JP3531130B2 - How to put raw tea leaves into steamer - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a raw tea leaf conveying method for making the quality evaluation result of the raw tea leaf available as a processing setting condition in a tea making machine, and more specifically, to a steamer. The present invention relates to a raw tea leaf feeding method in which the raw tea leaf feeding timing is set and the raw tea leaf is fed at a constant flow rate.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the past, the quality of raw tea leaves was evaluated based on the tea season and human intuition, and based on this, the processing setting conditions for tea making machines such as steamers and leaf cutters were set. It should be noted that the quality evaluation of the raw tea leaves is generally performed by a sensory test by the five senses of a human being when the harvested raw tea leaves are received or after that, and the quality of the raw tea leaves is constantly changing. However, the subjectivity is inevitable, and the quality evaluation results vary, which is not sufficient in terms of objectivity.
Therefore, when such quality evaluation of raw tea leaves is used as a processing setting condition, it is the current situation that sufficient effects in processing efficiency and processing quality have not been obtained.

On the other hand, some attempts have been made to automatically perform the quality evaluation of raw tea leaves by analyzing the color and components of the raw tea leaves instead of the above-mentioned sensory test by hand.
However, the quality evaluation of this raw tea leaves is mainly based on the components, and no recognition of the appearance such as the shape of the leaves or the picked length has been made, and the recognition of such appearance has an important meaning. In quality evaluation, this cannot be directly used as a processing setting condition in a tea processing machine. Therefore, when using the data obtained by the above-mentioned component analysis etc. for grading the harvested raw tea leaves, it is the present situation that it was also used in combination with the visual inspection by humans. It cannot be said that it has been completely eliminated, and it is difficult to use this to set the optimum processing setting conditions, and the same problem as in the case of the above-mentioned sensory test by hand is presented.

Further, there are the following factors as other factors that make it difficult to utilize such a quality evaluation result of raw tea leaves for setting the processing setting conditions of the tea processing machine. That is, in the state where a group of harvested fresh tea leaves are being transported, in order to evaluate the quality of the fresh tea leaves, a part of the harvested fresh tea leaves being transported must be taken out as sample raw tea leaves or individual sample raw tea leaves. That is, the remaining harvested raw tea leaves are still being conveyed toward the steamer even after these sample raw tea leaves or individual sample raw tea leaves are taken out. Is faster than the measurement speed in the quality evaluation of raw tea leaves, and in order to obtain the optimum information as much as possible, it is desired to evaluate the quality of raw tea leaves just before the introduction into the steamer. Therefore, due to the presence of such factors, the quality evaluation result of the raw tea leaves cannot be processed in time even if the quality evaluation result of the raw tea leaves is used for the setting of the processing setting conditions of the tea processing machine. It was worried that would be started. In addition, until the quality evaluation result of the raw tea leaves is obtained, the harvested raw tea leaves are temporarily stored, and after setting the processing setting conditions of the tea processing machine based on the quality evaluation results of the raw tea leaves, the temporary storage is performed. It is also conceivable to put all the harvested tea leaves into the steamer all at once. However, in this case, an excessive amount of harvested raw tea leaves is added to the steamer all at once, and the steamer cannot exhibit the desired processing ability, resulting in a quality evaluation result of the raw tea leaves. It is expected that the processing setting conditions of the tea processing machine set based on this will not make any sense.

[0005]

The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and was devised on the basis of the recognition, without interrupting or congesting the harvested tea leaves. , By making the quality evaluation result of the raw tea leaves available for setting the processing setting conditions of the tea processing machine, it is possible to utilize the quality evaluation result of the raw tea leaves and improve the processing quality of the tea processing machine. This is a technical issue.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems] That is, in the method for introducing raw tea leaves into a steamer according to claim 1, a part of a group of harvested raw tea leaves during transportation is sampled in order to evaluate the quality of the appearance and components of the raw tea leaves. After taking out the raw tea leaves or individual sample raw tea leaves, after the lapse of the quality evaluation required processing time required until the end of the quality evaluation, the group of harvested raw tea leaves is set to be put into a steamer, and at least the one group It is characterized in that the group of harvested fresh tea leaves is adjusted to have a constant flow rate before being fed into the steamer of harvested fresh tea leaves. And by using such an invention specifying matter as means, a steamer,
The quality evaluation results of raw tea leaves can be used to set the processing setting conditions for tea making machines such as leaf-making machines, and a constant flow rate of harvested fresh tea leaves is also input to the steam making machine. The processing efficiency and the processing quality can be greatly improved, and the above problems can be solved.

Further, in addition to the above requirements, the method for charging fresh tea leaves to the steamer according to claim 2 is such that when the group of harvested fresh tea leaves is charged to the steamer after the quality evaluation required treatment time has passed, It is performed by adjusting the transport speed of the group of harvested fresh tea leaves, or by adjusting the transport distance of the group of harvested fresh tea leaves, or by temporarily storing the group of harvested fresh tea leaves, or by appropriately combining these. It is characterized by that. And by using such invention specifying matters as means,
For example, by slowing the transportation speed of a group of harvested fresh tea leaves, or by increasing the transportation distance of a group of harvested fresh tea leaves, or by temporarily storing the group of harvested fresh tea leaves, the harvested fresh tea leaves to the steamer It is possible to delay the input timing of. With this, when setting the processing setting conditions of tea processing machines such as steamers and leaf beaters,
The quality evaluation results of raw tea leaves can be used, and the above problems can be solved.

Furthermore, in addition to the above requirements, the method for feeding fresh tea leaves to the steamer according to claim 3 is such that when adjusting the group of harvested fresh tea leaves to have a constant flow rate, a constant flow rate is obtained with a fresh tea leaf flow meter. While conveying the group of freshly harvested tea leaves while maintaining the adjusted state, the transportation speed is adjusted, or the group of freshly harvested tea leaves transported at a non-uniform flow rate is scraped into a flat layer. It is characterized by what is done by smoothing.
And by using such an invention-identifying means, since at least before the group of harvested fresh tea leaves are put into the steamer, the group of harvested fresh tea leaves is in a constant flow rate state, the steamer has a constant flow rate. The harvested raw tea leaves are put in, so that the original desired processing ability of the steamer can be exerted, and the above problems can be solved.

Further, in the method for feeding raw tea leaves to the steamer according to claim 4, in addition to the requirements described in claim 1, the group of harvested raw tea leaves is fed to the steamer after a quality evaluation required treatment time has elapsed. In addition to the above, in adjusting the group of harvested fresh tea leaves so as to have a constant flow rate, a quantitative transport means provided between the fresh tea leaf flow meter and the leaf feeder is used, and this quantitative transport means is at least The raw fresh tea leaves have a storage capacity capable of storing the fresh raw tea leaves carried out from the raw tea leaf flow meter within the processing time required for the quality evaluation, and have the same flow rate as that of the raw fresh tea leaves carried out from the raw tea leaf flow meter. Is set so that the time until the harvested fresh tea leaf supplied from the fresh tea leaf flow meter is delivered to the leaf feeder is at least the quality evaluation required treatment time or longer. It is intended that comprised as said conveyance distance is set. By using such invention-identifying means as a means, the harvested raw tea leaves carried out from the raw tea leaf flow meter within the quality evaluation required processing time are held by the quantitative conveying means until the quality evaluation result of the raw tea leaves is obtained. In addition, the harvested raw tea leaves delivered from the raw tea flow meter can be delivered to the steamer while maintaining the same flow rate. In addition, the harvested raw tea leaves supplied to the quantitative transport means, after the quality evaluation required treatment time has elapsed,
Since it will be put into the steamer, the quality evaluation results of the raw tea leaves will be available when setting the processing setting conditions of the tea processing machine such as the steamer and leaf cutter. Improved efficiency, improved processing quality,
The above problems can be solved.

Further, in the method for charging fresh tea leaves into the steamer according to a fifth aspect, in addition to the requirements according to the fourth aspect, the quantitative conveying means is provided with a weighing sensor for measuring the amount of the harvested fresh tea leaves stored. The measured value measured by this measuring sensor is compared with the set value obtained from the discharge rate of raw tea leaves harvested from the raw tea flow meter and the quality evaluation required processing time, and the actual measured value is approached to the set value. It is characterized in that the conveying speed of the raw tea leaves is corrected. And by using such an invention specifying matter as a means, it becomes possible to deal with the fluctuation of the relative speed that occurs between the raw tea leaf flow meter and the quantitative conveying means, and the harvested raw tea leaves held by the quantitative conveying means Since the storage amount always matches the delivery amount of harvested raw tea leaves delivered from the raw tea leaf flow meter within the quality evaluation required processing time, the timing of feeding the raw tea leaves to the steamer and the feeding of a constant amount of raw tea leaves to the steamer It is possible to contribute to the solution of the above problems.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A method of introducing fresh tea leaves into a steamer according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, first, the structure of the fixed quantity transporting means 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 which is an example of means for directly carrying out the method of the present invention will be described, and then the method of the present invention together with its operating state. Will be described. Note in this specification to dividing the fresh tea leaf to three types, taken out one o'clock each producer in a state of being available, or those group of each of the stock harvested raw tea leaves A _T, as samples from the harvesting raw tea leaves A _T constant What exists as a lump of quantity is a raw tea leaf sample A _S , and this raw tea leaf sample A
_The individual sample fresh tea leaves A _{O will} be described as _S or each shoot taken directly from the harvested fresh tea leaves A _T.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
As an example, a support frame 2 configured by appropriately assembling an angle member, a square pipe, or the like into a frame shape, and the support frame 2
And a measuring pool conveyor 3 provided for the. The weighing pool conveyor 3 includes a storage unit 4 that can store the harvested raw tea leaves A _T that are conveyed, and a steamer 9 that stores the harvested raw tea leaves A _T stored in the storage unit 4 in a subsequent stage.
And a transporting means 3a for transporting toward.

The fixed-quantity conveying means 1 constructed in this manner is arranged by being incorporated in a part of a tea processing line as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example. The vertical bucket conveyor 5 that receives a group of harvested raw tea leaves _AT delivered from an automatic raw tea leaf container (not shown) and conveys them upward, and the raw tea leaf flow rate provided below the delivery chute 5a. A total of 6, a measuring pool conveyor 3 which is an example of the fixed quantity conveying means 1 arranged so as to face one end of the accommodating portion 4 below the discharge chute 6a of the fresh tea leaf flow meter 6, and the measuring pool conveyor 3 A leaf feeding machine 7 having a leaf feeding hopper 7a facing below the other end of the accommodating portion 4, a steaming machine 9 which is an example of a tea processing machine 8 provided at a rear stage of the leaf feeding machine 7, and a rear stage of the steaming machine 9. Set up It is also a leaf driving machine 10, which is an example of a tea processing machine 8.

Further, the carry-out chute 6 of the fresh tea leaf flow meter 6
A fresh tea leaf flow meter 6 is provided between a and the housing section 4 below the a.
One end of a sampling conveyor 11 for taking out a part of the harvested raw tea leaves _AT delivered from the sample as raw tea leaves A _S is facing as an example, and the other end of the sampling conveyor 11 is provided with a sample as needed. Raw tea leaf A
_The inlet of the water remover 12 that removes moisture such as dew attached to the _S faces. The extraction position of the sample raw tea leaf A _S is not limited to the position immediately after being carried out from the raw tea leaf flow meter 6, and for example, the position before the raw tea leaf flow meter 6
Specifically, the carry-out chute 5a of the vertical bucket conveyor 5
Of course, it is also possible to set the position to the position immediately after being taken out from. A quality evaluation device 21 that evaluates the quality of the raw tea leaves using the sample raw tea leaves A _S taken out is provided at the subsequent stage of the water remover 12.
The quality evaluation result of the raw tea leaves obtained by the above is used for manually changing the operation method of each tea processing machine 8, or through the input / output device 29 to an individual control panel of each tea processing machine 8, or FA control device 1 which controls these centralized controls
3 and is used for setting processing setting conditions for automatic control processing of the tea processing machine 8.

Further, FIGS. 1 and 3 showing an example of the fixed quantity conveying means 1.
The weighing pool conveyor 3 shown in will be described in detail.
First, as the conveying means 3a, a belt conveyor is applied as an example, and the accommodating portion 4 is formed above the conveying means 3a. That is, the accommodating portion 4 is raised from the conveying surface of the conveyor belt of the belt conveyor and the left and right side portions of the conveying surface. As an example, a side plate 4a formed of a thin metal plate is provided, and the harvested fresh tea leaves _AT stored in the storing section 4 are the side plates 4a.
While being guided by, the conveyor belt conveys the tea to a leaf hopper 7a of the leaf feeder 7 while maintaining a constant tea layer thickness. Incidentally, the conveying speed of the conveying means 3a is such that the harvested raw tea leaves A carried out from the raw tea leaf flow meter 6 are transported.
_The flow rate is set to be the same as that of _T, and since it is necessary to finely adjust the carrying speed by the carrying speed correcting unit 40 described later, an inverter type motor is used as an example of the drive source of the belt conveyor. Is used, and the speed is adjustable. In addition to the above belt conveyor, it is of course possible to use a slat conveyor or the like used in a fresh tea leaf automatic container or the like as the conveying means 3a.

The storage amount of the harvested raw tea leaves in the storage unit 4 is carried out from the raw tea leaf flow meter 6 at least within the quality evaluation required processing time T required from the taking out of the sample raw tea leaves A _{S to} the end of the quality evaluation. Set more than the amount of freshly harvested tea leaves delivered. Specifically, it is set to be equal to or more than a set value V ₀ calculated on the basis of the carry-out flow rate V _T of the raw tea leaves harvested by the raw tea leaf flow meter 6 and the quality evaluation required processing time T. In this respect, if it is explained based on specific numerical values, the quality evaluation required processing time T is 6 (minutes), and the discharge flow rate V _{T of} fresh raw tea leaves is V _T.
Is 500 (kg / hour), the set value V ₀ is
It is 500 (kg / hour) × 6 (minutes) / 60 = 50 (kg), and it is required that the storage section 4 has a storage capacity capable of storing at least 50 (kg) of harvested fresh tea leaves _AT. To be Furthermore, the quality evaluation required processing time T is 3 (minutes),
When the carry-out flow rate V _T of harvested tea leaves is 500 (kg / hour), the set value V ₀ is 500 (kg / hour) × 3 (minutes)
/ 60 = 25 (kg), at least 25 (kg)
It is required that the accommodation section 4 has an accommodation capacity capable of accommodating the harvested fresh tea leaves A _T.

Furthermore, in the constant quantity conveying means 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the harvested raw tea leaf A supplied from the raw tea leaf flow meter 6 is used.
The transport distance of the freshly harvested tea leaves A _T is set such that the time until the _T is delivered to the leaf feeder 7 (hereinafter referred to as the transport time) is at least the quality evaluation required processing time T or more. By the way, by setting in this way, when setting the processing setting conditions of the tea processing machine 8, the quality evaluation result of the raw tea leaves can be used, and after the processing setting conditions of the tea processing machine 8 are set, The harvested green tea leaves _AT can be put into the steamer 9.

Furthermore, in the fixed quantity conveying means 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a conveying speed correcting means 40 as described below is provided. The conveyance speed correction means 40 is a weighing sensor 41 for measuring the actual storage amount (hereinafter, referred to as an actual measurement value V ₁ ) of the harvested raw tea leaves _AT stored in the storage portion 4, and this weighing sensor 4
The display panel 42 displays the measured value V ₁ measured by ₁ and the set value V _{0 and the} like, and the speed controller 43 provided as an example for the display panel 42. By providing such a conveyance speed correction means 40, the weighing sensor 41
The measured value V ₁ measured by the above is compared with the set value V _0, and when a difference is found between them, the actual measured value V ₁ is manually operated so as to approach the set value V ₀ , or By automatically adjusting the speed controller 43 to correct the conveying speed of the harvested raw tea leaves, it becomes possible to deal with the fluctuation of the relative speed generated between the raw tea leaf flow meter 6 and the quantitative conveying means 1. is there. A load cell can be used as the weighing sensor 41 as an example.

Next, the outline of the configuration of the quality evaluation device 21 will be described. As the quality evaluation device 21, one having a structure as shown in FIG. 2 can be used as an example, and this one is a group of harvested plucked pieces with respect to a support frame formed by appropriately combining angle members and square pipes. The individual extraction device 23 for individually extracting a plurality of individual sample raw tea leaves A _O from the raw tea leaves A _T directly or from the sample raw tea leaves A _S obtained from this and the appearance recognition of the individual sample raw tea leaves A _O taken out It basically comprises at least a recognition device 24 and a grading device 25 for grading the group of harvested fresh tea leaves _AT according to the recognition result, and further comprises an auxiliary device and an auxiliary device. As a mechanical member, a relay transfer device 27 that controls the transfer of raw tea leaves between the above-mentioned devices, start and stop of the above-mentioned devices, adjustment of each part, input of setting conditions, images, and paper An input / output device 29 for controlling the output and the input flow rate adjusting hopper 26 for uniformizing the input flow rate are provided as necessary. Further, although not shown in the drawings, a machine having a rectangular housing shape that reduces the influence of the above-mentioned devices or members from the external environment and encloses the above-mentioned devices or members from the outside from the viewpoint of health and safety. It is also possible to provide a frame.
Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the recognition device 2
Reference numeral 4 is provided with information obtained from the individual sample raw tea leaves A _O , for example, an individual information recognition unit 24a for recognizing appearance, and information obtained from the sample raw tea leaves A _S , for example, a collective information recognition unit 24b for recognizing components. It is composed by

Next, together with the operation state of the constant quantity conveying means 1, a method of introducing fresh tea leaves into the steamer of the present invention using the constant quantity conveying means 1 as an example will be described. The group of harvested raw tea leaves _{AT that} have arrived is housed in an underground container as an example, and is supplied to the vertical bucket conveyor 5 via the raw tea leaf management container. The harvested raw tea leaves A _T supplied to the vertical bucket conveyor 5 are conveyed upward and are conveyed from the discharge chute 5 a provided on the upper part thereof toward the raw tea leaf flow meter 6 located below the discharge chute 5 a.

The harvested raw tea leaf A _T stored in the raw tea leaf flow meter 6 is adjusted to a constant flow rate by the raw tea leaf flow meter 6 and is transferred from the carry-out chute 6a to the storage section 4 of the fixed-quantity transfer means 1 located therebelow. It is carried out toward. At this time, since one end of the sampling conveyor 11 faces between the carry-out chute 6 and the accommodation section 4, a part of the harvested raw tea leaves _AT carried out from the carry-out chute 6a is used as the sample raw tea leaves A _S. Taken out. Incidentally, this extraction is performed once every 5 to 6 minutes, for example, and the amount of the sample raw tea leaves A _S taken out is about 1 kg.

The harvested green tea leaves _AT stored in the storage section 4 face the unloading end at a predetermined transport speed preset by the transporting means 3a.
Is fed to the leaf feeding hopper 7a while maintaining a uniform tea layer thickness. On the other hand, the raw tea leaves dropped on the sampling conveyor 11 and taken out as the sample raw tea leaves A _S are
The water is carried by the sampling conveyor 11 and is put into the inlet of the water remover 12 facing the carry-out end. The water dew or the like that adhere to the surface of the sample raw tea leaves A _S is removed by the dewatering machine 12, the removed sample raw tea leaves A _S water is charged in the inlet of the quality evaluation unit 21.

Recognition device 2 in this quality evaluation device 21
4 Individual information (individual sample for each shoot, raw tea leaf A _O
The recognition information recognized as the information (recognized from the above) or the collective information (the information recognized from the one block of the raw tea leaves A _S ) is output by the rating device 25 as the quality evaluation of the raw tea leaves. Note that examples of quality evaluation items of the raw tea leaves output by the grading apparatus 25 include total fiber amount, water amount, and shoot length.

The quality evaluation results of the raw tea leaves obtained by the grading apparatus 25 are the tea making machines 8 as described above.
It is used for manual tea-making processing operations for each tea-making machine, or to the individual control panel of each tea-making machine 8 via the input / output device 29, or the FA control device 13 that controls these centrally.
And is used as a processing setting condition of the tea processing machine 8 as described below. That is, the processing setting conditions include, for example, the stirring rotation number, the barrel rotation number, the barrel inclination (steaming time), the steam amount, the steam pressure, and the like for the steam generator 9, and the spindle rotation for the leaf cutter 10. The number, input amount, hot air amount, processing time, leaf dredging height, spring pressure, tea temperature and the like can be mentioned.

In this way, after the processing setting conditions in the tea processing machine 8 are set based on the quality evaluation result of the raw tea leaves, the harvested raw materials stored in the storage portion 4 of the weighing pool conveyor 3 and conveyed. The tea leaves A _T are successively carried into the leaf hopper 7a of the leaf feeder 7 while maintaining a constant flow rate, and are further fed into the vaporizer 9 by the leaf feeder 7 from the feeding port of the vaporizer 9. On the other hand, on the measuring pool conveyor 3, freshly harvested fresh tea leaves A are sequentially provided from the fresh tea leaf flow meter 6.
_{Although T} is supplied, the transport speed correction means 4
The measured value V ₁ at the present time by the weighing sensor 41 at 0
Is measured at any time, the set value V of this measured value V ₁
If the deviation of ₀ is confirmed, by adjusting the speed controller 43 appropriately according to the amount of deviation, and corrects the transporting speed of the harvested raw tea leaves A _T, introduction of crop raw tea leaves A _T to蒸機9 The timing and the constant flow rate of the harvested raw tea leaves _AT fed into the steamer 9 are made constant. After that, the tea-making process in the tea-making machine 8 is sequentially performed according to the processing setting conditions set on the basis of the above-mentioned quality evaluation result of raw tea leaves.

The method of introducing fresh tea leaves into the steamer of the present invention is based on the above-mentioned constitution.
It is also possible to take other embodiments having different partial configurations as described below. That is, what is shown in FIG. 4 is replaced with the raw tea leaf flow meter 6 provided in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and another feeder having the same configuration as the leaf feeder 7 provided at the subsequent stage of the weighing pool conveyor 3 is provided. The leaf machine 7 is arranged at this portion. Further, in the case of this embodiment, since the flow rate of the harvested fresh tea leaves _AT supplied to the weighing pool conveyor 3 is not constant, it is conveyed to at least one of the two leaf feeders 7 in such a state. Scraping unit 7 that stirs a group of harvested raw tea leaves A _T into a flat layer
b is provided as an example. This scraping unit 7
As b, one in which a large number of scraping bars are formed radially with respect to the rotation axis can be used as an example. By rotating this one in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction of the leaf feeder 7 by a drive motor, excess Harvesting raw tea leaves _AT for leaf feeding hopper 7
Try to scrape it to the a side. When using the raw tea leaf flow meter 6 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, it is possible to use the continuous type raw tea leaf flow meter 6 or the batch type raw tea leaf flow meter 6. Is.

The one shown in FIG. 5 is the weighing pool conveyor 3 which is provided in the embodiment shown in FIGS.
And the leaf feeder 7 is provided with the function as the fixed amount conveying means 1. That is, in this case, the conveying means for the freshly harvested tea leaves _{AT in} the leaf feeder 7 is configured so that the conveying speed can be adjusted, and includes the weighing sensor 41 provided in the embodiment shown in FIGS. The conveyance speed correction means 40 and the scraping unit 7b provided in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 are provided. Further, although not shown, it is of course possible to provide a position sensor for confirming the input of the harvested fresh tea leaves _AT to the leaf feeder 7 and for detecting the transport position. Incidentally, as this position sensor, an optical sensor such as a photoelectric tube can be used as an example.

In the case of adopting such a configuration, a group of harvested tea leaves A _T are preliminarily harvested in the leaf feeder 7 so as to be charged into the steamer 9 after the quality evaluation required treatment time T has passed. The conveyance speed of the tea leaves A _T is adjusted (generally reduced). The harvested green tea leaves _AT supplied to the leaf feeder 7 are conveyed toward the steamer 9 at the adjusted conveyance speed, and are flattened by the scraping unit 7b during the conveyance. The harvested raw tea leaves A _T have a constant flow rate and are steamed by the steamer 9
Will be thrown into. Further, the transport speed of the freshly harvested tea leaves _{AT in} the leaf feeder 7 is confirmed and corrected by the transport speed correction means 40 as in the weighing pool conveyor 3 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. It is adjusted to speed.

Further, FIG. 6 shows a weighing pool conveyor 3 which is provided in the embodiment shown in FIGS.
In place of the measuring pool conveyor 3, storage means 51 capable of temporarily storing the harvested fresh tea leaves _AT that are conveyed toward the steamer 9 is provided, and the configuration of the leaf feeder 7 is shown in FIG.
2 shows an embodiment similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. That is, in this embodiment, the storage means 51
The leaf feeder 7 and the leaf feeder 7 constitute the fixed quantity conveying means 1. Of these, the storage means 51 is an angle member, as an example, similar to the weighing pool conveyor 3 although not shown.
A storage tank 54 that is provided for a support frame that is configured by appropriately assembling a square pipe or the like into a frame shape and that can temporarily store the harvested raw tea leaves _AT that have been conveyed, and a storage tank 54 that is stored in this storage tank 54. The harvested tea leaves A _T are configured to include a transport unit 53a that transports the harvested tea leaves A _T toward the steamer 9 in the subsequent stage.

Of these, the storage tank 54 is, for example, formed by bending a thin metal plate into a box shape. When a vibrating conveyor is used as the transfer means 53a, the storage tank 54 is directly connected to the storage tank 54. Vibrate and use it as a vibration trough. Further, as the conveying means 53a, it is also possible to apply a belt conveyor like the conveying means 3a in the weighing pool conveyor 3, and in this case,
The bottom surface of the storage tank 54 is opened so that the conveyance surface of the conveyor belt of the belt conveyor faces this. Further, as the conveying means 53a, in addition to this, an inclined shifter 30 for inclining the storage tank 4 as shown in FIG. 7 (a), an extrusion shifter 31 as shown in FIG. 7 (b), and the like are used. Various configurations can be adopted.

The harvested raw tea leaves _AT stored in the storage tank 54 of the storage means 51 are stored as they are until the quality evaluation result of the raw tea leaves is obtained, and the quality evaluation result of the raw tea leaves is obtained. After the processing setting conditions in the tea making machine 8 are set based on this, the operation of the conveying means 53a is started, and the leaf feeder 7 is conveyed toward the leaf feeding hopper 7a. Note that such storage means 51
In such a case, the predetermined amount of freshly harvested tea leaves _AT temporarily stored in the storage means 51 is carried out toward the leaf feeding hopper 7a at once, so that it cannot be fed into the steamer 9 as it is, but it is fed. Since the leaf maker 7 is provided with the scraping unit 7b, the raw tea leaves _{AT that} are transported by the scraping action of the scraping unit 7b are flattened to have a constant flow rate, and thus the steamer 9 Will be thrown into. Further, the leaf feeder 7 is provided with the conveying speed correcting means 40, but the configuration and operating state thereof are the same as those already described, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted here.

Furthermore, as another method of the present invention for setting the timing of feeding the raw tea leaves to the steamer 9 without using such a quantitative conveying means 1, as shown in FIG.
It is also possible to provide a detour 14 in the middle of the conveyance route of the harvested fresh tea leaves A _T leading to and to adjust the length of the detour 14 appropriately to set the timing of feeding the fresh tea leaves into the steamer 9. . Even in the case of this embodiment, it is necessary to achieve a constant flow rate of the harvested raw tea leaves _AT at least before the introduction of the harvested raw tea leaves _AT into the steamer 9. Fresh tea leaf flow meter 6
The transport speed of the detour 14 is adjusted so that the harvested fresh tea leaves _AT can be transported while maintaining a constant flow rate by the above, and a scraping unit 7b is provided at an appropriate position of the detour 14, etc. It is necessary to take measures to make the flow rate constant.
Further, in this case, it is possible to perform quality evaluation on the components of fresh tea leaves, which can be measured in a relatively short time in the detour 14, together with the transport of the fresh tea leaves.

[0033]

The method for feeding fresh tea leaves to the steamer of the present invention comprises the matters for specifying the invention embodied by the embodiments described above,
By having such matters specifying the invention, various effects as described below are exhibited. First, by including the quality evaluation regarding the appearance, the reliability of the quality evaluation result of the raw tea leaves is improved, and by delaying the timing of feeding the raw tea leaves to the steamer 9, the quality of the raw tea leaves in the tea processing machine 8 is improved. The evaluation results can be used, and since a constant flow rate of harvested raw tea leaves _AT is also fed to the steamer 9, the processing efficiency and processing quality of the tea processing machine 8 can be improved.

Further, when the quantitative conveying means 1 is provided between the fresh tea leaf flow meter 6 and the leaf feeder 7, the sample fresh tea leaf A _{S with} the harvested fresh tea leaf _AT as close to the steamer 9 as possible is provided. It becomes possible to take out the tea leaves, and the quality evaluation result of the raw tea leaves immediately before being introduced into the steamer 9 can be obtained, and thus the optimum processing setting conditions of the tea processing machine 8 can be set. Further, when the quantitative transport means 1 is provided, the harvested raw tea leaves A _T delivered from the raw tea leaf flow meter 6 within the quality evaluation required processing time _T.
Can be held until the quality evaluation result of the raw tea leaves is obtained, and furthermore, the harvested raw tea leaves _AT delivered from the raw tea leaf flow meter 6 can reach the steamer 9 while maintaining the same flow rate. Becomes Furthermore, since the transportation distance of the harvested fresh tea leaves _AT is set so that the transportation time of the quantitative transportation means 1 is at least the quality evaluation required processing time T or more,
The harvested raw tea leaves A _T supplied to the quantitative transport means 1 are
After the lapse of the quality evaluation required processing time T, it is put into the steamer 9.

Further, the measuring sensor 41 is used, and the accommodating portion 4 is
Measured value V ₁ and set value V of harvested tea leaves _AT stored inside
_When the transport speed of the harvested raw tea leaf _AT is corrected by comparing with ₀ , the raw tea leaf flow meter 6 and the quantitative transport means 1 are compared.
Even if there is a change in the relative speed between the steam generator and the steam generator, the optimum feeding timing of the fresh tea leaves to the steamer 9 and the constant constant flow of the fresh tea leaves to the steamer 9 are achieved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view showing an embodiment in which quantitative feeding means is provided in the middle of a feeding path of harvested fresh tea leaves as an example of means for carrying out the charging method of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the same.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view showing the vicinity of the constant quantity transporting means.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing an embodiment in which a separate leaf feeder is provided at a position where a fresh tea leaf flow meter is provided in the embodiment shown in FIGS.

FIG. 5 is a side view showing an embodiment in which a constant quantity conveying means is constituted only by a leaf feeder.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing an embodiment in which a fixed amount conveying means is constituted by a storing means and a leaf feeder.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing two types of embodiments in which the configuration of the transport means in the storage means is different.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing another means for carrying out the charging method of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Quantitative transfer means 2 Support frame 3 Weighing pool conveyor 3a Transfer means 4 Storage part 4a Side plate 5 Vertical bucket conveyor 5a Carry-out chute 6 Fresh tea leaf flow meter 6a Carry-out chute 7 Leaf feeder 7b Scraping unit 8 Tea making process Machine 9 Steamer 10 Leaf cutter 11 Sampling conveyor 12 Water remover 13 FA controller 14 Detour 21 Quality evaluation device 23 Individual extraction device 24 Recognition device 24a Individual information recognition unit 24b Collective information recognition unit 25 Rating device 26 Input flow rate adjustment hopper 27 Relay Conveyor 29 Input / Output Device 30 Tilt Shifter 31 Extrusion Shifter 40 Conveyance Speed Correction Means 41 Weighing Sensor 42 Display Board 43 Speed Controller 51 Storage Means 53a Conveying Means 54 Storage Tank A _O Individual Sample Fresh Tea Leaf A _S Sample Fresh Tea Leaf A _T harvest raw tea leaves T quality evaluation required processing times V _T harvest raw tea Unloading flow V ₀ set value V ₁ Found

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (56) Reference JP-A 63-160550 (JP, A) JP-A 52-151797 (JP, A) JP-A 63-17658 (JP, A) JP-A 9- 252725 (JP, A) Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-103216 (JP, A) Actually developed 60-162477 (JP, U) Actually developed 3-73586 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A23F 3/00-5/30

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. It is required until a quality evaluation is completed after taking out a part of a group of harvested raw tea leaves in the middle of transportation as sample raw tea leaves or individual sample raw tea leaves in order to evaluate the quality and appearance of fresh tea leaves. After the quality evaluation required treatment time has elapsed, the group of raw harvested tea leaves is set to be fed to the steamer, and at least before being fed to the steamer of the raw harvested tea leaf of the group, the group of raw harvested tea leaves. Is a method of adding fresh tea leaves to a steamer, which is adjusted so that the flow rate is constant. 2. When setting so that the group of harvested fresh tea leaves is put into the steamer after the quality evaluation required treatment time has elapsed, the conveying speed of the group of harvested fresh tea leaves is adjusted, or the group of harvested green tea leaves is harvested. The method for feeding raw tea leaves to a steamer according to claim 1, wherein the feeding distance of the raw tea leaves is adjusted, or the group of harvested raw tea leaves is temporarily stored, or an appropriate combination thereof is performed. 3. When adjusting the group of harvested fresh tea leaves so as to have a constant flow rate, the group of harvested fresh tea leaves is conveyed while maintaining a state where the flow rate is regulated by a fresh tea leaf flow meter. The raw material for a steamer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is carried out by adjusting the transport speed or by scraping a group of harvested green tea leaves transported in a state where the flow rate is not constant into a flat layer. How to add tea leaves. 4. The raw tea leaves of the group are set so as to be put into a steamer after a quality evaluation required treatment time has passed, and the raw tea leaves of the group are adjusted so as to have a constant flow rate. A fixed quantity conveying means provided between the tea leaf flow meter and the leaf feeder is used, and the fixed quantity conveying means can accommodate the harvested raw tea leaves carried out from the raw tea leaf flow meter at least within the quality evaluation required processing time. In addition to having the quantity, the transport speed of the harvested raw tea leaves is set so that the flow rate is the same as the harvested raw tea leaves carried out from the raw tea leaf flow meter,
In addition, the transport distance of the harvested fresh tea leaves is set so that the time until the harvested fresh tea leaves supplied from the fresh tea leaf flow meter are delivered to the leaf feeder is at least the above-mentioned quality evaluation required processing time. The method for adding raw tea leaves to the steamer according to claim 1, wherein 5. The quantitative conveying means is provided with a weighing sensor for measuring the amount of the harvested raw tea leaves stored therein, and the measured value measured by the weighing sensor and the carry-out flow rate of the harvested fresh tea leaves from the raw tea leaf flow meter and The raw material for the steamer according to claim 4, wherein the conveyance speed of the harvested raw tea leaves is corrected so that the actual measurement value is close to the set value by comparing with the set value obtained from the quality evaluation required processing time. How to add tea leaves.