Cereal Moisture Meter

Abstract

To provide a grain moisture meter that makes it easy to store and carry accessories such as sample dishes, and reduces the risk of loss. [Solution] The grain moisture meter 10 comprises at least an upper electrode and a lower electrode positioned opposite each other at a certain distance apart, and a sample dish 3 sandwiched between the upper electrode and the lower electrode. A predetermined amount of sample grain G collected in the sample dish is pressurized and crushed between the upper electrode and the lower electrode, and an electric current is passed through it to determine the amount of moisture contained in the sample grain. The moisture meter body 11 is provided with a storage section 9 for holding the sample dish. The storage section 9 is a recess formed so as to be recessed inward on the bottom surface of the moisture meter body, and it holds the sample dish in a detachable manner. The storage section for holding the sample dish is integrally provided on the moisture meter body, which is the housing, and is configured to be easily detachable, so the sample dish is not separated from the moisture meter body and is always stored and carried together, significantly reducing the risk of losing the sample dish.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cereal moisture meter. Specifically, in a cereal moisture meter that places finely ground sample cereals between an upper electrode and a lower electrode arranged opposite to each other and measures the electrical resistance value between the two electrodes to obtain the moisture value of the sample cereals, it relates to a cereal moisture meter that facilitates the storage and carrying of accessories such as a sample dish for placing the sample cereals and reduces the risk of loss.

Background Art

[0002] Cereals such as rice and wheat contain a large amount of moisture in the harvested state and are not suitable for storage as they are. It is widely known that they need to be dried to an optimal moisture level for storage. Also, in the process from the harvest to the drying and storage of cereals, a dedicated measuring instrument (hereinafter referred to as a "cereal moisture meter") is used to measure the moisture content of the cereals (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] In such a cereal moisture meter, it is common to sandwich a sample dish filled with a predetermined amount of sample cereals between an upper electrode and a lower electrode arranged at regular intervals, apply a pressure to the sample cereals to crush them, apply a predetermined voltage, and measure the electrical resistance of the sample cereals. The measured resistance value is converted into a moisture content to determine the moisture content of the cereals.

[0004] By the way, since the sample dish to be stored and carried together with the cereal moisture meter body is small and thin, manufacturers often provide a bag-shaped case that can hold the accessories such as the sample dish together with the cereal moisture meter body. However, it is expected that some users may find it troublesome to use the case, and there is a risk of losing the sample dish by not putting it in the case.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] This invention was made in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and aims to provide a grain moisture meter that makes it easy to store and carry accessories such as sample dishes and reduces the risk of loss. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, a first aspect of the present invention is a grain moisture meter comprising at least an upper electrode and a lower electrode arranged at opposing positions with a certain distance between them, and a sample dish sandwiched between the upper electrode and the lower electrode, wherein a predetermined amount of sample grain collected in the sample dish is pressurized and crushed between the upper electrode and the lower electrode and an electric current is passed through it, and the amount of moisture contained in the sample grain is determined from the measured electrical resistance value, characterized in that the moisture meter body is provided with a storage section for holding the sample dish.

[0008] In other words, the grain moisture meter of the present invention is an electrical resistance type grain moisture meter that applies a predetermined voltage to a sample grain that is sandwiched between an upper electrode and a lower electrode and crushed under pressure, and calculates the amount of moisture contained in the sample grain from the detected electrical resistance value, and the moisture meter body, which is the housing, is integrally provided with a storage section for holding the sample dish.

[0009] In the above-described grain moisture meter, the storage section can be a recess formed such that the outer surface of the moisture meter body is recessed inward. In this case, the storage section may be equipped with a pressure-fitting means for detachably holding the sample dish. Furthermore, the storage section may be equipped with locking means for detachably holding the sample dish. Furthermore, the storage unit may be equipped with magnetic means for detachably holding the sample dish. Furthermore, the storage compartment may be provided on the bottom surface of the moisture meter body. Furthermore, the storage compartment can accommodate accessories such as cleaning tools for wiping away residual sample from the measurement unit, along with the sample tray. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this invention, the moisture meter body, which is the housing of the grain moisture meter, is integrally provided with a storage section for holding the sample dish, and is configured to be easily attached and detached. As a result, the sample dish is not separated from the moisture meter body and is always stored and carried together, significantly reducing the risk of losing the sample dish. Therefore, it is possible to provide a grain moisture meter that makes it easy to store and carry accessories such as sample dishes, and reduces the risk of loss. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view showing the grain moisture meter according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the electrode device of the grain moisture meter, seen from the front. [Figure 3] This is a schematic bottom view illustrating the configuration of the storage compartment provided in the grain moisture meter according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic perspective view of the bottom side showing the sample dish housed in the storage compartment of the grain moisture meter according to the present invention. [Figure 5] (A) A schematic perspective view of the bottom side and (B) an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion indicated by the dashed-dotted circle, which is a diagram illustrating the pressure contact means of the grain moisture meter according to the present invention. [Figure 6] (A) A schematic perspective view of the bottom side and (B) an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion indicated by the dashed-dotted circle labeled B, illustrating the other pressing means provided by the grain moisture meter according to the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a schematic bottom view illustrating the locking mechanism of the grain moisture meter according to the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a schematic bottom view illustrating the other locking means provided by the grain moisture meter according to the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a schematic bottom perspective view explaining the magnetic attachment means provided in the cereal moisture meter according to the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view showing the assembled configuration of the electrode device portion before attaching the handle and the sample dish from the side. [Figure 11] It is a cross-sectional view showing the electrode device portion after attaching the handle and the sample dish from the side.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the cereal moisture meter according to the present invention will be described based on the drawings. The cereal moisture meter according to the present invention aims to reduce the risk of loss of accessories such as a sample dish used when measuring the moisture content contained in cereals, and to have a configuration that is easy to store and carry.

[0013] Note that the embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present invention and are technically subject to various limitations. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified in the following description.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cereal moisture meter 10 in the present embodiment applies a predetermined voltage to the sample cereal G placed on the sample dish 3, measures the electrical resistance therebetween, and obtains the moisture content contained in the sample cereal G. A storage unit 9 for holding the sample dish 3 is provided in the moisture meter main body 11. That is, the cereal moisture meter 10 according to the present embodiment is a so-called electric resistance type moisture meter. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the cereal moisture meter 10 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the electrode device of the cereal moisture meter 10 shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the front.

[0015] The housing of the moisture meter main body 11 is composed of an upper case 11u and a lower case 11b. The upper case 11u has an insertion port 8 for receiving the sample dish 3 during measurement on its front surface, and a moisture display unit 12 for displaying the measurement result and a plurality of operation buttons 13··13 on its upper surface. Furthermore, the moisture meter body 11 is equipped with a conductive handle 4 (hereinafter referred to as handle 4) that penetrates the upper case 11u. This handle 4 has threads that engage with a square female screw 5 provided so as to penetrate the upper case 11u, and the upper electrode 1 is provided at the lower part of the handle 4. In Figure 2 (an exploded view of the electrode device of the grain moisture meter 10 shown in Figure 1, viewed from the front), reference numeral 30 indicates a lever, reference numeral 31 indicates a screw, reference numeral 32 indicates a fixing pin, reference numeral 33 indicates a male screw, reference numeral 34 indicates a constant pressure spring, and reference numeral 35 indicates a spacer. In the grain moisture meter 10 shown in Figure 2, the handle 4 is constructed by mounting a circular constant-pressure spring 34 around the upper electrode 1 as an axis, embedding it in a male screw 33, and fixing the upper electrode 1 with a screw 31. This integrates the male screw 33, the constant-pressure spring 34, and the upper electrode 1 into one unit. The lever 30 is then placed over this integrated unit from above, and a fixing pin 32 is inserted from the side to complete the handle 4.

[0016] On the other hand, the lower electrode 2 is attached to the lower case 11b. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the lower case 11b is provided with a storage section 9 for holding the sample dish 3, which is formed in a concave shape so that the bottom surface 10b of the moisture meter body 11 is recessed inward. Figure 3 is a schematic bottom view illustrating the configuration of the storage compartment 9 provided in the grain moisture meter 10 according to this embodiment, and Figure 4 is a schematic bottom perspective view showing the sample dish 3 housed in the storage compartment 9.

[0017] As shown by the dotted arrow in Figure 3, the storage compartment 9 holds the sample dish 3 when not in use, so that, as shown in Figure 4, the sample dish 3 is not separated from the moisture meter body 11 and is always stored and carried together as one unit. Therefore, the risk of losing the sample dish 3 is significantly reduced. Moreover, since there is no need to use a separate case to store all the accessories together for storing and carrying the sample dish 3, the hassle and inconvenience of carrying a case containing the sample dish 3 together with the moisture meter body 11 is eliminated, and the grain moisture meter 10 can be carried quickly and easily.

[0018] Furthermore, the shape and size of the recess forming the storage section 9 are not particularly limited as long as the sample dish 3 can be accommodated, but it is desirable that it be similar in shape to the sample dish 3 and slightly larger. As a result, the sample dish 3 can be housed and held in the storage compartment 9 (recess) without protruding from the outer surface of the moisture meter body 11, allowing for smooth handling of the grain moisture meter 10 during storage and transport without the sample dish 3 getting in the way. Moreover, the sample dish 3, which is held integrally with the moisture meter body 11, is less likely to detract from the appearance of the grain moisture meter 10.

[0019] Furthermore, by positioning the storage compartment 9 in an inconspicuous location on the bottom surface 10b (the back of the lower case 11b) of the grain moisture meter 10 (moisture meter body 11), the risk of the sample dish 3, which is held integrally with the moisture meter body 11, detracting from the appearance of the grain moisture meter 10 can be further reduced.

[0020] This storage section 9 is equipped with means for detachably holding the sample dish 3. As an example of this means, as shown in Figure 5, a pressure contact means such as a projection 15 that protrudes (becomes thicker) toward the inside of the storage section 9 (recess) can be provided on the wall surface constituting the concave storage section 3. Figure 5 illustrates an example of a pressure-fitting means for detachably holding the sample dish 3. Figure 5(A) is a schematic perspective view of the bottom side, and Figure 5(B) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion enclosed by the dashed-dotted circle indicated by the symbol A in Figure 5(A).

[0021] Figure 5 shows a configuration in which multiple protrusions 15··15 are arranged facing each other within the storage section 3. Therefore, the sample dish 3 housed within the storage section 3 is held in place by the pressure exerted by the protrusions 15 on the inner surface of the recess, preventing it from falling out of the recess (storage section 3).

[0022] Furthermore, the pressure-fitting means may be, for example, one in which an elastic member is attached to the wall surface constituting the recessed storage section 3, as shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 illustrates another example of a pressure-fitting means for detachably holding the sample dish 3, where Figure 6(A) is a schematic perspective view of the bottom side, and Figure 6(B) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area enclosed by the dashed-dotted circle indicated by the symbol B in Figure 6(A).

[0023] Figure 6 shows a state in which multiple sheet-like elastic members 16··16 are arranged facing each other within the storage section 3. The elastic members 16 can be flexible rubber or sponge materials in sheet form, or they can be spring members. Therefore, the sample dish 3 housed in the storage section 3 is held in place by the pressure force between the elastic members 16 provided on the inner surface of the recess, preventing the sample dish 3 from falling out of the recess (storage section 3).

[0024] Furthermore, as a means for detachably holding the sample dish 3, for example, as shown in Figure 7, a locking means consisting of a sliding lid 17 can be provided in the opening that constitutes the recessed storage section 3. Figure 7 is a schematic bottom perspective view illustrating an example of a locking mechanism for detachably holding the sample dish 3.

[0025] Figure 7 shows a sliding lid 17 that slides along the bottom surface 10b of the grain moisture meter 10. Therefore, as indicated by the white arrow in Figure 7, the sliding lid 17, which is locked to the opening of the storage section 3, slides along the bottom surface 10b of the grain moisture meter 10, closing the opening of the storage section 3 and preventing the sample dish 3 from falling out of the recess (storage section 3).

[0026] Furthermore, the locking mechanism may be provided, for example, in the opening that constitutes the recessed storage section 3, as shown in Figure 8, and may consist of a canopy 18 and a rotating cover 19. Figure 8 is a schematic bottom perspective view illustrating another example of a locking mechanism for detachably holding the sample dish 3.

[0027] Figure 8 shows a canopy 18 provided on the opening edge of the storage compartment 3 along the direction of the bottom surface 10b of the grain moisture meter 10, and a pivotable lid 19 provided on the opening edge opposite to it, which can be raised and lowered. Therefore, when the sample dish 3 is placed in the storage compartment 3 from the end in the longitudinal direction with the pivotable lid 19 in the upright position, one end in the longitudinal direction is locked to the canopy 18. After the sample dish 3 is placed in the storage compartment 3, the other end in the longitudinal direction is locked by the pivotable lid 19, which is lowered as shown by the dotted arrow in the figure, preventing the sample dish 3 from falling out of the recess (storage compartment 3) unnecessarily.

[0028] Furthermore, as a means for detachably holding the sample dish 3, for example, as shown in Figure 9, a magnetic attachment means consisting of a magnet 20 can be provided in a recessed storage section 3. Figure 9 is a schematic bottom-side perspective view illustrating an example of a magnetic attachment mechanism for detachably holding the sample dish 3.

[0029] Figure 9 shows the state in which the magnet 20 is embedded in the bottom surface of the storage compartment 3. Therefore, if the sample dish 3 is made of a ferromagnetic material such as iron, when it is housed in the sample dish 3 storage compartment 3, the magnetic field generated by the magnet 20 embedded in the recess attracts it, and the sample dish 3 is held in place so that it does not fall out of the recess unnecessarily.

[0030] In this way, the sample dish 3 is detachably held by the pressure contact means, locking means, and magnetic attachment means provided in the concave storage section 9 located on the moisture meter body 11. Therefore, the storage and holding of the sample dish 3 in the storage section 3, and the removal of the sample dish 3 from the storage section 3, can be performed efficiently and easily.

[0031] Furthermore, the storage compartment 9 should be able to accommodate accessories such as cleaning tools for wiping away residual sample from the measurement unit and a measuring spoon for ensuring that the amount of sample grain collected in the sample unit 3 is always constant, along with the sample dish 3. In other words, it is desirable that the storage compartment 9 be shaped and sized to accommodate accessories such as brushes for cleaning the upper electrode 1, lower electrode 2, sample dish 3, and other components that make up the measurement unit of the grain moisture meter 10.

[0032] As a result, the sample dish 3 and accessories such as cleaning tools (brushes) are not separated from the moisture meter body 11, but are always stored and carried together as a single unit. This eliminates the hassle and inconvenience of carrying a separate case to store the accessories, and allows for more efficient and convenient transport of the moisture meter body 11, the sample dish 3, and accessories such as cleaning tools.

[0033] Furthermore, as described above, in the grain moisture meter 10, the upper electrode 1 and the lower electrode 2 are positioned opposite each other with a certain distance between them. A suitable amount of sample grain G to be measured is collected in the depression formed at the top of the sample dish 3, which is then inserted through the insertion port 8 provided on the front of the grain moisture meter 10 and placed on the lower electrode 2 located inside. In other words, the sample dish 3 is sandwiched between the upper electrode 1 and the lower electrode 2.

[0034] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the grain moisture meter 10 configured as described above, like a conventional electrical resistance type moisture meter, has a sample dish 3 on which the sample grain G is placed inserted between the upper electrode 1 and the lower electrode 2 through the insertion port 8 during measurement, and the upper electrode 1 attached to the handle 4 descends from above the lower electrode 2 while screwing into the square female screw 5.

[0035] In other words, the method of using this grain moisture meter 10 is to screw the handle 4 into the square female screw 5 and lower the upper electrode 1 attached to its tip partway into the grain moisture meter 10. Next, the sample dish 3, in which a predetermined amount of sample grain G to be measured has been collected, is inserted through the insertion opening 8 and placed on the lower electrode 2. In this state, the handle 4 is further rotated and screwed in to lower the upper electrode 1 and apply pressure to the sample grain G collected in the sample dish 3.

[0036] Furthermore, by rotating the handle 4 and the upper electrode 1 to a predetermined position, pressure is applied to the sample grain G to crush it, and then current is passed between the upper electrode 1 and the lower electrode 2. The electrical resistance between them is measured to calculate the moisture content of the sample grain G. After the measurement, the handle 4 is rotated in the opposite direction to the downward movement and rises together with the upper electrode 1 to partway up the upper case 11u. The measured sample grain G is then removed from the insertion port 8 together with the sample dish 3, and the measurement is completed.

[0037] Subsequently, the sample dish 3 is cleaned with a cleaning tool such as a brush and placed in the storage compartment 9 provided on the bottom surface 10b of the grain moisture meter 10, where it is detachably held. Therefore, the grain moisture meter 10 is designed to facilitate the storage and transport of accessories such as the sample dish 3 and cleaning tools, reducing the risk of loss. [Industrial applicability]

[0038] The grain moisture meter of this invention is expected to be used not only for grains but also for measuring the moisture content of processed grain products. Furthermore, it is expected to be used for measuring the moisture content of non-grain and non-food items such as tablet-shaped chemicals and wood pellets, which can be measured by crushing them. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] G Sample grain 1 Upper electrode 2 Lower electrode 3 Sample dishes 4 handles 5-point female screw 8 Insertion slot 9 Storage compartment 10 Grain moisture meter 11. Moisture meter unit 11u upper case 11b Lower case 12 Moisture display section 13 Operation buttons 15. Protrusion (pressure contact means) 16 Elastic member (pressure welding means) 17 Sliding lid (locking means) 18 Eaves (locking means) 19 Rotating lid (locking means) 20 Magnet (magnetic attachment means)

Claims

1. An upper electrode and a lower electrode are positioned opposite each other with a certain distance between them, A sample dish is sandwiched between the upper electrode and the lower electrode, It has at least the following features: A grain moisture meter that applies pressure and crushes a predetermined amount of sample grains collected in a sample dish between the upper electrode and the lower electrode, passes an electric current through the crushed grains, and determines the amount of moisture contained in the sample grains from the measured electrical resistance value, A grain moisture meter characterized by having a storage compartment for holding the sample dish in the moisture meter body.

2. The grain moisture meter according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage compartment is a recess formed such that the outer surface of the moisture meter body is recessed inward.

3. The grain moisture meter according to claim 2, characterized in that the storage section is provided with a pressure contact means for detachably holding the sample dish.

4. The grain moisture meter according to claim 2, characterized in that the storage section is provided with a locking means for detachably holding the sample dish.

5. The grain moisture meter according to claim 2, characterized in that the storage section is provided with magnetic means for detachably holding the sample dish.

6. The grain moisture meter according to claim 2, characterized in that the storage compartment is provided on the bottom surface of the moisture meter body.

7. The grain moisture meter according to claim 2, characterized in that the storage compartment allows for the storage of accessories such as cleaning tools for wiping away residual sample from the measurement unit, together with the sample dish.

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