Passive sampling type color monitoring device for grain processing

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of passive sampling style color monitoring device for grain processing, it is related to monitoring instrument technical field. Including color measurement unit, sampling collection unit, purging unit and control unit, the control unit is electrically connected with color measurement unit, purging unit respectively;The sampling collection unit includes sample collection bin, the upper portion of the sample collection bin is equipped with feeding opening, the feeding opening is in the way of opening upwards and is inserted into grain processing vertical pipe that grain is conveyed from top to bottom;The color measurement unit is configured to the grain collected inside sample collection bin and carries out color measurement;The purging unit is configured to blow away the grain in sample collection bin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of monitoring instrument technology, specifically a passive sampling color monitoring device for grain processing. Background Technology

[0002] Color monitoring is a crucial quality control step in grain production and processing, used to measure indicators such as maturity, freshness, purity, and processing precision. Currently, color monitoring devices in the grain industry typically include a sampling mechanism and a measuring mechanism (using a camera or color sensor). The sampling mechanism generally employs an auger or other active material handling structure. When sampling materials, this type of active material handling structure forcibly extracts material from the production line; for example, in the automatic sampling and inspection device provided by patent CN221038147U, the auger rod extends into the pipe and conveys the material through rotation. However, this method has the following drawbacks in practical applications: Firstly, the structures of active material handling mechanisms such as augers are mostly complex, requiring significant modifications to the production line during installation, thus resulting in high setup costs; furthermore, the mechanical parts are prone to wear, leading to higher maintenance costs. Secondly, the active handling method can significantly disrupt the material flow, potentially affecting the smoothness and effectiveness of the production process.

[0003] In conclusion, it is essential to provide a grain color monitoring device that is simple in structure, easy to install, and has minimal impact on existing production lines. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a passive sampling color monitoring device for grain processing, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art, that the existing grain color monitoring devices adopt an active material sampling structure, which has defects such as complex structure, inconvenient installation, and significant impact on the production line.

[0005] This utility model is achieved using the following technical solution: A passive sampling color monitoring device for grain processing includes a color measurement unit comprising a light source, a color sensor, and a measurement circuit; it also includes a sampling collection unit, a purging unit, and a control unit, the control unit being electrically connected to the color measurement unit and the purging unit respectively; the sampling collection unit includes a sample collection chamber with a feed opening at its upper part, the feed opening extending upwards into a grain processing conveying riser that transports grain from top to bottom; the color measurement unit is configured to measure the color of the grain collected inside the sample collection chamber; the purging unit is configured to blow the grain out of the sample collection chamber.

[0006] The color monitoring device provided by this utility model passively collects grain from the production line through a sample collection chamber with an upper feed opening that extends into the grain processing conveying riser. The color measurement unit then automatically detects the color of the grain. After color detection, a purging unit introduces high-pressure air to blow away the inspected grain, allowing the sample collection chamber to collect new material for further testing. Thus, this utility model achieves color monitoring of grain in the production line. The sampling collection unit uses a passive sample collection chamber that collects flowing material, which is a non-interventional, follow-the-flow sampling method. It utilizes the flow state of the material itself in the grain processing conveying riser, eliminating the need for forced collection and thus minimizing impact on the production line. Furthermore, the sample collection chamber has a very simple structure, requiring only its insertion into the conveying riser, making setup and maintenance simple and cost-effective.

[0007] Furthermore, a color measurement unit is provided on one side of the sample collection chamber, and a transparent monitoring window is provided between the color measurement unit and the sample collection chamber.

[0008] By setting a transparent monitoring window, the color measurement unit can perform non-contact detection of grains, avoiding contamination of the color measurement unit.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes a purging unit, which is electrically connected to the control unit; the bottom of the sample collection chamber is provided with a purging opening, and the purging unit is configured to blow gas obliquely upward from below the sample collection chamber toward the purging opening.

[0010] By creating a purge opening at the bottom of the sample collection chamber and defining the direction of airflow from the purge unit, high-pressure gas can be blown in from the bottom of the chamber. This causes the grain within the chamber to move upwards at an angle, allowing it to exit through the feed opening and return to the conveying riser for continued circulation. This eliminates the need for separate collection and repositioning of the tested grain, significantly reducing workload. Furthermore, high-pressure gas purging also cleans the monitoring window, preventing material residue from contaminating it, eliminating the need for manual cleaning or additional cleaning components.

[0011] Furthermore, in the color measurement unit, the measurement circuit includes a transimpedance amplifier, a voltage-controlled oscillator, and a microprocessor; the output terminal of the color sensor is electrically connected to the input terminal of the transimpedance amplifier, the output terminal of the transimpedance amplifier is electrically connected to the input terminal of the voltage-controlled oscillator, and the output terminal of the voltage-controlled oscillator is electrically connected to the input terminal of the microprocessor.

[0012] By configuring a transimpedance amplifier, a voltage-controlled oscillator, and a microprocessor, color detection information can be output as a frequency signal. Compared to the direct voltage output or integrated ADC digital output commonly used in existing color measurement units, frequency signal output has the following advantages: First, high resolution, meaning the frequency can be accurately measured to single digits (1Hz) using a counter in the microprocessor (MCU). Measuring minute voltage changes (e.g., the difference between 3.500V and 3.501V) requires a very high-precision ADC, which is costly. Second, strong anti-interference capability, meaning the frequency signal, being a digital signal, will not change as long as the rising / falling edge of the pulse is correctly identified, even if noise causes slight changes in voltage amplitude during transmission. Analog voltage signals are highly susceptible to interference during long-distance transmission. Third, simple interface, requiring no ADC chip; only a single digital input pin of the MCU (or even no advanced peripherals, a standard I / O port with a timer / counter) is needed, greatly simplifying system design and reducing costs. Fourth, good real-time performance, as the conversion circuit is entirely implemented in hardware, resulting in very fast response.

[0013] Furthermore, the purging unit includes an air compressor, an air tank, a solenoid valve, and an air supply pipe. The solenoid valve is electrically connected to the control unit, and the output end of the air supply pipe is located below the purging opening.

[0014] By controlling the energizing time of the solenoid valve through the control unit, the purging time of the purging unit can be indirectly controlled, thereby achieving a timed purging effect. Furthermore, by controlling the electrical signal mode supplied to the solenoid valve, short-blowing, long-blowing, and intermittent multiple-blowing modes can be achieved, thus enabling the purging mode to flexibly adapt to the adhesion of different materials or other production parameter requirements in actual applications.

[0015] Furthermore, a connecting shell is connected to one side of the sample collection chamber, and a monitoring window is provided on the side of the connecting shell adjacent to the sample collection chamber. A color measurement unit is installed inside the connecting shell.

[0016] The color measurement unit is housed and protected by a connecting housing.

[0017] Furthermore, the connecting shell is cylindrical, and one end of the connecting shell connected to the sample collection chamber passes through the installation tube and extends into the grain processing conveying riser; the installation tube is fixedly connected to the outside of the grain processing conveying riser, and the connecting shell is installed in the installation tube by a screw assembly.

[0018] By setting the connecting shell to a cylindrical shape (with corresponding round holes on the side of the grain processing conveying riser), it can be well matched with the mounting pipe and screw assembly to achieve quick assembly and disassembly of the connecting shell, thereby enabling flexible installation of the entire color monitoring device; thus, this utility model has the advantages of simple and convenient installation, greatly simplifying the installation process compared with the prior art.

[0019] Furthermore, the sample collection chamber is funnel-shaped.

[0020] By setting the sample collection chamber in a funnel shape, efficient material collection can be achieved based on the structure of a large opening and a small outlet; it is also more compatible with the action mode of purging gas, making it easier to blow away the material; in addition, the funnel-shaped conical structure itself has good mechanical strength, can withstand the impact and pressure of a certain amount of sample, and is not easily deformed.

[0021] The beneficial effects achieved by this utility model are: A color monitoring device for grain processing is provided. By incorporating a sampling and collection unit, a color measurement unit, a purging unit, and a control unit, it enables online monitoring of grain color in the production line. The sampling and collection unit includes a sample collection chamber with an upper feed opening extending into the grain processing conveyor riser, passively collecting grain from the production line for passive sampling. Compared to existing color monitoring devices that employ a forced-grabbing method, the passive sampling method proposed in this invention has less impact on the production line. Furthermore, the overall structure of the device is simple, making setup and maintenance easy and cost-effective. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the color monitoring device described in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sample collection chamber in the color monitoring device described in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation method of the color monitoring device described in this embodiment of the utility model; In the diagram: 1. Connecting shell; 2. Installing shell; 3. Sample collection chamber; 4. Monitoring window; 5. Purge opening; 6. Grain processing conveying riser; 7. Installation pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] Example 1 This embodiment provides a passive sampling color monitoring device for grain processing. Please refer to... Figures 1 to 3It includes a housing, a color measurement unit, a sampling and collection unit, a purging unit, and a control unit. The control unit is electrically connected to the color measurement unit and the purging unit, respectively. Specifically, in this embodiment: The sampling and collection unit, including a sample collection chamber 3, is used to collect and hold grain samples. A color measurement unit (not shown) is configured to measure the color of the grain samples collected inside the sample collection chamber 3. It includes a light source, a color sensor, and a measurement circuit integrated on a circuit board, all electrically connected to a control unit. A purging unit (not shown) is configured to blow the grain samples out of the sample collection chamber 3 after color detection. It includes an air compressor, an air tank, a filter, a solenoid valve, and an air supply pipe. The air compressor and solenoid valve are electrically connected to the control unit. The control unit (not shown) receives, processes, and reports (e.g., to a display unit or central control system) color measurement information and controls the operation of the color measurement unit and the purging unit. It includes a main control circuit module integrated on a circuit board, and the control unit is communicatively connected to both the display unit and the central control system (e.g., a PLC / DCS).

[0025] The housing includes a cylindrical connecting shell 1, one end of which is connected to the sample collection chamber 3, and the other end is connected to a square mounting shell 2. The connecting shell 1, sample collection chamber 3, and mounting shell 2 are integrally formed. The color measurement unit is located inside the connecting shell 1, and the solenoid valves in the main control unit and the purge unit are located inside the mounting shell 2. Wherein: The sample collection chamber 3 is funnel-shaped, with a feed opening at the top and a purge opening 5 at the bottom. The feed opening extends upward into the grain processing conveying riser 6, which transports grain from top to bottom.

[0026] A transparent circular monitoring window 4 is provided on the side of the connecting shell 1 adjacent to the sample collection chamber 3. The specific position of the color measurement unit in the connecting shell 1 is adapted to the monitoring window 4, allowing color detection of the grain sample inside the sample collection chamber 3 through the transparent monitoring window 4. In the color measurement unit, the measurement circuit includes a transimpedance amplifier, a voltage-controlled oscillator, and a microprocessor; the output terminal of the color sensor (R, G, B current output pins) is electrically connected to the input terminal (current input terminal) of the transimpedance amplifier, the output terminal (voltage output terminal) of the transimpedance amplifier is electrically connected to the input terminal (voltage control input terminal) of the voltage-controlled oscillator, and the output terminal (frequency signal output terminal) of the voltage-controlled oscillator is electrically connected to the input terminal (digital input / counter pin) of the microprocessor.

[0027] The purging unit is configured to blow gas at an angle upward from below the sample collection chamber 3 toward the purging opening 5. That is, the output end of the gas supply pipe is connected to the purging opening 5 from below the sample collection chamber 3 at an angle upward (in actual use, a guide or other structure can be set between the output end of the gas supply pipe and the purging opening 5 as needed).

[0028] One end of the connecting shell 1 that is connected to the sample collection chamber 3 passes through the mounting tube 7 and extends into the grain processing and conveying riser 6 (the grain processing and conveying riser 6 has a corresponding round hole on its side); the mounting tube 7 is welded to the outside of the grain processing and conveying riser 6, and the connecting shell 1 is installed in the mounting tube 7 by at least three sets of screw assemblies.

[0029] In this embodiment, the relevant technical specifications are as follows: the light source is an RGB three-color (red, green, blue) LED; the output parameters of the control unit are RGB three-color values, and the resolution ΔE<0.5; the diameter of the monitoring window 4 is ≥25mm; the data refresh time is 1min; and the protection level is IP55.

[0030] Based on the above structure and configuration, the color monitoring device provided in this embodiment can realize online monitoring of the color of grain in the production line, specifically: During the operation of the grain processing production line, grain falls from the grain processing conveyor riser 6. Some of this grain, which can be used as a sample, falls freely through the feed opening into the sample collection bin 3. Then, under the control of the control unit, the color measurement unit performs color detection on the grain sample in the sample collection bin 3 at a specific time (in practical applications, the time node and / or time interval are set to match the sample status in the sample collection bin 3, ensuring sufficient grain sample in the bin during testing), and sends the detection information to the control unit. After testing, the control unit controls the purging unit to blow away the tested grain sample, and simultaneously transmits the detection information to the central control system according to a fixed communication protocol. The central control system can control the drying, temperature, and humidity devices in real time based on the color measurement information, thereby achieving stable operation of the production control process and ensuring controllable product consistency. Specifically: The control unit can adaptively adjust the measurement frequency based on the trend of color change (such as the rate of change of ΔE value). For example, it can increase the measurement frequency to obtain accurate information when the color changes rapidly, and decrease the measurement frequency to save air supply when the color is stable. The purging unit can implement different purging modes (such as short purging, long purging, intermittent multiple purging, etc.), which can be flexibly selected according to the adhesion of the material in practical applications. The color measurement unit's color detection process can be summarized into three core stages, specifically: The first stage is the conversion from light to current: a photodiode covered with an RGB filter in a color sensor detects the intensity of the three primary colors of light—red, green, and blue—and converts them into corresponding weak currents. The second stage is the conversion from current to voltage: a transimpedance amplifier converts the weak current into a voltage signal. The third stage is the conversion from voltage to frequency: a voltage-controlled oscillator (or similar circuitry) linearly converts the voltage signal into a square wave frequency signal; the higher the voltage, the higher the output frequency.

[0031] In summary, the color monitoring device provided in this embodiment can be widely used in the deep processing industry of grains such as corn, wheat, and rice. It can monitor the color changes of products at key production nodes in real time and feed the data back to the central control system in real time to automatically adjust the parameters of production equipment, thereby realizing closed-loop control of the production process. This significantly reduces waste, improves production efficiency, and helps to enhance the enterprise's product quality control capabilities.

[0032] It should be noted that the parts not described in detail or in detail in the above solution, such as how the control unit specifically controls the solenoid valve, how the control unit specifically controls the detection time of the color measurement unit, etc., are all existing technologies and are not improvements made by this utility model to existing technologies, nor are they within the protection scope of this utility model's technical solution. Therefore, they will not be elaborated on in this article.

[0033] Of course, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments of this utility model. This utility model is not limited to the above examples, and all equivalent changes and improvements made by those skilled in the art within the scope of this utility model should be included in the patent coverage of this utility model.

Claims

1. A passive sampling color monitoring device for grain processing, comprising a color measurement unit, wherein the color measurement unit includes a light source, a color sensor, and a measurement circuit, characterized in that: It also includes a sampling and collection unit, a purging unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is electrically connected to the color measurement unit and the purging unit respectively; the sampling and collection unit includes a sample collection chamber (3), the upper part of which is provided with a feeding opening, the feeding opening extending into the grain processing conveying riser (6) that conveys grain from top to bottom in an upward manner; the color measurement unit is configured to measure the color of the grain collected inside the sample collection chamber (3); the purging unit is configured to blow the grain out of the sample collection chamber (3).

2. The passive sampling color monitoring device for grain processing according to claim 1, characterized in that: A color measurement unit is provided on one side of the sample collection chamber (3), and a transparent monitoring window (4) is provided between the color measurement unit and the interior of the sample collection chamber (3).

3. The passive sampling color monitoring device for grain processing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sample collection chamber (3) is provided with a purge opening (5) at the bottom, and the purge unit is configured to blow gas obliquely upward from below the sample collection chamber (3) toward the purge opening (5).

4. The passive sampling color monitoring device for grain processing according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the color measurement unit, the measurement circuit includes a transimpedance amplifier, a voltage-controlled oscillator, and a microprocessor; the output terminal of the color sensor is electrically connected to the input terminal of the transimpedance amplifier, the output terminal of the transimpedance amplifier is electrically connected to the input terminal of the voltage-controlled oscillator, and the output terminal of the voltage-controlled oscillator is electrically connected to the input terminal of the microprocessor.

5. The passive sampling color monitoring device for grain processing according to claim 3, characterized in that: The purging unit includes an air compressor, an air tank, a solenoid valve, and an air supply pipe. The solenoid valve is electrically connected to the control unit, and the output end of the air supply pipe is located below the purging opening (5).

6. The passive sampling color monitoring device for grain processing according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sample collection chamber (3) is connected to a connecting shell (1) on one side. A monitoring window (4) is provided on the side of the connecting shell (1) adjacent to the sample collection chamber (3). A color measurement unit is installed inside the connecting shell (1).

7. The passive sampling color monitoring device for grain processing according to claim 6, characterized in that: The connecting shell (1) is cylindrical. One end of the connecting shell (1) connected to the sample collection chamber (3) passes through the installation tube (7) and extends into the grain processing conveying riser (6). The installation tube (7) is fixedly connected to the outside of the grain processing conveying riser (6). The connecting shell (1) is installed in the installation tube (7) by a screw assembly.

8. The passive sampling color monitoring device for grain processing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sample collection chamber (3) is funnel-shaped.

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