A vacuum freeze-drying device for processing traditional Chinese medicine

Abstract

The utility model discloses a vacuum freeze drying device for traditional chinese medicine processing relates to traditional chinese medicine processing equipment technical field, the device includes drying box, vacuum system, refrigerating system, heating system and control system, and vacuum system is connected with drying box, and refrigerating system and heating system are installed in drying box, and control system is electrically connected with each system respectively, and there is the tray of placing traditional chinese medicine in drying box, and there is the heat conduction plate of connecting with heating system below the tray, the utility model discloses the collaborative work of each system can carry out effective vacuum freeze drying processing to traditional chinese medicine, and the effective component of traditional chinese medicine is retained, and the structure design is reasonable, and it is convenient to realize, improves the quality and efficiency of traditional chinese medicine processing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of traditional Chinese medicine processing equipment, and relates to a vacuum freeze-drying device for processing traditional Chinese medicine. Background Technology

[0002] Drying is a crucial step in the processing of traditional Chinese medicine. Its purpose is to remove moisture from the medicine to facilitate storage, transportation, and subsequent processing, while preserving as much of the effective components and efficacy as possible.

[0003] Currently, common drying methods in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) processing include sun-drying, hot air drying, and spray drying. Sun-drying is greatly affected by the natural environment, has a long drying time, and is easily contaminated by dust and microorganisms, making it difficult to guarantee the quality of the TCM. Hot air drying removes moisture from the TCM using high-temperature hot air; although the drying speed is relatively fast, the high temperature can easily destroy the active ingredients in the TCM, leading to a reduction in efficacy. Spray drying requires the TCM to be in a liquid state, making it less suitable for drying some solid TCMs, and the equipment cost is high, with relatively complex operation.

[0004] Vacuum freeze-drying technology, as an advanced drying method, can sublimate water in a low-temperature, vacuum environment, thus preserving the effective components and active substances of traditional Chinese medicine to the greatest extent. However, existing vacuum freeze-drying devices have problems such as unreasonable structural design, low drying efficiency, and inaccurate temperature and vacuum control when processing traditional Chinese medicine, making it difficult to meet the specific needs of traditional Chinese medicine processing. Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution of this application is proposed. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vacuum freeze-drying device for processing traditional Chinese medicine, thereby solving the aforementioned technical problems.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is as follows: A vacuum freeze-drying apparatus for processing traditional Chinese medicine includes a drying chamber, a vacuum system, a refrigeration system, a heating system, and a control system. The vacuum system is connected to the drying chamber, and the refrigeration system and the heating system are both installed inside the drying chamber. The control system is electrically connected to the vacuum system, the refrigeration system, and the heating system, respectively. A tray for placing traditional Chinese medicine is provided inside the drying chamber, and a heat-conducting plate connected to the heating system is provided below the tray.

[0007] The working principle of this invention is as follows: First, the Chinese herbal medicine to be processed is placed on a tray inside the drying chamber. The refrigeration system is activated by the control system, and the evaporator within the refrigeration system begins operation, lowering the temperature inside the drying chamber and freezing the moisture in the Chinese herbal medicine. Once the medicine has frozen to the set temperature, the control system activates the vacuum system. The vacuum pump uses vacuum pipes to create a vacuum environment inside the drying chamber. Under vacuum conditions, the heating system is activated, and heating wires heat the Chinese herbal medicine on the tray through a heat-conducting plate, causing the frozen moisture in the medicine to sublimate directly into water vapor. This water vapor is then extracted by the vacuum system, thus achieving vacuum freeze-drying of the Chinese herbal medicine.

[0008] Throughout the process, the control system receives feedback information from temperature sensors and the vacuum system, and adjusts the operating status of each system to ensure the stable progress of the drying process.

[0009] Furthermore, the vacuum system includes a vacuum pump and a vacuum pipeline. One end of the vacuum pipeline is connected to the drying chamber, and the other end is connected to the vacuum pump. A vacuum valve is installed on the vacuum pipeline. This specifically defines the structure of the vacuum system, clarifying that it consists of a vacuum pump, a vacuum pipeline, and a vacuum valve. The vacuum pump is the core power component for achieving a vacuum environment. It is connected to the drying chamber via the vacuum pipeline, providing a channel for air extraction from the drying chamber. The vacuum valve allows for flexible control of the vacuum pipeline's opening and closing. The valve can be closed when vacuuming needs to be stopped or equipment maintenance is required, ensuring operational safety and convenience. It also facilitates adjusting the vacuum level according to actual needs during the drying process.

[0010] Furthermore, the refrigeration system includes a refrigeration compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. The evaporator is installed inside the drying chamber, while the refrigeration compressor and condenser are installed outside the drying chamber. The refrigeration compressor is connected to the condenser and evaporator via pipes. This details the composition of the refrigeration system and the installation positions of each component. The refrigeration compressor is the power source of the refrigeration system, compressing the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. The condenser cools and condenses the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas into a liquid. The evaporator, installed inside the drying chamber, absorbs heat from the chamber, lowering the internal temperature. This structural design forms a complete refrigeration cycle, quickly and effectively reducing the temperature inside the drying chamber, meeting the low-temperature environment requirements for freezing traditional Chinese medicine. Furthermore, installing the refrigeration compressor and condenser outside the drying chamber prevents the heat generated during their operation from affecting the internal temperature.

[0011] Furthermore, the heating system includes a heating wire and a temperature sensor. The heating wire is embedded in a heat-conducting plate, and the temperature sensor is installed inside the drying oven and electrically connected to the control system. This further illustrates the composition of the heating system. The heating wire, as a heating element, is embedded in the heat-conducting plate and converts electrical energy into heat energy. The heat is then evenly transferred to the Chinese medicine on the tray through the heat-conducting plate, ensuring uniform heating of all parts of the Chinese medicine and preventing localized overheating that could damage the effective components. The temperature sensor, installed inside the drying oven, can monitor the oven temperature in real time and transmit the temperature information to the control system. This allows the control system to adjust the working state of the heating wire according to the set temperature, ensuring precise control of the heating process.

[0012] Furthermore, the control system includes a control cabinet and a display screen. The control cabinet houses a controller, and the display screen is mounted on the surface of the control cabinet and electrically connected to the controller. The controller is electrically connected to the vacuum system, refrigeration system, and heating system, respectively. The structure and function of the control system are described. The controller within the control cabinet is the core of the entire device, capable of receiving information from each system and issuing control commands to the vacuum, refrigeration, and heating systems according to a preset program, enabling coordinated operation of all systems. The display screen on the control cabinet surface visually displays key parameters such as temperature and vacuum level within the drying chamber, allowing operators to monitor the device's operating status in real time and make timely adjustments, thus improving operational convenience and reliability.

[0013] Furthermore, the drying oven door is equipped with an observation window made of double-layered vacuum glass. This double-layered vacuum structure effectively blocks heat transfer, reducing heat exchange between the drying oven and the outside environment, thus providing excellent insulation and ensuring stable temperature inside the drying oven. Simultaneously, the observation window allows operators to observe the drying process of the Chinese medicine without opening the door, avoiding fluctuations in temperature and vacuum levels caused by opening the door, and ensuring the continuity and stability of the drying process.

[0014] Furthermore, the tray has a mesh structure, and a sliding track is provided between the tray and the inner wall of the drying chamber. The tray can move in and out of the drying chamber along the sliding track. The mesh structure of the tray facilitates the smooth diffusion of water vapor generated during the drying process into the drying chamber through the mesh, where it is extracted by the vacuum system, improving the efficiency of moisture sublimation and removal. The sliding track between the tray and the inner wall of the drying chamber allows the tray to easily enter and exit the drying chamber, facilitating the loading and unloading of Chinese medicine, reducing the labor intensity of operators, and improving work efficiency, making it particularly suitable for the processing of batches of Chinese medicine.

[0015] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. A vacuum freeze-drying apparatus for processing traditional Chinese medicine, which, through the coordinated operation of a vacuum system, a refrigeration system, a heating system and a control system, can dry traditional Chinese medicine in a low-temperature vacuum environment, preserving the effective components and efficacy of the traditional Chinese medicine to the greatest extent, and solving the problem of high temperature destroying the effective components of traditional Chinese medicine in traditional drying methods; 2. In this utility model, the heat-conducting plate is connected to the heating system, and the heating wire is embedded in the heat-conducting plate, which enables heat to be evenly transferred to the Chinese medicine on the tray, ensuring uniform drying of the Chinese medicine and improving the quality of drying of the Chinese medicine. 3. In this utility model, the vacuum system includes a vacuum pump, a vacuum pipeline, and a vacuum valve, which facilitates the control of the vacuum level inside the drying oven. The vacuum valve can also be conveniently used to control the vacuum on and off, making operation flexible. 4. In this utility model, the evaporator in the refrigeration system is installed inside the drying chamber, while the refrigeration compressor and condenser are installed outside, forming an effective refrigeration cycle that can quickly reduce the temperature inside the drying chamber and improve the efficiency of freezing Chinese medicine. 5. In this utility model, the control system monitors the temperature inside the drying oven in real time through a temperature sensor, and adjusts the heating and cooling systems according to the set values. At the same time, it can control the working status of the vacuum system, thereby realizing the automated control of the drying process and improving the convenience of operation and the stability of the drying process. 6. In this utility model, the observation window of the drying oven door is made of double-layer vacuum glass, which makes it convenient for operators to observe the drying of Chinese medicine in real time. In addition, the double-layer vacuum glass has good heat preservation performance, which reduces the temperature loss inside the drying oven. 7. In this utility model, the tray adopts a mesh structure, which facilitates the smooth discharge of water vapor formed after water sublimation. At the same time, the tray cooperates with the sliding track to facilitate the placement and removal of Chinese medicine, thereby improving operational efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort, wherein: Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of this utility model; The markings in the diagram are: 1-Drying oven, 2-Tray, 3-Heat plate, 4-Vacuum pump, 5-Vacuum pipe, 6-Vacuum valve, 7-Refrigeration compressor, 8-Condenser, 9-Evaporator, 10-Heating wire, 11-Temperature sensor, 12-Control cabinet, 13-Display screen, 14-Controller, 15-Observation window, 16-Sliding rail. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model; that is, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0018] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] It should be noted that relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0020] The features and performance of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0021] Example 1 This utility model discloses a vacuum freeze-drying device for processing traditional Chinese medicine, as shown in Figure 1. It includes a drying chamber 1, a vacuum system, a refrigeration system, a heating system, and a control system. The vacuum system is connected to the drying chamber 1, and both the refrigeration and heating systems are equipped with... Inside the drying oven 1, the control system is electrically connected to the vacuum system, the refrigeration system and the heating system respectively; inside the drying oven 1, there is a tray 2 for placing Chinese medicine, and below the tray 2, there is a heat-conducting plate 3 connected to the heating system.

[0022] The vacuum system includes a vacuum pump 4 and a vacuum pipe 5. One end of the vacuum pipe 5 is connected to the drying oven 1, and the other end is connected to the vacuum pump 4. A vacuum valve 6 is installed on the vacuum pipe 5.

[0023] The refrigeration system includes a refrigeration compressor 7, a condenser 8, and an evaporator 9. The evaporator 9 is installed inside the drying chamber 1, while the refrigeration compressor 7 and the condenser 8 are installed outside the drying chamber 1. The refrigeration compressor 7 is connected to the condenser 8 and the evaporator 9 respectively through pipes.

[0024] The heating system includes a heating wire 10 and a temperature sensor 11. The heating wire 10 is embedded in the heat-conducting plate 3, and the temperature sensor 11 is installed in the drying oven 1 and electrically connected to the control system.

[0025] The control system includes a control cabinet 12 and a display screen 13. The control cabinet 12 is equipped with a controller 14. The display screen 13 is mounted on the surface of the control cabinet 12 and is electrically connected to the controller 14. The controller 14 is electrically connected to the vacuum system, the refrigeration system and the heating system respectively.

[0026] The door of the drying oven 1 is equipped with an observation window 15, which is made of double-layered vacuum glass.

[0027] The tray 2 has a mesh structure, and a sliding track 16 is provided between the tray 2 and the inner wall of the drying oven 1. The tray 2 can move in and out of the drying oven along the sliding track 16.

[0028] The specific implementation of this embodiment includes a drying chamber, a vacuum system, a refrigeration system, a heating system, and a control system. The vacuum system consists of a vacuum pump, vacuum pipes, and vacuum valves. One end of the vacuum pipes is connected to the drying chamber, and the other end is connected to the vacuum pump. Vacuum valves are installed on the vacuum pipes to control the vacuum flow. The refrigeration system includes a refrigeration compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. The evaporator is installed at the top inside the drying chamber, while the refrigeration compressor and condenser are installed on one side outside the drying chamber. The three components are connected by pipes to form a refrigeration cycle.

[0029] The heating system includes a heating wire and a temperature sensor. The heating wire is embedded in a heat-conducting plate, which is located below the tray. The temperature sensor is mounted on the side wall inside the drying chamber. The control cabinet of the control system is installed on the other side outside the drying chamber. The controllers inside the cabinet are electrically connected to the vacuum pump, refrigeration compressor, heating wire, and temperature sensor. The display screen on the surface of the control cabinet displays information such as the temperature and vacuum level inside the drying chamber. The door of the drying chamber has an observation window made of double-layered vacuum glass. The tray has a mesh structure and slides along the inner wall of the drying chamber, allowing for easy entry and exit.

[0030] When drying honeysuckle, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, the honeysuckle is evenly placed on a tray and pushed into a drying chamber. The control system is set to a drying temperature of -30℃ and a vacuum degree of 10Pa. After the device is started, the refrigeration system first lowers the temperature inside the drying chamber to -30℃, freezing the moisture in the honeysuckle. Then, the vacuum system operates, evacuating the drying chamber to a vacuum degree of 10Pa. Next, the heating system starts working, with heating wires slowly heating the honeysuckle through a heat-conducting plate, gradually raising the temperature to 30℃. During this process, the frozen moisture in the honeysuckle sublimates and is extracted by the vacuum system. After 8 hours of drying, the honeysuckle meets the drying requirements.

[0031] Example 2 This utility model discloses a vacuum freeze-drying device for processing traditional Chinese medicine, as shown in Figure 1. The specific implementation of this embodiment is as follows: The structure of this embodiment is basically the same as that of Embodiment 1, except that: two trays arranged vertically are provided inside the drying chamber, with a heat-conducting plate and heating wire correspondingly installed below each tray, allowing for the simultaneous drying of more traditional Chinese medicine. The vacuum system uses two parallel vacuum pumps to improve vacuuming efficiency. The refrigeration system has two evaporators, installed on the two side walls inside the drying chamber, respectively, to ensure a more uniform temperature distribution within the drying chamber.

[0032] When drying wolfberries (a type of Chinese medicinal herb), the berries are placed on two trays and pushed into a drying chamber. The drying temperature is set to -25℃ and the vacuum degree to 8Pa. The refrigeration system lowers the temperature inside the drying chamber to -25℃, freezing the moisture in the wolfberries. Two vacuum pumps then operate simultaneously, quickly evacuating the chamber to a vacuum degree of 8Pa. Simultaneously, the heating system heats the heating wires under both trays, gradually raising the temperature of the wolfberries to 25℃, causing the moisture to sublimate and be extracted. After 6 hours of drying, the wolfberries are completely dried, retaining their nutritional components and color.

[0033] This embodiment, by setting up multiple trays, using multiple vacuum pumps and multiple evaporators, can further improve drying efficiency and drying uniformity, meeting the needs of different batches of traditional Chinese medicine processing.

[0034] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made by those skilled in the art within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A vacuum freeze-drying apparatus for processing traditional Chinese medicine, characterized in that: It includes a drying chamber (1), a vacuum system, a refrigeration system, a heating system and a control system. The vacuum system is connected to the drying chamber (1). The refrigeration system and the heating system are both installed inside the drying chamber (1). The control system is electrically connected to the vacuum system, the refrigeration system and the heating system respectively. A tray (2) for placing Chinese medicine is provided inside the drying chamber (1). A heat-conducting plate (3) connected to the heating system is provided below the tray (2).

2. The vacuum freeze-drying apparatus for processing traditional Chinese medicine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vacuum system includes a vacuum pump (4) and a vacuum pipe (5). One end of the vacuum pipe (5) is connected to the drying oven (1), and the other end is connected to the vacuum pump (4). A vacuum valve (6) is provided on the vacuum pipe (5).

3. The vacuum freeze-drying apparatus for processing traditional Chinese medicine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigeration system includes a refrigeration compressor (7), a condenser (8), and an evaporator (9). The evaporator (9) is installed inside the drying chamber (1), and the refrigeration compressor (7) and the condenser (8) are installed outside the drying chamber (1). The refrigeration compressor (7) is connected to the condenser (8) and the evaporator (9) respectively through pipes.

4. The vacuum freeze-drying apparatus for processing traditional Chinese medicine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating system includes a heating wire (10) and a temperature sensor (11). The heating wire (10) is embedded in the heat-conducting plate (3), and the temperature sensor (11) is installed in the drying oven (1) and electrically connected to the control system.

5. The vacuum freeze-drying apparatus for processing traditional Chinese medicine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control system includes a control cabinet (12) and a display screen (13). The control cabinet (12) is equipped with a controller (14). The display screen (13) is mounted on the surface of the control cabinet (12) and is electrically connected to the controller (14). The controller (14) is electrically connected to the vacuum system, the refrigeration system and the heating system respectively.

6. The vacuum freeze-drying apparatus for processing traditional Chinese medicine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drying oven (1) has an observation window (15) on its door, which is made of double-layered vacuum glass.

7. The vacuum freeze-drying apparatus for processing traditional Chinese medicine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tray (2) has a mesh structure, and a sliding track (16) is provided between the tray (2) and the inner wall of the drying box (1). The tray (2) can enter and exit the drying box along the sliding track (16).

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