JP2017129291A - Drying machine and measuring device for drying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To measure moisture content of cereals without cereal loss, to shorten a measurement interval to measure the moisture content of cereals, to measure the moisture content of cereals with high frequency, and to know unevenness of the moisture content of cereals in a drying machine precisely.SOLUTION: A drying machine comprises a dry unit drying cereals and a non-destructive assay device measuring a moisture content of cereals which have passed the dry unit non-destructively.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a dryer for drying harvested grains such as rice bran (rice), wheat, rice bran, rice bran, buckwheat, and beans, and a measurement device 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 electric resistance when crushing grains 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.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-212086

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.

  A grain dryer controls the drying rate (control of the drying rate) 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.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the dryer and measuring apparatus for dryers which can solve the problem regarding drying of the conventional grain.

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 nondestructive measurement device that non-destructively measures the moisture content of the grain that has passed through the drying unit.
The nondestructive measuring device is a spectroscopic analyzer that measures the moisture content of the grain that has passed through the drying section by spectroscopic analysis.

The spectroscopic analyzer is a near infrared moisture meter.
The spectroscopic analyzer is a device that measures the moisture content of grains at a temperature higher than the outside air temperature.
The spectroscopic analyzer is an apparatus for measuring the moisture content of grains at a temperature of 60 ° C. or lower.
The spectroscopic analyzer is a device that measures the moisture content of grains at a temperature of 10 ° C to 50 ° C.

The spectroscopic analyzer is a device that measures the moisture content of a cereal at a temperature at which starch contained in the cereal does not become alpha.
The non-destructive measuring device is a single device that continuously measures the moisture content of grains at short measurement intervals.
The nondestructive measuring device is a device that measures the moisture content of grains at a measurement interval of less than 5 minutes.

The measuring device for a dryer of the present invention is a non-destructive measuring device that measures the moisture content of the grain that has passed through the drying section of the dryer in a non-destructive manner.
The nondestructive measuring device is a spectroscopic analyzer that measures the moisture content of the grain that has passed through the drying section by spectroscopic analysis.
The spectroscopic analyzer is a near infrared moisture meter.

The spectroscopic analyzer is a device that measures the moisture content of grains at a temperature higher than the outside air temperature.
The spectroscopic analyzer is an apparatus for measuring the moisture content of grains at a temperature of 60 ° C. or lower.
The spectroscopic analyzer is a device that measures the moisture content of grains at a temperature of 10 ° C to 50 ° C.
The spectroscopic analyzer is a device that measures the moisture content of a cereal at a temperature at which starch contained in the cereal does not become alpha.

The non-destructive measuring device is a single device that continuously measures the moisture content of grains at short measurement intervals.
The nondestructive measuring device is a device that measures the moisture content of grains at a measurement interval of less than 5 minutes.

The present invention has the following effects.
Since the moisture content of the grain is measured in a non-destructive manner, 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.

  In addition, 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. For example, the moisture content of grains can be measured with high accuracy at a measurement interval of less than 5 minutes, preferably at a measurement interval of 60 seconds or less. Further, 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. In addition, since the moisture content of the grain is measured nondestructively, it can be measured with high frequency even at a high moisture content.

A spectroscopic analyzer may be used as the nondestructive measuring device. Further, it is preferable to use a near infrared moisture meter as the spectroscopic analyzer.
The spectroscopic analyzer (near infrared moisture meter) can accurately measure the moisture content of grains at a temperature higher than the outside air temperature. The spectroscopic analyzer (near infrared moisture meter) can accurately measure the moisture content of grains at a temperature of 60 ° C. or lower. The spectroscopic analyzer (near infrared moisture meter) can accurately measure the moisture content of grains at a temperature of 10 ° C to 50 ° C. Further, the spectroscopic analyzer (near infrared moisture meter) can accurately measure the moisture content of the cereal at a temperature at which starch contained in the cereal is not pregelatinized.

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 a vertical feed part, Comprising: It is the schematic which shows the attachment example 1 of a measuring apparatus. It is the schematic which shows the example 2 of attachment of a measuring device. It is the schematic which shows the example 3 of attachment of a measuring apparatus. It is the schematic which shows the example 4 of attachment of a measuring device. It is the schematic which shows the example 4 of attachment of a measuring device. It is the schematic which shows the example 5 of attachment of a measuring apparatus. It is the schematic which shows the example 6 of attachment of a measuring device. It is the schematic which shows the example 7 of attachment of a measuring apparatus. It is the schematic which shows the example 8 of attachment of a measuring apparatus. It is the schematic which shows the attachment example 9 of a measuring apparatus. It is the schematic which shows the example 10 of attachment of a measuring device. It is the schematic which shows the attachment example 11 and the attachment example 12 of a measuring apparatus. It is a figure which shows a processing facility and a crop management system. It is a figure which shows the tendency of a moisture content, and an approximate line. It is a figure which shows the tendency of the moisture content per unit time, and an approximate line. It is the figure which displayed the moisture content on the display apparatus. It is the figure which displayed the drying rate on the display apparatus. It is the figure which displayed the moisture nonuniformity on the display apparatus. It is the figure which displayed elapsed time on the display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing explaining how to obtain | require the estimated water | moisture content in predetermined time.

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 measuring device. 9 and.
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 unit 4 includes a front wall 4 </ b> A, a back wall 4 </ b> B, a plurality of air supply drums 4 </ b> C, and a plurality of air exhaust drums 4 </ b> D. 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 grain collecting unit 5 is provided in the 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, 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 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 measuring device (measuring device for dryer) 9 is a nondestructive measuring device 9 that measures at least the moisture content of the cereal dried by the drying unit 4 (cereal that has passed through the drying unit 4). The measuring device 9 only needs to be a 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.
Measuring by non-destructive means measuring the moisture content of the grain without destroying the grain (without crushing the grain). In the past, for example, since it was a destructive type in which the grain is crushed with an electrode roll, cleaning to remove the grain adhered to the electrode roll was necessary. However, in the nondestructive measuring device 9 (nondestructive type) of the present invention, Therefore, the measurement interval of the nondestructive measuring device 9 is not affected by the cleaning and can be set to a short interval.

Examples of the nondestructive measuring device 9 include a spectroscopic analyzer, a capacitance moisture meter, a microwave moisture meter, a neutron moisture meter, and the like. In addition, as long as it is an apparatus which can measure the moisture content of a grain nondestructively, the apparatus other than what was illustrated may be sufficient as the measuring apparatus 9.
The spectroscopic analyzer is a device that measures the moisture content of a grain by spectroscopic analysis, and measures the moisture content of the grain by examining the spectrum of light emitted or absorbed by the grain. The electric capacity type moisture meter is a moisture meter that displays alternating current electricity flowing through grains and changes in the capacitance (capacitance) replaced with moisture values. The microwave moisture meter is a moisture meter that displays an electrical change amount such as attenuation due to moisture of the microwave with a moisture value. The neutron moisture meter is a moisture meter that uses neutrons, which are a type of radiation.

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 the present 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 measuring device 9 of the present embodiment is a device 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.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the measuring apparatus 9 is an apparatus which measures the moisture content of a grain continuously with a short measurement interval. 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 one second or less, but it is a short measurement interval of several seconds to several tens of seconds, even at intervals of several minutes. 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 measuring device 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.

  The measuring device 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 / receiving unit provided in the measuring device 9 is focused on the light projecting / receiving unit (projecting / receiving unit described later). Note that the number of light projecting / receiving units included in the measuring device 9 is not limited. For example, even if the measuring device 9 has a plurality of light projecting / receiving units, it can be said that the plurality of light projecting / receiving units are a single device as long as they are devices that measure grain moisture at the same timing. .

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 a grain is measured nondestructively, it can be measured with high frequency even at 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 grain with the non-destructive measuring device 9, it is possible to accurately grasp the variation in the moisture content of the grain in the dryer 1. The situation 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. .

  In the present embodiment, a spectroscopic analyzer is employed as the above-described nondestructive measuring device 9 (the nondestructive measuring device 9 is a device that measures the moisture content of the grain that has passed through the drying unit 4 by spectroscopic analysis). The spectroscopic analyzer includes at least a light projecting unit that emits light (measurement light for measurement) and a light receiving unit that receives light (measurement light) emitted from the light projecting unit. In other words, the spectroscopic analyzer has a light projecting / receiving unit (light projecting unit and light receiving unit) for measuring the moisture of 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 is a device that measures moisture in grains by near-infrared spectroscopy, and is one of the characteristics of grains by irradiating the grains with near-infrared light and measuring the reflectance. It is a device that measures a certain amount of water (water content). 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 the present embodiment, a near-infrared moisture meter is employed as the spectroscopic analysis device (the spectroscopic analysis device is a near-infrared moisture meter). With a near-infrared moisture meter, it is possible to measure the moisture content of cereals at intervals of several tens of seconds (can 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.

  Further, in the electric capacity type moisture meter, the frequency of flowing through the grain must be changed between when measuring the moisture content of the high moisture grain and when measuring the moisture content of the low moisture grain. 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 to correct the temperature 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) applied to the dryer measuring device 9 incorporates correction due to temperature changes into the calibration curve, so that the moisture content of the grain can be accurately measured without performing temperature measurement. Is different from the conventional 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, correction due to temperature change is incorporated in the calibration curve, so that 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 measuring device (spectrometer) 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 dryer measuring device (spectral analysis device) 9 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, in consideration of the temperature environment peculiar to the dryer 1, the spectroscopic analyzer (near infrared moisture meter) 9 has an atmospheric temperature of, for example, 10 ° C. to 50 ° C. 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. 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 this embodiment can measure the moisture content of grains at a temperature of 10 ° C. to 50 ° C. (grain temperature or ambient temperature). 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) One calibration curve (temperature from 10 ° C. to 50 ° C.) in which correction due to temperature change is incorporated regardless of whether the grain temperature or ambient temperature is the lower limit (10 ° C.) or the upper limit (50 ° C.). ), 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 where the grain temperature is more than 40 ° C. and not more than 60 ° C.

As shown in FIG. 4, the measuring device 9 (near-infrared moisture meter) is provided in the 1st cross feed part 7 which cross-feeds the grain after drying. By providing the measuring device 9 in the first lateral feed section 7, the moisture content of the grain fed laterally after drying is accurately measured.
Specifically, the measuring device 9 is provided in the flow path 21 of the first lateral feed unit 7 and on the bottom wall 22C. A window 29 is formed in the inclined portion 22Cb of the bottom wall 22C, and the measuring device 9 is attached to the outside of the window 29 (a lower surface side of the inclined portion 22Cb) constituting a part of the inclined portion 22Cb. An optical axis of the measuring device 9 (an optical axis for irradiating light including near infrared rays) is directed to the window 29, and the measuring device 9 measures the moisture content of the grain flowing through the inclined portion 22Cb (window). According to this, the measuring device 9 can measure the moisture content of the grain flowing through the inclined portion 22Cb while spreading uniformly. That is, the water content in the majority of the grains circulating after drying can be measured by the measuring device 9. In this embodiment, the moisture content of the grain flowing through the inclined portion 22Cb is measured by attaching the measuring device 9 to the inclined portion 22Cb of the flow passage 21, but the measuring device 9 is attached above the inclined portion 22Cb. And you may measure the moisture content of the grain which flows through inclination part 22Cb by orienting the optical axis of the said measuring apparatus 9 to inclination part 22Cb.

  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 measuring device 9 is provided on the inclined portion 22Cb, the moisture content of the cereal (cereal before drying) immediately after the hopper is charged can be measured by the measuring device 9 and dried. Later, the moisture content of the grain flowing through the inclined portion 22Cb can be measured.

Next, a conceptual attachment place (measurement place for measuring grain) for attaching the measuring device 9 will be described.
The following first mounting location, second mounting location, and third mounting location are conceivable as mounting locations viewed from the surrounding structure of the attached measuring device 9.
In the first mounting place, the part to which the measuring device 9 is attached is a transport surface on which the grain is transported, and the transport surface is a flat surface. In this case, the light projecting / receiving surface of the measuring device 9 (near infrared moisture meter) should be flat. Moreover, the state of the grain measured on the conveying surface may be a dense state or a coarse state. A dense state means a state where grains are gathered so that there is no gap between grains (overcrowded state). The coarse state refers to a state where grains are gathered with a larger gap between grains than a dense state (depopulated state). At this first mounting location, the moisture content can be measured continuously and efficiently while circulating the grain. Moreover, the quantity of the grain to measure can be increased compared with a batch type. Moreover, since the grain on a plane is measured, the measurement precision of the moisture content of a grain can be improved.

  In the second attachment place, the part to which the measuring device 9 is attached is a surface (conveying surface) through which the grain passes. In this case, it does not matter whether the transport surface is flat (flat) or has a recess. Further, the light projecting / receiving surface of the measuring device 9 (near infrared moisture meter) is not necessarily flat. Moreover, the state of the grain measured on the conveying surface may be a dense state or a coarse state. Even at this second mounting location, the moisture content can be measured continuously and efficiently while circulating the grain. Moreover, the quantity of the grain to measure can be increased compared with a batch type.

  The third mounting place is a place where the light projecting / receiving surface of the measuring device 9 (near infrared moisture meter) is flat and the grain can pass through the flat light projecting / receiving surface. In this case, if the light emitting / receiving surface is flat, it does not matter whether the surface through which the grain passes is flat (flat) or has a recess. Further, the state of the grain to be measured may be a dense state or a coarse state. At the third mounting location, the grain passes on the flat light projecting / receiving surface, so that the measurement accuracy of the moisture content of the grain can be improved.

Next, the following fourth mounting location, fifth mounting location, and sixth mounting location can be considered as mounting locations that focus on the state of the grain where the measuring device 9 is mounted.
A 4th attachment place is a place where the state of grain becomes a dense state. In this case, it does not matter whether the surface on which the grain is measured is flat (flat) or has a recess. Further, the light projecting / receiving surface of the measuring device 9 (near infrared moisture meter) is not necessarily flat. At this fourth mounting location, more grain moisture can be measured at one time.

  The fifth mounting place is a place where the temperature is stable. It does not matter whether the transport surface on which the grain is transported is flat (flat) or has a recess. Further, the light projecting / receiving surface of the measuring device 9 (near infrared moisture meter) is not necessarily flat. Moreover, the state of the grain measured on the conveying surface may be a dense state or a coarse state. Since the influence of the temperature acting on the measuring device 9 can be eliminated at the fifth mounting location, the measurement accuracy can be improved.

  The sixth attachment place is a place where the grains are in a certain layer (including the formation of a pool part in a place other than the path through which the grains circulate). It does not matter whether the transport surface on which the grain is transported is flat (flat) or has a recess. Further, the light projecting / receiving surface of the measuring device 9 (near infrared moisture meter) is not necessarily flat. Moreover, the state of the grain measured is a dense state. At this sixth mounting location, the moisture content of more grains can be measured at one time. It is also possible to measure from a remote location.

  Next, as a seventh attachment place seen from the drying route, it is conceivable to make a measurement place at a place outside the normal grain drying route (circulation route) in the dryer 1. In the seventh installation place, the grain is introduced into a separately provided measurement place, the moisture content of the grain introduced into the measurement place is measured, and after the measurement, the grain is returned to the normal circulation route from the measurement place. At the seventh mounting location, it does not matter whether the grain remains at the measurement location or the grain moves through the measurement location at the time of measurement. Moreover, the measurement place may be enclosed or may not be enclosed. Moreover, in this 7th attachment location, it does not ask | require whether the conveyance surface where a grain is conveyed is a plane (flat) or there exists a recessed part. Moreover, it does not ask | require whether the light projection / reception surface of the measuring apparatus 9 (near-infrared moisture meter) is flat. Further, the state of the grain to be measured may be a dense state or a coarse state. In the seventh attachment place, the degree of freedom of the attachment place can be improved.

Next, a specific example of attachment of the measuring device 9 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 4 shows an attachment example 1. This attachment example 1 is as described above.
FIG. 5 shows a mounting example 2. This attachment example 2 shows an example in which the measuring device 9 is attached to the communication portion 23 of the flow passage 21. Specifically, the measuring device 9 is provided on the lower surface of the lower wall 23 </ b> A of the communication portion 23.

FIG. 6 shows a third attachment example. This attachment example 3 shows an example in which the measuring device 9 is attached to the lower surface of the bottom plate 12 </ b> A of the heel part 12 of the cereal collecting part 5.
7 and 8 show a fourth mounting example. In this example 4 of attachment, the temporary storage part 31 is provided in the lower part of the casing 16, and the measuring device 9 is attached to this temporary storage part 31. FIG. The temporary storage unit 31 is a device that temporarily stores grains. The temporary storage unit 31 includes a storage case 32 provided on the back surface of the second wall 16 </ b> B of the casing 16, and a shutter 33 provided in the upper and lower middle part of the storage case 32. In the second wall 16 </ b> B, an intake port 34 that communicates with the upper portion of the storage case 32 and a return port 35 that communicates with the lower portion of the storage case 32 are formed. The grain at the lower part of the casing 16 is thrown away when the bucket 17D picks up the grain, and the grain spills from the bucket 17D located above the storage case 32, so that the storage case from the intake 34 is stored. 32. The shutter 33 is located between the intake port 34 and the return port 35, and opens and closes by swinging up and down. By closing the shutter 33, grains can be stored above the shutter 33 in the storage case 32. The moisture content of the grains stored in the storage case 32 is measured by the measuring device 9. After the moisture measurement, the grain stored in the storage case 32 is returned to the lower part of the casing 16 from the return port 35 by swinging and opening the shutter 33 downward.

In addition, as shown with the virtual line in FIG. 8, you may provide the temporary storage part 31 in the 3rd wall 16C or the 4th wall 16D of the casing 16. FIG. In this case, the temporary storage unit 31 is preferably provided closer to the ascending side of the transport unit 17. Further, the temporary storage unit 31 may be attached to the first wall 16 </ b> A of the casing 16.
FIG. 9 shows an attachment example 5. This attachment example 5 shows an example in which the measuring device 9 is attached to the contact wall 19B of the discharge portion 19.

FIG. 10 shows an attachment example 6. This attachment example 6 shows an example in which the measuring device 9 is attached to the guide wall 19E of the discharge portion 19.
FIG. 11 shows an attachment example 7. In this example 7 of attachment, the temporary storage part 31 is provided in the contact wall 19B of the discharge part 19, and the measuring apparatus 9 is attached to this temporary storage part 31. FIG. Since the structure regarding the temporary storage part 31 is the same as that of the attachment example 4, description is abbreviate | omitted.

FIG. 12 shows an attachment example 8. This attachment example 8 shows an example in which the measuring device 9 is attached to the screw case 28 of the second lateral feed portion 8. Specifically, the screw case 28 is attached to a portion corresponding to the connection portion with the discharge port 19F.
FIG. 13 shows an attachment example 9. This attachment example 9 shows an example in which the measuring device 9 is attached to the drying tank 10 in the storage unit 3. In this case, it is preferable to provide the measuring device 9 in the lower part of the storage unit 3.

FIG. 14 shows an attachment example 10. In this attachment example 10, the temporary storage part 31 is provided in the drying tank 10 in the storage part 3, and the measuring device 9 is attached to the temporary storage part 31. Since the structure regarding the temporary storage part 31 is the same as that of the attachment example 4, description is abbreviate | omitted.
FIG. 15 illustrates the attachment example 11 with a solid line and the attachment example 12 with a virtual line. The attachment example 11 shows an example in which the measuring device 9 is attached to the drying unit 4. In the illustrated example, the measuring device 9 is attached to the back wall 4 </ b> B of the drying unit 4. Note that the measuring device 9 may be attached to the front wall 4 </ b> A of the drying unit 4. The example 12 of attachment has shown the example which attached the measuring apparatus 9 to the grain collection part 5. FIG. In the illustrated example, the measuring device 9 is attached to the grain collecting member 11 and / or the guide members 13a, 13b, and 13c.

  A plurality of measuring devices 9 may be provided at the locations shown in the respective attachment examples. Moreover, you may employ | adopt a some attachment example. Although the vertical feed unit 6 is exemplified by a bucket conveyor type transport device, a screw conveyor type transport device may be adopted as the vertical feed unit 6. In this case, it is possible to directly measure the moisture content of the grain in the rice pool portion at the lower part or the upper part of the casing 16 by the measuring device 9.

Attachment example 1, attachment example 2, attachment example 3 and attachment example 12 show examples of the first attachment place, the second attachment place and the third attachment place.
Attachment example 1, attachment example 2, attachment example 3, attachment example 7, attachment example 9, attachment example 11, attachment example 12 and attachment example 14 show examples of the fourth attachment place.
Attachment example 5, attachment example 6, attachment example 7 and attachment example 8 show examples of the fifth attachment place.

The attachment example 9, the attachment example 10, the attachment example 11, and the attachment example 12 show examples of the sixth attachment place.
The attachment example 4, the attachment example 11, and the attachment example 14 show examples of the seventh attachment place.
As shown in FIG. 16, the dryer 1 includes a first control unit (first controller) 80 </ b> A configured by a CPU and the like, and a display device 68 that performs various displays.

The measuring device 9 is connected to the first controller 80A. The first controller 80 </ b> A performs various calculations related to the dryer 1 based on the moisture content measured by the measuring device 9.
The calculation by the first controller 80A will be described.
The measuring device 9 is connected to the first controller 80A. The first controller 80 </ b> A performs various calculations related to the dryer 1 based on the moisture content measured by the measuring device 9.

The calculation by the first controller 80A will be described.
The first controller 80A includes a drying rate calculation unit 90. The drying rate calculating unit 90 includes a program, an electronic / electrical circuit, and the like stored in the first controller 80A. The drying rate calculating unit 90 calculates a drying rate, which is a decrease in moisture per unit time, based on the amount of moisture measured by the measuring device 9 (near infrared moisture meter) 9. For convenience of explanation, the amount of moisture measured by the measuring device 9 (near infrared moisture meter) 9 is referred to as “measured moisture amount”.

  After drying by the dryer 1 is started, the drying rate calculating unit 90 acquires the measured moisture content at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 30 to 60 seconds). Then, the drying rate calculating unit 90 uses all the measured moisture amounts measured as shown in FIG. 17A when the measured moisture amount exceeds a predetermined value, for example, when the number of measured moisture amounts becomes 5 or more. A decrease approximate line L1 (intercept, slope) indicating the decrease rate of the measured water content is obtained by the least square method. Then, based on the measured water content measurement interval and the parameter indicating the decrease approximate line L1, the drying rate calculating unit 90 converts the decrease approximate line L1 into the decrease approximate line L2 per unit time as shown in FIG. 17B. Convert to (intercept, slope). The slope of the decreasing approximate line L2 is the drying rate. For example, the drying rate calculating unit 90 calculates the drying rate per minute (60 seconds). Whenever the measured moisture content is measured, the drying rate calculating unit 90 obtains the slope of the decreasing approximate line L2 that is the drying rate, using the measured moisture content that has already been measured. In the above-described embodiment, after the decrease approximate line L1 (intercept, slope) is obtained, the decrease approximate line L1 is converted into the decrease approximate line L2 (intercept, slope) per unit time. The calculation of L1 may be omitted, and the slope (drying rate) of the decrease approximate line L2 may be obtained.

The first controller 80A includes a moisture unevenness calculation unit 91. The moisture unevenness calculation unit 91 includes a program, an electronic / electrical circuit, and the like stored in the first controller 80A. The moisture unevenness calculation unit 91 calculates the moisture unevenness that is a difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the moisture amount based on the moisture amount measured by the measuring device 9 (near infrared moisture meter) 9.
The moisture unevenness calculating unit 91 calculates the drying rate and the elapsed time (elapsed time) after starting drying after the drying rate calculating unit 90 obtains the slope (drying rate) of the decrease approximate line L2. Based on the above, the measured moisture value is corrected. Specifically, the moisture unevenness calculating unit 91 obtains a corrected moisture amount by “corrected moisture amount = measured moisture value × elapsed time (elapsed time at the time when the measured moisture value was measured)”. When the correction moisture amount is obtained in correspondence with the decrease approximate line L2 shown in FIG. 17B, the correction line L3 after correcting the correction moisture amount is as shown in FIG. 17B.

The moisture unevenness calculating unit 91 obtains a difference between the maximum value of the corrected moisture amount and the minimum value of the corrected moisture amount (difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the moisture amount) based on the corrected moisture amount, and the obtained difference Let moisture be uneven. In the case of the correction line L3 in FIG. 17B, the maximum value of the corrected moisture amount is 15.91%, and the minimum value of the corrected moisture amount is 15.74%, so the moisture unevenness is 0.2%. .
In the above-described embodiment, the moisture unevenness calculation unit 91 corrects the measured moisture amount based on the drying rate and the elapsed time, and calculates the difference between the corrected corrected maximum amount of water and the minimum value as the moisture unevenness. However, the moisture unevenness may be obtained using the measured moisture amount itself. That is, the moisture unevenness calculation unit 91 may obtain the moisture unevenness from the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the measured moisture amount, which is an actual measurement value.

The first controller 80 </ b> A includes a target acquisition unit 92 and a time calculation unit 93. The target acquisition unit 92 and the time calculation unit 93 are configured by programs, electronic / electrical circuits, and the like stored in the first controller 80A.
The target acquisition unit 92 acquires a target moisture amount that is a target moisture amount of the grain after being dried by the dryer 1. The target acquisition unit 92 acquires a target moisture amount from the display device 68 of the dryer 1 or acquires a target moisture amount from a crop management computer described later.

  Specifically, in the display device 68 or the crop management computer, for example, a target moisture amount for a predetermined drying process can be set by an input interface provided in the display device 68 or the crop management computer. The target acquisition unit 92 requests a target moisture amount for a predetermined drying process from the display device 68 and the crop management computer, and acquires the target moisture amount transmitted from the display device 68 and the crop management computer. The target acquisition unit 92 automatically acquires the target moisture amount transmitted from the display device 68 or the crop management computer without necessarily requesting the target moisture amount from the display device 68 or the crop management computer. May be.

  The time calculation unit 93 calculates the arrival time to reach the target moisture amount based on the measured moisture amount and the target moisture amount by the measuring device 9 (near infrared moisture meter) 9. Specifically, the time calculation unit 93 uses the measured moisture amount at the start of drying in the dryer 1, the target moisture amount, and the drying rate obtained by the drying rate calculation unit 90 to set the target moisture amount. The arrival time to reach is calculated. The time calculation unit 93 obtains the arrival time by “arrival time = (measured moisture content at the start of drying−target moisture content) / drying rate”. The calculation of the arrival time by the time calculation unit 93 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the time calculation unit 93 may obtain the arrival time by “arrival time = (current measurement moisture amount−target moisture amount) / drying rate” every time the measurement moisture amount is measured, You may obtain | require arrival time using the measured moisture content and the drying rate in the stage where the moisture content became close to the target moisture content.

As described above, the first controller 80A includes the drying rate calculating unit 90, the moisture unevenness calculating unit 91, and the time calculating unit 93. Therefore, based on the measured moisture content, the first controller 80A has a drying rate, moisture unevenness, and arrival time. Can be determined by the measured moisture content.
In the above-described embodiment, the first controller 80A includes all of the drying rate calculating unit 90, the moisture unevenness calculating unit 91, and the time calculating unit 93, but instead of this, the drying rate calculating unit 90, Any one of the moisture unevenness calculation unit 91 and the time calculation unit 93 may be provided.

  The first controller 80 </ b> A may measure the moisture content of the grain with the measuring device 9 when the arrival time is actually reached, and may use the measured moisture content as the representative moisture content after the drying of the dryer 1 is finished. Further, in the dryer 1, at the timing when the moisture content of the grain is measured by the measuring device 9, the measured moisture content may coincide with the target moisture content, but the measured moisture content is slightly lower than the target moisture content. Sometimes. That is, in the measurement apparatus 9, for example, when the target moisture amount is exceeded at the 30th time and below the target moisture amount at the 31st time, the first controller 80A displays the measurement result (measured moisture amount) at the 31st time. Let it be the representative water content after the drying of the dryer 1 is completed. That is, the first controller 80A monitors the moisture content measured by the measuring device 9, and sets the measured value less than the target moisture content and closest to the target moisture content as the representative moisture content after completion of drying.

  The display device 68 displays the above-described measured moisture content, drying rate, moisture unevenness, and arrival time. For example, the “moisture display”, “drying rate display”, “moisture unevenness display”, and “elapsed time display” modes can be selected by the input interface of the display device 68. When “moisture display” is selected, as shown in FIG. 18A, the display device 68 displays the transition of the measured moisture amount corresponding to the measurement point on a display unit 68A such as a liquid crystal by a line graph or the like. When “display dry rate display” is selected, as shown in FIG. 18B, the display device 68 displays the decrease approximate line L2 and the dry rate on the display unit 68A.

  When “moisture unevenness display” is selected, as shown in FIG. 18C, the display device 68 displays a transition of the corrected moisture amount corresponding to the measurement point on the display unit 68A as a line graph or the like, and corrects it. Displays the maximum and minimum water content. When “moisture unevenness display” is selected, instead of the corrected water amount, the transition of the measured water amount, which is an actual measurement value, and the maximum value and the minimum value of the measured water amount may be displayed.

  Furthermore, when “elapsed time display” is selected, as shown in FIG. 18D, the display device 68 displays a reduced approximate line L2 and an arrival time corresponding to the elapsed time on the display unit 68A. The arrival time may be expressed by the time to reach the target moisture content (drying end time) or by the remaining time from the current time to the target moisture content (for example, 15 minutes). Alternatively, it may be expressed by a total length (for example, 300 minutes) from the start of the drying process until reaching the target moisture content, or other display.

In the above-described embodiment, the display device 68 is configured to display all of the measured moisture content, drying rate, moisture unevenness, and elapsed time, but instead, the measured moisture content, drying rate, A device that displays either moisture unevenness or elapsed time may be used.
Now, the first controller 80A controls the dryer 1 based on the measured moisture content. For example, the first controller 80A performs “drying rate control” that is control based on the drying rate, and “unevenness removal control” that is control based on moisture unevenness.

The first controller 80A includes a dryness control unit 95 that performs “drying rate control”. The dryness control unit 95 includes a program stored in the first controller 80A, an electronic / electrical circuit, and the like.
The drying control unit 95 controls the drying unit 4 based on the drying rate obtained by the drying rate calculation unit 90. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the drying control unit 95 is based on the current drying rate calculated by the drying rate calculation unit 90 (currently calculated drying rate), at a predetermined time after a predetermined time from the present time. Predict the amount of water in P1. That is, the dryness control unit 95 obtains the predicted moisture amount at the predetermined time point P1 using the currently calculated dryness rate. Then, the drying control unit 95 obtains a difference between the predicted moisture amount and the measured moisture amount at the predetermined time point P1 (predicted moisture amount−measured moisture = drying rate difference), and when the drying rate difference is negative, Assuming that the drying has not progressed, the output of the burner output from the drying unit 4 is increased according to the difference in the drying rate. On the other hand, if the drying rate difference is positive, the drying control unit 95 assumes that drying has progressed too much, and lowers the burner output output by the drying unit 4 according to the drying rate difference.

  In the above-described embodiment, the drying control unit 95 changes the output of the burner based on whether the drying rate difference is positive or negative. However, the drying rate difference is determined in advance. It is determined whether or not the value is equal to or greater than the threshold value (determination value). If the drying rate difference does not become positive or negative beyond the threshold value, the burner output is not changed.

  Further, the drying control unit 95 may perform the drying rate control based on, for example, the current drying rate (currently calculated drying rate) and a predetermined drying rate (set drying rate). Good. For example, if the currently calculated drying rate is larger than the set drying rate, the drying control unit 95 sets the burner output output by the drying unit 4 as the currently calculated drying rate, assuming that drying has progressed excessively. Decrease depending on the difference from the drying rate. On the other hand, if the currently calculated drying rate is smaller than the set drying rate, the drying control unit 95 assumes that drying has not progressed, and outputs the burner output output from the drying unit 4 to the currently calculated drying rate and the set drying rate. Increase according to the difference with the rate of decrease. In addition, the drying control unit 95 may perform the drying rate control using a previously obtained drying rate (past calculated drying rate) instead of the set dry rate described above. In this case, the above-mentioned “set dry rate” may be read as “past dry rate”.

The first controller 80A includes an unevenness removal control unit 96 that performs “unevenness removal control”. The unevenness removal control unit 96 includes a program stored in the first controller 80A, an electronic / electrical circuit, and the like.
The unevenness removing control unit 96 controls the drying unit 4 based on the moisture unevenness obtained by the moisture unevenness calculating unit 91. The unevenness removing control unit 96 performs control to reduce the moisture unevenness when the moisture unevenness (current moisture unevenness) obtained by the moisture unevenness calculating unit 91 is larger than a predetermined value (moisture unevenness setting value). Specifically, the unevenness removal control unit 96 stops the output of the burner of the drying unit 4 when the current moisture unevenness is larger than the moisture unevenness setting value, while driving motors for the lateral feed mechanism 65A and the vertical feed mechanism 65B. Is driven to circulate the grains in the dryer 1 (storage unit 3, drying unit 4, circulation unit). That is, the unevenness removal control unit 96 circulates the grains in the dryer 1 to lower the temperature of the grains and reduce the variation in the temperature of the grains. Note that the unevenness removal control unit 96 may perform unevenness removal control by circulating the grain while driving a ventilation device that ventilates the dryer 1 (drying tank 10). Thus, by reducing the temperature of the grain while circulating the grain, moisture unevenness during drying can be reduced.

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.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Dryer 4 Drying part 9 Nondestructive measuring device (spectral analyzer, near-infrared moisture meter)

Claims (18)

A drying section for drying the grains;
A non-destructive measuring device for non-destructively measuring the moisture content of the grain that has passed through the drying section;
With a dryer.   The dryer according to claim 1, wherein the nondestructive measuring device is a spectroscopic analyzer that measures the moisture content of the grain that has passed through the drying unit by spectroscopic analysis.   The dryer according to claim 2, wherein the spectroscopic analyzer is a near infrared moisture meter.   The dryer according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the spectroscopic analyzer is a device that measures the moisture content of grains at a temperature higher than an outside air temperature.   The dryer according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the spectroscopic analyzer is a device that measures the moisture content of grains at a temperature of 60 ° C or lower.   The dryer according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the spectroscopic analyzer is a device that measures the moisture content of grains at a temperature of 10 ° C to 50 ° C.   The dryer according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the spectroscopic analysis device is a device that measures the moisture content of the cereal at a temperature at which starch contained in the cereal is not pregelatinized.   The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the nondestructive measuring device is a single device, and is a device that continuously measures the moisture content of grains at a short measurement interval.   The dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the nondestructive measuring device is a device that measures the moisture content of grains at a measurement interval of less than 5 minutes.   A dryer measuring device that is a non-destructive measuring device that non-destructively measures the moisture content of the grain that has passed through the drying section of the dryer.   The measurement device for a dryer according to claim 10, wherein the nondestructive measurement device is a spectroscopic analysis device that measures the moisture content of the grain that has passed through the drying unit by spectroscopic analysis.   The measurement apparatus for a dryer according to claim 11, wherein the spectroscopic analyzer is a near infrared moisture meter.   The measurement apparatus for a dryer according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the spectroscopic analysis apparatus is an apparatus that measures a moisture content of a grain at a temperature higher than an outside air temperature.   The measuring apparatus for a dryer according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the spectroscopic analyzer is an apparatus that measures the moisture content of grains at a temperature of 60 ° C or lower.   The measurement apparatus for a dryer according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the spectroscopic analysis apparatus is an apparatus that measures the moisture content of grains at a temperature of 10 ° C to 50 ° C.   The measuring device for a dryer according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the spectroscopic analyzer is a device that measures the moisture content of the cereal at a temperature at which starch contained in the cereal is not pregelatinized.   The measurement device for a dryer according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the non-destructive measurement device is a single device, and is a device that continuously measures moisture content of grains at a short measurement interval.   The measurement device for a dryer according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the non-destructive measurement device is a device that measures the moisture content of grain at a measurement interval of less than 5 minutes.