Grain water content detection device and grain drying tower

Abstract

The invention provides a grain water content detection device and a grain drying tower, and the grain water content detection device comprises a grain conveying device which is used for conveying grains in the drying tower to the outside of the drying tower; the sampling container is arranged outside the grain drying tower and is connected to the grain conveying device so as to receive the grains conveyed by the grain conveying device; the grain moisture detector is arranged on the sampling container and is used for detecting the moisture content of the grains in the sampling container; and the controller is configured to control the operation of the grain conveying device so as to enable the grain conveying device to convey the grain back into the drying tower after the detection of the water content of the grain is completed. According to the grain water content detection device disclosed by the invention, rapid sampling and backflow of online grain samples are realized, and the automation degree of a system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device for detecting the moisture content of grains, and more particularly to a detection device capable of automatically sampling and measuring the moisture content of grains online. Background Art

[0002] In modern agricultural production, grain drying is an essential and crucial link in the processes of grain storage and deep processing. The moisture content of grains directly affects their storage quality, processing efficiency, and economic value. During the grain drying process, accurately measuring the moisture content is the key to optimizing the drying process, saving energy consumption, and improving the quality of grains.

[0003] Existing moisture content detection methods are mainly divided into two types: offline detection and online detection. Offline detection usually relies on an electronic moisture meter, which requires manual sampling and laboratory analysis. Although this method has high accuracy, the detection cycle is long, the sampling points are fixed, generally before entering the tower and after leaving the tower, making it difficult to meet the requirement of real-time monitoring of the moisture content of grains at different measurement points during the drying process. Moreover, the operation is cumbersome, the labor intensity is high, and it is easily affected by human errors.

[0004] Although online grain moisture content detection realizes real-time monitoring, most existing devices use resistive probe sensors, which are easily interfered with in high-temperature and high-humidity environments, and the measurement results are not accurate and stable enough. Moreover, most devices have a single function and can only perform moisture detection, unable to complete the integrated operations of automatic sampling, measurement, and sample reflux, making it difficult to meet the requirements of modern grain drying processes for the high efficiency and intelligence of equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a device for detecting the moisture content of grains to solve the problems of low detection efficiency, insufficient accuracy, and low degree of equipment automation in the prior art.

[0006] For the above purpose, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for detecting the moisture content of grains, the device for detecting the moisture content of grains comprising: a grain conveying device connected to a drying tower and configured to convey grains in the drying tower; a sampling container disposed outside the drying tower and connected to the grain conveying device to receive grains conveyed by the grain conveying device; a grain moisture detector disposed on the sampling container and configured to detect the moisture content of grains in the sampling container; and a controller configured to control the operation of the grain conveying device to convey grains in the drying tower to the sampling container, and after the moisture content detection of the grains is completed, convey the grains back into the drying tower by the grain conveying device.

[0008] The grain conveying device includes a feed cylinder and a screw conveyor shaft disposed in the feed cylinder. A grain inlet and a grain outlet are formed on the feed cylinder. Among them, the grain inlet is communicated with the drying tower, and the grain outlet is connected to the inlet of the sampling container.

[0009] The grain conveying device further includes a driving device for driving the screw conveyor shaft to rotate. The driving device includes a worm and worm gear reducer to realize the conveying and reflux of grains through the forward and reverse rotation of the worm and worm gear reducer.

[0010] The grain moisture detector includes a capacitance sensor and a detection circuit. Among them, the detection circuit is an operational amplifier circuit.

[0011] The sampling container includes a first side plate and a second side plate arranged in parallel with each other, and includes a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate connecting the first side plate and the second side plate to each other. The first side plate, the second side plate, the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate form the accommodating space of the sampling container, and the positive plate and the negative plate of the capacitance sensor are respectively disposed on the first side plate and the second side plate.

[0012] The grain moisture content detection device further includes a level sensor configured to: when the grains conveyed into the sampling container reach a predetermined level, the level sensor sends a signal to stop sampling to the controller.

[0013] The highest position of the region where the positive plate and the negative plate face each other is equal to or lower than the predetermined level, and / or the positive plate and the negative plate are formed of copper.

[0014] The sampling container has an accommodating space that tapers from top to bottom.

[0015] A vibrator is provided on the outer surface of the sampling container.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a grain drying tower, on which the grain moisture content detection device as described above is provided.

[0017] The grain moisture content measuring device of the present invention realizes automatic sampling, measurement and reflux of grains, reduces manual intervention, and improves the automation degree of the system.

[0018] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the accuracy and accuracy of the detection structure are improved, providing reliable data support for the process optimization of the drying process. Description of the Drawings

[0019] Through the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the drawings below, the above and / or other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become clearer, where:

[0020] Figure 1 shows a schematic structural diagram of a grain moisture content detection device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 shows a schematic structural diagram of a material taking container and a grain moisture sensor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Reference numerals:

[0023] 10 - grain conveying device, 10a - grain inlet, 11 - barrel, 12 - screw conveyor shaft, 13 - worm and worm gear reducer, 14 - drive motor, 20 - sampling container, 21 - first side plate, 22 - second side plate, 23 - first connecting plate, 24 - upper cover plate, 30 - level sensor, 40 - grain moisture detector, 41 - capacitance sensor, 41a - positive plate, 41b - negative plate, 42 - detection circuit, 50 - vibrator, 60 - flange. Detailed implementation manners

[0024] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below are exemplary and are intended to explain the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0025] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationships indicated by the terms "thickness", "upper", "lower", "axial", "radial", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc. are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0026] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "mounted", "connected", "connected to", "fixed", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0027] The grain moisture content detection device according to the embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] As Figure 1As shown, the grain moisture content detection device according to the present invention includes: a grain conveying device 10, which is used to connect to a drying tower (not shown) and convey the grain in the drying tower (hereinafter also referred to as "grain sample"); a sampling container 20, which is arranged outside the drying tower and connected to the grain conveying device to receive the grain conveyed through the grain conveying device 10; a grain moisture detector 40, which is arranged on the sampling container 20 and is used to detect the moisture content of the grain in the sampling container 20; and a controller (not shown), which is configured to control the operation of the grain conveying device 10 so that after the moisture content detection of the grain is completed, the grain conveying device 10 conveys the grain back into the drying tower.

[0029] The grain moisture content detection device according to the present invention can be arranged on the drying tower and communicate with the inside of the drying tower, and can convey a part of the grain that has not been dried, is being dried, and / or has been dried as a grain sample to the sampling container 20 to realize the on-line detection of the grain moisture content, and can convey the grain back to the drying tower after the detection is completed, realizing the unmanned operation of "sampling - detection - reflux" and improving the automation degree of the system.

[0030] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the grain conveying device 10 may include a barrel 11 and a spiral conveying shaft 12 arranged in the barrel 11. A grain inlet 10a and a grain outlet (not shown) are formed on the barrel 11. The grain inlet 10a communicates with the drying tower, and the grain outlet is connected to the inlet of the sampling container 20. The grain inlet 10a can contact a part of the grain in the drying tower so as to be able to convey a part of the grain in the drying tower as a sample to the sampling container 20. In addition, the inlet of the sampling container 20 is arranged below it, and the grain sample enters the sampling container 20 from bottom to top.

[0031] As Figure 1 shown, the barrel 11 may have a hollow cylindrical structure, and the spiral conveying shaft 12 is in a spiral structure and is located inside the barrel 11 to ensure the smooth conveyance of the grain sample.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in order to realize the rotation of the spiral conveying shaft 12, the grain conveying device may further include a driving device, and the driving device may include a worm and worm gear reducer 13 and a driving motor 14.

[0033] The output shaft (not shown) of the worm and worm gear reducer 13 is connected to the spiral conveying shaft 12 so that the spiral conveying shaft 12 can rotate forward and backward, thereby realizing the conveyance and reflux of the grain sample. The driving motor 14, as the power source of the worm and worm gear reducer 13, can provide stable power for the worm and worm gear reducer 13 to ensure the efficient conveyance of the grain sample by the spiral conveying shaft 12 under stable power output.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the grain moisture detector 40 includes a capacitive sensor 41 and a detection circuit 42. The grain moisture detector 40 can obtain the moisture content of the grain sample according to the corresponding relationship between the grain moisture content and the capacitance and the measurement structure of the detection circuit 42. Since the change of the grain moisture content will cause the dielectric constant of the grain to change, the grain moisture detector 40 of the present invention uses the influence of the moisture content on the dielectric constant to measure the moisture content of the grain.

[0035] In addition, different grains have different dielectric properties. The capacitive sensor 41 can measure the moisture content of different types of grains according to the different dielectric properties, thereby realizing the moisture content measurement of multiple grains.

[0036] In addition, if the capacitive sensor 41 is directly set in the drying tower, the air temperature in the drying tower, the dynamic factors of the grain, etc. may cause the dielectric constant to change, thereby causing an inaccurate measurement structure.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, since the sampling container 20 is arranged on the outside of the drying tower, when the moisture content of the grain sample in the sampling container 20 is detected, the sampling container 20 can be in a roughly static state, thereby avoiding the influence of air and dynamic factors of grain in the drying tower, and greatly improving the measurement accuracy.

[0038] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an operational amplifier circuit can be used as the detection circuit 42 of the capacitance sensor 41, and the operational amplifier circuit can measure the capacitance value according to the change of the triangular wave oscillation period generated by the charging and discharging between the electrode plates of the capacitance sensor. Since the signal output by the capacitance sensor 41 itself is usually relatively weak, it needs to be converted into an electrical signal that is easy to measure and process by the detection circuit 42, and the operational amplifier circuit has the characteristics of high input impedance, which can be well connected to the capacitive sensor and will not produce a large load effect on the output of the sensor, so that small changes in the capacitance of the sensor can be accurately detected. In addition, the operational amplifier circuit has the characteristics of adjustable amplification factor, and the weak signal output by the sensor can be amplified to a suitable amplitude according to the needs of the actual measurement. Therefore, the use of the operational amplifier circuit can further improve the accuracy and stability of the measurement.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the sampling container 20 may include a first side plate 21 and a second side plate 22 arranged parallel to each other, and include a first connecting plate 23 and a second connecting plate connecting the first side plate 21 and the second side plate 22 to each other, the first side plate 21, the second side plate 22, the first connecting plate 23 and the second connecting plate together form a accommodating space for the sampling container 20, and the positive plate 41a and the negative plate 41b of the capacitive sensor may be respectively arranged on the first side plate 21 and the second side plate 22.

[0040] As Figure 2 shown, the positive electrode plate 41a and the negative electrode plate 41b may respectively have the same area as the first side plate 21 and the second side plate 22, so that the obtained capacitance value can be maximized under the limited sampling space defined by the sampling container 20, improving the sensitivity and measurement accuracy of the capacitance sensor. Here, "the positive electrode plate 41a and the negative electrode plate 41b respectively have the same area as the first side plate 21 and the second side plate 22" means that the areas of the positive electrode plate 41a and the negative electrode plate 41b are the same as the areas of the parts of the first side plate 21 and the second side plate 22 that are used to form the accommodation space of the sampling container 20. Conversely, if only a part of the first side plate 21 and the second side plate 22 is used to form the accommodation space of the sampling container 20, the areas of the positive electrode plate 41a and the negative electrode plate 41b are only the same as the areas of the above-mentioned parts of the first side plate 21 and the second side plate 22.

[0041] However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The areas of the positive electrode plate 41a and the negative electrode plate 41b may also be smaller than the areas of the first side plate 21 and the second side plate 22, as long as it is ensured that the space between the positive electrode plate 41a and the negative electrode plate 41b facing each other is completely filled with the grains in the sampling container 20 during measurement.

[0042] In addition, the positive electrode plate 41a and the negative electrode plate 41b may be respectively formed of copper material. Copper has good electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance, enabling the sensor to work stably even in a complex detection environment. Moreover, insulating materials are coated between the positive electrode plate 41a and the negative electrode plate 41b and the first side plate 21 and the second side plate 22 respectively to prevent short circuits or leakage, maintaining the normal operation of the capacitance sensor.

[0043] In addition, the detection circuit 42 as described above may be provided on the outer surface of the second side plate 22 of the sampling container 20 to be as close as possible to the capacitance sensor 41, so as to shorten the signal transmission distance and reduce signal loss. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The detection circuit 42 may also be provided on the outer surface of the first side plate 21 of the sampling container 20 or at other positions convenient for detecting the signal of the capacitance sensor 41. In addition, the detection circuit 42 may include an operational amplifier circuit and a housing provided outside the operational amplifier circuit, so as to arrange the operational amplifier circuit on the sampling container 20 through the housing.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sampling container 20 may have a gradually tapering accommodation space as shown in the figure, which helps the grains to be evenly stacked in the container, reduces the pores generated when the grains are stacked, and improves the accuracy of subsequent moisture detection.

[0045] In addition, a vibrator (e.g., a vibration motor) 50 may be provided on the outer surface of the sampling container 20. During the sampling process and the stage of the grain sample flowing back, the vibration motor remains in an operating state to ensure the uniform packing density of the grain sample within the accommodation space of the sampling container 20, reduce the influence of porosity on the moisture detection accuracy; and can effectively eliminate the "bridging" phenomenon generated during the grain discharging stage, ensure thorough grain discharging, and avoid residues from interfering with subsequent sampling or causing inaccurate subsequent measurement data.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sampling container 20 further includes an upper cover plate 24, and the upper cover plate 24 is connected to the first side plate 21, the second side plate 22, the first connecting plate 23, and the second connecting plate to define the upper surface of the accommodation space.

[0047] The grain moisture detection device further includes a level sensor 30, and the level sensor 30 is configured to: when the grain transported into the sampling container 20 reaches a predetermined level, the level sensor 30 can send a signal to stop sampling to the controller, and the controller can issue an instruction to make the drive motor 14 and the vibrator 50 stop operating. At this time, the capacitance sensor 41 and the detection circuit 42 can measure the grain sample in the sampling container 20 to measure the moisture content.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the level sensor 30 can be selected from a capacitance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an optoelectronic sensor, etc. according to requirements. Specifically, the type is not limited as long as it can accurately measure the level of the grain sample. In addition, the level sensor 30 can be provided on the sampling container 20, and preferably, it is provided on the upper cover plate 24 of the sampling container 20 for easy installation and maintenance.

[0049] In addition, the predetermined level can be any position in the sampling container 20. For example, when the positive electrode plate 41a and the negative electrode plate 41b can respectively have the same area as the first side plate 21 and the second side plate 22, the predetermined level can be the position corresponding to the lower surface of the upper cover plate 24, that is, when the grain fills the entire accommodation space, the level sensor 30 sends a signal to stop sampling.

[0050] However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The predetermined level can also be other positions close to the upper cover plate 24. However, in this case, in order to ensure that the space where the positive electrode plate 41a and the negative electrode plate 41b face each other can be completely filled with the grain sample and ensure accurate measurement of the grain moisture content, the highest position of the area where the positive electrode plate 41a and the negative electrode plate 41b face each other is lower than or equal to the predetermined level.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by providing the level sensor, the sampling amount can be accurately controlled, and the stability of the sampling amount each time can be ensured, providing a guarantee for accurate measurement.

[0052] The grain moisture content detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention can detect the moisture content of grains as follows: The driving motor 14 drives the worm and gear reducer 13 to operate, so as to drive the spiral conveyor shaft 12 to rotate forward, and part of the grains in the drying tower are taken as grain samples and conveyed to the sampling container 20 through the material cylinder 11 (before, at the same time as, or during sampling, the vibrator 50 is also started to reduce the porosity of the grain samples). When the level sensor 30 detects that the grain samples are filled to the predetermined level of the sampling container 20, the driving motor 14 stops working. At this time, the capacitance value between the positive electrode plate 41a and the negative electrode plate 41b is detected, and according to the pre-calibrated correspondence between the grain moisture content and the capacitance, the moisture content of the grain samples is obtained and the data is transmitted to the controller. After reaching the preset time interval, the driving motor 14 drives the worm and gear reducer 13 to rotate in the reverse direction, and the spiral conveyor shaft 12 discharges the grain samples from the sampling container 20 and returns them to the drying tower, realizing the reflux of the grain samples. In addition, after a predetermined time interval, the controller can control the grain moisture content detection device to start the above detection process again.

[0053] The grain moisture content measuring device according to the present invention uses a capacitance sensor as the core detection element, cooperates with a precise mechanical structure, realizes the automatic sampling and reflux of grains through the cooperation of the grain conveying device and the level sensor, and automatically measures the moisture content of grains by setting the required time interval, providing data support for the grain drying process.

[0054] On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a grain drying tower including the above-mentioned grain moisture content detection device can also be provided.

[0055] In addition, the grain moisture content detection device may further include a flange 60 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the material cylinder 11. The flange 60 can be used to detachably mount the grain moisture content detection device to the corresponding position on the grain drying tower, facilitating the installation, debugging and maintenance of the grain moisture content detection device.

[0056] As described above, the grain moisture content detection device can convey a part of the grains that have not been dried, are being dried, and / or have been dried as grain samples to measure the moisture content. Therefore, the grain drying tower may include one or more grain moisture content detection devices to detect the moisture content of grains in one stage or measure the moisture content of grains in multiple stages separately. When including multiple grain moisture content detection devices, the grain moisture content inspection devices can be set at different positions of the drying tower according to requirements.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an efficient and reliable grain moisture content measuring device is provided, which realizes the rapid sampling and reflux of on-line grain samples, improves the automation degree of the system, and can well meet the requirements of modern grain drying processes for the high efficiency of equipment.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the accuracy and precision of the detection structure are improved, providing reliable data support for the process optimization of the drying process.

[0059] The features, structures, or characteristics described in the present invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the above description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will realize that the technical solutions of the present invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or other methods, components, materials, etc. may be employed. In other cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the present invention.

Claims

1. A grain moisture content detection device, characterized in that, The grain moisture content detection device includes: A grain conveying device (10), connected to the drying tower and used for conveying the grain in the drying tower; A sampling container (20), arranged outside the drying tower and connected to the grain conveying device (10) to receive the grain conveyed by the grain conveying device (10); A grain moisture detector (40), arranged on the sampling container (20) and used for detecting the moisture content of the grain in the sampling container (20); and A controller, configured to control the operation of the grain conveying device (10) to convey the grain in the drying tower to the sampling container (20), and after the moisture content detection of the grain is completed, convey the grain back into the drying tower.

2. The grain moisture content detection device according to claim 1, wherein, The grain conveying device (10) includes a barrel (11) and a spiral conveying shaft (12) arranged in the barrel (11). A grain inlet (10a) and a grain outlet are formed on the barrel (11), wherein the grain inlet (10a) communicates with the drying tower, and the grain outlet is connected to the inlet of the sampling container (20).

3. The grain moisture content detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The grain conveying device (10) further includes a driving device for driving the spiral conveying shaft (12) to rotate. The driving device includes a worm and worm gear reducer (13) and a driving motor (14).

4. The grain moisture content detection device according to claim 1, wherein The grain moisture detector (40) includes a capacitance sensor (41) and a detection circuit (42), wherein the detection circuit (42) is an operational amplifier circuit.

5. The grain moisture content detection device according to claim 4, wherein The sampling container (20) includes a first side plate (21) and a second side plate (22) arranged in parallel with each other, and includes a first connecting plate (23) and a second connecting plate for connecting the first side plate (21) and the second side plate (22) to each other, the first side plate (21), the second side plate (22), the first connecting plate (23) and the second connecting plate form the accommodation space of the sampling container (20), and wherein the positive plate (41a) and the negative plate (41b) of the capacitance sensor (41) are respectively arranged on the first side plate (21) and the second side plate (22).

6. The grain moisture content detection device according to claim 5, wherein The grain moisture content detection device further includes a level sensor (30), and the level sensor (30) is configured to: when the grain conveyed into the sampling container (20) reaches a predetermined level, the level sensor (30) sends a signal to stop sampling to the controller.

7. The grain moisture content detection device according to claim 6, wherein, The highest position of the area where the positive plate (41a) and the negative plate (41b) face each other is equal to or lower than the predetermined level, and / or the positive plate (41a) and the negative plate (41b) are formed of copper.

8. The grain moisture content detection device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The sampling container (20) has an accommodation space that tapers from top to bottom.

9. The grain moisture content detection device according to claim 8, characterized in that A vibrator (50) is arranged on the outer surface of the sampling container (20).

10. A grain drying tower, characterized in that, The grain drying tower is provided with the grain moisture content detection device according to any one of claims 1-9.

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