Tea leaf processing device with tea leaf adhesion prevention function

Abstract

To provide a tea leaf processing device having a tea leaf adhesion prevention function capable of effectively preventing tea leaves from adhering to an inner wall near an inlet. [Solution] A tea leaf processing device 10 with tea leaf adhesion prevention function includes a hot air processing section 11 that processes tea leaves 20 that are put in with hot air, an input chute 12 that is connected to the hot air processing section and has an internal sliding surface for the tea leaves that are put in, a hot air supply pipe 15 that supplies hot air into the hot air processing section, and a branch pipe 16 that branches off from the hot air supply pipe and is filled with hot air supplied by the hot air supply pipe. At least a part of this branch pipe is arranged near the input chute.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tea leaf processing device that performs hot air treatment and drying treatment on tea leaves and has a function to prevent tea leaves from sticking. [Background technology]

[0002] In a tea leaf processing device, tea leaves to be processed are charged through an inlet (charging chute) and are subjected to hot air treatment and drying treatment using high-temperature hot air within the device.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes such a tea leaf processing device as a tea leaf hot air processing device that includes a cylindrical processing barrel with a tea leaf inlet at one end and a tea leaf outlet at the other end, a driving means for rotating the processing barrel, bars on the inside of the processing barrel, and a hot air supplying means for blowing hot air into one end of the processing barrel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7430318 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventional tea leaf processing devices such as those described in Patent Document 1 had a problem in that tea leaves inserted through the insertion opening tended to stick to the insertion opening and the inner wall adjacent to it. In particular, when wet tea leaves were inserted through the insertion opening, the surface tension of the water adhering to the surface of the tea leaves often caused the inserted tea leaves to stick to the insertion opening and its surroundings.

[0006] Regarding the influence of the surface tension of water, for example, assume that a liquid of mass m is dropped onto a horizontal solid surface and the solid surface is gradually tilted. Figure 1 is a diagram for explaining the influence of the surface tension of water, in which 1 is a liquid droplet of mass m, θa is the advancing contact angle of droplet 1, θr is the receding contact angle of droplet 1, and α is the sliding angle of droplet 1. As shown in the figure, when the inclination angle of the inner wall bottom surface of the inlet becomes equal to or greater than the sliding angle α, the force pulling the droplet 1 downward exceeds the force retaining the droplet 1, so that the droplet 1 that was retained starts to slide downward. Therefore, for the same mass, a surface with a large inclination angle has good droplet removal properties (is less likely to adhere). However, in the inlet of an actual tea leaf processing device, the inclination angle of the inner wall bottom surface is restricted due to layout considerations, so fundamental measures cannot be taken to prevent tea leaves from sticking.

[0007] Next, let us consider the adhesion energy of a droplet 1 with mass m. Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining the adhesion energy of a droplet. As shown in the figure, the adhesion energy is proportional to the radius r of the contact surface between the droplet 1 and the bottom surface 2 of the inner wall at the sliding angle α. Therefore, if we assume that at the sliding angle α, the component of the gravity of the droplet in the inclination direction is balanced with the adhesion force acting on the contact circumferential edge, the following equation is established: E=mgsinα / 2πr Here, E is the adhesion energy of droplet 1, m is the mass of droplet 1, g is the gravitational acceleration, α is the sliding angle, and r is the radius of the contact surface.

[0008] If the sliding angle α is constant, then in order to make the droplet 1 slide, a force greater than or equal to the adhesion energy E must be applied from behind the inclined surface of the droplet 1. Therefore, if the tea leaves stick to the surface, applying pressure can be used to prevent the leaves from sticking.

[0009] This invention was devised based on this idea, and its purpose is to provide a tea leaf processing device that has a tea leaf adhesion prevention function that can effectively prevent tea leaves from sticking to the inner wall near the inlet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to this invention, the tea leaf processing device with tea leaf adhesion prevention function includes a hot air processing section that processes the tea leaves that are put in with hot air, an input chute that is connected to the hot air processing section and has an internal sliding surface for the tea leaves that are put in, a hot air supply pipe that supplies hot air into the hot air processing section, and (single or multiple) branch pipes that branch off from the hot air supply pipe and are filled with hot air supplied by the hot air supply pipe. In this invention, at least a part of the (single or multiple) branch pipes is arranged near the input chute.

[0011] At least a part of the branch pipe (or pipes) is arranged near the input chute, and the inside of this branch pipe is filled with high-temperature air supplied by the hot air supply pipe, heating the input chute and increasing its temperature. As a result, the tea leaves are less likely to adhere to the sliding surface inside the input chute. This is because the surface tension decreases as the temperature of the input chute increases. Surface tension is temperature-dependent (Eötvös's law), and it is said that the surface tension decreases as the temperature increases. This is thought to be because the increase in temperature increases the movement of molecules, resulting in repulsive forces between molecules. If the surface tension decreases, for example, the droplets in Figure 2 will slide down more easily, and the tea leaves will be less likely to adhere.

[0012] It is preferred that at least a portion of the branch pipe(s) is / are provided outside the input chute adjacent to the bottom surface of the input chute or in contact with the outer wall of the bottom surface of the input chute.

[0013] It is also preferred that at least a portion of the branch pipe(s) be in contact with the outer wall of the bottom surface of the input chute outside the input chute to form a circulation path for circulation.

[0014] It is also preferred that at least a portion of the branch pipe(s) is / are located outside the input chute adjacent to the slide or in contact with the outer wall of the slide.

[0015] It is also preferred that at least a portion of the branch pipe(s) extends parallel to the slide surface outside the input chute.

[0016] It is also preferred that the branch pipe(s) communicate with the interior of the input chute.

[0017] It is also preferable that the sliding surface is inclined at an angle equal to or greater than the sliding angle of the water droplet. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, at least a part of the branch pipe (or pipes) is arranged near the input chute, and the inside of the branch pipe is filled with hot air supplied by the hot air supply pipe, so that the input chute is heated and its temperature rises. As a result, the tea leaves are less likely to adhere to the sliding surface inside the input chute. This is because the surface tension decreases as the temperature of the input chute rises. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the effect of the surface tension of moisture. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the adhesion energy of a droplet. [Diagram 3] 1 is a partially cutaway front view showing an outline of the overall configuration of a tea leaf processing device in a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a feed chute portion in a second embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of an input chute portion in a third embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a feed chute portion in a fourth embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a feed chute portion in a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a feed chute portion in a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]FIG. 13 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of an input chute portion in a seventh embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] (First embodiment) FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a tea leaf processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] As shown in the figure, the tea leaf processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment comprises a rotary hot air treatment drum 11 (corresponding to the hot air treatment section of the present invention), an input chute (input port) 12 connected to one axial end of the rotary hot air treatment drum 11, a hot air generation section (furnace) 13 that generates hot air to be sent into the rotary hot air treatment drum 11, an air intake fan 14 that sends air to the hot air generation section 13, a hot air supply pipe 15 that connects to the hot air generation section 13 and supplies hot air into the rotary hot air treatment drum 11, a branch pipe 16 that branches off from the hot air supply pipe 15 and is filled with hot air supplied by the hot air supply pipe 15, and a tea leaf discharge outlet 17 arranged at the other axial end of the rotary hot air treatment drum 11.

[0022] The rotary hot air treatment drum 11 has a cylindrical shape and is configured to be rotatable around its central axis. The rotary hot air treatment drum 11 is rotated by a drive gear 18 engaged with a drive means (motor) not shown and a roller 19 sliding along the outer circumferential surface. The rotary hot air treatment drum 11 can be tilted at any angle so that the input chute 12 side is higher and the discharge port 17 side is lower. In addition, a plurality of stirring blade members 11a extending parallel to or at an angle to the axis are formed protruding from the inner wall of the rotary hot air treatment drum 11. Because the rotary hot air treatment drum 11 can be tilted and is provided with the stirring blade members 11a, the tea leaves 20 fed into the rotary hot air treatment drum 11 from the feeding chute 12 are heat-treated while being stirred by the blade members 11a, and move toward the discharge port 17 provided at the other end in the axial direction without stagnation within the inclined rotary hot air treatment drum 11, and the heat-treated tea leaves 20 are discharged to the outside from below the discharge port 17. The discharged air is also discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 17a provided above the discharge port 17.

[0023] A sliding surface 12a is formed on the inner bottom surface of the feeding chute 12 so that the tea leaves 20 can come into contact with and slide down the sliding surface 12a. The sliding surface 12a is provided at an angle with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0024] At the branching portion 15a, the hot air supply pipe 15 branches into a hot air blowing pipe 15b and a branch pipe 16. The hot air blowing pipe 15b is configured to supply a part of the hot air from the hot air supply pipe 15 into the rotary hot air treatment drum 11. The branch pipe 16 has a closed end and is configured so that the inside is filled with a part of the hot air from the hot air supply pipe 15.

[0025] A hot air supply pipe 15 is connected to the outlet of the hot air generating section 13 arranged near the rotary hot air processing drum 11, and a hot air blowing pipe 15b is connected to the outlet via a branch section 15a. The hot air blowing pipe 15b is arranged so that its blowing section is located inside the rotary hot air processing drum 11 and is coaxial with the rotary hot air processing drum 11. The hot air sent from the hot air generating section 13 via the hot air supply pipe 15, the branch section 15a, and the hot air blowing pipe 15b is introduced from the hot air blowing pipe 15b into the rotary hot air processing drum 11. The hot air sent from the hot air generating section 13 via the hot air supply pipe 15 and the branch section 15a fills the branch pipe 16.

[0026] Although not shown, a gas burner and an air intake duct are connected to the hot air generating section 13, and an air intake fan 14 is provided midway through the air intake duct. Air is forced by the air intake fan 14 and sent into the hot air generating section 13 via the air intake duct, and is mixed with the flame from the gas burner, thereby generating hot air of about 250 to 400°C.

[0027] In this embodiment, the closed end of the branch pipe 16 is configured to contact the outer wall of the bottom of the input chute 12. As a result, the branch pipe 16 itself is heated by the hot air (high-temperature air) filling the branch pipe 16, and the heat is conducted to the input chute 12, while radiant heat is emitted from the outer surface of the branch pipe 16 as shown by the arrow A, heating the slide surface 12a. As a result, the temperatures of the input chute 12 and the slide surface 12a rise, and the tea leaves 20 become less likely to adhere to the input chute 12 and the slide surface 12a. This is because the surface tension decreases as the temperatures of the input chute 12 and the slide surface 12a rise.

[0028] As a modification of this embodiment, the closed end of the branch pipe 16 and the outer surface of the branch pipe 16 may be configured to be close to the bottom surface of the input chute 12 and the outer wall of the sliding surface 12a outside the input chute 12. This causes the input chute 12 and the sliding surface 12a to be heated by the hot air (high-temperature air) filling the branch pipe 16, and the temperature of the input chute 12 and the sliding surface 12a increases. As a result, the tea leaves 20 are less likely to adhere to the input chute 12 and the sliding surface 12a.

[0029] As another modification of this embodiment, multiple branch pipes with closed ends may be provided, and the ends of these multiple branch pipes may be configured to contact or be positioned close to the bottom surface of the input chute outside the input chute.

[0030] Second embodiment FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the input chute portion in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] As shown in the figure, the tea leaf processing device of this embodiment includes a rotary hot air processing drum 111 (corresponding to the hot air processing part of the present invention), an input chute (input port) 112 provided in communication with one axial end of the rotary hot air processing drum 111, a hot air generating part (not shown) that generates hot air to be sent into the rotary hot air processing drum 111, an air supply fan (not shown) that supplies air to the hot air generating part, a hot air supply pipe 115 that communicates with the hot air generating part and supplies hot air into the rotary hot air processing drum 111, a branch pipe 116 that branches from the hot air supply pipe 115 and is filled with hot air supplied by the hot air supply pipe 115, and a tea leaf discharge port (not shown) arranged at the other axial end of the rotary hot air processing drum 111. The hot air supply pipe 115 branches into a hot air blowing pipe 115b and a branch pipe 116 at a branch part 115a. Hot air blowing pipe 115b is configured to supply part of the hot air from hot air supply pipe 115 into rotary hot air treatment drum 111. Branch pipe 116 has a closed end and is configured to be filled with part of the hot air from hot air supply pipe 115. Slide surface 112a is formed on the inner surface of input chute 112, which allows tea leaves to come into contact with and slide down the surface. Slide surface 112a is inclined at an angle greater than or equal to slide angle α with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0032] The configuration and operation of the tea leaf processing device in this embodiment, excluding the input chute portion, are similar to those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, and therefore will not be described.

[0033] In this embodiment, the closed end of the branch pipe 116 is configured to contact the outer wall of the bottom of the input chute 112. As a result, the branch pipe 116 itself is heated by the hot air (high-temperature air) filled in the branch pipe 116, and the heat is conducted to the input chute 112, and the radiant heat from the outer surface of the branch pipe 116 is radiated as shown by the arrow B, heating the slide surface 112a. As a result, the temperature of the input chute 112 and the slide surface 112a rises, and the tea leaves become less likely to adhere to the input chute 112 and the slide surface 112a. This is because the surface tension decreases as the temperature of the input chute 112 and the slide surface 112a rises. In this embodiment, in particular, the inclination angle of the slide surface 112a with respect to the horizontal is set to be equal to or greater than the above-mentioned sliding angle α. As a result, the tea leaves become less likely to adhere to the slide surface 112a.

[0034] As a modification of this embodiment, the closed end of the branch pipe 116 and the outer surface of the branch pipe 116 may be configured to be close to the bottom surface of the input chute 112 and the outer wall of the sliding surface 112a outside the input chute 112. This causes the input chute 112 and the sliding surface 112a to be heated by the hot air (high temperature air) filling the branch pipe 116, and the temperature increases. As a result, the tea leaves become less likely to adhere to the input chute 112 and the sliding surface 112a. In particular, since the inclination angle of the sliding surface 112a with respect to the horizontal is set to be equal to or larger than the above-mentioned sliding angle α, the tea leaves become even more difficult to adhere to the sliding surface 112a.

[0035] The required pressure of the hot air depends greatly on the inclination angle of the sliding surface 112a; the greater the inclination angle, the lower the pressure can be; however, if the pressure is higher than necessary, the amount discharged from the feed chute 112 will also be large, so the amount of hot air is adjusted by changing the inner diameter of the branch pipe 116, for example.

[0036] As another modification of this embodiment, multiple branch pipes with closed ends may be provided, and the ends of these multiple branch pipes may be configured to contact or be positioned close to the bottom surface of the input chute outside the input chute.

[0037] (Third embodiment) FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the input chute portion in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] As shown in the figure, the tea leaf processing device of this embodiment includes a rotary hot air processing drum 211 (corresponding to the hot air processing part of the present invention), an input chute (input port) 212 provided in communication with one end of the axial direction of the rotary hot air processing drum 211, a hot air generating part (not shown) that generates hot air to be sent into the rotary hot air processing drum 211, an air supply fan (not shown) that supplies air to the hot air generating part, a hot air supply pipe 215 that communicates with the hot air generating part and supplies hot air into the rotary hot air processing drum 211, a branch pipe 216 that branches from the hot air supply pipe 215 and is filled with hot air supplied by the hot air supply pipe 215, and a tea leaf discharge port (not shown) arranged at the other end of the axial direction of the rotary hot air processing drum 211. The hot air supply pipe 215 branches into a hot air blowing pipe 215b and a branch pipe 216 at a branch part 215a. The hot air blowing pipe 215b is configured to supply a portion of the hot air from the hot air supply pipe 215 into the rotary hot air treatment drum 211. The branch pipe 216 is in contact with the outer wall of the bottom of the input chute 212 outside the input chute 212 to form a circulation path for circulating the air. The branch pipe (circulation path) 216 is configured so that the inside is filled with a portion of the hot air from the hot air supply pipe 215. The input chute 212 has a sliding surface 212a formed on its inner surface for the tea leaves to come into contact with and slide down over. The sliding surface 212a is provided at an angle with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0039] The configuration and operation of the tea leaf processing device in this embodiment, excluding the input chute portion, are similar to those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, and therefore will not be described.

[0040] In this embodiment, the branch pipe 216 forms a circulation path, and its middle part is configured to contact the outer wall of the bottom surface of the input chute 212. As a result, the branch pipe 216 itself is heated by the hot air (high temperature air) filled in the branch pipe 216, and the heat is conducted to the input chute 212, and at the same time, radiant heat is emitted from the outer surface of the branch pipe (circulation path) 216 as shown by arrow C, heating the slide surface 212a. As a result, the temperatures of the input chute 212 and the slide surface 212a rise, and the tea leaves become less likely to adhere to the input chute 212 and the slide surface 212a. This is because the surface tension decreases as the temperatures of the input chute 212 and the slide surface 212a rise.

[0041] As a modified embodiment of this embodiment, branch pipes constituting multiple circulation paths may be provided, and the intermediate portions of these multiple circulation paths may be configured to contact or be positioned close to the bottom surface of the input chute outside the input chute.

[0042] (Fourth embodiment) FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the input chute portion in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] As shown in the figure, the tea leaf processing device of this embodiment includes a rotary hot air processing drum 311 (corresponding to the hot air processing part of the present invention), an input chute (input port) 312 provided in communication with one end of the axial direction of the rotary hot air processing drum 311, a hot air generating part (not shown) that generates hot air to be sent into the rotary hot air processing drum 311, an air supply fan (not shown) that supplies air to the hot air generating part, a hot air supply pipe 315 that communicates with the hot air generating part and supplies hot air into the rotary hot air processing drum 311, a branch pipe 316 that branches off from the hot air supply pipe 315 and is filled with hot air supplied by the hot air supply pipe 315, and a tea leaf discharge port (not shown) arranged at the other end of the axial direction of the rotary hot air processing drum 311. The hot air supply pipe 315 branches off into a hot air blowing pipe 315b and a branch pipe 316 at a branch part 315a. The hot air blowing pipe 315b is configured to supply a portion of the hot air from the hot air supply pipe 315 into the rotary hot air treatment drum 311. The branch pipe 316 is provided with a first circulation path that circulates outside the input chute 312 while contacting the outer wall of the bottom of the input chute 312, and a second circulation path that circulates without contacting the outer wall of the bottom of the input chute 312. The branch pipe (first circulation path and second circulation path) 316 is configured so that the inside is filled with a portion of the hot air from the hot air supply pipe 315. The input chute 312 has a sliding surface 312a formed on its inner surface for the tea leaves to come into contact with and slide down over. The sliding surface 312a is provided at an angle with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0044] The configuration and operation of the tea leaf processing device in this embodiment, excluding the input chute portion, are similar to those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, and therefore will not be described.

[0045] In this embodiment, the branch pipe 316 is provided with a first circulation path and a second circulation path in which the branch pipe 316 is arranged in two parts. The middle part of the first circulation path is in contact with the outer wall of the bottom surface of the input chute 312, and the second circulation path is arranged inside the first circulation path, and is arranged in the vicinity of the input chute 312 without contacting it. As a result, the branch pipe 316 itself is heated by the hot air (high temperature air) filled in the branch pipe 316, and the heat of the branch pipe (first circulation path) 316 is conducted to the input chute 312, and the radiant heat from the outer surface of the branch pipe (first circulation path and second circulation path) 316 is radiated as shown by the arrow D, and the slide surface 312a is heated. As a result, the temperature of the input chute 312 and the slide surface 312a rises, and the tea leaves become less likely to adhere to the input chute 312 and the slide surface 312a. This is because the surface tension decreases as the temperature of the input chute 312 and the slide surface 312a rises.

[0046] Fifth embodiment FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the input chute portion in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] As shown in the figure, the tea leaf processing device of this embodiment includes a rotary hot air processing drum 411 (corresponding to the hot air processing part of the present invention), an input chute (input port) 412 provided in communication with one end of the axial direction of the rotary hot air processing drum 411, a hot air generating part (not shown) that generates hot air to be sent into the rotary hot air processing drum 411, an air supply fan (not shown) that supplies air to the hot air generating part, a hot air supply pipe 415 that communicates with the hot air generating part and supplies hot air into the rotary hot air processing drum 411, a branch pipe 416 that branches from the hot air supply pipe 415 and is filled with hot air supplied by the hot air supply pipe 415, and a tea leaf discharge port (not shown) arranged at the other end of the axial direction of the rotary hot air processing drum 411. The hot air supply pipe 415 branches into a hot air blowing pipe 415b and a branch pipe 416 at a branch part 415a. The hot air blowing pipe 415b is configured to supply a portion of the hot air from the hot air supply pipe 415 into the rotary hot air treatment drum 411. The branch pipe 416 extends outside the input chute 412 in close proximity to the outer wall of the sliding surface 412a of the input chute 412. The branch pipe 416 is configured so that the inside is filled with a portion of the hot air from the hot air supply pipe 415. The input chute 412 has a sliding surface 412a formed on its inner surface, which the tea leaves come into contact with and slide down over. The sliding surface 412a is provided at an angle relative to the horizontal plane.

[0048] The configuration and operation of the tea leaf processing device in this embodiment, excluding the input chute portion, are similar to those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, and therefore will not be described.

[0049] In this embodiment, the tip of the branch pipe 416 is closed, and the tip is provided in contact with the outer wall of the bottom surface of the input chute 412. Furthermore, the branch pipe 416 is provided extending in a state close to the slide surface 412a on the outside of the input chute 412. As a result, the branch pipe 416 itself is heated by the hot air (high-temperature air) filled in the branch pipe 416, and the heat is conducted to the input chute 412, and the radiant heat is emitted from the outer surface of the branch pipe 416, heating the slide surface 412a. As a result, the temperature of the input chute 412 and the slide surface 412a rises, and the tea leaves become less likely to adhere to the input chute 412 and the slide surface 412a. This is because the surface tension decreases as the temperature of the input chute 412 and the slide surface 412a rises.

[0050] As a modification of this embodiment, multiple branch pipes may be provided, with their closed ends in contact with the outer wall of the bottom of the input chute and extending in close proximity along the slide surface on the outside of the input chute.

[0051] Sixth embodiment FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the input chute portion in the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] As shown in the figure, the tea leaf processing device of this embodiment includes a rotary hot air processing drum 511 (corresponding to the hot air processing part of the present invention), an input chute (input port) 512 provided in communication with one end of the axial direction of the rotary hot air processing drum 511, a hot air generating part (not shown) that generates hot air to be sent into the rotary hot air processing drum 511, an air supply fan (not shown) that supplies air to the hot air generating part, a hot air supply pipe 515 that communicates with the hot air generating part and supplies hot air into the rotary hot air processing drum 511, a branch pipe 516 that branches from the hot air supply pipe 515 and is filled with hot air supplied by the hot air supply pipe 515, and a tea leaf discharge port (not shown) arranged at the other end of the axial direction of the rotary hot air processing drum 511. The hot air supply pipe 515 branches into a hot air blowing pipe 515b and a branch pipe 516 at a branch part 515a. Hot air blowing pipe 515b is configured to supply a portion of the hot air from hot air supply pipe 515 into rotary hot air treatment drum 511. A portion of branch pipe 516 extends parallel to and in contact with the outer wall of slide surface 512a of input chute 512 outside input chute 512. Branch pipe 516 is configured so that its inside is filled with a portion of the hot air from hot air supply pipe 515. Slide surface 512a is formed on the inner surface of input chute 512, with which tea leaves come into contact and slide down. Slide surface 512a is provided at an angle relative to the horizontal plane.

[0053] The configuration and operation of the tea leaf processing device in this embodiment, excluding the input chute portion, are similar to those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, and therefore will not be described.

[0054] In this embodiment, the tip of the branch pipe 516 is closed, and this tip is provided in contact with the outer wall of the bottom surface of the input chute 512. Furthermore, a part of the branch pipe 516 is provided in contact with the slide surface 512a on the outside of the input chute 512 in parallel. As a result, the branch pipe 516 itself is heated by the hot air (high-temperature air) filled in the branch pipe 516, and the heat is conducted from the tip to the input chute 512, and the slide surface 512a is heated by the conducted heat from the outer surface of the branch pipe 516. As a result, the temperature of the input chute 512 and the slide surface 512a rises, and the tea leaves become difficult to adhere to the input chute 512 and the slide surface 512a. This is because the surface tension decreases as the temperature of the input chute 512 and the slide surface 512a rises.

[0055] As a modified version of this embodiment, multiple branch pipes may be provided, with their closed ends in contact with the outer wall of the bottom of the input chute, and extended outside the input chute in contact with the slide surface.

[0056] Seventh embodiment FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the input chute portion in the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] As shown in the figure, the tea leaf processing device of this embodiment includes a rotary hot air processing drum 611 (corresponding to the hot air processing part of the present invention), an input chute (input port) 612 provided in communication with one end of the axial direction of the rotary hot air processing drum 611, a hot air generating part (not shown) that generates hot air to be sent into the rotary hot air processing drum 611, an air supply fan (not shown) that supplies air to the hot air generating part, a hot air supply pipe 615 that communicates with the hot air generating part and supplies hot air into the rotary hot air processing drum 611, a branch pipe 616 that branches from the hot air supply pipe 615 and into which hot air is sent from the hot air supply pipe 615, and a tea leaf discharge port (not shown) arranged at the other end of the axial direction of the rotary hot air processing drum 611. The hot air supply pipe 615 branches into a hot air blowing pipe 615b and a branch pipe 616 at a branch part 615a. The hot air blowing pipe 615b is configured to supply part of the hot air from the hot air supply pipe 615 into the rotary hot air treatment drum 611. The branch pipe 616 has an open end and communicates with the inside of the input chute 612. This allows part of the hot air from the hot air supply pipe 615 to be sent into the input chute 612 through the opening 616a. Inside the input chute 612, a direction changer 617 is provided that can change the direction of the hot air sent from the opening 616a of the branch pipe 616. The direction changer 617 can set the change direction to any direction. In addition, inside the input chute 612, a slide surface 612a is formed for the tea leaves 620 to come into contact with and slide down on. The slide surface 612a is provided at an angle with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0058] The configuration and operation of the tea leaf processing device in this embodiment, excluding the input chute portion, are similar to those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, and therefore will not be described.

[0059] In this embodiment, the tip of the branch pipe 616 is open and communicates with the input chute 612 so that part of the hot air from the hot air supply pipe 615 is sent into the input chute 612. The hot air sent into the input chute 612 is redirected by the direction changer 617 and sent in the direction of the slide surface 612a, so that the slide surface 612a is heated. As a result, the temperature of the slide surface 612a rises, and the tea leaves become less likely to adhere to the slide surface 612a. This is because the surface tension decreases as the temperature of the slide surface 612a rises. In this embodiment, in particular, since the slide surface 612a is inclined relative to the horizontal, the tea leaves 620 become less likely to adhere to the slide surface 612a.

[0060] As a modification of this embodiment, a plurality of branch pipes may be provided, and the open ends of the plurality of branch pipes may be connected to the input chute.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the branch pipe that branches off from the hot air supply pipe and supplies a portion of the hot air is located near the input chute to heat the sliding surface of the tea leaves, but there are various other methods for heating the sliding surface. For example, instead of the branch pipe, other hot air supply means may be provided near the sliding surface, or a heater may be provided near the sliding surface.

[0062] The hot air treatment device in the first to seventh embodiments described above can be used as a means for drying the surface of steamed tea leaves after the degreening step in the tea manufacturing process. Since the surface state of steamed leaves contains a large amount of moisture, this hot air treatment device can be used to dry the tea leaf surface by applying hot air in a short time, thereby preventing discoloration of the tea leaves due to the effects of heat. The degreening step in this case is a general term for treatments that inactivate the enzyme activity of tea leaves by heat, and refers to various treatment steps such as steaming, roasting, roasting and steaming, hot air treatment, and microwave heating treatment, and the means for achieving this are not limited.

[0063] This tea leaf processing device can be applied even after the rolling process. The surface of the tea leaves after the rolling process has a lot of moisture, and since moisture can cause a decrease in color and aroma, particularly in the body of the next process, hot air treatment can be applied to prevent this. This can effectively remove the decrease in color and odor. The rolling process in this case is a process performed to make up for insufficient rolling and uneven drying in a rough rolling machine, to make the moisture of each part of the tea leaves (stems, veins, and leaves, which have a lot of moisture), to give the tea leaves a twisted shape, and to reduce the surface area, thereby facilitating the rolling and drying operation in the next process and thereafter, and the method can be either batch type or continuous type. The rolling device can be a rolling machine or a rotating screw type that rolls.

[0064] Removing moisture from the tea leaf surface after the rolling process by hot air treatment has the advantage of a very short processing time and good drying efficiency compared to conventional rolling machines. Hot air of up to 400°C is brought into contact with the tea leaf surface inside the rotating drum, so the moisture content can be reduced to the target moisture content in a very short time. The tea leaf surface immediately after the rolling process is covered with moisture that has risen from the tea leaves and the inside of the stems, etc., so by uniformly removing the moisture on the surface in a short time, it is possible to prevent the above-mentioned loss of color and deterioration of aroma due to stuffiness. However, if high-temperature hot air treatment is performed on tea leaves from which the surface moisture has been removed, the cuticle layer on the tea leaf surface will be destroyed, leading to discoloration of the appearance color and even burning of the tea leaves, so special care must be taken with the high-temperature hot air treatment time.

[0065] In addition, the intermediate rolling process that was previously performed after the rolling process may be replaced with a processing process using the tea leaf processing device of the present invention, or it may be applied as a replacement for a conventional intermediate rolling machine.

[0066] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention, and are not limiting, and the present invention can be embodied in various other modified and altered forms. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1 droplet 2 Bottom of inner wall 10 Tea leaf processing equipment 11 Rotating hot air treatment drum 11a Wing member 12, 112, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612 Inlet chute (inlet) 12a, 112a, 212a, 312a, 412a, 512a, 612a Slide surface 13 Hot air generator (furnace) 14 Intake fan 15, 115, 215, 315, 415, 515, 615 Hot air supply pipe 15a, 115a, 215a, 315a, 415a, 515a, 615a Branch 15b, 115b, 215b, 315b, 415b, 515b, 615b Hot air outlet pipe 16, 116, 216, 316, 416, 516, 616 Branch Pipe 17 Outlet 17a Exhaust port 18 Drive gear 19. Lola 20,620 tea leaves 616a aperture 617 Direction change section

Claims

1. The apparatus comprises a hot air treatment section for hot air treatment of the tea leaves introduced, a feed chute connected to the hot air treatment section and having a sliding surface for the tea leaves introduced therein, a hot air supply pipe for supplying hot air into the hot air treatment section, and a branch pipe branched from the hot air supply pipe and filled with hot air supplied by the hot air supply pipe. A tea leaf processing device having a tea leaf adhesion prevention function, characterized in that at least a portion of the branch pipe is arranged in the vicinity of the input chute.

2. A tea leaf processing device having a tea leaf adhesion prevention function as described in claim 1, characterized in that at least a portion of the branch pipe is arranged outside the insertion chute, close to the bottom surface of the insertion chute or in contact with the outer wall of the bottom surface of the insertion chute.

3. A tea leaf processing device with a tea leaf adhesion prevention function as described in claim 1, characterized in that at least a portion of the branch pipe forms a circulation path that circulates by contacting the outer wall of the bottom of the insertion chute outside the insertion chute.

4. A tea leaf processing device having a tea leaf adhesion prevention function as described in claim 1, characterized in that at least a portion of the branch pipe is arranged outside the input chute, close to the slide surface or in contact with the outer wall of the slide surface.

5. 2. The tea leaf processing device having a tea leaf adhesion prevention function as described in claim 1, characterized in that at least a portion of the branch pipe extends parallel to the slide surface outside the input chute.

6. 2. The tea leaf processing device having a tea leaf adhesion prevention function according to claim 1, wherein the branch pipe is connected to the inside of the input chute.

7. 7. A tea leaf processing device having a tea leaf adhesion prevention function as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sliding surface is inclined at an angle greater than the sliding angle of the water droplets.

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