Delay controller for linkage feeding device of full-automatic color sorter
The color sorter and feeding equipment are started and stopped synchronously through the chute sensor and delay controller, which solves the problems of frequent manual intervention and poor compatibility in the existing technology, improves the degree of automation and equipment adaptability, and saves energy and safety.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510716332.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-23
AI Technical Summary
The existing linkage control between color sorters and feeding equipment lacks automation, resulting in frequent manual intervention. The equipment is prone to misjudgment or untimely shutdown when there is no material, affecting production continuity and efficiency. It also has poor compatibility and cannot be adapted to most equipment on the market.
A chute sensor module is used to detect the material status. Combined with a 4-channel MOS tube module and an intermediate relay, the color sorter and feeding equipment can be started and stopped synchronously. It is also equipped with a delay controller and a human-machine interface to support status display and mode switching, enhancing the automation and adaptability of the equipment.
It realizes fully automatic linkage control of the color sorter and feeding equipment, reduces manual intervention, improves detection accuracy and equipment adaptability, avoids material residue, saves energy and enhances operational safety.
Smart Images

Figure CN120679748A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automatic control technology, and more particularly to a time delay controller for a linkage feeding device of a full-automatic color sorter. Background Art
[0002] In the grain processing industry, the linkage control between color sorters and material feeders is a key step in improving production efficiency. Traditionally, color sorters and material elevators lack automated linkage functionality, forcing users to frequently manually start and stop the equipment. This not only increases labor costs but can also lead to equipment idling (wasting energy) or material accumulation (affecting production continuity) due to untimely operation. While some linkage controllers exist in existing technologies, their functionality suffers from significant deficiencies: Inaccurate material detection: Existing sensors are susceptible to environmental interference (such as magnetic fields), leading to misjudgment or continued operation of the equipment when there is no material; Poor compatibility: It relies on front-end equipment (such as rice mills) to provide specific signals and cannot be adapted to mainstream models on the market; Lack of delay control: The shutdown response is too fast, resulting in material residue inside the equipment, requiring manual cleaning, and reducing the degree of automation; In addition, the existing controller lacks a delayed shutdown function, so it shuts down immediately when the feed is briefly interrupted, requiring repeated restarts of the equipment, further increasing the complexity of operation.
[0003] Therefore, we proposed a delay controller for the linkage feeding device of the fully automatic color sorter to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention
[0004] In order to overcome the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, an embodiment of the present invention provides a delay controller for a linkage feeding device of a fully automatic color sorter to solve the problems raised in the above-mentioned background technology.
[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a time delay controller for a linkage feeding device of a fully automatic color sorter, comprising the following contents: Chute sensor module: used to detect material flow status in real time; Controller module: connects to the sensor module and configures the delay function; Linkage execution module: controls the start and stop of the feeding equipment and color sorter according to the controller instructions; Human-computer interaction interface: provides status display and mode switching functions.
[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the chute sensor module includes a non-metallic PNP sensor, and the chute sensor module is installed at the bottom of the chute.
[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the slide is made of stainless steel, and a hole is opened at the bottom to fix the non-metallic PNP sensor.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the controller module includes a 4-channel MOS tube and an adjustable delay circuit, and the delay range is 5 seconds to 60 seconds.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable delay circuit adjusts the delay length via a knob or digital input.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the linkage execution module includes two intermediate relays, wherein: The first intermediate relay drives the three-phase AC contactor to control the feeding equipment; The second intermediate relay provides a working signal to the color sorter through a normally closed contact.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the human-computer interaction interface includes: Digital tube display: used to display working status and delay time; Emergency stop button; Gear knob: supports automatic mode, manual mode and stop mode switching; Power indicator light and working status indicator light.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the digital tube display supports a fault code display function.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the circuit board of the controller module adopts an electromagnetic shielding cover design to reduce external magnetic field interference.
[0014] Technical effects and advantages of the present invention: 1. Fully automatic linkage control: The material status is detected in real time through the non-metallic PNP sensor at the bottom of the chute. Combined with the 4-channel MOS tube module and the intermediate relay, the color sorter and feeding equipment can be started and stopped synchronously. The user only needs to operate the front-end rice mill, and the back-end equipment automatically cooperates, greatly reducing manual intervention.
[0015] 2. High compatibility and anti-interference ability: It uses non-metallic sensors and optimized circuit design to effectively shield magnetic field interference and improve detection accuracy. It does not need to rely on signal input from the front-end equipment. It is compatible with most rice mills and grading screens on the market and has strong scalability.
[0016] 3. Intelligent delayed shutdown function: built-in adjustable delay module, which will stop after running for a preset time in the empty state, to avoid material residue in the equipment and reduce the frequency of cleaning. The delay time can be flexibly adjusted through the panel digital tube to meet the needs of different production scenarios.
[0017] 4. Energy saving and safety improvement: Accurately control the operating status of the equipment to avoid idling energy consumption and save electricity costs. The panel is equipped with an emergency stop button and status indicator light to enhance operational safety. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the controller circuit in the present invention; Figure 2 This is a system structure diagram of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0020] Reference Figure 1-2 , the delay controller for the linkage feeding device of the fully automatic color sorter includes the following contents: Chute sensor module: used to detect the material flow status in real time; the chute sensor module includes a non-metallic PNP sensor, and the chute sensor module is installed at the bottom of the chute; The chute is made of stainless steel, with a hole at the bottom to fix the non-metallic PNP sensor; Fully automatic linkage control: The non-metallic PNP sensor at the bottom of the chute detects the material status in real time. Combined with a 4-channel MOS tube module and an intermediate relay, the color sorter and feeding equipment can be started and stopped synchronously. The user only needs to operate the front-end rice mill, and the back-end equipment automatically cooperates, greatly reducing manual intervention. Controller module: connects to the sensor module and configures the delay function; the controller module includes a 4-channel MOS tube and an adjustable delay circuit with a delay range of 5 seconds to 60 seconds; The adjustable delay circuit can be adjusted through a knob or digital input. The circuit board of the controller module adopts an electromagnetic shielding design to reduce external magnetic field interference. High compatibility and anti-interference ability: The use of non-metallic sensors and optimized circuit design effectively shields magnetic field interference and improves detection accuracy. It does not rely on signal input from previous equipment and is compatible with most rice mills and grading screens on the market, with strong scalability. Intelligent delayed shutdown function: built-in adjustable delay module, which will stop the machine after running for a preset time without material, to avoid material residue in the equipment and reduce the frequency of cleaning. The delay time can be flexibly adjusted through the digital tube on the panel to meet the needs of different production scenarios; Linkage execution module: controls the start and stop of the feeding equipment and the color sorter according to the controller instructions; the linkage execution module includes two intermediate relays, including: The first intermediate relay drives the three-phase AC contactor to control the feeding equipment; The second intermediate relay provides a working signal to the color sorter through a normally closed contact; Human-computer interaction interface: provides status display and mode switching functions; the human-computer interaction interface includes: Digital tube display: used to display working status and delay time; the digital tube display supports fault code display function; Emergency stop button; Gear knob: supports automatic mode, manual mode and stop mode switching; Power indicator light and working status indicator light; Energy saving and improved safety: Accurately control the operating status of the equipment to avoid idling energy consumption and save electricity costs. The panel is equipped with an emergency stop button and status indicator light to enhance operational safety.
[0021] This device enables the color sorter and feeding equipment to work synchronously, and has good adaptability to front-end processing equipment (rice milling machine, grading screen). Through a specially designed chute with a sensor, it detects whether the front-end processing equipment (rice milling machine grading screen) is working and determines whether the color sorter and feeding equipment are working synchronously. There are no requirements for the front-end processing equipment and no need for the front-end equipment to provide a signal. This device can adapt to most rice mills on the market. This device has a built-in delay function. In the absence of feeding, it will continue to work for a period of time before stopping (this delay time is adjustable), which can avoid material residue in the feeding equipment and color sorter.
[0022] A specially designed chute features a non-metallic PNP sensor installed at its base. The sensor's output signal is transmitted to the controller, which uses a 4-channel MOSFET module with a time-delay function to control two intermediate relays. One relay controls a three-phase AC contactor that controls the feeding device, while the other relay short-circuits (normally closed) to the color sorter, providing an operating signal. The device panel includes a digital tube display to indicate operating status and provide delay adjustment. It also includes an emergency stop button and two gear knobs for controlling automatic, manual, and stop modes. Two indicator lights indicate power and operating status.
[0023] Example 1: Chute design: The chute is made of stainless steel, and a non-metallic PNP sensor is installed in the bottom hole to detect the status of the material passing through; Controller configuration: After the MOS tube module receives the sensor signal, it controls the feeding equipment through the intermediate relay (the delay range is adjustable from 5 to 60 seconds); Linkage logic: When material is detected, the feeding equipment and the color sorter start synchronously; when there is no material, the controller will shut down the equipment after a delay of 30 seconds.
[0024] Example 2: Anti-interference optimization: The circuit board adopts a shielding cover design to reduce electromagnetic interference; Extended function: The digital tube supports fault code display, which makes it easier for maintenance personnel to quickly troubleshoot problems.
[0025] Finally: The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. The delay controller for the linkage feeding device of the fully automatic color sorter is characterized by: Includes the following: Chute sensor module: used to detect material flow status in real time; Controller module: connects to the sensor module and configures the delay function; Linkage execution module: controls the start and stop of the feeding equipment and color sorter according to the controller instructions; Human-computer interaction interface: provides status display and mode switching functions.
2. The time delay controller for the linkage feeding device of the fully automatic color sorter according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The chute sensor module includes a non-metallic PNP sensor, and the chute sensor module is installed at the bottom of the chute.
3. The time delay controller for the linkage feeding device of the fully automatic color sorter according to claim 2 is characterized in that: The chute is made of stainless steel and has a hole at the bottom to fix the non-metallic PNP sensor.
4. The time delay controller for the linkage feeding device of the fully automatic color sorter according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The controller module includes a 4-channel MOS tube and an adjustable delay circuit with a delay range of 5 seconds to 60 seconds.
5. The time delay controller for the linkage feeding device of the fully automatic color sorter according to claim 4 is characterized in that: The adjustable delay circuit adjusts the delay length through a knob or digital input.
6. The time delay controller for the linkage feeding device of the fully automatic color sorter according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The linkage execution module includes two intermediate relays, where: The first intermediate relay drives the three-phase AC contactor to control the feeding equipment; The second intermediate relay provides a working signal to the color sorter through a normally closed contact.
7. The time delay controller for the linkage feeding device of the fully automatic color sorter according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The human-computer interaction interface includes: Digital tube display: used to display working status and delay time; Emergency stop button; Gear knob: supports automatic mode, manual mode and stop mode switching; Power indicator light and working status indicator light.
8. The time delay controller for the linkage feeding device of the fully automatic color sorter according to claim 7, characterized in that: The digital tube display supports fault code display function.
9. The time delay controller for the linkage feeding device of the fully automatic color sorter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller module's circuit board uses an electromagnetic shielding cover design to reduce external magnetic field interference.