Purifier

Abstract

To provide a purifier that is improved in operability or purification performance.SOLUTION: A purifier comprises; a sieving part that has a sieve mesh and is configured to sieve objects to be processed while feeding the objects on the sieve mesh in a predetermined direction; a plurality of rectification chambers communicated with an inside of the sieving part and arranged above the sieving part and partitioned in parallel to the predetermined direction; a plurality of air volume adjustment valves provided in the plurality of rectification chambers respectively, which are configured to adjust volumes of air flowing upward in the corresponding rectification chambers through the sieve mesh; a plurality of motors configured to control apertures of the plurality of air volume adjustment valves by driving the plurality of air volume adjustment valves respectively; and a control device configured to control the plurality of motors.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a purifier for carrying out a purification process in a grain milling process. [Background technology]

[0002] Apparatuses (generally called purifiers) for carrying out purification treatment in the milling process of grains (typically wheat) have been known for some time (for example, Patent Document 1 listed below). For example, in the wheat milling process, wheat grains are cleaned, tempered, and ground into a semi-finished product called stock. This stock is sieved and then fed to the purifier. In the purifier, the stock is separated into endosperm grains called semolina and outer skin fragments called bran.

[0003] More specifically, the purifier includes a sieving section configured to sieve the material to be treated while sending it on a sieve in a predetermined direction, a plurality of straightening chambers arranged above the sieving section and communicating with the inside of the sieving section, and a plurality of air volume adjustment valves respectively provided in the plurality of straightening chambers. Each of the plurality of air volume adjustment valves adjusts the volume of air flowing upward through the corresponding straightening chamber through the sieve. When stock is supplied onto the sieve while the sieve is vibrated, the stock is transported in a predetermined direction on the sieve. At this time, the relatively heavy semolina passes through the sieve and falls in sequence, while the relatively light bran is lifted and sucked up by the air flow (hereinafter referred to as an updraft) flowing upward in the straightening chamber. The size of the mesh of the sieve gradually increases downstream, so that the smaller the particle size of the semolina, the earlier it falls from the sieve. Therefore, the purifier can simultaneously remove the bran and classify the semolina according to particle size.

[0004] In such a purifier, if the rising air current is too weak, the bran does not rise up, and as a result, the bran cannot be removed accurately. On the other hand, if the rising air current is too strong, the relatively small diameter semolina and already powdered wheat flour rise up together with the bran and are sucked in, resulting in a decrease in milling yield. For this reason, in the purifier, it is necessary to control the strength of the rising air current within an appropriate range by adjusting the opening of the air volume control valve.

[0005] In conventional purifiers, the opening of the air flow control valve is adjusted by an operator manually operating a knob mechanically connected to the air flow control valve while visually checking the conditions inside the rectifier chamber through an inspection window. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-39002 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The above-mentioned conventional purifiers have room for improvement in terms of their operability or purification performance. For example, the strength of the rising air current and the behavior of the stock on the sieve screen change depending on various operating conditions (e.g., the particle size of the stock to be treated, the flow rate, the specifications of the sieve screen, the surrounding environment, etc.), so the opening of the air volume control valve, which is operated manually, requires delicate adjustments that rely on the operator's experience and intuition. This causes a large variation in purification accuracy and milling yield between experienced and inexperienced operators. Furthermore, even for experienced operators, making delicate adjustments depending on the operating conditions is a very time-consuming task. For these reasons, it is necessary to improve the operability or purification performance of the purifier. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized, for example, in the following forms.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a purifier comprising: a sieving section having a sieve screen and configured to sieve a processing object while sending it on the sieve screen in a predetermined direction, a plurality of straightening chambers arranged above the sieving section and communicating with the inside of the sieving section and partitioned to be aligned in a predetermined direction, a plurality of air volume adjustment valves respectively provided in the plurality of straightening chambers and configured to adjust the volume of air flowing upward through the corresponding straightening chambers after passing through the sieve screen, a plurality of motors configured to drive the plurality of air volume adjustment valves respectively to control the opening degree of the plurality of air volume adjustment valves, and a control device configured to control the plurality of motors.

[0010] According to this purifier, the opening of the multiple air flow control valves can be adjusted by the control device controlling the multiple motors. This allows greater freedom in designing the purifier compared to the conventional technology in which the opening of the air flow control valves is adjusted by manually operating knobs. As a result, various configurations such as those exemplified below can be realized, improving the operability or purification performance of the purifier.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the purifier includes an inspection window through which the inside of each of the plurality of straightening chambers can be viewed. The control device includes a plurality of user interfaces provided near the inspection window in an arrangement corresponding to each of the plurality of air flow control valves, the plurality of user interfaces being configured to enable an operation to change the opening degree of the corresponding air flow control valve. According to this aspect, as in the conventional case, an operator can adjust the opening degree of the plurality of air flow control valves by operating the plurality of user interfaces while viewing the inside of the plurality of straightening chambers through the inspection window. In addition, since the plurality of user interfaces are provided in an arrangement corresponding to each of the plurality of air flow control valves, the operator can intuitively and easily grasp which air flow control valve's opening degree is being adjusted.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the control device includes a plurality of individual control devices configured to control the plurality of motors, respectively. The plurality of individual control devices each include a plurality of user interfaces. According to this aspect, the wiring layout can be simplified compared to a case where a single control device is electrically connected directly to the plurality of user interfaces, respectively, and is electrically connected directly to the plurality of motors, respectively.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the control device includes an operation panel configured to control each of the plurality of motors and to be able to operate the opening degree of each of the plurality of air volume adjustment valves. According to this aspect, an operator can operate the plurality of motors collectively even if he / she is not in front of the plurality of straightening chambers.

[0014] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the control device is configured to be operable in a first operation mode. In the first operation mode, the control device acquires first correspondence information that associates factor information on factors affecting purification accuracy with opening information that indicates the opening of each of the multiple air volume adjustment valves, and is configured to acquire information corresponding to the factor information as an operating condition of the new operation when the purifier is operated anew, and determine the opening of each of the multiple air volume adjustment valves in the new operation based on the first correspondence information and the information corresponding to the acquired factor information. According to this aspect, if a desired correspondence relationship between the factor information as an operating condition and the opening of each of the multiple air volume adjustment valves is set in advance as the first correspondence relationship, when the purifier is operated anew, the opening of each of the multiple air volume adjustment valves suitable for the operating conditions of the new operation can be automatically determined based on the first correspondence relationship. Therefore, a skilled operator is not necessarily required to operate the purifier. Information corresponding to the factor information may be input to the control device by an operator, or may be acquired by a sensor of the purifier. The first correspondence information may be acquired by reading it from a storage device of the control device, or may be acquired from another device through communication. The first correspondence relationship may be experimentally determined during the manufacturing stage of the purifier.

[0015] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect including at least the second aspect, the control device is configured to update the first correspondence information based on a combination of information corresponding to the factor information acquired for the new operation and the history of the opening degree of each of the plurality of air volume control valves during the new operation when the purifier is operated by an operation using the user interface. According to this aspect, the history of the opening degree of each of the plurality of air volume control valves when an experienced operator manually adjusts the opening degree of the plurality of air volume control valves using the user interface can be reflected in the first correspondence information as a desirable opening degree when the information corresponding to the factor information acquired for the new operation becomes the operating condition. For example, the above combination may be overwritten as the first correspondence information for the corresponding factor information, or may be added as one of the options available as the first correspondence information.

[0016] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the control device is configured to output operation history information of the purifier including the opening degree of each of the plurality of air volume adjustment valves. The output destination of the operation history information may be a storage medium, a communication interface, or a printing device. The operation history information may include information on factors during operation, and may also include operator identification information input by an operator to the control device. According to this aspect, the operation history information is output and the contents thereof are examined, so that it can be utilized in future operation of the purifier. For example, the opening degree of each of the plurality of air volume adjustment valves for improving the milling yield can be examined from the relationship between the separately obtained milling yield and the operation history information. When the seventh aspect is combined with the fifth or sixth aspect, the first correspondence information can also be corrected based on the relationship between the separately obtained milling yield and the operation history information.

[0017] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, a plurality of static pressure sensors are provided in the plurality of straightening chambers, respectively. Each of the plurality of static pressure sensors is configured to detect the static pressure in the corresponding straightening chamber. Since the static pressure correlates with the air volume, according to this aspect, the degree of air flow in the plurality of straightening chambers can be grasped based on the detection result of the static pressure. Therefore, the opening degree of each of the plurality of air volume adjustment valves can be adjusted more finely, and as a result, the purification performance can be improved.

[0018] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth aspect, the control device is configured to be able to display the detection results of the multiple static pressure sensors in real time. According to this aspect, an operator can estimate the air volumes in the multiple straightening chambers by checking the detection results of the static pressure sensors. Furthermore, when the ninth aspect is combined with the second or fourth aspect, an operator can manually adjust the opening degree of each of the multiple air volume control valves while referring to the detection results of the static pressure sensors. The display may be performed, for example, on the user interface of the second aspect, or alternatively or additionally, on the screen of the operation panel of the fourth aspect.

[0019] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth or ninth aspect, the control device is configured to be operable in a second operation mode in which the operation of the motors is automatically controlled based on the detection results of the static pressure sensors and the target static pressure values ​​set individually for each of the rectification chambers. According to this aspect, the air volume of each of the rectification chambers is automatically and appropriately controlled, so that a skilled operator is not necessarily required to operate the purifier. In addition, even if the air volume in the rectification chambers changes due to a change in the properties of the object to be treated, a bias in the distribution of the object to be treated on the sieve, or an increase or decrease in the supply amount of the object to be treated, the opening degree of the air volume control valve can be adjusted so that the air volume returns to an appropriate range.

[0020] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the tenth aspect, the control device is configured to acquire second correspondence information in which factor information on a predetermined factor affecting purification accuracy and a target static pressure value are associated with each other in the second operation mode, acquire information corresponding to the factor information as an operating condition of the new operation when the purifier is newly operated, and determine the target static pressure value in the new operation based on the second correspondence information and the information corresponding to the acquired factor information. According to this aspect, if a desired correspondence relationship between the factor information as an operating condition and the target static pressure value is preset as the second correspondence relationship, when the purifier is newly operated, a target static pressure value suitable for the operating condition of the new operation can be determined based on the second correspondence relationship. The information corresponding to the factor information may be input to the control device by an operator or may be acquired by a sensor of the purifier. The second correspondence information may be acquired by reading it from a storage device of the control device, or may be acquired from another device through communication. The second correspondence relationship may be experimentally determined in the manufacturing stage of the purifier.

[0021] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the eleventh aspect, the control device is configured to update the second correspondence information based on a combination of information corresponding to the factor information acquired for the new operation and the detection result of the static pressure sensor acquired during the new operation when the purifier is operated by an operation using the user interface. According to this aspect, the history of the static pressure detection value of each of the plurality of straightening chambers when an experienced operator manually adjusts the opening degree of the plurality of air volume control valves using the user interface can be reflected in the second correspondence information as a desired target static pressure value when the information corresponding to the factor information acquired for the new operation becomes the operating condition. For example, the above combination may be overwritten as the second correspondence information for the corresponding factor information, or may be added as one of the options available as the second correspondence information.

[0022] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect, the second correspondence information is a prediction model in which the factor information is an explanatory variable and the target static pressure value is an objective variable. The control device is configured to update the prediction model by learning using artificial intelligence. According to this aspect, the purification performance can be further improved. A combination of information corresponding to the factor information acquired regarding a new operation when an experienced operator manually adjusts the openings of multiple air flow control valves and the detection results of the static pressure sensor acquired during the new operation may be collected as learning data.

[0023] According to a 14th aspect of the present invention, in any one of the 8th to 13th aspects, the control device is configured to output operation history information of the purifier including the detection results of the multiple static pressure sensors. According to this aspect, the same effect as in the 7th aspect can be obtained. For example, a static pressure target value for improving the milling yield can be considered based on the relationship between the separately obtained milling yield and the operation history information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a purifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the purifier. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of a purifier. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the purifier. [Diagram 5] 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an individual control device and an operation panel. FIG. [Figure 6] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface that allows manual operation of the opening degree of an air volume adjustment valve. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a purifier 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of the purifier 10. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the purifier 10. In the following, the purifier 10 will be described as being used in a wheat milling process. However, the purifier 10 may be used in a milling process of any other grain (e.g., buckwheat, soybeans, adzuki beans, coffee beans, corn, etc.). As shown in FIG. 1, the purifier 10 is configured in two series, namely, series A and series B. Series A and series B have the same configuration. Among the components of the purifier 10 described below, an operation panel 200 is provided in common to series A and series B, but the components other than the operation panel 200 are provided individually for each of series A and series B.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the purifier 10 includes an inlet 15 for introducing stock, a sieving section 40, and a plurality of rectifying chambers 20. The sieving section 40 is connected to the inlet 15, and the stock introduced into the inlet 15 is supplied to the sieving section 40. The sieving section 40 includes sieve screens 41, 42, and 43. Each of the sieve screens 41, 42, and 43 is provided in a tilted state so that the farther away from the inlet 15 the screen is in the longitudinal direction of the sieve screens 41, 42, and 43, the lower the screen is in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the sieving section 40 has a three-layer structure in which the sieve screens 41, 42, and 43 are arranged vertically, but may have any number of layers of one or more. Furthermore, the number of layers in the sieving section 40 can be changed depending on the purification performance required by removing some of the sieve screens 41, 42, 43 or by adding additional sieve screens.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the screens 41, 42, and 43 are configured to be vibrated in the front-rear direction (the longitudinal direction of the screens 41, 42, and 43) by a vibration generator 44. Due to this vibration, the stock introduced from the inlet 15 is sent on the screens 41, 42, and 43 in the longitudinal direction of the screens 41, 42, and 43 (more specifically, in the direction away from the inlet 15). With this configuration, the sieving unit 40 is configured to sieve the stock while sending it in the longitudinal direction on the screens 41, 42, and 43. The mesh size of each of the screens 41, 42, and 43 is set to gradually increase toward the downstream in the stock conveying direction. Specifically, the screen 41 is configured by arranging a plurality of screens along the longitudinal direction, and the mesh size of the plurality of screens is smaller toward the downstream side. This also applies to the sieves 42 and 43.

[0028] 1 and 3, below the sieving section 40, there are disposed a collection gutter 51 and a collection gutter 53 for collecting semolina that has fallen through the meshes of the sieve screen 41, the meshes of the sieve screen 42, and the meshes of the sieve screen 43 in this order. The collection gutter 51 has a discharge outlet 52 at its lower end, and the collection gutter 53 has a discharge outlet 54 at its lower end. By means of a plurality of switching valves (not shown) disposed between the sieving section 40 and the collection gutter 51, 53, the destination of the semolina that falls from the sieving section 40 can be switched between the collection gutter 51 and the collection gutter 53 at each of a plurality of locations (locations where the switching valves are installed) in the longitudinal direction.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 3, the downstream ends of the screens 41, 42, and 43 terminate in a discharge trough 55. A discharge outlet 56 is formed at the bottom of the discharge trough 55. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the discharge outlet 56 is divided into three sections so that semolina that reaches the downstream ends of the screens 41, 42, and 43 without falling through the meshes of the screens 41, 42, and 43 and falls thereto can be discharged separately from one another.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of straightening chambers 20 are arranged above the screening section 40. The number of straightening chambers 20 can be set arbitrarily, and FIG. 3 shows an example in which 16 straightening chambers 20 are provided for each line. The plurality of straightening chambers 20 are partitioned by straightening plates 21 so as to be aligned in the longitudinal direction of the sieve screens 41, 42, and 43. The plurality of straightening chambers 20 communicate with the inside of the screening section 40. The plurality of straightening chambers 20 are connected to one end of a main duct 22 above. Although not shown, the inside of the main duct 22 is partitioned into an area for line A and an area for line B. A suction fan (not shown) is connected to the other end of the main duct 22. The suction fan is driven while screening is being performed by the screening section 40. This generates an air current (hereinafter also referred to as an ascending air current) that flows upward from below the sieving section 40 through the meshes of the sieve screens 41, 42, and 43 and further flows upward through the plurality of straightening chambers 20. This air current is finally sucked into the main duct 22.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of straightening chambers 20 are each provided with the same number of airflow adjustment valves 30 (hereinafter also simply referred to as valves 30). That is, one valve 30 is provided for each straightening chamber 20. The valves 30 are configured to be adjustable in opening degree in order to adjust the airflow of the ascending air current in the corresponding straightening chamber 20. Furthermore, the main duct 22 is provided with an airflow adjustment valve 31 (hereinafter also simply referred to as valve 31). The valves 31 are configured to be adjustable in opening degree in order to adjust the airflow in the main duct 22 and the plurality of straightening chambers 20. One valve 31 is provided in each of the A system area and the B system area in the main duct 22.

[0032] In the above-mentioned purifier 10, the purification process of the stock is performed as follows. First, the vibration generator 44 is driven and the stock is charged into the inlet 15 while the air in the sieving section 40 is sucked through the main duct 22. The stock charged into the inlet 15 is supplied onto the sieve screen 41 and is transported downstream toward the discharge gutter 55 by the inclination of the sieve screen 41 and the vibration by the vibration generator 44. At this time, the relatively heavy semolina passes through the meshes of the sieve screen 41 and falls onto the sieve screen 42. Since the meshes of the sieve screen 41 become larger toward the downstream side, semolina with a relatively smaller particle size passes through the meshes of the sieve screen 41 first (i.e., further upstream).

[0033] Furthermore, as the stock is transported on the sieve mesh 41, the relatively light bran is lifted by the above-mentioned rising air current and is sucked into the main duct 22 together with the air, where it is collected by a collection device (not shown) such as a bag filter.

[0034] The semolina that falls onto the sieve screen 42 is transported downstream on the sieve screen 42, and semolina with a relatively smaller particle size passes through the meshes of the sieve screen 42 first and falls onto the sieve screen 43. Similarly, the semolina that falls onto the sieve screen 43 is transported downstream on the sieve screen 43, and semolina with a relatively smaller particle size passes through the meshes of the sieve screen 43 first and falls onto the collection trough 51 or the collection trough 53. As a result, semolina with a relatively smaller particle size is collected in the collection trough 51 and discharged from the discharge port 52. Meanwhile, semolina with a relatively larger particle size is collected in the collection trough 53 and discharged from the discharge port 54.

[0035] Large-diameter semolina that does not fall through the meshes of the sieves 41, 42, and 43 is guided to a discharge trough 55 and discharged from a discharge opening 56. At this time, the semolina that has reached the end of the sieve 41, the semolina that has reached the end of the sieve 42, and the semolina that has reached the end of the sieve 43 are each separated from one another. In this way, the bran is removed from the stock and the semolina is classified according to its particle size.

[0036] In such purification process of the purifier 10, the volume of the ascending air current passing through the sieve screen 41 and the flow straightening chamber 20 has a large effect on purification performance. For this reason, in this embodiment, the purifier 10 is provided with various configurations for appropriately controlling the volume of the ascending air current passing through the sieve screen 41 and the flow straightening chamber 20 by adjusting the opening of the valves 30, 31. The configurations will be described below.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of the purifier 10. In FIG. 4, only the configuration of the A series is shown in detail, and the configuration of the B series is omitted, but the B series has the same configuration as the A series. As shown in FIG. 4, the purifier 10 is provided with motors 80 in the same number as the valves 30 arranged in the plurality of rectification chambers 20. That is, one motor 80 is provided for each valve 30. The motor 80 is configured to drive the corresponding valve 30 to control the opening degree of the valve 30. Furthermore, the purifier 10 is provided with a motor 81 configured to drive the valve 31 to control the opening degree of the valve 31 in each of the A series and the B series. In this embodiment, the motors 80 and 81 are servo motors. The servo motor allows the opening degree of the valves 30 and 31 to be controlled with high accuracy. However, the motors 80 and 81 may be any other type of motor, for example, a stepping motor.

[0038] 4, the purifier 10 includes individual control devices 100 in the same number as the motors 80, and individual control devices 101 in the same number as the motors 81 (i.e., one per series). The individual control devices 100 are electrically connected to the motors 80, respectively, and each of the individual control devices 100 controls a corresponding motor 80. Similarly, the individual control device 101 is electrically connected to the motor 81 and controls the motor 81.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4, the purifier 10 is provided with static pressure sensors 90 in the same number as the rectification chambers 20. That is, one static pressure sensor 90 is provided for each rectification chamber 20. Each static pressure sensor 90 is disposed in a corresponding rectification chamber 20 and detects the static pressure in the corresponding rectification chamber 20. Each static pressure sensor 90 is electrically connected to a corresponding individual control device 100, and the detection result of the static pressure sensor 90 is output to the individual control device 100. The purifier 10 further includes one static pressure sensor 91 for each line in the main duct 22. The static pressure sensor 91 is connected to the individual control device 101, and the detection result of the static pressure sensor 91 is output to the individual control device 101.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the purifier 10 includes an operation panel 200 configured to operate and control all of the components of the purifier 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 200 is disposed at the upper part of the front of the purifier 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the operation panel 200 is electrically connected to a plurality of individual control devices 100 and an individual control device 101. In this embodiment, these are connected in a daisy chain manner, simplifying the wiring. The communication method can be, for example, a controller area network (CAN) or serial communication (for example, RS485). When the operation panel 200 controls each of the motors 80, it controls the motor 80 to be controlled via the individual control device 100 corresponding to the motor 80 to be controlled. Similarly, the operation panel 200 controls the motor 81 via the individual control device 101.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, the purifier 10 has an inspection window 60. The inspection window 60 is made of a transparent material and is arranged at a position where an operator can see the inside of the plurality of rectification chambers 20 through the inspection window 60. For example, the operator can visually check whether the situation inside the rectification chamber 20 is such that the air volume inside the rectification chamber 20 is kept appropriate and the bran is properly removed, or whether the air volume is too large and relatively small-sized semolina or already powdered wheat flour is lifted up together with the bran and sucked into the main duct 22 (which leads to a decrease in milling yield), or whether the air volume is too small and the bran is not lifted up (which leads to a decrease in purification accuracy). Alternatively, the operator can visually check the opening degree of the valve 30.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 1, user interfaces 130 are arranged near the inspection window 60 in the same number as the valves 30 (in other words, the same number as the rectification chambers 20). That is, one user interface 130 is provided for each valve 30. The user interfaces 130 are components of the individual control device 100, and are configured to enable an operation to change the opening degree of the corresponding valve 30. An operator can easily adjust the opening degree of the multiple valves 30 by operating the user interfaces 130 while checking the situation inside the rectification chamber 20 through the inspection window 60.

[0043] Since the individual control device 100 including the user interface 130 is connected to the motor 80 via a cable, the user interface 130 can be placed at a position separate from the motor 80. In other words, the user interface 130 can be placed at any position. Taking advantage of this advantage, in this embodiment, these user interfaces 130 are placed below the inspection window 60 and adjacent to the inspection window 60. Therefore, the arm of the operator who operates the user interface 130 is positioned below the inspection window 60, and this arm does not obstruct the operator's line of sight to the inspection window 60. Therefore, the inspection window 60 and, by extension, the situation inside the rectification chamber 20 can be easily seen.

[0044] The multiple user interfaces 130 are further arranged in correspondence with the multiple valves 30, respectively. Specifically, the multiple user interfaces 130 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction (in other words, the stock feed direction) like the multiple valves 30, and each of the multiple user interfaces 130 is arranged at the same longitudinal position as the corresponding valve 30. For this reason, the operator can intuitively and easily grasp which valve 30 the opening of which is being adjusted.

[0045] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface 130. The user interface 130 includes a close button 131 and an open button 132. When the close button 131 is pressed by an operator, the corresponding valve 30 operates in the closing direction, and when the open button 132 is pressed, the corresponding valve 30 operates in the opening direction. The opening degree of the valve 30 changes stepwise or steplessly depending on the time that the close button 131 or the open button 132 is pressed or the number of times that it is pressed.

[0046] In this embodiment, the user interface 130 also has a function of displaying the opening degree of the corresponding valve 30. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the opening degree of the corresponding valve 30 can be displayed by the opening degree indicator 133. The opening degree indicator 133 is in the form of 11 LEDs, and displays an opening degree of 0% indicated as "closed" to an opening degree of 100% indicated as "open" in 10% increments. More specifically, the opening degree indicator 133 is configured so that only the LED corresponding to the opening degree of the corresponding valve 30 instructed by the close button 131 or the open button 132 is turned on. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the LED corresponding to the opening degree of 30% is turned on. According to such an opening degree display function, the operator can adjust the air volume in the multiple straightening chambers 20 while referring to the display of the opening degree, thereby improving convenience.

[0047] In this embodiment, the user interface 130 further has a static pressure display function that displays the detection result of the corresponding static pressure sensor 90 (i.e., the static pressure sensor 90 arranged in the rectification chamber 20 in which the corresponding valve 30 is arranged) in real time. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the detection value of the corresponding static pressure sensor 90 is displayed numerically by the static pressure indicator 134. Since the air volume in the rectification chamber 20 is correlated with the static pressure in the rectification chamber 20, such a static pressure display function allows the operator to grasp the degree of air flow in the corresponding rectification chamber 20 based on the detection result of the static pressure sensor 90. Therefore, the operator can visually check the situation in the rectification chamber 20 through the inspection window 60, and can quantitatively grasp the degree of air flow based on the detection result of the static pressure sensor 90, thereby more finely adjusting the opening degree of the valve 30 by operating the close button 131 and the open button 132.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, the same number of user interfaces 135 as the valves 31 (i.e., two for the A system and the B system) are arranged near the operation panel 200. The user interfaces 135 are configured to be able to change the opening of the corresponding valves 31. The user interfaces 135 have the same configuration as the user interface 130. The user interface 135 for the A system has an operation function and an opening display function for the valves 31 arranged in the A system area of ​​the main duct 22, and a static pressure display function for the static pressure sensor 91 arranged in the A system area. Similarly, the user interface 135 for the B system has the same functions for the valves 31 and the static pressure sensor 91 arranged in the B system area. The two user interfaces 135 are provided in an arrangement corresponding to the two valves 31, respectively. That is, the user interface 135 for the A system is arranged on the A system side, and the user interface 135 for the B system is arranged on the B system side.

[0049] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a plurality of individual control devices 100 and an operation panel 200. As shown in Fig. 5, the individual control device 100 includes a controller 110, a memory 120, and the above-mentioned user interface 130. When the operation of the purifier 10 starts or when the controller 110 receives an opening setting command for the valve 30 (a command for setting the valve 30 to a predetermined opening) from the user interface 130 during operation, the controller 110 sends a control signal to the motor 80 to adjust the opening of the valve 30 according to the opening setting command.

[0050] The controller 110 stores the opening degree of the valve 30 thus set in the memory 120 as operation history information of the purifier 10. The opening degree of the valve 30 may be acquired from the user interface 130 or from the motor 80. Furthermore, the controller 110 receives a static pressure detection value from the static pressure sensor 90 during operation of the purifier 10 and stores it in the memory 120 as operation history information of the purifier 10. In this embodiment, the opening degree and the static pressure detection value stored in the memory 120 are stored in the form of time-series data. However, for simplicity, a statistical value (e.g., an average value) may be stored.

[0051] The controller 110 is equipped with an overcurrent monitoring circuit, and when it detects an overcurrent, it sends a predetermined signal to the operation panel 200. Therefore, when the opening of the valve 30 does not correspond to the opening setting command due to the sticking of the stock, etc., it can notify the operation panel 200 of this fact.

[0052] Although not shown in the figure, the individual control device 101 has the same configuration and functions as the individual control device 100 described above.

[0053] The operation panel 200 includes a controller 210, a memory 220, an operation and display unit 230, an external storage device 240, and a communication interface 250. In this embodiment, the operation and display unit 230 is in the form of a touch panel screen. The operation and display unit 230 is configured to be capable of displaying a user interface for setting the opening degree of each of the valves 30, 31.

[0054] When an operator inputs an opening setting command for each of the valves 30 via the operation / display unit 230, the controller 210 sends the opening setting command to the corresponding individual control device 100. The individual control device 100 that receives the opening setting command controls the corresponding motor 80 to adjust the opening of the corresponding valve 30 according to the opening setting command. In this way, the operation panel 200 is configured to be able to control the motor 80 via the individual control device 100 to operate each of the valves 30. Similarly, the operation panel 200 is configured to be able to control the motor 81 via the individual control device 101 to operate each of the valves 31. In other words, the operator can operate the valves 30, 31 individually via the individual control devices 100, 101, or collectively via the operation panel 200. If communication between the operation panel 200 and an external device (for example, a central operation panel) is established via the communication interface 250, the motors 80, 81 can also be controlled from the external device via the operation panel 200.

[0055] The operation and display unit 230 further includes an opening display function for collectively displaying the openings of the valves 30, 31, and a static pressure display function for collectively displaying the detection results of the static pressure sensors 90, 91 in real time. Therefore, the operator can collectively grasp the openings of all the valves 30, 31 arranged in the straightening chamber 20 or the main duct 22, and the degree of all the air flows in the plurality of straightening chambers 20 and the main duct 22. Therefore, the operator can easily grasp whether there is an inappropriate opening or air volume. Therefore, the operator can appropriately operate the motors 80 collectively even if he is not in front of the valves 30 (in other words, in front of the user interface 130).

[0056] The controller 210 is further configured to be able to acquire operation history information stored in the memory 120 from each of the multiple individual control devices 100 (i.e., the history of the opening degree of the corresponding valve 30 and the history of the static pressure detection value of the corresponding static pressure sensor 90) and store it in the memory 220. Similarly, the controller 210 is configured to be able to acquire operation history information stored in the memory from each of the two individual control devices 101 (i.e., the history of the opening degree of the corresponding valve 31 and the history of the static pressure detection value of the corresponding static pressure sensor 91) and store it in the memory 220. The operation history information is stored in association with the identification information of the valves 30, 31.

[0057] Furthermore, the controller 210 can output the driving history information stored in the memory 220 to various output destinations in response to a predetermined operation on the operation and display unit 230. For example, the controller 210 may output the driving history information to the operation and display unit 230. That is, the controller 210 may display the driving history information on a screen. Alternatively, the controller 210 may output the driving history information to the external storage device 240. The external storage device 240 may be any removable storage medium (e.g., a USB memory, an SD card, etc.). Alternatively, the controller 210 may output the driving history information to the communication interface 250. That is, the controller 210 may transmit the driving history information to another device (e.g., a central operation panel, a personal computer, a printing device, etc.) via the communication interface 250. According to these configurations, the driving history information can be output and its contents can be examined to utilize it for future operation of the purifier 10. For example, based on the relationship between the milling yield (which is calculated separately) during operation of the purifier 10 for which the operating history information has been obtained and the operating history information, the opening degree of each of the valves 30, 31, or the static pressure values ​​in the straightening chamber 20 and the main duct 22, in order to improve the milling yield, can be considered.

[0058] The operation and display unit 230 may be configured to accept input of the operator's identification information (e.g., name or identification number assigned to each operator) before starting operation, during operation, or after operation when the operator manually operates the valves 30, 31 using the user interfaces 130, 135. In this case, the controller 210 may store the operator's identification information in the memory 120 as part of the operation history information. That is, the memory 120 may store the history of the opening degrees of each of the valves 30, 31 and the history of the static pressure detection values ​​of each of the static pressure sensors 90, 91 in association with the operator during the operation in which these histories were obtained. This improves the convenience of outputting the operation history information and examining its contents.

[0059] Furthermore, the controller 210 may store, as part of the operation history information, factor information related to the operation in the memory 120. That is, the memory 120 may store the history of the opening degrees of each of the valves 30, 31 and the history of the static pressure detection values ​​of each of the static pressure sensors 90, 91 in association with factor information related to the operation from which these histories were obtained. The factor information is information related to factors that affect the purification accuracy.

[0060] The factor information may include the type of the object to be processed. The type of the object to be processed may include at least one of information regarding differences in raw material varieties and information regarding differences in source processes. Differences in raw material varieties are, for example, whether the raw material is hard wheat or soft wheat. Differences in source processes are, for example, differences in the number of brake stages in the process preceding the purifier. Furthermore, the factor information may include at least one of the properties and flow rate of the object to be processed. The properties of the object to be processed may include at least one of moisture and particle size range.

[0061] Furthermore, the factor information may include a characteristic amount of the sieve screen of the sieving unit 40. The characteristic amount of the sieve screen may include the size of the mesh (which may include at least one of the pattern of change in the size of the mesh in the flow direction of the material to be processed, and the combination of the size of the mesh in the vertical direction in the case of two or more layers). The characteristic amount of the mesh may also include at least one of the frequency, amplitude, and inclination angle of the mesh. Furthermore, the factor information may include the required product quality. Furthermore, the factor information may include the surrounding environment during processing. The surrounding environment may include at least one of the surrounding temperature and humidity.

[0062] Such factor information may be input by an operator via the operation / display unit 230. This input may be performed in a manner in which the operation / display unit 230 displays a plurality of options on a screen and accepts the selection of any one of the options. Alternatively, the factor information may be automatically acquired by a sensor provided in the purifier 10. For example, when the factor environment includes the ambient temperature and humidity, the ambient temperature and humidity may be automatically acquired by a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor.

[0063] Such factor information can be regarded as operating conditions that affect purification performance. The desired opening degree of each of the valves 30 and 31, or the desired static pressure value in the rectification chamber 20 and the main duct 22, varies depending on such operating conditions, so if the output operation history information includes factor information, it is easy to conduct an examination according to the operating conditions.

[0064] Furthermore, when an abnormality is detected in any of the individual control devices 100, 101, the controller 210 receives a signal indicating the abnormality from the individual control devices 100, 101 and notifies the operator of the abnormality. The abnormality to be notified may be, for example, an overload of any of the motors 80, 81. Alternatively, the abnormality to be notified may be that the detection value of at least one of the static pressure sensors 90, 91 is not within a predetermined range. The notification may be performed in various ways, such as a display on the screen of the operation / display unit 230, a warning sound, or lighting of a light. According to such a configuration, when an event occurs in which the air volume of any of the multiple straightening chambers 20 falls outside the appropriate range, the operator can notice the occurrence of the event and quickly eliminate the cause.

[0065] The purifier 10 is configured to be capable of automatic operation in addition to manual operation using the user interfaces 130, 135 or the operation and display unit 230. The automatic operation of the purifier 10 will be described below. The purifier 10 is configured to be capable of automatic operation in a first operation mode or a second operation mode.

[0066] The first operation mode is a mode in which the opening degree of each of the valves 30, 31 is determined from given operating conditions. In the first operation mode, the opening degree of the valves 30, 31 is determined based on first correspondence information 221 (see FIG. 5) stored in the memory 220 of the operation panel 200. In an alternative embodiment, the first correspondence information 221 may be obtained from another device via the communication interface 250.

[0067] The first correspondence information 221 is information that associates the above-mentioned factor information with opening degree information that indicates the opening degree of each of the valves 30 and 31. The factor information here may be at least one of the various specific examples described above, or any combination. When the factor information associated with the opening degree information is given as an operating condition, the opening degree information indicates a desired opening degree of each of the valves 30 and 31 during operation under the operating condition. The desired opening degree set for each of the valves 30 and 31 may be set as a constant or may be set as time-series data that changes over time. The first correspondence information 221 may be determined experimentally, for example, during the manufacturing stage of the purifier 10.

[0068] The first correspondence information 221 is typically a reference table in which the contents of the cause information and the opening degree information are stored in association with each other. This reference table includes a plurality of combination unit data. The combination unit data is data in which the opening degree information is assigned to one of a plurality of specific contents of the cause information (a combination of specific contents of each cause information when a plurality of cause information exists). For example, if there are two types of factor information, and the specific content of one type of factor information A is a1 or a2, and the specific content of the other type of factor information B is b1 or b2, four combination unit data in which the opening information is associated with each of the four combinations of the specific content of the factor information are prepared, such as (factor information A=a1, factor information B=b1, opening information C=c1), (factor information A=a2, factor information B=b1, opening information C=c2), (factor information A=a1, factor information B=b2, opening information C=c3), and (factor information A=a2, factor information B=b2, opening information C=c4). However, the first correspondence information 221 is not limited to a reference table and can be realized in any manner. For example, the first correspondence information 221 may be a function with the content of the factor information as an independent variable.

[0069] When operating the purifier 10 in the first operation mode, the controller 210 of the operation panel 200 first acquires the operation conditions for the operation to be performed (hereinafter also referred to as the new operation). The acquired operation conditions are information corresponding to the factor information. For example, when the factor information constituting the first correspondence information 221 is composed of the type and properties of the object to be treated, the type and properties of the object to be treated in the new operation are acquired.

[0070] The operating conditions may be acquired by accepting the operating conditions input by the operator through the operation and display unit 230 of the operation panel 200. In this case, the operation and display unit 230 may display a plurality of options for each operating condition and accept the selection of one of the options. If the operating conditions can be acquired from a sensor provided in the purifier 10, they may be automatically acquired from the sensor. Alternatively, the operating conditions may be acquired from another device via the communication interface 250.

[0071] Next, the controller 210 determines the opening degree of each of the valves 30, 31 in the new operation based on the acquired operating conditions and the first correspondence information 221. For example, when the first correspondence information 221 is a reference table, the controller 210 refers to the first correspondence information 221 and determines the opening degree of each of the valves 30, 31 associated with the factor information that matches the acquired operating conditions as the opening degree of each of the valves 30, 31 in the new operation. Then, the controller 210 controls the motors 80, 81 via the individual control devices 100, 101 to adjust the opening degree of each of the valves 30, 31 to the determined opening degree. According to this first operation mode, the opening degree of each of the valves 30, 31 suitable for the operating conditions can be automatically determined to perform automatic operation of the purifier 10. Therefore, the air volume adjustment of the multiple rectification chambers 20 can be appropriately performed without depending on the skill level of the operator. As a result, the purification accuracy and milling yield can be stabilized.

[0072] The controller 210 may be configured to change the opening degree of the corresponding valve based on an operation command received from the user interface 130, 135 or the operation and display unit 230 during operation in the first operation mode. With this configuration, the operator can correct the valve opening degree as necessary while checking the situation inside the rectification chamber 20 through the inspection window 60. In addition, the operation of the purifier 10 can be started from a state in which the opening degrees of the valves 30, 31 are roughly appropriately set by the first operation mode, and then fine adjustments can be made by manual operation. In this case, the time required for manual adjustment of the opening degrees of the valves 30, 31 can be shortened compared to the case in which the opening degrees of the valves 30, 31 are adjusted manually from the beginning.

[0073] Instead of or in addition to the mode of experimentally setting the first correspondence information 221 in advance, the first correspondence information 221 may be updated based on a combination of the acquired operating conditions (i.e., information corresponding to the factor information of the first correspondence information 221) and the history of the opening of each of the valves 30, 31 during a new operation of the purifier 10 when the purifier 10 is operated by an operation using the user interfaces 130, 135. A command regarding whether or not to update the information may be received via the operation / display unit 230. With this configuration, the history of the opening when an experienced operator manually adjusts the opening using the user interfaces 130, 135 is recorded, and the opening adjustment by the experienced operator can be easily reproduced when a new operation is to be performed under the same or similar operating conditions.

[0074] For example, when the first correspondence information 221 is a reference table, the combination unit data in which factor information having the same content as the acquired operating conditions and the corresponding opening degree information are associated with each other in the first correspondence information 221 prestored in the memory 220 may be overwritten to replace the combination. In other words, the history of the opening degrees of each of the valves 30 and 31 may become new opening degree information associated with factor information having the same content as the acquired operating conditions.

[0075] Alternatively, combination unit data in which the acquired operating conditions are used as factor information and the history of the opening degrees of each of the valves 30, 31 is used as opening degree information may be added to the first correspondence information 221 as one of the options selectable on the operation / display unit 230.

[0076] According to the first operation mode described above, the opening of the valves 30, 31 can be adjusted to an appropriate opening (specifically, an appropriate opening determined experimentally or an opening that an experienced operator would set) simply by performing a simple operation such as inputting the operating conditions into the operation / display unit 230 or selecting the operating conditions on the screen of the operation / display unit 230.

[0077] The second operation mode is a mode in which target static pressure values ​​of the plurality of rectification chambers 20 and the main duct 22 are determined from given operation conditions, and the opening degrees of each of the valves 30, 31 are controlled based on the target static pressure values ​​and the detection results of the static pressure sensors 90, 91. In the second operation mode, the target static pressure values ​​of the plurality of rectification chambers 20 and the main duct 22 are determined based on second correspondence information 222 (see FIG. 5) stored in the memory 220 of the operation panel 200. In an alternative embodiment, the second correspondence information 222 may be acquired from another device via the communication interface 250.

[0078] The second correspondence information 222 is information that associates the above-mentioned factor information with the target static pressure value in each of the plurality of straightening chambers 20 and the main duct 22. The factor information here may be at least one of the various specific examples described above, or any combination. This target static pressure value represents a desired static pressure value in each of the plurality of straightening chambers 20 and the main duct 22 during operation under the operating conditions when the factor information associated therewith is given as the operating conditions. As described above, since static pressure is correlated with air volume, the desired static pressure value can be regarded as a desired air volume. The target static pressure value may be set as a constant, or may be set as time-series data that changes over time.

[0079] In this embodiment, the second correspondence information 222 is a prediction model in which the factor information is an explanatory variable and the target static pressure value for each of the plurality of straightening chambers 20 and the main duct 22 is an objective variable. The second correspondence information 222 can be created by, for example, multiple regression analysis. The second correspondence information 222 may be experimentally determined during the manufacturing stage of the purifier 10.

[0080] When operating the purifier 10 in the second operation mode, the controller 210 of the operation panel 200 first acquires the operation conditions for the new operation. The acquired operation conditions are information equivalent to the factor information, as in the first operation mode. The acquisition of the operation conditions can be performed in the same manner as in the first operation mode. Next, the controller 210 determines the target static pressure values ​​for each of the plurality of straightening chambers 20 and the main duct 22 in the new operation based on the acquired operation conditions and the second correspondence information 222. That is, the controller 210 applies the acquired operation conditions to a prediction model to determine the target static pressure values.

[0081] Then, the controller 210 controls the motors 80, 81 via the individual control devices 100, 101 based on the detection results of the static pressure sensors 90, 91 and the determined target static pressure value to adjust the opening degree of each of the valves 30, 31. As this process, the controller 210 may, for example, feedback control the motors 80, 81 so that the detection results of the static pressure sensors 90, 91 approach the target static pressure value. Alternatively, the controller 210 may control the motors 80, 81 so that the detection results of the static pressure sensors 90, 91 fall within a predetermined range for the target static pressure value.

[0082] According to the second operation mode, the target static pressure value for each of the plurality of straightening chambers 20 and the main duct 22 is automatically determined, and the purifier 10 can be automatically operated based on the target static pressure value. Therefore, the air volume of the plurality of straightening chambers 20 can be appropriately adjusted without depending on the skill level of the operator. Moreover, even if the air volume changes in the plurality of straightening chambers 20 and the main duct 22 due to a change in the property of the stock, an uneven distribution of the stock on the sieve screens 41, 42, 43, or an increase or decrease in the supply amount of the stock during the operation of the purifier 10, the opening degree of the valves 30, 31 can be adjusted so that the air volume returns to an appropriate range.

[0083] The controller 210 may update the second correspondence information 222 based on a combination of the operating conditions (i.e., information equivalent to the cause information of the second correspondence information 222) when a new operation of the purifier 10 is performed by an operation using the user interfaces 130, 135 and the detection results of the static pressure sensors 90, 91 during the new operation.

[0084] For example, the controller 210 may be configured to update the second correspondence information 222 (i.e., the prediction model) by learning using artificial intelligence. More specifically, when an experienced operator adjusts the opening degree of the valves 30, 31 by manual operation using the user interfaces 130, 135 in a new operation, a combination of the operating conditions in the new operation (i.e., information equivalent to the cause information) and the detection result of the static pressure sensor 90 acquired during the new operation may be collected as learning data. A command as to whether or not to collect learning data in the new operation may be received via the operation / display unit 230.

[0085] The controller 210 may receive at least one of the actual values ​​of the purification accuracy and the actual value of the milling yield for the completed operation via the operation / display unit 230. In this case, the controller 210 may store in the memory 120 the operation history information for the completed operation and at least one of the received actual values ​​in association with each other, and may learn the target static pressure value that provides the most reward for the given operating conditions (i.e., information equivalent to the factor information) using the received actual value of the purification accuracy or the actual value of the milling yield as a reward. Such control using artificial intelligence can further improve purification performance.

[0086] Similar to the first operating mode, when the controller 210 receives an operation command for any of the valves 30, 31 via the user interfaces 130, 135 or the operation / display unit 230 during automatic operation in the second operating mode, the controller 210 may be configured to change the opening degree of the corresponding valve based on the operation command.

[0087] In an alternative embodiment, each of the user interfaces 130, 135 may have a button that can switch between automatic operation in the second operation mode and manual operation by operating the close button 131 and the open button 132. In this way, the operator can check the situation inside the rectification chamber 20 through the inspection window 60 while basically adjusting the opening degree of the valves 30, 31 in automatic operation, and manually adjust the opening degree only for the valves 30, 31 for which it becomes necessary. This configuration reduces the operational burden on the operator.

[0088] In a further alternative embodiment, the second correspondence information 222 may be a reference table like the first correspondence information 221. In this case, the second correspondence information 222 may also be updated based on a combination of the operating conditions when the purifier 10 is newly operated by an operation using the user interfaces 130, 135 (i.e., information corresponding to the cause information of the second correspondence information 222) and the detection results of the static pressure sensors 90, 91 during the new operation. This update may be performed in the form of overwriting the combination unit data, as in the case of the first correspondence information 221, or may be performed in the form of adding an option selectable on the operation / display unit 230.

[0089] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above embodiment is for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes equivalents thereof. In addition, any combination or omission of each component described in the claims and specification is possible within the scope of solving at least a part of the above-mentioned problems or achieving at least a part of the effects.

[0090] For example, the individual control devices 100, 101 may be omitted. In this case, the user interfaces 130, 135 may be directly connected to the operation panel 200, and the operation panel 200 may directly control the motors 80, 81. Alternatively, only the motor 80 of the motors 80, 81 may be controlled in the first mode or the second mode. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 10...Purifier 15...Inlet 20... Rectification room 21...straightening plate 22...Main duct 30...Air flow control valve for rectification room 31...Air flow control valve for main duct 40...Sieving section 41,42,43...sieve screen 44...Vibration generator 51,53...Collection trough 52,54...Outlet 55...Discharge gutter 56...Outlet 60...Inspection window 80,81...Motor 90,91...Static pressure sensor 100, 101...Individual control device 110...Controller 120...Memory 130...User Interface 131...Close button 132...Open button 133...Opening degree indicator 134...Static pressure indicator 135...User Interface 200...Operation panel 210...Controller 220...Memory 221...First response information 222...Second response information 230...Operation / display section 240...external storage device 250...Communication interface

Claims

1. A purifier, A sieving unit having a sieve and configured to sieve the object to be processed while sending it on the sieve in a predetermined direction; A plurality of straightening chambers arranged above the sieving unit in communication with the inside of the sieving unit and partitioned to be aligned in the predetermined direction; A plurality of air volume adjustment valves are provided in the plurality of straightening chambers, respectively, and are configured to adjust the volume of air flow passing through the sieve screen and flowing upward in the corresponding straightening chamber; A plurality of motors configured to drive the plurality of air flow rate adjustment valves, respectively, to control the opening degrees of the plurality of air flow rate adjustment valves; a controller configured to control the plurality of motors; Equipped with The controller is configured to be operable in a first mode of operation; In the first operation mode, the control device Obtaining first correspondence information that associates factor information on factors that affect purification accuracy with opening degree information that indicates the opening degree of each of the plurality of air flow rate adjustment valves; When a new operation of the purifier is performed, information corresponding to the factor information is obtained as an operating condition of the new operation; The opening degree of each of the plurality of air volume adjustment valves in the new operation is determined based on the first correspondence information and information corresponding to the acquired factor information. It was configured as Purifier.

2. A purifier, A sieving unit having a sieve and configured to sieve the object to be processed while sending it on the sieve in a predetermined direction; A plurality of straightening chambers arranged above the sieving unit in communication with the inside of the sieving unit and partitioned to be aligned in the predetermined direction; A plurality of air volume adjustment valves are provided in the plurality of straightening chambers, respectively, and are configured to adjust the volume of air flow passing through the sieve screen and flowing upward in the corresponding straightening chamber; A plurality of motors configured to drive the plurality of air flow rate adjustment valves, respectively, to control the opening degrees of the plurality of air flow rate adjustment valves; a controller configured to control the plurality of motors; Equipped with The control device is configured to output operation history information of the purifier including the opening degree of each of the plurality of air flow rate adjustment valves. Purifier.

3. A purifier, A sieving unit having a sieve and configured to sieve the object to be processed while sending it on the sieve in a predetermined direction; A plurality of straightening chambers arranged above the sieving unit in communication with the inside of the sieving unit and partitioned to be aligned in the predetermined direction; A plurality of air volume adjustment valves are provided in the plurality of straightening chambers, respectively, and are configured to adjust the volume of air flow passing through the sieve screen and flowing upward in the corresponding straightening chamber; A plurality of motors configured to drive the plurality of air flow rate adjustment valves, respectively, to control the opening degrees of the plurality of air flow rate adjustment valves; a controller configured to control the plurality of motors; A plurality of static pressure sensors provided in the plurality of rectification chambers, respectively; Equipped with Each of the plurality of static pressure sensors is configured to detect a static pressure in a corresponding rectification chamber; The control device is configured to be operable in a second operation mode in which the operation of the motors is automatically controlled based on detection results of the static pressure sensors and target static pressure values ​​that are individually set for each of the rectification chambers. Purifier.

4. A purifier, A sieving unit having a sieve and configured to sieve the object to be processed while sending it on the sieve in a predetermined direction; A plurality of straightening chambers arranged above the sieving unit in communication with the inside of the sieving unit and partitioned to be aligned in the predetermined direction; A plurality of air volume adjustment valves are provided in the plurality of straightening chambers, respectively, and are configured to adjust the volume of air flow passing through the sieve screen and flowing upward in the corresponding straightening chamber; A plurality of motors configured to drive the plurality of air flow rate adjustment valves, respectively, to control the opening degrees of the plurality of air flow rate adjustment valves; a controller configured to control the plurality of motors; A plurality of static pressure sensors provided in the plurality of rectification chambers, respectively; Equipped with Each of the plurality of static pressure sensors is configured to detect a static pressure in a corresponding rectification chamber; The control device is configured to output operation history information of the purifier including detection results of the plurality of static pressure sensors. Purifier.

5. 4. A purifier according to claim 2 or claim 3, A plurality of static pressure sensors are provided in the plurality of rectification chambers, Each of the plurality of static pressure sensors is configured to detect a static pressure in a corresponding rectification chamber. Purifier.

6. A purifier according to any one of claims 3 to 5, The control device is configured to display the detection results of the plurality of static pressure sensors in real time. Purifier.

7. 7. A purifier according to claim 5 or claim 6, The control device is configured to be operable in a second operation mode in which the operation of the motors is automatically controlled based on detection results of the static pressure sensors and target static pressure values ​​that are individually set for each of the rectification chambers. Purifier.

8. 8. The purifier of claim 7, In the second operation mode, the control device acquiring second correspondence information that associates factor information regarding a predetermined factor that affects purification accuracy with the target static pressure value; When a new operation of the purifier is performed, information corresponding to the factor information is obtained as an operating condition of the new operation; The target static pressure value in the new operation is determined based on the second correspondence information and information corresponding to the acquired factor information. It was configured as Purifier.

9. The purifier of claim 8, an inspection window through which the inside of each of the plurality of rectification chambers can be viewed; Equipped with The control device includes a plurality of user interfaces provided near the inspection window in an arrangement corresponding to each of the plurality of air volume adjustment valves, the plurality of user interfaces being configured to enable an operation for changing the opening degree of the corresponding air volume adjustment valve; The control device is configured to update the second correspondence information based on a combination of information corresponding to the factor information acquired regarding a new operation of the purifier when the new operation of the purifier is performed by an operation using the user interface and a detection result of the static pressure sensor acquired during the new operation. Purifier.

10. 10. The purifier of claim 9, the second correspondence information is a prediction model in which the factor information is an explanatory variable and the target static pressure value is an objective variable, The control device is configured to update the predictive model by learning using artificial intelligence. Purifier.

11. A purifier according to any one of claims 5 to 10, The control device is configured to output operation history information of the purifier including detection results of the plurality of static pressure sensors. Purifier.

Images