WO2017179662A1 - Dryer and spectroscopic analysis device for dryer - Google Patents

Abstract

The objective of the present invention is to measure the water content of grain accurately. This dryer is provided with a drying unit which dries grain, and a spectroscopic analysis device which employs spectroscopic analysis to measure the water content of flowing grain that has passed through the drying unit, wherein the spectroscopic analysis device includes: a transmitting plate capable of transmitting light and having a passing surface past which the grain passes; a light emitting unit which radiates light through the transmitting plate from the opposite side to the passing surface; and a light receiving unit which receives light that has been reflected from the grain passing by the passing surface and that has passed through the transmitting plate. The passing surface is a flush surface across both the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit.

Description

Dryer and spectroscopic analyzer for dryer

The present invention relates to a dryer for drying harvested grains such as rice (rice), wheat, rice bran, rice cake, buckwheat, and beans, and a spectroscopic analyzer for the dryer.

Grains such as straw and wheat are harvested with an agricultural machine such as a combine harvester, and the harvested grains are transferred to a transport vehicle and then transported to a processing facility such as a rice center or country elevator for shipment at the processing facility. It is processed. In the processing facility, a process of drying the grains is performed. There exists what is shown to patent document 1 as a technique of a dryer.
The dryer disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a drying unit that dries the grain and a moisture meter that measures the moisture content of the grain that has passed through the drying unit.

The moisture meter has two electrode rolls that detect the electrical resistance when crushing the grain by rotation and crushing. The moisture content of the grain is measured by calculating the moisture value in the detected electrical resistance value. The grain after the moisture content is measured is discarded.

JP 2007-212086 A

In the conventional dryer, a destructive moisture meter is used to measure the moisture content of the grain that has passed through the drying section by crushing (breaking) the sampled grain between two electrode rolls. This has the following problems.
As described above, when a grain is crushed between two electrode rolls, a grain loss (debris) occurs every time the moisture content of the grain is measured. Moreover, since the crushed grain adheres to an electrode roll, there is a possibility that the measurement accuracy is lowered due to adhesion.

In addition, in the method of measuring the moisture content of the grain by crushing the grain, the grain adhered to the electrode roll after crushing the grain and measuring the moisture of the grain until the next measurement of the moisture of the grain. It is necessary to perform cleaning or the like to remove the material. Therefore, there is a limit to shortening the measurement interval. Therefore, it is difficult to measure the moisture content of grains with a conventional dryer. In particular, it is difficult to increase the frequency in a high moisture region.

If the measurement interval is long (the number of measurements is small), it is difficult to accurately grasp the variation in moisture content of the grains in the dryer (drying unevenness). In addition, if the number of measurements is small and there are grains with extremely high moisture content or grains with extremely low moisture content, the moisture content of these grains is representative of the moisture content of the dried grains. Since it becomes a value, it may be unable to dry appropriately.

The grain dryer controls the drying rate (controls the drying speed) based on the measurement result of the moisture content of the grain. In addition, the target drying rate is secured by controlling the burner, which is a heat source for drying grains. Therefore, unless the variation in moisture content of the grains in the dryer (drying unevenness) cannot be accurately grasped, it is impossible to grasp the exact drying rate that is the basis of the burner control. Moreover, if it is difficult to accurately grasp the drying rate and the average moisture content of the grains in the dryer, the accuracy of the expected time when the dryer is terminated is deteriorated.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a drier and a spectroscopic analyzer for the drier that can solve the problems related to conventional grain drying.

The technical means taken by the present invention to solve the technical problems are characterized by the following points.
The dryer according to the present invention includes a drying unit that dries the grain, and a spectroscopic analysis device that measures a moisture content of the flowing grain that has passed through the drying unit by spectroscopic analysis. The spectroscopic analysis device passes the grain. A transmission plate having a transmission surface that transmits light, a light projecting unit that irradiates light to the transmission plate from the opposite side of the transmission surface, and reflected light of the grain that passes through the transmission surface. A light receiving portion that receives light through the transmission plate, and the passage surface is flush with the light projecting portion and the light receiving portion.

The dryer includes a wall portion provided with the spectroscopic analysis device, the wall portion including a guide surface that is a surface through which the grain flows, and an opening portion that penetrates the wall portion and in which the transmission plate is disposed. ing.
The spectroscopic analyzer includes a presser plate that presses the transmission plate and is substantially flush with the guide surface.
The passage surface is substantially flush with the guide surface.

The dryer includes a wall portion on which the spectroscopic analysis device is provided, and includes a wall portion having a guide surface that is a surface through which the grain flows. The spectroscopic analysis device includes the light projecting unit, the light receiving unit, and a passage surface. And a case that is substantially flush with the guide surface.
The spectroscopic analyzer includes a presser plate that holds the transmission plate and is substantially flush with the case.

The passage surface is substantially flush with the case.
The spectroscopic analyzer has a holding portion that protrudes from the case and holds the transmission plate, and has a holding surface that has an inclined surface inclined from the edge side of the transmission plate.
The spectroscopic analyzer includes a plurality of measurement units including the light projecting unit, the light receiving unit, and the transmission plate.

The spectroscopic analyzer is a measuring unit having the light projecting unit, the light receiving unit, and the transmission plate, and has a horizontally long measuring unit that intersects the direction in which the grain flows.
The dryer includes a drying unit that dries the grain, and a spectroscopic analysis device that measures the moisture content of the flowing grain that has passed through the drying unit by spectroscopic analysis. The spectroscopic analysis device is a flat unit through which the grain passes. A transmission plate having a passage surface and capable of transmitting light, a light projecting unit for irradiating the grain passing through the passage surface, and a light receiving unit for receiving reflected light of the grain passing through the passage surface One of the light projecting unit or the light receiving unit is provided on the opposite side of the transmission plate from the passage surface.

The transmission plate is a flat plate material.
The transmission plate includes a first plate corresponding to the light projecting unit and a second plate corresponding to the light receiving unit.
The spectroscopic analyzer is a near infrared moisture meter.
The spectroscopic analyzer for a dryer is a spectroscopic analyzer that measures the moisture content of grain by spectroscopic analysis, and has a transmission surface through which the grain passes and transmits light, and the passage. A light projecting unit that irradiates light to the transmission plate from the opposite side of the surface, and a light receiving unit that receives reflected light of the grain passing through the transmission surface through the transmission plate, It is flush with the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit.

The spectroscopic analyzer for a dryer is a wall portion having a guide surface that is a surface through which grains flow, and is attached to a wall portion that has an opening that passes through the wall portion and in which the transmission plate is disposed.
The spectroscopic analyzer for a dryer is a pressing plate that presses the transmission plate, and includes a pressing plate whose end surface is substantially flush with the guide surface.
The passage surface of the spectroscopic analyzer for a dryer is substantially flush with the guide surface.

The spectroscopic analysis apparatus for a dryer includes a case provided with the light projecting unit, the light receiving unit, and a passage surface and substantially flush with the guide surface, and a wall portion having a guide surface that is a surface through which grain flows, The case is attached so as to be substantially flush with the guide surface.
The spectroscopic analyzer includes a press plate that presses the transmission plate and is substantially flush with the case.

The passage surface of the spectroscopic analyzer for a dryer is substantially flush with the case.
The spectroscopic analyzer for a dryer includes a holding unit that protrudes from the case and holds the transmission plate and has an inclined surface that is inclined from the edge side of the transmission plate.

The present invention has the following effects.
The spectroscopic analyzer includes a transmission plate having a passage surface through which the grain passes, and irradiates light on the grain on the transmission plate by a light projecting unit from the opposite side of the passage surface, and reflects the reflected light returned from the grain through the transmission plate. The light receiving unit receives the light and measures the moisture content of the grain based on the received light. Therefore, by allowing the passage surface of the transmission plate to be flush with the light projecting portion and the light receiving portion, the grain passes while contacting the passage surface. Thereby, the reflected light returning from the grain can be stably received, and the moisture content of the grain can be accurately measured.

Further, since the moisture content of the grain is measured by spectroscopic analysis, it is possible to prevent the loss of grain due to the moisture measurement. In addition, since the grain does not adhere to the electrode roll as in the conventional case, the measurement accuracy due to the adhesion of the grain does not decrease, and high-precision measurement can be performed.
In addition, the measurement interval for measuring the moisture content of the grain can be shortened. When the measurement interval is shortened, the number of measurements can be increased. By increasing the number of measurements, even if there are grains with extremely high moisture content or grains with extremely low moisture content, only the moisture content of these grains is dried as before. It is possible to prevent the moisture content of the cereal from becoming a representative value, and it is possible to dry appropriately.

Also, by shortening the measurement interval, it is possible to obtain a large amount of grain moisture per predetermined time. Therefore, it is possible to accurately grasp the variation in the moisture content of the grains in the dryer, and to prevent the moisture content of the grains after drying from deviating greatly from the target moisture content. It is possible to prevent a situation where re-drying is necessary after completion.

Moreover, since it is possible to accurately grasp the variation in the moisture content of the grains in the dryer (cereal drying unevenness in the dryer), for example, it is possible to accurately grasp the drying rate. Drying rate can be controlled with high accuracy. In addition, since the drying rate can be controlled with high accuracy, the accuracy of the predicted end time of drying is improved.
In addition, since it is possible to accurately grasp the variation in moisture content of grains in the dryer (cereal drying unevenness in the dryer), it is easy to perform a process for reducing drying unevenness.

Moreover, the moisture content of the grain can be measured with high frequency, and the moisture content of the grain can be measured at a short measurement interval. Further, since the moisture content of the grain is measured by spectroscopic analysis, even a high moisture content can be measured frequently.
Moreover, by using a near-infrared moisture meter as a spectroscopic analyzer, the moisture content of grains can be accurately measured.

It is a front view which shows schematic structure of a dryer. It is a side view which shows schematic structure of a dryer. It is a front view which shows schematic structure of a storage part, a drying part, and a grain collection part. It is side surface sectional drawing of the lower part of the vertical feed part which shows the example of attachment of a spectroscopic analyzer. It is an external appearance perspective view of a spectroscopic analyzer. It is sectional drawing of a measurement part. It is a top view of a measurement part. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the upper part of a measurement part. It is the figure which looked at the measurement part from the bottom. It is sectional drawing which shows other embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows other embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows other embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows other embodiment. It is a top view which shows other embodiment. It is a figure which shows other embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1 and 2 show a dryer 1 for drying grains such as rice bran (rice), wheat, rice bran, rice bran, buckwheat, and beans. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the dryer 1. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the dryer 1. In the following description, the front is a direction from the back of the dryer 1 to the front, and the rear is a direction opposite to the front. Further, the right side is the right side toward the front of the dryer 1, and the left side is the left side toward the front of the dryer 1.

First, the overall configuration of the dryer will be described.
The dryer 1 includes an input unit 2, a storage unit 3, a drying unit 4, a cereal collecting unit 5, a vertical feeding unit 6, a first horizontal feeding unit 7, a second horizontal feeding unit 8, and a spectroscopic analysis. And a device 9.
The input unit 2 has an input port 2A for inputting grains to be dried, and is composed of a hopper or the like. The storage part 3, the drying part 4, and the grain collection part 5 are provided in the drying tank 10 formed in the box shape. The storage unit 3 is a room for storing grains to be dried, and is provided in an upper part of the drying tank 10. The drying unit 4 is a device that dries the grains with heat, warm air, or the like, and is provided in the drying tank 10 below the storage unit 3. The storage unit 3 and the drying unit 4 communicate with each other, and the grains stored in the storage unit 3 flow to the drying unit 4.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the drying section 4 includes a front wall 4A, a back wall 4B, a plurality of air supply drums 4C, and a plurality of air exhaust drums 4D. The plurality of air supply drums 4C and the plurality of air exhaust drums 4D are provided between the front wall 4A and the back wall 4B. In addition, the plurality of air supply drums 4C and the plurality of air exhaust drums 4D are provided alternately from left to right. A space between the air supply drum 4C and the exhaust wind drum 4D is a drying path 4E through which the grains of the storage unit 3 flow. The air supply drum 4C and the air discharge drum 4D are formed of a perforated plate and can be ventilated. Hot air is supplied to the air supply drum 4C. The supplied hot air is discharged from the air supply drum 4C to the drying path 4E. The hot air discharged to the drying path 4E is discharged from the exhaust wind drum 4D. Thereby, the grain in the drying path 4E is dried.

The cereal collecting unit 5 is provided in a drying tank 10 below the drying unit 4. The drying unit 4 and the cereal collecting unit 5 communicate with each other, and the grains in the drying unit 4 flow to the cereal collecting unit 5. The cereal collecting unit 5 includes a cereal collecting member 11, a heel part 12, a plurality of guide members 13a, 13b, and 13c, and a plurality of feeding rolls 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d. The grain collecting member 11 includes a front plate 11A continuous with the front wall 4A of the drying unit 4 and a back plate 11B continuous with the back wall 4B of the drying unit 4. The lower part of the grain collecting member 11 is formed so as to gradually become narrower as the distance between the front plate 11A and the back plate 11B goes downward.

The flange 12 includes a bottom plate 12A, a front plate 12B that connects the front end of the bottom plate 12A and the lower end of the front plate 11A, and a rear plate 12C that connects the rear end of the bottom plate 12A and the lower end of the back plate 11B. ing. The eaves part 12 is formed in an upwardly open shape and communicates with the cereal collecting member 11.
The plurality of guide members 13 a, 13 b, and 13 c are provided above the cereal collecting member 11 and below the drying unit 4. Further, the plurality of guide members 13a, 13b, and 13c are provided side by side between the front plate 11A and the back plate 11B of the grain collecting member 11. The plurality of guide members 13a, 13b, and 13c guide the grains flowing down from the drying unit 4 to the upper surfaces of the front plate 11A and the back plate 11B of the grain collection member 11. The plurality of feeding rolls 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d are provided below the guide members 13a, 13b, and 13c, and rotate to feed the grains below the guide members 13a, 13b, and 13c downward. Grains fed from a plurality of feeding rolls 14 a, 14 b, 14 c, 14 d are collected to the heel part 12 at the lower part of the grain collecting part 5.

A far-red radiator 18 heated by a burner is located below the cereal collecting unit 5, between the heel part 12 and the guide members 13 a, 13 b and 13 c and between the front plate 11 </ b> A and the back plate 11 </ b> B. Is provided.
The vertical feed unit 6 is a device that transports the grain put into the feeding unit 2 and the grain fed by the first lateral feed unit 7 upward, and is provided on the side of the drying tank 10. The vertical feed unit 6 includes a box-shaped casing 16 that is long in the vertical direction, and a transport unit 17 provided inside the casing 16. The transport unit 17 is provided on the upper sprocket 17A disposed on the upper portion of the casing 16, the lower sprocket 17B disposed on the lower portion of the casing 16, the belt 17C wound around the upper and lower sprockets 17A and 17B, and the belt 17C. Bucket 17D. As for the conveyance part 17, the front part is made into the downward side, and the rear part is made into the raise side. The transport unit 17 rotates the upper sprocket 17A or the lower sprocket 17B with a drive motor or the like (not shown) to move the belt 17C, so that the grain at the lower part of the casing 16 is crushed by the bucket 17D and transported to the upper part of the casing 16.

The casing 16 includes a first wall 16A that covers the front side of the transport unit 17, a second wall 16B that covers the back side of the transport unit 17, a third wall 16C that covers the side surface of the transport unit 17 on the drying tank 10 side, 4th wall 16D which covers the side opposite to the drying tank 10 side of the conveyance part 17, 5th wall 16E which covers the upper part of the conveyance part 17, 6th wall 16F which covers the downward direction of the conveyance part 17, and a conveyance part 17 and a discharge portion 19 provided on the front side of the upper portion. A space is provided between the upper end of the first wall 16A and the fifth wall 16E.

The discharge part 19 has an open rear part and communicates with the upper part of the accommodation space of the transport part 17. Therefore, the grain conveyed to the upper part of the casing 16 by the bucket 17D is released to the discharge part 19 when the bucket 17D is reversed.
The discharge part 19 includes an upper wall 19A, a contact wall 19B, a first side wall 19C, a second side wall 19D, and a guide wall 19E. The upper wall 19A extends forward from the fifth wall 16E. The contact wall 19B extends downward from the front end of the upper wall 19A. The upper part of the contact wall 19B is inclined so as to move forward as it goes downward. The lower part of the contact wall 19B is formed along the vertical direction. The first side wall 19C extends forward from the upper part of the third wall 16C. The second side wall extends forward from the upper part of the fourth wall 16D. The guide wall 19E extends in an inclined direction that moves downward from the upper end of the first wall 16A toward the front. A space is provided between the lower end of the guide wall 19E and the lower end of the contact wall 19B, and the front lower end of the discharge portion 19 is a discharge port 19F opened downward. . Therefore, the grains released from the transport unit 17 to the discharge unit 19 mainly fall in contact with the contact wall 19B and are discharged from the discharge port 19F. Moreover, a part of the grain slides down directly or on the guide wall 19E and is discharged from the discharge port 19F.

The first lateral feed unit 7 is a device that laterally feeds the grains collected at the lower part of the grain collecting unit 5 to the lower part of the vertical feed unit 6. The first lateral feed unit 7 includes a screw 20 (referred to as a first screw) capable of laterally feeding grain, and a flow passage 21 for flowing the grain laterally fed by the first screw 20 to the longitudinal feed unit 6. The left part of the first screw 20 is disposed in the collar part 12 and provided along the collar part 12. The right part of the first screw 20 protrudes from the flange part 12 and is provided to the front side of the lower part of the vertical feed part 6.

The flow passage 21 connects the lower part of the drying tank 10 and the casing 16. Specifically, the flow passage 21 is a passage that connects the flange portion 12 and the lower portion of the first wall 16 </ b> A of the casing 16. The flow passage 21 accommodates a portion protruding from the flange portion 12 of the first screw 20. The first screw 20 can feed the grain in the heel part 12 toward the flow passage 21 by rotating by a driving force such as a driving motor.

The flow passage 21 includes a chute portion 22 that communicates with the lower portion of the casing 16, and a communication portion 23 that communicates (connects) the flange portion 12 and the chute portion 22. Therefore, the grain sent by the first screw 20 reaches the chute portion 22 through the communication portion 23 and is supplied from the chute portion 22 to the lower portion of the casing 16. In addition, the chute unit 22 is connected to the feeding unit 2, and the grains thrown into the feeding unit 2 are supplied from the chute unit 22 to the lower part of the casing 16.

As shown in FIG. 4, the chute portion 22 has an upper wall 22A, a vertical wall 22B, and a bottom wall 22C. Further, the left side surface of the chute portion 22 is blocked by the left side wall 22D. The right side surface of the chute portion 22 is blocked by the right side wall 22E (see FIG. 1). The rear part of the chute 22 is open rearward. This rear opening portion is a discharge opening 22F for discharging the grain.

A receiving port 24 for receiving grain is formed in the lower portion of the first wall 16A of the casing 16. The receiving port 24 communicates with the discharge opening 22F. The upper wall 22A protrudes forward from the upper edge of the receiving port 24. The vertical wall 22B extends downward from the front end of the upper wall 22A. The bottom wall 22C includes an extending portion 22Ca that extends rearward from the lower end of the vertical wall 22B, and an inclined portion 22Cb that extends from the rear end of the extending portion 22Ca over the lower edge of the receiving port 24. The inclined portion 22Cb has an inclined shape that moves downward as it approaches the first wall 16A. That is, the flow passage 21 has an inclined surface 22 </ b> G that moves downward as it approaches the casing 16.

The end of the inclined surface 22G is connected to the lower edge of the receiving port 24. The width of the inclined surface 22G is set to be substantially the same as the width of the lower portion of the casing 16. Therefore, when the grain flowing through the flow passage 21 reaches the inclined surface 22G, the grain falls to the lower part of the casing 16 while sliding on the inclined surface 22G. Therefore, on the inclined surface 22G, the grains are likely to spread uniformly, and the thickness of the grain layer at the time of carrying the grains is a place where the inclined surface 22G tends to be thin.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the communication portion 23 is formed in a cylindrical shape that covers the upper, lower, front, and rear of the first screw 20. The communication part 23 is open to the left and right. The left end of the communication portion 23 communicates with the flange portion 12. The right end of the communication portion 23 communicates with the inside of the chute portion 22 through an opening 26 formed in the left side wall 22D of the chute portion 22.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second lateral feed unit 8 is a device that transports the grain discharged from the upper part of the vertical feed part 6 to the upper part of the storage part 3. The second lateral feed unit 8 includes a screw (referred to as a second screw) 27 and a screw case 28 that accommodates the second screw 27. The screw case 28 is provided from the discharge part 19 of the vertical feed part 6 to the middle part of the storage part 3. The right side of the screw case 28 is connected to and communicates with the discharge port 19F of the vertical feed unit 6, and the grain discharged from the discharge port 19F is supplied into the screw case 28. The grain supplied to the screw case 28 is transported to the storage unit 3 by the second screw 27. Grains conveyed to the storage unit 3 by the second screw 27 are stored in the storage unit 3 from the first opening 36 formed in the middle part 28A of the screw case 28 and the second opening 37 formed in the left end of the screw case 28. Is discharged.

The cereal is circulated from the storage unit 3 to the storage unit 3 through the drying unit 4, the cereal collecting unit 5, the first lateral feed unit 7, the vertical feed unit 6, and the second lateral feed unit 8. This circulation is repeated until the moisture content of the grain reaches the target moisture content.
The 1st horizontal feed part 7 which cross-feeds the grain after drying, the vertical feed part 6 which sends the grain sent by the 1st horizontal feed part 7 upwards, and the grain sent to the upper part of the vertical feed part 6 are stored. A circulation part is constituted by the second lateral feed part 8 to be sent to the part 3. This circulation unit is a device that circulates grains, and is a device that sends the grains dried by the drying unit 4 to the storage unit 3 or sends the grains input to the input unit 2 to the storage unit 3.

The spectroscopic analyzer (a spectroscopic analyzer for a dryer) 9 is an apparatus that measures the moisture content of at least the grain dried by the drying unit 4 (the flowing grain that has passed through the drying unit 4) by spectroscopic analysis. The spectroscopic analyzer 9 may be any device that measures at least the moisture content of grains, and may be a device that measures the characteristics of grains other than moisture together with the moisture content of grains.
The spectroscopic analyzer 9 is a device that measures the moisture content of the flowing grain by spectroscopic analysis, and measures the moisture content of the grain by examining the spectrum of light emitted or absorbed by the grain. Examples of the spectroscopic analyzer include a near-infrared moisture meter, a mid-infrared spectrophotometer, an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer, and a Raman spectrophotometer. The spectroscopic analyzer may be an apparatus other than those exemplified as long as it can measure the moisture content of grains by spectroscopic analysis.

A near-infrared moisture meter (near-infrared moisture meter) is a device that measures moisture in grains by near-infrared spectroscopy, and irradiates grains with near-infrared light and measures the reflectance of the grains. It is an apparatus for measuring moisture (water content), which is one of the characteristics. A mid-infrared spectrophotometer is a device that measures the moisture content of grains by spectroscopic analysis using infrared light in the mid-infrared region. An ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer is a device that measures the moisture content of grains by spectroscopic analysis using light regions in the ultraviolet region and the visible region. The Raman spectroscopic device is a device that irradiates a grain with a laser and measures the moisture content of the grain from the generated Raman scattered light. In this embodiment, a near-infrared moisture meter is adopted as the spectroscopic analyzer 9 (the spectroscopic analyzer 9 is a near-infrared moisture meter).

As shown in FIG. 4, the spectroscopic analyzer 9 (near infrared moisture meter) is provided in the first lateral feed section 7 that laterally feeds the grain after drying. By providing the first lateral feeding unit 7 with the spectroscopic analysis device 9, the moisture content of the grain fed laterally after drying is accurately measured.
Specifically, the spectroscopic analyzer 9 is provided in the flow path 21 of the first lateral feed unit 7 and in the inclined part (wall part) 22Cb of the bottom wall 22C. An inclined surface 22G that is the upper surface of the inclined portion 22Cb is a guide surface through which the grain G1 flows in the Y1 direction. That is, the dryer 1 has a wall portion (inclined portion 22Cb) having a guide surface 22G that is a surface through which the grain flows. The spectroscopic analyzer 9 measures the moisture content of the grain G1 flowing through the guide surface 22G.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the spectroscopic analyzer 9 includes at least a case 31 and a measurement unit 32. The case 31 is disposed below the inclined portion (wall portion) 22Cb. The case 31 is formed in a rectangular box shape having an upper wall 31A facing the lower surface of the inclined portion 22Cb. The upper wall 31A of the case 31 is attached to the inclined portion (wall portion) 22Cb.
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the upper wall 31A of the case 31 is formed with an insertion hole 33 (consisting of an annular edge) made of a circular hole penetrating the upper wall 31A. The insertion hole 33 is inserted through the upper side of the measurement unit 32. That is, the upper side of the measurement unit 32 protrudes from the upper surface (one end surface) 31B of the upper wall 31A of the case 31.

As shown in FIG. 6, the inclined portion 22Cb has an opening 34 that penetrates the inclined portion 22Cb (wall portion). The opening 34 is formed of a circular hole (consisting of an annular edge) and is formed at a portion corresponding to the measurement unit 32. The upper side of the measurement unit 32 (a transmission plate 36, an upper wall 37A of the first holding unit 37, and a press plate 38) to be described later is inserted into the opening 34.
As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8 </ b> A, and 8 </ b> B, the measurement unit 32 includes a transmission plate 36, a holding unit (referred to as a first holding unit) 37, a presser plate 38, a light projecting unit 41, and a light receiving unit. A portion 42, a holding portion (referred to as a second holding portion) 43, and a mounting plate 44.

The transmission plate 36 is a plate material through which light can pass. The transmission plate 36 is formed of, for example, a glass plate that is a flat and transparent (including translucent) plate material. The transmission plate 36 may be a plate material through which light can pass, and may be formed of, for example, a resin plate. The transmission plate 36 is disposed in the opening 34 so that the plate surface faces up and down. That is, the inclined portion 22Cb has an opening 34 in which the transmission plate 36 is disposed. The transmission plate 36 is formed in a rectangular shape that is long in the flow direction Y1, which is the direction in which the grain G1 flows. The transmission plate 36 is disposed so as to be inclined at the same angle as the inclination angle of the inclined portion 22Cb. The upper surface of the transmission plate 36 is a passage surface 36A through which the grain G1 flowing through the guide surface 22G passes. The passage surface 36A is a flat surface. The angle of the transmission plate 36 may be different from the inclination angle of the inclined portion 22Cb.

The first holding portion 37 is a member that holds the transmission plate 36. The upper part of the first holding part 37 is inserted through the insertion hole 33 and protrudes upward from the upper wall 31A. That is, the first holding portion 37 protrudes from the upper surface (one end surface) 31 </ b> B of the case 31. The first holding part 37 will be described in detail. The first holding part 37 has an upper wall 37A, a peripheral wall 37B, a first flange 37C, and a second flange 37D.

The upper wall 37A is formed in a circular shape having an outer diameter substantially coinciding with the inner diameter of the opening 34, and is located in the opening 34 (inserted into the opening 34 from below). The upper wall 37A is formed with a recess 37F that is recessed downward from the upper surface 37E. The recess 37F is formed in a rectangular shape that substantially matches the transmission plate 36. A transmission plate 36 is inserted into the recess 37F. The depth of the recess 37 </ b> F is formed to be approximately the same as the thickness of the transmission plate 36. Therefore, the upper surface 37E of the upper wall 37A and the upper surface (passage surface 36A) of the transmission plate 36 are substantially flush. The upper wall 37 has a first through hole 40a and a second through hole 40b. The first through hole 40a and the second through hole 40b are formed by circular holes (annular edge portions) penetrating the upper wall 37, and are formed in a portion corresponding to the concave portion 37F (a portion corresponding to the bottom portion of the concave portion 37F). Is formed. The first through holes 40a and the second through holes 40b are provided side by side in the flow direction Y1. The first through hole 40a is located on the upstream side in the flow direction Y1 of the second through hole 40b. Further, the first through hole 40a and the second through hole 40b are formed with an interval in the flow direction Y1, and a shielding part 37G is provided between the first through hole 40a and the second through hole 40b. ing. In addition, two screw holes 39a and 39b are provided on the upper surface side of the upper wall 37A so as to sandwich the recess 37F.

The peripheral wall 37B is formed in a cylindrical shape that protrudes downward from the outer peripheral side of the lower surface of the upper wall 37A. A cylindrical recessed portion 50 that is recessed upward from below is formed by the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 37B and the lower surface of the upper wall 37A.
The first flange 37C protrudes radially outward from the outer surface of the peripheral wall 37B. The first flange 37 </ b> C is inserted through the insertion hole 33. The outer diameter of the first flange 37 </ b> C is formed to have substantially the same dimension as the inner diameter of the insertion hole 33. On the upper surface of the first flange 37C, an annular ridge portion 37H that contacts the lower surface of the inclined portion 22G is provided. A lower portion of the first flange 37C protrudes downward from the insertion hole 33.

The second flange 37D protrudes radially outward from the lower portion of the first flange 37C. The upper surface of the second flange 37D is in contact with the lower surface of the upper wall 31A of the case 31.
The presser plate 38 is a member that presses the transmission plate 36 and is a circular plate material that fixes the transmission plate 36 to the first holding portion 37. The outer diameter of the pressing plate 38 is formed to have the same dimension as the outer diameter of the upper wall 37 </ b> A of the first holding portion 37. The presser plate 38 is inserted into the upper portion of the opening 34 and overlapped with the upper wall 37A. An upper surface (end surface) 38A of the pressing plate 38 is substantially flush with the guide surface 22G. That is, the upper surface 38A of the presser plate 38 is a guide surface for guiding the grain. The holding plate 38 has an opening 47 and two screw insertion holes 48a and 48b. The opening 47 is a hole that penetrates the presser plate 38 and is configured by an annular edge. The opening 47 is a rectangular hole corresponding to the transmission plate 36 and smaller than the outer shape of the transmission plate 36. Further, the first through hole 40 a and the second through hole 40 b are located within the range of the opening 47 (inside the edge of the opening 47).

The pressing plate 38 is fixed to the upper wall 37A by two screws 49a and 49b. The screw 49a is inserted into the screw hole 39a through the screw insertion hole 48a. The screw 49b is inserted into the screw hole 39b through the screw insertion hole 48b.
The light projecting unit 41 is configured by an end portion of a first cable member 45 having a bundle of optical fibers. The first cable member 45 is connected to a light source unit (not shown) provided in the case 31. Light including near infrared rays supplied from the light source unit is guided to the first cable member 45, reaches the light projecting unit 41, and is irradiated from the light projecting surface 41 </ b> A that is the end surface of the light projecting unit 41. The light projecting unit 41 is disposed below the opening 34 and the transmission plate 36 and is in contact with the lower surface of the upper wall 37A. Moreover, the light projection part 41 is arrange | positioned in the position where 41 A of light projection surfaces correspond to the 1st through-hole 40a. In other words, the light projecting surface 41A faces the transmission plate 36 through the first through hole 40a.

The light projecting unit 41 irradiates light (near infrared rays) to the transmission plate 36 from the opposite side of the passage surface 36A. That is, the light irradiated from the light projecting surface 41A toward the transmission plate 36 passes through the first through hole 40a and the transmission plate 36, and passes through the passage surface 36A (moves on the passage surface 36A) to the grain G1. Irradiated.
The light receiving unit 42 is configured by an end portion of a second cable member 46 having a bundle of optical fibers. The second cable member 46 is connected to a grain evaluation unit (not shown) provided in the case 31. The light receiving unit 42 is disposed below the opening 34 and the transmission plate 36 and is in contact with the lower surface of the upper wall 37A. Further, the light receiving part 42 is disposed at a position where the light receiving surface 42A corresponds to the second through hole 40b. In other words, the light receiving surface 42A faces the transmission plate 36 through the second through hole 40b.

The light receiving unit 42 receives the reflected light of the grain G1 passing through the passage surface 36A through the transmission plate 36. That is, the reflected light including near infrared rays irradiated from the light projecting unit 41 to the grain G1 and returned from the grain G1 enters the light receiving unit 42 from the light receiving surface 42A that is the end surface of the light receiving unit 42. The reflected light received by the light receiving unit 42 is guided to the second cable member 46 and reaches the grain evaluation unit. The grain evaluation unit calculates the moisture content of the grain by spectroscopic analysis (near infrared spectroscopy) based on the reflected light (near infrared) received by the light receiving unit 42. In this embodiment, optical fibers are used for the light projecting unit 41 and the light receiving unit 42, but other optical fibers may be used. For example, a light source such as an LED is provided at the tip of the light projecting unit 41 (passing surface 36 </ b> A side), the light source is irradiated on the grain G 1, and transmitted or scattered light (reflected light) of the grain G 1 is received by the light receiving unit 42. Thus, transmitted or reflected light may be introduced into the grain evaluation unit.

The second holding unit 43 is a member that holds the light projecting unit 41 and the light receiving unit 42. The second holding part 43 has a first part 43A and a second part 43B. 43 A of 1st site | parts are cylindrical shape, Comprising: It inserts in the recessed part 50 (circumferential wall 37B). The second part 43B is located below the first part 43A and has a cylindrical shape having a diameter larger than that of the first part 43A. The second part 43 </ b> B is in contact with the lower surface of the first holding part 37. Further, the second holding part 43 has a first holding hole 43C and a second holding hole 43D. The first holding hole 43C is a hole that penetrates the first part 43A and the second part 43B, and the light projecting portion 41 is inserted through the first holding hole 43C. The second holding hole 43D is a hole that penetrates the first part 43A and the second part 43B, and the light receiving part 42 is inserted into the second holding hole 43D.

The mounting plate 44 is a member that fixes the first holding portion 37 and the second holding portion 43 to the upper wall 31 </ b> A of the case 31. The mounting plate 44 is in contact with the lower surface of the second holding portion 43. Further, the attachment plate 44 is attached to an attachment portion provided on the upper wall 31A of the case 31 with a bolt. The first holding part 37 and the second holding part 43 are attached to the case 31 by the attachment plate 44.

The transmission plate 36 is formed of a flat glass plate as described above. Therefore, the passage surface 36 </ b> A is flush with the light projecting unit 41 and the light receiving unit 42. By making the passage surface 36 flush across the light projecting unit 41 and the light receiving unit 42, the grain passes from the light projecting unit 41 to the light receiving unit 42 while contacting the passage surface 36A. Thereby, the reflected light returning from the grain can be received stably, and the moisture content of the grain can be measured with high accuracy (stable).

The measuring unit 32 includes a shielding unit 37G in order to suppress the light emitted from the light projecting unit 41 from directly entering the light receiving unit 42. By arranging the transmission plate 36 above the shielding part 37G (on the side opposite to the arrangement side of the light projecting part 41 and the light receiving part 42), when the grain reaches the light receiving part 42 from the light projecting part 41, the shielding part 37G is provided. It flows smoothly without being caught. Thereby, a moisture measurement with high accuracy can be performed.

Further, since the press plate 38 is substantially flush with the guide surface 22G, the grain flowing through the guide surface 22G moves smoothly through the press plate 38 to the passage surface 36A. Thereby, a moisture measurement with high accuracy can be performed.
In addition, an opening 34 is provided in the inclined wall 22Cb, which is a wall portion on which the spectroscopic analyzer 9 is provided, and the transmission plate 36 is disposed in the opening 34, so that the grain flowing through the guide surface 22G is smoothly transferred to the passage surface 36A. Can be passed through.

Further, by forming the transmission plate 36 with a single flat plate material, the transmission plate 36 can be easily manufactured and it is easy to ensure dust resistance.
The spectroscopic analyzer 9 measures the moisture content of the grain flowing through the guide surface 22G. According to this, the water content of the grain flowing through the inclined portion 22Cb (guide surface 22G) while spreading uniformly can be measured by the spectroscopic analyzer 9. That is, the water content in the majority of the grains circulating after drying can be measured by the spectroscopic analyzer 9.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4, the lower end part of the insertion part 2 (hopper) is provided above the inclined part 22Cb. The lower end portion of the hopper is connected to the upper wall 22A facing the inclined portion 22Cb. Since the hopper is provided above the inclined portion 22Cb and the spectroscopic analyzer 9 is provided on the inclined portion 22Cb, the moisture content of the cereal (cereal before drying) immediately after the introduction of the hopper can be measured by the spectroscopic analyzer 9. The moisture content of the grain flowing through the inclined portion 22Cb (guide surface 22G) after drying can be measured.

9 to 14 show another embodiment different from the first embodiment shown in FIGS.
FIG. 9A shows a second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the transmission plate 36 has a first part 36B that fits into the recess 37F and a second part 36C that extends upward from the first part 36B and fits into the opening 47. An upper surface of the second portion 36C is a passage surface 36A. Further, the thickness of the second portion 36 </ b> C is substantially the same as the thickness of the presser plate 38. Therefore, the passage surface 36A is substantially flush with the guide surface 22G and the pressing plate 38.

The above points are different from the first embodiment, and the rest is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, since the passage surface 36A is substantially flush with the guide surface 22G and the presser plate 38, the grain smoothly moves from the guide surface 22G to the passage surface 36A, and the measurement accuracy of the moisture amount is improved. Can be made.
FIG. 9B shows a third embodiment. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the transmission plate 36 includes a first plate 36D corresponding to the light projecting unit 41 and a second plate 36E corresponding to the light receiving unit 42. In other words, the transmission plate 36 is obtained by dividing the plate material constituting the transmission plate 36 into a first plate 36D and a second plate 36E. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment. This configuration may be adopted in other embodiments.

In the third embodiment, since the transmission plate 36 includes the first plate 36D and the second plate 36E, the light irradiated from the light projecting unit 41 enters the light receiving unit 42 directly through the transmission plate 36. Can be suppressed.
FIG. 9C shows a fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the transmission plate 36 is directly fixed to the upper wall 37A of the first holding portion 37, and the passage surface 36A is substantially flush with the guide surface 22G (no presser plate is provided). This is a difference from the first embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

In the fourth embodiment, the structure can be simplified.
10 and 11A show a fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, in the fifth embodiment, the opening 34 is formed in a size that substantially matches the shape of the upper surface 31 </ b> B of the case 31, and the upper surface side of the case 31 is inserted into the opening 34. The upper surface 31B of the case 31 is substantially flush with the guide surface 22G. Accordingly, the grain moving toward the case 31 with the guide surface 22G flows through the upper surface 31B of the case 31 and passes through the passage surface 36A. That is, the upper surface 31B of the case 31 is a guide surface for guiding the grain. In this fifth embodiment,
As shown in FIG. 11A, the first holding portion 37 is formed on the upper surface 37I that protrudes from the guide surface (one end surface) 31B of the case 31 through the insertion hole 33 and the lower surface of the upper wall 31A of the case 31. And a lower portion 37J to be in contact with. The portion of the upper portion 37I that protrudes from the upper surface 31B of the case 31 gradually decreases in diameter as the outer shape goes from the guide surface (one end surface) 31B of the case 31 to the edge of the transmission plate 36 (edge of the holding plate 38). It is formed in a conical shape [conical shape with a flat top (a truncated cone)]. That is, the first holding portion 37 has an inclined surface 37K that is inclined from the edge side of the transmission plate 36 toward the guide surface (one end surface) 31B of the case. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

In the fifth embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the transmission plate 36 has a first part 36B that fits into the recess 37F and a second part 36C that fits into the opening 47.
In the fifth embodiment, since the first holding part 37 has the inclined surface 37K, the grain moving on the guide surface (upper surface) 31B of the case 31 passes through the inclined surface 37K and smoothly moves to the passage surface 36A. .

FIG. 11B shows a sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, the first holding portion 37 is formed in a columnar shape and disposed on the lower surface of the upper wall 31 </ b> A of the case 31. The presser plate 38 is positioned in the insertion hole 33, and the upper surface (end surface) 38 </ b> A of the presser plate 38 is substantially flush with the guide surface (one end surface) 31 </ b> B of the case 31. In other words, the upper surface (end surface) 38A of the presser plate 38 is a guide surface for guiding grain, and the guide surface 38 and the guide surface 31 of the case 31 are substantially flush with each other. The transmission plate 36 is the same as the third embodiment in that it includes a first plate 36D and a second plate 36E. Further, the upper surface 31B of the case 31 is inserted into the opening 34, and the upper surface 31B is substantially flush with the guide surface 22G, as in the fifth embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

In the sixth embodiment, the grain moving on the upper surface 31B of the case 31 smoothly passes through the presser plate 38 and moves smoothly to the passage surface 36A.
FIG. 11C shows a seventh embodiment. The seventh embodiment has a first portion 36B in which the transmission plate 36 is formed as a single plate and fits in the recess 37F, and a second portion 36C that fits in the opening 47 from the first portion 36B, and has a passage surface 36A. Is different from the sixth embodiment in that it is substantially flush with the guide surface 22G and the pressing plate 38.

Also in the seventh embodiment, the grains moving on the upper surface 31B of the case 31 smoothly pass through the presser plate 38 and move smoothly to the passage surface 36A.
FIG. 12 shows an eighth embodiment. The eighth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the transmission plate 36 is formed so as to be curved downward (toward the light projecting unit 41 and the light receiving unit 42). Also in the eighth embodiment, the passage surface 36A is flush. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

The transmission plate 36 may be formed so as to be recessed in a curved shape upward.
FIG. 13A shows a ninth embodiment. The ninth embodiment has a plurality of measurement units 32 similar to those of the first embodiment. The plurality of measurement units 32 are arranged side by side in a direction intersecting the flow direction Y1 and along the upper surface 31B of the case 31. The measurement part 32 should just have the light projection part 41, the light-receiving part 42, and the permeation | transmission board 36 at least. That is, the spectroscopic analyzer 9 includes a plurality of measuring units 32 including a light projecting unit 41, a light receiving unit 42, and a transmission plate 36. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

In the ninth embodiment, since the plurality of measuring units 32 irradiate the grains with light and receive the reflected light returned from the grains, the moisture content of more grains can be measured, and the dryer 1 It is possible to accurately grasp the variation (unevenness) in the moisture content of the grains.
FIG. 13B shows a tenth embodiment. In the tenth embodiment, the spectroscopic analyzer 9 is a measuring unit 32 having a light projecting unit 41, a light receiving unit 42, and a transmission plate 36, and is a horizontally long measuring unit 32 that is long in the direction intersecting the grain flowing direction Y1. Have

The transmission plate 36 corresponds to the light projecting unit 41 (for irradiating light toward the grain) and the light transmission unit 42 (for entering reflected light returning from the grain). A second transmission plate 36G. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.
In the tenth embodiment, since light is irradiated over a wide range and reflected light is received over a wide range, the moisture content of more grains can be measured, and the variation (unevenness) in the moisture content of the grains in the dryer 1. Can be grasped accurately.

FIG. 14 shows an eleventh embodiment. In the eleventh embodiment, the spectroscopic analyzer 9 includes a first device 9 </ b> A having a light projecting unit 41 and a second device 9 </ b> B having a light receiving unit 42. The first device 9A is located above the guide surface 22G and the second device 9B. The second device 9B includes a transmission plate 36 having a passage surface 36A, and is provided on the inclined portion 22Cb. The first device 9A includes a light source unit (not shown), and the light projecting unit 41 irradiates light from above toward the grain passing through the passage surface 36A.

The second device 9B includes a case 31, a measuring unit 32, and a grain evaluation unit (not shown). The measurement unit 32 includes a transmission plate 36, a first holding unit 37, a pressing plate 38, a light receiving unit 42, a second holding unit 43, and a mounting plate 44. Since these configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.
Also in the tenth embodiment, since the transmission plate 36 is constituted by a single flat glass plate, the grain passes through the passage surface 36A. As a result, the reflected light from the grain can be received stably, and the moisture content of the grain can be measured accurately (stable).

In the tenth embodiment, the first device 9A may include the light receiving unit 42 and the grain evaluation unit, and the second device 9B may include the light projecting unit 41 and the light source unit. That is, one of the light projecting unit 41 or the light receiving unit 42 is provided on the opposite side of the transmission plate 36 from the passage surface 36A.
Conventionally, for example, since it was a destructive type that crushes grains with an electrode roll, cleaning was necessary to remove the grains adhering to the electrode roll. However, the spectroscopic analyzer 9 of the present invention does not crush grains. The measurement interval of the spectroscopic analyzer 9 is not affected by the cleaning and can be set to a short interval.

In conventional dryers that measure the moisture content of grains with a destructive moisture meter, there is a limit to shortening the measurement interval. If the measurement interval is long (the number of measurements is small), it is difficult to accurately grasp the variation (unevenness) in the moisture content of the grains in the dryer 1.
Moreover, in this embodiment, since the moisture content of a grain is measured nondestructively, the measurement interval of the moisture content of a grain can be shortened. In addition, the number of measurements can be increased by shortening the measurement interval. Thereby, the dispersion | variation in the moisture content of the grain in the dryer 1 can be grasped | ascertained correctly by obtaining the moisture content which carried out the moving average of several moisture content.

In this embodiment, the moisture content of the grain can be measured with high frequency, and the moisture content of the grain can be measured at a short measurement interval. The spectroscopic analyzer 9 of this embodiment is an apparatus that measures the moisture content of grains at short measurement intervals. “Short measurement interval” refers to a time interval that is shorter than the time taken for the conventional grain destruction and the moisture measurement of the broken grain in one moisture measurement. Note that dryers on the market measure the moisture content of grains with a destructive moisture meter, and the measurement interval is generally several tens of minutes. In the dryer 1 of the present embodiment, for example, the moisture content of grains can be measured at a measurement interval of 10 minutes or less, preferably less than 5 minutes, more preferably at a measurement interval of 60 seconds or less. Is possible.

In this embodiment, the spectroscopic analyzer 9 is a device that continuously measures the moisture content of grains at short measurement intervals. Note that the continuous measurement means that measurement is repeated at a predetermined time width (predetermined interval). For example, a predetermined sampling frequency is set and measurement is performed at an interval of the sampling frequency. In addition, when looking at the whole of measuring the moisture content of grains, even if there are intermittent intervals where some measurements are not made, when repeatedly measuring with a predetermined time width in a predetermined interval other than the intermittent interval Is measured continuously. The short measurement interval naturally includes that the interval between measurement and the next measurement is 1 second or less, but it is a short measurement interval of several seconds to several tens of seconds. Good. Therefore, by continuously measuring the moisture content of the grain at short measurement intervals, it is possible to more accurately grasp the variation in the moisture content of the grain in the dryer 1. In the dryer 1, it is preferable to set a target moisture content, and the actual grain moisture content (actual moisture content) when drying is actually finished may coincide with a predetermined target moisture content. desirable. Since the spectroscopic analyzer 9 continuously measures the moisture content of the grains at short measurement intervals, the actual moisture content can be easily matched with the target moisture content.

Further, the spectroscopic analyzer 9 is preferably a single device. A single device refers to a device that measures the grain at the same time (timing) when the light projecting and receiving unit provided in the spectroscopic analyzer 9 is focused on the light projecting and receiving unit (projecting and receiving unit described later). The number of light projecting / receiving units included in the spectroscopic analyzer 9 is not limited. For example, even if the spectroscopic analyzer 9 has a plurality of light projecting and receiving units, if the plurality of light projecting and receiving units are devices that measure grain moisture at the same timing, a single device and I can say that.

In addition, it is difficult to measure the moisture content of grains with a conventional dryer that measures the moisture content of grains with a destructive moisture meter, and it is difficult to increase the frequency particularly in a high moisture range. On the other hand, in the dryer 1 of this embodiment, since the moisture content of grain is measured by spectroscopic analysis, it can be measured with high frequency even with a high moisture content.
In addition, since the number of measurements can be increased by non-destructive measurement, even if there are grains with extremely high moisture content or grains with extremely low moisture content, only the moisture content of these grains is present. However, it is possible to prevent the moisture content of the dried grain from becoming a representative value as in the conventional case, and it is possible to appropriately dry the grain. Moreover, since the variation in the moisture content of the grains in the dryer 1 can be accurately grasped, the moisture content (the actual moisture content) of the grains after drying is greatly deviated from the target moisture content. Can be prevented. As a result, it is possible to prevent re-drying after completion of drying. When drying the koji, if the moisture content of the brown rice exceeds the target moisture content after the rice kneading after drying in the dryer 1, it is necessary to turn it to the dryer 1 again. In this case, since the rice is dried without wrinkles, brown rice is easily damaged. In the present embodiment, by measuring the moisture content of the grains with the non-destructive spectroscopic analyzer 9, it is possible to accurately grasp the variation in the moisture content of the grains in the dryer 1. Can be avoided.

In addition, the number of measurements can be increased by non-destructive measurement, and as a result, the variation in moisture content of the grains in the dryer 1 can be accurately grasped, so that the drying rate can be accurately grasped. Can do. Therefore, the drying rate can be controlled with high accuracy. In addition, since the drying rate can be controlled with high accuracy, the accuracy of the predicted end time of drying is improved.
In addition, since non-destructive measurement of the moisture content of the cereal can accurately grasp unevenness in the moisture content of the cereal in the dryer 1, it is easy to perform a process for reducing the unevenness in the moisture content of the cereal. . For example, it is easy to carry out a process of reducing unevenness in the moisture content of grains using a cooling tank. The cooling tank is a tank that cools by storing the grains dried by the dryer 1 for a predetermined time.

Further, in a destructive moisture meter that crushes grain between electrode rolls, grain loss (debris) occurs each time the grain moisture content is measured. Moreover, since the crushed grain adheres to the electrode roll, there is a possibility that the measurement accuracy is reduced accordingly.
In the present embodiment, since the moisture content of the grain is measured nondestructively, there is no loss of grain when measuring the moisture content, and high-precision measurement can be performed without reducing the measurement accuracy. .

Also, with the near-infrared moisture meter, it is possible to measure the moisture content of grains at intervals of several tens of seconds (it can also be measured continuously). Further, the near infrared moisture meter can accurately measure the moisture content in a state where the grain is flowing. Moreover, the near-infrared moisture meter can measure the moisture content of a large amount of grains in one measurement. Moreover, the moisture content measured with a near-infrared moisture meter is the ratio (moisture content%) with respect to mass.

Also, in the electric capacity type moisture meter, the frequency of flowing through the grain must be changed between when measuring the moisture content of high moisture grains and when measuring the moisture content of low moisture grains. For this reason, it is difficult to increase the measurement accuracy. On the other hand, the near-infrared moisture meter uses a calibration curve that can accurately measure the moisture content of cereals, regardless of whether it is high or low in moisture content. Even if it changes, the moisture content of grains can be measured accurately.

Now, in the dryer 1, since the grain is dried by heat, hot air or the like as described above, the inside of the dryer 1 has a relatively severe temperature environment. That is, the grain in the dryer 1 is placed in a situation where the temperature environment is likely to change compared to a situation where the temperature environment is relatively stable and stored in a container or a grain tank before drying. Therefore, the temperature of the cereal in the dryer 1 (cereal temperature) varies with time depending on the location. Moreover, the atmospheric temperature in the dryer 1 also changes with time by a place.

In this embodiment, a calibration curve is used for temperature correction so that the same value can be obtained even when the temperature (grain temperature, ambient temperature) is different. In other words, it uses a calibration curve that can measure the correct amount of water even if the grain temperature changes. In particular, the spectroscopic analyzer (near infrared moisture meter) 9 incorporates correction due to temperature changes into a calibration curve, and can accurately measure the moisture content of grains without performing temperature measurement. This is different from the near infrared moisture meter. In a conventional spectroscopic analyzer (near-infrared moisture meter), when the temperature changes, correction must be performed based on the temperature measured by a sensor or the like, and temperature measurement is essential.

That is, in the spectroscopic analysis apparatus (near infrared moisture meter) of the present invention, since correction due to temperature change is incorporated in the calibration curve, it is possible to measure from low temperature to high temperature without performing temperature measurement. In other words, the spectroscopic analyzer (near-infrared moisture meter) has a calibration curve incorporating temperature correction, so that it is possible to measure the moisture content of grains without performing temperature measurement. The spectroscopic analyzer (near-infrared moisture meter) may have a calibration curve incorporating corrections from low temperature to high temperature.

The spectroscopic analyzer 9 for a dryer is a device that supports (adapts) drying in the dryer 1 so that the moisture content of the grain can be appropriately measured in the dryer 1 that dries the grain. That is, the spectroscopic analyzer 9 for a dryer is a device that can appropriately measure the grain temperature even in a situation where the temperature (cereal temperature or ambient temperature) is likely to change like the dryer 1.
Specifically, taking into consideration the temperature environment peculiar to the dryer 1, the spectroscopic analyzer (near infrared moisture meter) 9 can adjust the moisture content of grains at an ambient temperature of 10 ° C. to 50 ° C., for example. It can be measured accurately. The atmospheric temperature is, for example, the temperature at which the grain passes through the receiving and receiving unit, and at least the ambient temperature at which the grain is measured by the spectroscopic analyzer 9. In other words, the calibration curve of the spectroscopic analyzer (near infrared moisture meter) 9 is set corresponding to the temperature environment of the dryer 1, and for example, the temperature of the grain itself (grain temperature) is 10 ° C to Settings are made to accurately measure the moisture content of grains at 50 ° C.

Therefore, the near-infrared moisture meter (spectral analyzer) of the present embodiment can measure the moisture content of grains at a temperature (grain temperature or ambient temperature) of 10 ° C. to 50 ° C. In other words, considering the temperature environment in the dryer 1, assuming that the lower limit value of the temperature is 10 ° C. and the upper limit value is 50 ° C., the near-infrared moisture meter (spectral analyzer) Regardless of whether the grain temperature or ambient temperature is the lower limit (10 ° C) or the upper limit (50 ° C), one calibration curve (temperature from 10 ° C to 50 ° C) incorporating correction due to temperature changes ), The moisture content of the grains can be accurately detected. The near-infrared moisture meter (spectral analyzer) can accurately measure the moisture content of the grain using a calibration curve when the temperature is 10 ° C. to 50 ° C. In the near-infrared moisture meter (spectral analyzer), it is possible to properly measure the grain temperature even when the grain temperature exceeds 40 ° C. and the grain temperature falls below 20 ° C.

In the present embodiment, the near-infrared moisture meter (spectral analyzer) can accurately measure the moisture content of grains at an atmospheric temperature higher than the outside air temperature. The outside air temperature refers to the environmental temperature outside (around) the dryer 1. For example, natural outside air temperature (10 ° C to 30 ° C).
Moreover, when the starch contained in the grain exceeds 60 ° C, it may be pregelatinized. In the dryer 1, a drying temperature is set in consideration of alpha conversion. In view of this, the near-infrared moisture meter (spectrometer) can also properly measure the moisture content of the grain at a temperature of 60 ° C. or less (the grain temperature or the ambient temperature) in consideration of the specific environment of the dryer 1. It is preferable that a calibration curve or the like is set so that it can be performed. In other words, the near-infrared moisture meter (spectroscopic analyzer) may be a device that measures the moisture content of grains at a grain temperature at which starch is not pregelatinized. Therefore, the near-infrared moisture meter (spectral analyzer) can appropriately measure the grain temperature in the range of the grain temperature exceeding 40 ° C. to 60 ° C.

As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated, it should be thought that embodiment disclosed this time is an illustration and restrictive at no points. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.
Moreover, in this embodiment, although the circulation type dryer which dries while circulating a grain was illustrated as the dryer 1, circulation may be continuous or intermittent, ie, even if it is a continuous circulation type dryer, it is intermittent. It may be a dryer of the type. Further, it may be a dryer that performs drying without circulating the grain, that is, a stationary dryer that performs drying in a state where the grain is left at a predetermined position. The place where the spectroscopic analyzer 9 is provided is not limited to the place disclosed in the present embodiment, and may be provided anywhere in the dryer 1 as long as the grain flows. Moreover, the spectroscopic analyzer 9 may be provided at a plurality of different locations in the dryer 1.

G1 Grain 4 Drying unit 9 Spectroscopic analyzer 36 Transmission plate 36A Passing surface 41 Light projecting unit 42 Light receiving unit 22Cb Wall 22G Guide surface 34 Opening portion 38 Press plate 38A End surface of press plate 31 Case 31B One end surface 37 Case 37K Inclined surface 32 Measuring unit 36D First plate 36E Second plate

Claims (22)

A drying section for drying the grains;
A spectroscopic analyzer for measuring the moisture content of the flowing grain that has passed through the drying section by spectroscopic analysis;
With
The spectroscopic analyzer is:
A transmission plate having a passage surface through which the grain passes and capable of transmitting light;
A light projecting unit that irradiates light to the transmission plate from the opposite side of the passage surface;
A light receiving unit that receives reflected light of the grain passing through the passage surface through the transmission plate;
Have
The dryer in which the passage surface is flush with the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit. A wall portion provided with the spectroscopic analysis device, comprising a wall portion having a guide surface that is a surface through which grains flow, and an opening portion that penetrates the wall portion and in which the transmission plate is disposed. The dryer according to 1. The dryer according to claim 2, wherein the spectroscopic analysis device includes a press plate that presses the transmission plate and is substantially flush with the guide surface. The dryer according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the passage surface is substantially flush with the guide surface. A wall portion provided with the spectroscopic analysis device, comprising a wall portion having a guide surface that is a surface through which grain flows,
The dryer according to claim 1, wherein the spectroscopic analysis device includes a case provided with the light projecting unit, the light receiving unit, and a passage surface and substantially flush with the guide surface. 6. The dryer according to claim 5, wherein the spectroscopic analysis device includes a press plate that presses the transmission plate and is substantially flush with the case. The dryer according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the passage surface is substantially flush with the case. The spectroscopic analyzer has a holding portion that protrudes from the case and holds the transmission plate, the holding portion having an inclined surface that is inclined from an edge side of the transmission plate. The dryer according to any one of the above. 9. The dryer according to any one of 1 to 8, wherein the spectroscopic analyzer has a plurality of measuring units including the light projecting unit, the light receiving unit, and the transmission plate. 10. The spectroscopic analysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spectroscopic analysis apparatus includes a light measuring unit, a light receiving unit, and a transmission plate, and has a horizontally long measuring unit that is long in a direction intersecting a grain flow direction. The dryer according to item 1. A drying section for drying the grains;
A spectroscopic analyzer for measuring the moisture content of the flowing grain that has passed through the drying section by spectroscopic analysis;
With
The spectroscopic analyzer is:
A transmission plate having a flat passage surface through which the grain passes and capable of transmitting light;
A light projecting unit for irradiating the grain passing through the passage surface with light;
A light receiving portion for receiving reflected light of the grain passing through the passage surface;
Have
A dryer in which one of the light projecting unit or the light receiving unit is provided on the side opposite to the passage surface of the transmission plate. The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the transmission plate is a flat plate material. The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the transmission plate includes a first plate corresponding to the light projecting unit and a second plate corresponding to the light receiving unit. The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the spectroscopic analyzer is a near infrared moisture meter. A spectroscopic analyzer that measures the moisture content of grains by spectroscopic analysis,
A transmission plate having a passage surface through which the grain passes and capable of transmitting light;
A light projecting unit that irradiates light to the transmission plate from the opposite side of the passage surface;
A light receiving unit that receives reflected light of the grain passing through the passage surface through the transmission plate;
With
The spectroscopic analyzer for a dryer, wherein the passage surface is flush with the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit. The spectroscopic analysis for a dryer according to claim 15, wherein the spectroscopic analysis for a dryer is provided on a wall portion having a guide surface which is a surface through which grain flows, the wall portion penetrating the wall portion and having an opening in which the transmission plate is disposed. apparatus. The spectroscopic analyzer for a dryer according to claim 16, further comprising a press plate that presses the transmission plate and has an end surface that is substantially flush with the guide surface. The spectroscopic analyzer for a dryer according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the passage surface is substantially flush with the guide surface. A case in which the light projecting unit, the light receiving unit, and a passage surface are provided and is substantially flush with the guide surface;
The spectroscopic analyzer for a dryer according to claim 15, wherein the case is attached to a wall portion having a guide surface, which is a surface through which grain flows, so that the case is substantially flush with the guide surface. The spectroscopic analyzer for a dryer according to claim 19, further comprising a presser plate that presses the transmission plate and is substantially flush with the case. The spectroscopic analyzer for a dryer according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the passage surface is substantially flush with the case. The holding unit that protrudes from the case and holds the transmission plate, the holding unit having an inclined surface that is inclined from an edge side of the transmission plate. Spectroscopic analyzer for dryer.

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