Grain hopper of a grain dryer equipped with a moisture meter

Abstract

This utility model relates to a grain dryer hopper with a moisture detector, including a discharge hopper. A mounting hole is provided on the bottom of one side of the discharge hopper, and an online resistance moisture detector is installed in the mounting hole. Two rollers with different circumferential widths are rotatably mounted on the ends of the moisture detector. The mounting hole is detachably encapsulated by a matching panel assembly. The moisture detector is embedded in the lower part of the panel assembly, and a cleaning assembly is mounted directly above the two rollers of the moisture detector. The cleaning assembly includes a mounting frame fixedly attached to the inner wall of the panel assembly. Suspension rods are vertically connected to the two ends of the mounting frame, and roller brushes for cleaning the circumferential surfaces of the corresponding rollers are rotatably sleeved at the ends of the two suspension rods. The lengths of the two roller brushes are adapted to the circumferential width of the corresponding rollers. This utility model effectively improves the stability and accuracy of single-grain moisture detection by promptly removing residues from the roller surfaces.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of grain dryers, and specifically relates to a grain dryer hopper with a moisture detector. Background Technology

[0002] In the storage and processing of cereal agricultural products, it is necessary to maintain a specific internal moisture content level to prevent mold or quality deterioration during storage and ensure the quality stability of the finished products. Typically, after field harvesting, the grain is thermally dehydrated using a grain dryer to control its moisture content before safe storage. During the drying process, samples of the grain inside the dryer are taken in real time, and the moisture content of the samples is measured to dynamically optimize the drying parameters.

[0003] Grain dryers typically install online resistance moisture meters on their discharge hoppers to monitor the moisture content of the grain during the cyclic drying process. Existing online resistance moisture meters operate by having an internal drive mechanism rotate two rollers with different circumferential widths at their ends, causing the grain to fall between them and be crushed, thus sampling the grain. The sampled data is transmitted via a signal board to a detection and control device, which calculates the grain's moisture content. One roller in this moisture meter has a circumferential width of 4mm–10mm, and the other has a circumferential width of 12mm–40mm. Because the grain is sampled between the two rollers, and the narrower roller can only hold a single grain (typically about 5mm in length), multiple grains are unlikely to be present between the rollers, allowing for a relatively accurate measurement of the resistance of a single grain with minimal error.

[0004] However, after the two rollers in the moisture analyzer have finished crushing and sampling the grain, crushed grain residue will stick to the knurled surface of the rollers, which will affect the accuracy of the moisture content measurement after the grain is crushed and sampled to some extent. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a grain hopper for a grain dryer equipped with a moisture detector. The specific technical solution is as follows:

[0006] This utility model provides a grain dryer hopper with a moisture detector, including a conical discharge hopper. A mounting hole is provided on the bottom of one side of the discharge hopper. An online resistance moisture detector is installed in the mounting hole. Two rollers with different circumferential widths are respectively arranged laterally and rotatably at the end of the moisture detector. The mounting hole is detachably encapsulated by a matching panel assembly. The moisture detector is embedded in the lower part of the panel assembly. A cleaning assembly is mounted directly above the two rollers of the moisture detector.

[0007] The cleaning assembly includes a mounting bracket fixedly attached to the inner wall of the panel assembly and having an inverted U-shaped structure. The two ends of the mounting bracket are respectively vertically connected to a suspension rod. The ends of the two suspension rods are respectively axially rotatably sleeved with roller brushes for cleaning the circumferential surface of the corresponding rollers, and the lengths of the two roller brushes are respectively adapted to the width of the circumferential surface of the corresponding rollers.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the panel assembly includes a base plate that fits into the mounting holes. A corresponding frame is fixedly attached to the outer edge of the base plate. The frame is fixedly connected to the corresponding side of the grain discharge hopper by a plurality of bolts evenly distributed around its circumference. A square hole for mounting a moisture detector is provided in the lower middle part of the base plate. An annular plate passing through two rollers is fixedly attached to the end face of the moisture detector. The annular plate is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the base plate by bolts at its four corners.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, a trapezoidal grain guide plate is suspended directly above the mounting frame. The grain guide plate is fixedly attached to the bottom plate at an angle downwards, and the bottom edge of the grain guide plate faces the central area above the two rolling rollers. Guide strips are integrally bent on both sides of the grain guide plate.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, a support block is fixedly arranged in the middle of the mounting frame perpendicular to the inner surface of the base plate, and an inclined brace is connected to the end of the support block, and the inclined brace is in contact with the bottom surface of the grain guide plate.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, the inclined support plate is attached to the bottom surface of the grain guide plate through a hard rubber pad embedded in its inclined surface.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, a square hole two is provided in the upper part of the bottom surface, a slot is fixedly attached to the outside of the square hole two, and a transparent glass is inserted into the inner side of the slot.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0014] 1. In this utility model, the cleaning component utilizes a design where two roller brushes are axially adapted to the corresponding rolling rollers. After each rolling and sampling cycle, the rotating roller brushes scrape the knurled structure on the circumference of the rolling rollers in real time, effectively removing adhering grain residue. This structure avoids the resistance measurement errors caused by residue accumulation in traditional moisture analyzers, ensuring the cleanliness of the contact surface between the rolling rollers and the grains during each sampling, thereby effectively improving the stability and accuracy of single-grain moisture detection.

[0015] 2. The rigid connection structure between the inverted U-shaped mounting bracket and the suspension rod in this utility model enables the roller brush to form continuous contact pressure with the surface of the roller, so that it can automatically perform the cleaning action as the roller rotates without the need for an additional drive mechanism.

[0016] 3. The detachable packaging design of the panel assembly in this utility model, combined with the embedded mounting bracket, makes the spatial layout of the cleaning components and the roller compact and reasonable. The length of the roller brush matches the width of the corresponding roller's circumference, ensuring full coverage of the cleaning range without interference.

[0017] 4. By promptly removing residues from the surface of the rolling mill, this utility model effectively avoids the mixing of debris from different batches of grain samples, eliminates interference from differences in conductivity of residues from previous tests on subsequent resistance measurements, thereby ensuring the long-term effectiveness of the moisture data calculation model and maintaining the consistency of processing quality control. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the grain discharge hopper in this utility model is shown;

[0019] Figure 2 This invention shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the grain discharge hopper equipped with a moisture detector.

[0020] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 Enlarged view of the structure at part A in the middle;

[0021] Figure 4 This invention presents a structural schematic diagram of the grain discharge hopper equipped with a moisture detector from another perspective.

[0022] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 Enlarged view of the structure of part B in the middle;

[0023] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the panel assembly in this utility model is shown;

[0024] Figure 7 This invention presents a schematic diagram of the panel assembly with a moisture detector.

[0025] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 Enlarged view of the structure at part C.

[0026] The following components are shown in the diagram: 1. Grain discharge hopper; 11. Mounting hole; 2. Moisture meter; 21. Ring plate; 22. Roller; 3. Panel assembly; 31. Frame; 311. Square hole one; 312. Square hole two; 32. Base plate; 4. Slot; 5. Grain guide plate; 51. Guide strip plate; 6. Cleaning assembly; 61. Mounting frame; 62. Support block; 63. Suspension rod; 64. Roller brush; 65. Diagonal brace plate; 651. Hard rubber pad. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] To address the technical problems in the background section, the following grain hopper of a grain dryer equipped with a moisture detector is provided:

[0030] Combination Figures 1-8 As shown, the grain dryer hopper with a moisture detector includes a conical discharge hopper 1. A mounting hole 11 is provided on the bottom of one side of the discharge hopper 1. An online resistance moisture detector 2 is installed in the mounting hole 11. Two rollers 22 with different circumferential widths are respectively arranged laterally and rotatably at the ends of the moisture detector 2. The mounting hole 11 is detachably encapsulated by a matching panel assembly 3. The moisture detector 2 is embedded in the lower part of the panel assembly 3. A cleaning assembly 6 is mounted directly above the two rollers 22 of the moisture detector 2.

[0031] The cleaning component 6 includes a mounting bracket 61 fixedly attached to the inner wall of the panel component 3 and having an inverted U-shaped structure. The two ends of the mounting bracket 61 are respectively vertically connected to a suspension rod 63. The ends of the two suspension rods 63 are respectively axially rotatably sleeved with roller brushes 64 for cleaning the circumferential surface of the corresponding roller 22, and the lengths of the two roller brushes 64 are respectively adapted to the width of the circumferential surface of the corresponding roller 22.

[0032] By adopting the above technical solution, the cleaning component 6 in the grain hopper of this grain dryer, through the axial adaptation design of two roller brushes 64 and the corresponding rolling rollers 22, effectively removes adhering grain residue by using the rotational motion of the roller brushes 64 to scrape the knurled structure on the circumference of the rolling rollers 22 in real time after each rolling and sampling operation. This structure avoids the resistance measurement error caused by residue accumulation in traditional moisture analyzers, ensuring the cleanliness of the contact surface between the rolling rollers 22 and the grain during each sampling, thereby effectively improving the stability and accuracy of single grain moisture detection.

[0033] The rigid connection structure between the inverted U-shaped mounting bracket 61 and the suspension rod 63 in the lower grain hopper of the grain dryer ensures that the roller brush 64 and the surface of the roller 22 form continuous contact pressure, and can automatically perform the cleaning action as the roller 22 rotates without the need for an additional drive mechanism.

[0034] The detachable encapsulation design of the panel assembly 3 in the lower grain hopper of this grain dryer, combined with the embedded mounting bracket 61, makes the spatial layout of the cleaning assembly 6 and the roller 22 compact and reasonable. The length of the roller brush 64 matches the width of the corresponding circumferential surface of the roller 22, ensuring full coverage of the cleaning range without interference.

[0035] The grain dryer's lower hopper effectively prevents the mixing of grain fragments from different batches by promptly removing residues from the surface of the rollers 22. This eliminates interference from differences in conductivity of residues from previous tests on subsequent resistance measurements, thereby ensuring the long-term effectiveness of the moisture data calculation model and maintaining consistency in processing quality control.

[0036] Example 2

[0037] Combination Figures 3-8 As shown, based on the above embodiments, this embodiment further provides the following:

[0038] In this embodiment, as Figures 3-8 As shown, the panel assembly 3 includes a base plate 32 that fits into the mounting hole 11. A corresponding frame 31 is fixedly attached to the outer edge of the base plate 32. The frame 31 is fixedly connected to the corresponding side of the grain discharge hopper 1 by a plurality of bolts evenly distributed around its circumference. A square hole 311 for mounting a moisture detector 2 is provided in the lower part of the base plate 32. An annular plate 21 passing through two rollers 22 is fixedly attached to the end face of the moisture detector 2. The annular plate 21 is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the base plate 32 by bolts at its four corners.

[0039] By adopting the above technical solution, the frame 31 is fixedly connected to the grain discharge hopper 1 by bolts evenly distributed around the circumference, and the base plate 32 is embedded in the mounting hole 11, forming a detachable encapsulated structure. This design allows the panel assembly 3 to be quickly separated from the side of the grain discharge hopper 1, facilitating the inspection, replacement, or cleaning of the moisture detector 2 and the cleaning assembly 6, avoiding the cumbersome process of disassembling the entire traditional integrated structure, and significantly shortening the equipment maintenance time.

[0040] The square hole 311 in the lower part of the base plate 32 is adapted to the contour of the moisture detector 2. Combined with the annular plate 21, it is fixed to the outer surface of the base plate 32 by bolts at the four corners, forming a double positioning constraint. This structure ensures a stable spatial relationship between the roller 22 of the moisture detector 2 and the roller brush 64 of the cleaning assembly 6, preventing the detector from shifting due to vibration or impact. At the same time, the bonding design between the frame 31 and the base plate 32 seals the edge gap of the mounting hole 11, effectively preventing grains from entering the equipment and avoiding impurities from interfering with the detection process.

[0041] The frame 31 covers the outer edge of the base plate 32, and the force on the panel assembly 3 is evenly transferred to the side wall of the grain discharge hopper 1 through circumferentially distributed bolt connections, avoiding panel deformation or bolt loosening caused by localized concentrated loads. The four-corner fixing method of the ring plate 21 further disperses the torsional stress of the roller 22 during operation, reduces the risk of bolt fatigue fracture, and improves the long-term reliability of the equipment.

[0042] like Figures 3-7 As shown, a square hole 312 is provided in the upper part of the bottom surface. A slot 4 is fixedly attached to the outside of the square hole 312, and a transparent glass is inserted into the inside of the slot 4.

[0043] By adopting the above technical solution, the transparent glass is embedded in the observation window formed by the square hole 312 through the slot 4, allowing the operator to directly observe the flow of grain inside the grain discharge hopper without disassembling the panel assembly 3. This design realizes dynamic monitoring of the entire process of grain conveying, wheel crushing and sampling, and cleaning component operation, which facilitates the rapid detection of problems such as blockage and abnormal wear, thereby enabling timely intervention and avoiding detection interruptions or decreased drying efficiency due to equipment failure.

[0044] The transparent glass can be independently installed and removed without affecting the overall structure of panel assembly 3 via a plug-in design of slot 4. This allows operators to periodically pull out the transparent glass to open the window, and then perform calibration and testing using a handheld grain moisture meter.

[0045] Example 3

[0046] Combination Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, based on the above embodiments, this embodiment further provides the following:

[0047] In this embodiment, as Figure 5 As shown, a trapezoidal grain guide plate 5 is suspended directly above the mounting frame 61. The grain guide plate 5 is fixedly attached to the bottom plate 32 at an angle downwards, and the bottom edge of the grain guide plate 5 faces the central area above the two rolling rollers 22. Guide strips 51 are integrally bent on both sides of the grain guide plate 5.

[0048] By adopting the above technical solution, the trapezoidal structure of the grain guide plate 5, combined with its downward-sloping fixed angle, forms a natural sliding channel, guiding the grain along a preset path to flow centrally towards the central area above the two rollers 22. The guide strip 51, through its integrated bending on both sides, restricts the lateral spread of the grain, preventing it from scattering into ineffective areas outside the rollers 22. This design ensures that the grain falls well into the crushing gap between the two rollers during each sampling, improving the probability stability of single-grain sampling and reducing invalid detections or data errors caused by material deviation.

[0049] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a support block 62 is fixedly installed in the middle of the mounting frame 61 perpendicular to the inner surface of the base plate 32. An inclined brace 65 is connected to the end of the support block 62, and the inclined brace 65 is attached to the bottom surface of the grain guide plate 5.

[0050] By adopting the above technical solution, the support block 62 is fixed perpendicularly to the inner surface of the base plate 32, forming a rigid fulcrum. The inclined brace 65 connects the support block 62 and the bottom surface of the grain guide plate 5 at an angle, forming a triangular support structure. This design decomposes the impact force of grain flow on the grain guide plate 5 into vertical and horizontal components, which are respectively borne by the support block 62 and the base plate 32, significantly improving the deformation resistance of the grain guide plate 5 and avoiding tilt angle deviation or structural fatigue fracture caused by long-term load.

[0051] like Figure 8 As shown, the inclined support plate 65 is attached to the bottom surface of the grain guide plate 5 through a hard rubber pad 651 embedded in its inclined surface.

[0052] By adopting the above technical solution, the rigid rubber pad 651 embedded in the inclined brace plate 65 is flexibly attached to the bottom surface of the grain guide plate 5, utilizing the high elastic modulus of rubber to absorb the high-frequency vibration energy when the grain falls. While transmitting the load, the rigid rubber pad 651 disperses local stress concentration through slight deformation, reducing the risk of plastic deformation of metal connectors and extending the service life of the support structure.

[0053] Working principle and usage process of this utility model:

[0054] In use, the panel assembly 3 is first fixed to the mounting hole 11 on the side of the grain discharge hopper 1 using bolts circumferentially arranged on the frame 31, so that the base plate 32 fits and seals with the mounting hole 11. The moisture detector 2 is embedded into the panel assembly 3 through the square hole 311, and the bolts at the four corners of its annular plate 21 are fixed to the outer surface of the base plate 32 to ensure that the two rollers 22 are laterally aligned. The inverted U-shaped mounting bracket 61 of the cleaning assembly 6 is fixed to the inner wall of the base plate 32, so that the two roller brushes 64 contact the circumferential surface of the corresponding rollers 22. The grain guide plate 5 is inclined and fixed on the base plate 32, the guide strip plate 51 constrains the grain flow direction, and the inclined support plate 65 supports the bottom surface of the grain guide plate 5 through the hard rubber pad 651. The transparent glass insert slot 4 closes the square hole 312, forming a window for manual observation and calibration sampling.

[0055] Grain falls through the conical structure of the discharge hopper 1 onto the guide plate 5, where it is constrained by the trapezoidal inclined surface and guide strip 51, concentrating its flow towards the central area directly above the two rollers 22. The two rollers 22 are driven to rotate in opposite directions by the internal drive mechanism of the moisture detector 2. Individual grains are crushed and crushed between the two rollers 22, and the resistance signal is transmitted via a signal board to an external detection and control device to calculate the moisture value. The triangular support structure formed by the support block 62 and the inclined brace 65 disperses the impact load on the guide plate 5, while the hard rubber pad 651 absorbs vibration energy.

[0056] When the rolling mill 22 rotates, it drives the roller brush 64 to rotate around the suspension rod 63, continuously scraping the knurled surface of the rolling mill 22 to remove adhering grain residue. The operator can observe the internal operating status through the transparent glass. If any abnormality is found, the panel assembly 3 can be disassembled for maintenance. At the same time, the operator can pull out the transparent glass from the side at regular intervals to open the window, and then calibrate and test it using a handheld grain moisture meter.

[0057] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A grain dryer hopper with a moisture meter, comprising a conical discharge hopper (1), wherein a mounting hole (11) is provided at the bottom of one side of the discharge hopper (1), and an online resistance moisture meter (2) is installed in the mounting hole (11), wherein two rollers (22) with different circumferential widths are respectively arranged laterally and rotatably at the end of the moisture meter (2), characterized in that: The mounting hole (11) is detachably encapsulated by a panel assembly (3) that is adapted to it. A moisture detector (2) is embedded in the lower part of the panel assembly (3), and a cleaning assembly (6) is mounted directly above the two rollers (22) of the moisture detector (2). The cleaning assembly (6) includes a mounting bracket (61) fixedly attached to the inner wall of the panel assembly (3) and having an inverted U-shaped structure. The two ends of the mounting bracket (61) are respectively vertically connected to a suspension rod (63). The ends of the two suspension rods (63) are respectively axially rotated and sleeved with roller brushes (64) for cleaning the circumferential surface of the corresponding roller (22). The lengths of the two roller brushes (64) are respectively adapted to the width of the circumferential surface of the corresponding roller (22).

2. The grain dryer lower bin with moisture detector of claim 1, wherein: The panel assembly (3) includes a base plate (32) that fits into the mounting hole (11). A corresponding frame (31) is fixedly attached to the outer edge of the base plate (32). The frame (31) is fixedly connected to the corresponding side of the grain hopper (1) by a plurality of bolts evenly distributed around its circumference. A square hole (311) for mounting a moisture detector (2) is provided in the lower part of the base plate (32). An annular plate (21) passing through two rollers (22) is fixedly attached to the end face of the moisture detector (2). The annular plate (21) is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the base plate (32) by bolts at its four corners.

3. The grain dryer lower bin with moisture detector of claim 2, wherein: A trapezoidal grain guide plate (5) is suspended directly above the mounting frame (61). The grain guide plate (5) is fixedly attached to the bottom plate (32) at an angle downwards, and the bottom edge of the grain guide plate (5) faces the central area above the two rolling rollers (22). Guide strips (51) are integrally bent on both sides of the grain guide plate (5).

4. The grain dryer lower bin with moisture detector of claim 3, wherein: A support block (62) is fixedly installed in the middle of the mounting frame (61) perpendicular to the inner surface of the base plate (32). The end of the support block (62) is inclinedly connected to a bracing plate (65), and the bracing plate (65) is attached to the bottom surface of the grain guide plate (5).

5. The grain dryer lower bin with moisture detector of claim 4, wherein: The inclined support plate (65) is attached to the bottom surface of the grain guide plate (5) through a hard rubber pad (651) embedded in its inclined surface.

6. The grain dryer lower bin with moisture detector of claim 2, wherein: The base plate (32) has a square hole (312) in the upper part. A slot (4) is fixedly attached to the outside of the square hole (312). A transparent glass is inserted into the inside of the slot (4).

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