elastic air bag 4 through the elastic air tube 5, and an electromagnetic three-way air valve is installed at the output end of the wireless air pump 11.

[0027] The elastic air bag 4 is made of either natural rubber or silicone. When inflated, the elastic air bag 4 is stretched and stores elastic potential energy in the cavity. After inflation stops, the elastic air bag 4 spontaneously contracts due to the elasticity of the material, squeezing the gas in the cavity out through the exhaust structure, thus achieving self-recovery.

[0028] The control host is installed on the mounting cover 13. The wireless air pump 11, the electromagnetic three-way air valve and the drying unit 12 are all electrically connected to the control host. The wireless air pump 11 is a portable tool that uses mechanical or electric force to compress gas and fill objects. The wireless air pump 11 has a built-in battery and does not require an external power source. The charging port of the wireless air pump 11 is installed on the top of the mounting cover 13 for easy charging of the wireless air pump 11.

[0029] The electromagnetic three-way valve has three interfaces: the first interface, the second interface, and the third interface. The first interface and the second interface are respectively connected to the output end of the wireless air pump 11 and the flexible air tube 5. The third interface is connected to the atmosphere and serves as the exhaust port.

[0030] Three working modes can be switched by controlling the host:

[0031] Inflation mode: The first and second interfaces are connected, the third interface is closed, and the gas output by the wireless air pump 11 enters the elastic air bag 4 through the electromagnetic three-way air valve.

[0032] Pressure holding mode: The first and second interfaces are open, and the third interface is closed, so the gas inside the elastic air bag 4 is sealed.

[0033] Exhaust mode: The second and third interfaces are connected, the first interface is closed, and the gas in the elastic air bag 4 is released through the third interface;

[0034] The wireless air pump 11, electromagnetic three-way air valve and control host mentioned above are all existing and mature technologies, and will not be described in detail in this embodiment;

[0035] In use, the hollow tube 1 is inserted into the medicinal material to be tested. Then, the wireless air pump 11 operates, compressing the gas through the elastic air tube 5 and filling the elastic air bag 4. The elastic air bag 4 gradually expands due to inflation, increasing in volume and generating thrust, which pushes the moving plate 3. The moving plate 3 drives the probe body 2 through the protective pad 6 and the perforation, and finally inserts it into the medicinal material. The wireless air pump 11 stops inflating, keeping the air pressure inside the elastic air bag 4 stable. After the test is completed, the electromagnetic three-way air valve operates, and the gas inside the elastic air bag 4 is quickly discharged. As the elastic air bag 4 loses its air pressure support, it spontaneously contracts due to its elastic restoring force, pulling the moving plate 3 upward and driving the probe body 2 out of the medicinal material. Finally, it is retracted to the inside of the protective pad 6 inside the hollow tube 1. During the process, the protective pad 6 scrapes off the medicinal material dust adhering to the surface of the probe body 2.

[0036] In summary, this invention enables the probe body to extend out of the hollow tube and come into contact with the medicinal material only after the medicinal material has been inserted into the hollow tube to the designated detection position, thereby reducing ineffective friction between the probe body and the medicinal material during the insertion process.

[0037] It avoids the problem of ineffective friction between traditional exposed probes and medicinal powders, particles, and fibers during the insertion stage, reduces the risk of damage to the protective coating on the probe body surface due to friction and scratches, extends the service life of the probe body, and reduces maintenance costs.

[0038] Meanwhile, during the retraction of the probe body 2, the protective pad 6 can effectively scrape off the medicinal materials and impurities adhering to its surface, preventing the accumulation of impurities from affecting the accuracy of subsequent detection, reducing contamination of the probe body 2, and further improving the service life of the probe body 2;

[0039] See attached document Figure 3 and attached Figure 4 In addition, four springs 8 are installed on the side of the movable plate 3 near the elastic air bag 4. The four springs 8 are respectively installed at the four corner positions on one side of the movable plate 3, and the end of the spring 8 away from the movable plate 3 is fixed to the inner wall of the hollow tube 1.

[0040] When in use, the spring 8 is stretched and stores elastic potential energy because the moving plate 3 moves and detects. After the detection is completed, when the elastic air bag 4 begins to contract, the spring 8 will release the elastic potential energy simultaneously, generating an upward pulling force to assist the moving plate 3 in resetting. This pulling force can compensate for the insufficient contraction force of the elastic air bag 4 due to the elastic decay caused by long-term use.

[0041] See attached document Figure 1 and attached Figure 2 In order to facilitate cleaning of the hollow tube 1, an annular scraper 14 is installed at the bottom of the mounting cover 13 and on the outside of the hollow tube 1. The annular scraper 14 has an annular structure and is tightly abutted against the outside of the hollow tube 1.

[0042] When the hollow tube 1 is inserted into or pulled out of the medicinal material, the annular scraper 14 can be pulled to slide along the outside of the hollow tube 1 to scrape off the medicinal material powder, lint and other impurities attached to the surface of the hollow tube 1, keep the outside of the hollow tube 1 clean, reduce the resistance when inserting the medicinal material next time, and at the same time avoid impurities from being carried into the deep layer of the medicinal material with the insertion of the hollow tube 1, which would affect the purity of the medicinal material storage.

[0043] A first magnetic block 15 is installed on the top of the annular scraper 14, and a second magnetic block 16 adapted to the first magnetic block 15 is installed on the bottom outer side of the mounting cover 13. The first magnetic block 15 and the second magnetic block 16 are magnetically connected.

[0044] The annular scraper 14 can be stably installed at the bottom of the mounting cover 13 without bolts. When in use, the first magnetic block 15 and the second magnetic block 16 can be separated by gently pulling the annular scraper 14. No tools are needed. After cleaning, the position can be aligned and quickly reset and fixed by magnetic attraction.

[0045] See attached document Figure 3 and attached Figure 4 A sealing component is installed on the inner side of the perforation on the hollow tube 1. The sealing component consists of multiple petal-shaped sealing gaskets 7. The multiple petal-shaped sealing gaskets 7 are evenly distributed in a fan shape around the center of the perforation, and the edges of every two adjacent petal-shaped sealing gaskets 7 overlap each other.

[0046] When the elastic air bag 4 is inflated and pushes the probe body 2 through the perforation, the probe body 2 will generate a radial thrust on the petal-shaped sealing gasket 7, causing the petal-shaped sealing gasket 7 to deform slightly outward along the inner wall of the perforation, automatically opening a channel that fits the diameter of the probe body 2, which neither hinders the smooth extension of the probe body 2 nor requires additional manual operation to open the sealing component.

[0047] When the probe body 2 finishes detection, it is retracted into the hollow tube 1. The petal-shaped sealing gasket 7 loses the support of the probe body 2 and will rely on its own elasticity to restore its original shape. The overlapping edges of the adjacent petal-shaped sealing gaskets 7 will be tightly fitted again, completely sealing the perforation and preventing impurities such as medicinal material dust, debris, and water vapor from entering the hollow tube 1 through the perforation.

[0048] In addition, the inner edges of multiple petal-shaped sealing pads 7 will be in close contact with the surface of the probe body 2, simultaneously scraping away impurities such as medicinal material dust and fine fibers attached to the surface of the probe body 2;

[0049] The bottom of the movable plate 3 is fixed with a dovetail slider 9. The inner side of the hollow tube 1 is provided with a dovetail groove that is adapted to the dovetail slider 9. The dovetail slider 9 is located inside the dovetail groove on the hollow tube 1. The movable plate 3 and the hollow tube 1 are slidably connected by the cooperation of the dovetail slider 9 and the dovetail groove.

[0050] The dovetail slider 9 and the dovetail groove on the inner wall of the hollow tube 1 form a matching sliding structure, which can limit the movement direction of the moving plate 3 and prevent the moving plate 3 from rotating, tilting or shifting left and right during the inflation and deflation of the elastic air bag 4, so as to ensure that the probe body 2 is always accurately aligned with the perforation of the hollow tube 1 and the through hole of the protective pad 6.

[0051] See attached document Figure 1 , 2 3 and appendix Figure 4 A conical block 10 is fixed at the bottom of the hollow tube 1;

[0052] When the hollow tube 1 is inserted into the medicinal material to be tested, the conical block 10 can easily penetrate the accumulation layer of the medicinal material. By opening a channel at the tip and diverting the flow on the conical surface, the contact area and frictional resistance between the hollow tube 1 and the medicinal material during insertion are greatly reduced.

[0053] In addition, the hollow tube 1 is equipped with a scale on the outside. The operator can use the scale to determine whether the hollow tube 1 has been inserted to the preset depth, so as to ensure that the probe body 2 can reach the detection position after it is extended.

[0054] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model. Structures, devices, and operating methods not specifically described or explained in this utility model, unless otherwise specified or limited, shall be implemented using conventional methods in the field.

Claims

1. A traditional Chinese medicine drying detection sensor with protective function, comprising a drying processing unit (12) and a probe body (2) electrically connected to the drying processing unit (12), characterized in that: The drying unit (12) and the probe body (2) are both installed inside a protective mechanism. The protective mechanism includes a hollow tube (1), a wireless air pump (11), and a mounting cover (13) installed on the top of the hollow tube (1). A movable plate (3) is installed on the inner side of the hollow tube (1), and the probe body (2) is fixed on the movable plate (3). A through hole is provided on the hollow tube (1) for the probe body (2) to pass through. The inner wall of the hollow tube (1) is fixed on the outer side of the probe body (2). There is a protective pad (6), and an elastic air bag (4) is fixed on one side of the moving plate (3). The end of the elastic air bag (4) away from the moving plate (3) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the hollow tube (1). The wireless air pump (11) and the drying treatment unit (12) are both installed inside the mounting cover (13). The output end of the wireless air pump (11) is connected to the elastic air bag (4) through the elastic air tube (5). An electromagnetic three-way air valve is provided between the output end of the wireless air pump (11) and the elastic air bag (4).

2. The traditional Chinese medicine drying detection sensor with protective function according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple springs (8) are installed on the side of the movable plate (3) near the elastic air bag (4), and the end of the spring (8) away from the movable plate (3) is fixed to the inner wall of the hollow tube (1).

3. The traditional Chinese medicine drying detection sensor with a protection function according to claim 1, characterized in that: An annular scraper (14) is installed at the bottom of the mounting cover (13) and on the outside of the hollow tube (1), and the annular scraper (14) abuts against the outside of the hollow tube (1).

4. A traditional Chinese medicine drying detection sensor with protective function according to claim 3, characterized in that: The top of the annular scraper (14) is equipped with a first magnetic block (15), and the bottom outer side of the mounting cover (13) is equipped with a second magnetic block (16) adapted to the first magnetic block (15). The first magnetic block (15) and the second magnetic block (16) are magnetically connected.

5. The traditional Chinese medicine drying detection sensor with a protection function according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sealing element is installed on the inner side of the perforation on the hollow tube (1). The sealing element consists of multiple petal-shaped sealing gaskets (7). The multiple petal-shaped sealing gaskets (7) are evenly distributed around the center of the perforation, and the edges of every two adjacent petal-shaped sealing gaskets (7) overlap each other.

6. The traditional Chinese medicine drying detection sensor with a protection function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the movable plate (3) is fixed with a dovetail slider (9) that is slidably connected to the hollow tube (1).

7. The traditional Chinese medicine drying detection sensor with a protection function according to claim 1, characterized in that: A conical block (10) is fixed to the bottom of the hollow tube (1).

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