Rice milling equipment

Abstract

To provide a rice milling apparatus which can perform re-milling of rice while improving convenience of a user and preferably preventing generation of crushed rice.SOLUTION: A control part of a rice milling apparatus is constructed to be capable of executing a rice milling treatment at a plurality of control modes. The plurality of control modes includes: a normal mode which performs the rice milling treatment with a standard milling degree based on supply amount set in advance by a supply amount adjustment part and control volume of pressure by a pressure adjustment part; and a re-milling mode which reduces pressure of a pressure plate through the pressure adjustment part relative to the normal mode and increases stirring rate through a stirring rate adjustment part to perform the rice milling treatment. The control part includes a re-milling execution determination part which determines whether the re-milling mode is automatically executed based on state detection information representing rice state obtained from a state detection sensor I. The re-milling execution determination part determines, when starting the rice milling treatment, whether the re-milling mode is automatically executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to rice milling equipment.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as this type of rice milling equipment, for example, the one described in Patent Document 1 is known. This conventional rice milling equipment includes a brown rice input section for receiving the input of brown rice, a foreign matter removal section for removing foreign matters contained in the brown rice, a rice milling section for milling the input brown rice, and a white rice extraction section for taking out white rice in a simple building equipped with a roof and four side walls. Further, as the above-mentioned rice milling section, for example, the one described in Patent Document 2 is known. This conventional rice milling section has a mechanism in which a whitening roll is rotated to stir the brown rice in a whitening chamber and the brown rice is milled by interfering with a net disposed inside the whitening chamber.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0005] Therefore, in view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide a rice milling apparatus that can improve user convenience while effectively preventing the occurrence of broken rice and performing re-milling. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the first invention is: It is equipped with a rice milling section that mills the rice that is fed into the input hopper, The rice milling unit comprises a brown rice tank for storing brown rice, a milling chamber for milling brown rice, a rotary valve for dispensing and supplying brown rice from the brown rice tank to the milling chamber, and a pressure plate provided at the outlet of the milling chamber. The milling chamber is equipped with a milling roll that mills brown rice by rotating, and a milling screen that surrounds the milling roll and mills the rice by interfering with the milled brown rice. A rice milling apparatus comprising a supply amount adjustment unit for adjusting the amount of brown rice supplied to the milling chamber, and a control unit for controlling a pressure adjustment unit for adjusting the pressure of the pressure plate, A state detection sensor for detecting the state of rice fed into the input hopper, The system includes a stirring speed adjustment unit for adjusting the stirring speed of the polishing rolls, The control unit is configured to perform rice milling in multiple control modes, and based on the supply amount controlled by the supply amount adjustment unit and the pressure controlled by the pressure adjustment unit, which are set in advance, it performs rice milling in a normal mode that performs rice milling with a standard degree of polishing, The system is configured to perform a re-milling mode, in which the pressure adjustment unit reduces the pressure on the pressure plate to a level lower than that of the normal mode, and the stirring speed adjustment unit increases the stirring speed to perform the milling process. The present invention provides a rice milling apparatus that includes a re-milling execution determination unit that determines whether or not to automatically execute the re-milling mode based on state detection information indicating the state of the rice obtained from the state detection sensor, and is configured to automatically execute the re-milling mode at the start of the rice milling process by determining whether or not to automatically execute the re-milling mode.

[0007] According to the first invention described above, the state of the rice fed into the input hopper is detected by a state detection sensor, and based on the state detection information, it is determined whether or not to automatically execute the re-milling mode. If it is determined that it is necessary based on the state of the rice, the re-milling mode can be automatically executed. This improves user convenience while effectively preventing the occurrence of broken rice during re-milling.

[0008] The second invention, in addition to the configuration of the first invention, includes a temperature detection sensor that detects the temperature of the rice in the state detection sensor. The control unit is configured to acquire detection information from the temperature detection sensor during the rice milling process, and to lower the target whiteness of the finished product when the rice temperature is above a first set temperature, and to raise the target whiteness of the finished product when the rice temperature is below a second set temperature.

[0009] According to the second invention described above, in addition to the effects of the first invention described above, it is possible to achieve a good level of whiteness, which is the target finish, by taking into consideration that the softness of the surface of the rice changes depending on the temperature of the rice, and that the degree of polishing during the rice milling process differs.

[0010] The third invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second invention described above, The rice milling equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the state detection sensor includes a whiteness detection sensor for detecting the whiteness of the rice, and the re-milling execution determination unit is configured to determine whether or not to automatically execute the re-milling mode based on the detected whiteness value of the rice.

[0011] According to the third invention described above, in addition to the effects of the first or second invention described above, Since the system is configured to automatically determine whether or not to execute the re-milling mode based on the detected fatty acid content of the rice, it can accurately determine whether to automatically execute the re-milling mode, taking into account the change in whiteness due to oxidation of the rice surface.

[0012] The fourth invention is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration of the first or second invention described above, the state detection sensor is equipped with a fatty acid content detection sensor for detecting the fatty acid content of rice, and the re-milling execution determination unit is configured to determine whether or not to automatically execute the re-milling mode based on the detected value of the fatty acid content of the rice.

[0013] According to the fourth invention described above, in addition to the effects of the first or second invention described above, the system is configured to determine whether or not to automatically execute the re-milling mode based on the detected fatty acid content of the rice. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not to automatically execute the re-milling mode, taking into account the change in fatty acid content due to oxidation of the surface of the rice.

[0014] The fifth invention includes a rice milling section for milling rice that has been fed into an input hopper, The rice milling unit comprises a brown rice tank for storing brown rice, a milling chamber for milling brown rice, a rotary valve for dispensing and supplying brown rice from the brown rice tank to the milling chamber, and a pressure plate provided at the outlet of the milling chamber. The milling chamber is equipped with a milling roll that mills brown rice by rotating, and a milling screen that surrounds the milling roll and mills the rice by interfering with the milled brown rice. A rice milling apparatus comprising a supply amount adjustment unit for adjusting the amount of brown rice supplied to the milling chamber, and a control unit for controlling a pressure adjustment unit for adjusting the pressure of the pressure plate, A state detection sensor for detecting the state of rice fed into the input hopper, The system includes a stirring speed adjustment unit for adjusting the stirring speed of the polishing rolls, The control unit is configured to perform rice milling in multiple control modes, and based on the supply amount controlled by the supply amount adjustment unit and the pressure controlled by the pressure adjustment unit, which are set in advance, it performs rice milling in a normal mode that performs rice milling with a standard degree of polishing, The system is configured to perform a re-milling mode, in which the pressure adjustment unit reduces the pressure on the pressure plate to a level lower than the pressure in the normal mode, and the stirring speed adjustment unit increases the stirring speed to perform the milling process. The system also includes a re-milling execution determination unit that determines whether or not to automatically execute the re-milling mode based on state detection information indicating the state of the rice obtained from the state detection sensor. The state detection sensor includes a moisture value detection sensor for detecting the moisture content of rice. The rice milling equipment is characterized in that, when the rice milling process is started, the control unit acquires information regarding the moisture content of the rice detected by the state detection sensor, and is configured to lower the pressure of the pressure plate below a set control amount if the moisture content is low, and to raise the pressure of the pressure plate above a set control amount if the moisture content is high. .

[0015] According to the fifth invention described above, the state of the rice fed into the input hopper is detected by a state detection sensor, and based on the state detection information, it is possible to automatically determine whether or not to execute the re-milling mode. This improves user convenience while effectively preventing broken rice during re-milling. In addition, since the likelihood of broken rice varies depending on the moisture content of the rice, breaking can be effectively prevented by adjusting the pressure while considering the moisture content of the rice.

[0016] The sixth invention includes a rice milling section for milling rice that has been fed into an input hopper, The rice milling section includes a brown rice tank for storing brown rice, a rice milling chamber for milling brown rice, a rotary valve for feeding and supplying brown rice from the brown rice tank to the rice milling chamber, and a pressure plate provided at the outlet of the rice milling chamber. Inside the rice milling chamber, there are provided a rice milling roll for stirring and milling brown rice by rotation, and a rice milling screen disposed so as to surround the rice milling roll and performing rice milling by interfering with the stirred brown rice. A rice milling facility includes a supply amount adjustment section for adjusting the supply amount of brown rice to the rice milling chamber, and a control section for controlling a pressure adjustment section for adjusting the pressure of the pressure plate, a state detection sensor for detecting the state of the rice input into the input hopper, and a stirring speed adjustment section for adjusting the stirring speed of the rice milling roll. The control section is configured to be able to execute rice milling processing in a plurality of control modes, and based on the supply amount by the preset supply amount adjustment section and the control amount of the pressure by the pressure adjustment section, a normal mode for performing rice milling processing with a standard degree of milling, and a re-rice milling mode configured to reduce the pressure of the pressure plate by the pressure adjustment section lower than the pressure in the normal mode and increase the stirring speed by the stirring speed adjustment section to execute rice milling processing, and includes a re-rice milling execution determination section for determining whether or not to automatically execute the re-rice milling mode based on state detection information indicating the state of the rice acquired from the state detection sensor. An ammeter for measuring a current value is attached to a drive motor for rotationally driving the rice milling roll, and the control section includes a brown rice supply amount correction section for correcting the supply amount by the supply amount adjustment section based on information regarding the measured value of the ammeter acquired. A rice milling facility is provided, characterized by this.

[0017] According to the sixth invention described above, the state of the rice input into the input hopper can be detected by the state detection sensor, and based on the state detection information, it can be determined whether or not to automatically execute the re-rice milling mode. Thereby, while improving the convenience of the user, it is possible to satisfactorily prevent the generation of crushed rice and perform re-rice milling. In addition, it is possible to satisfactorily prevent an overload due to an increase in the rotation speed of the rice milling roll.

[0018] The seventh invention is characterized in that, in addition to the configuration of the fourth invention, the re-milling execution determination unit acquires information on the number of days elapsed since the previous milling, which is input by the user, and is configured to increase the value of the fatty acid content of the rice, which is the condition for automatically executing the re-milling mode, as the acquired number of elapsed days increases.

[0019] According to the seventh invention described above, in addition to the effects of the fourth invention described above, by considering the number of days elapsed since the last milling, it becomes possible to accurately determine whether or not re-milling is necessary. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide rice milling equipment that can improve user convenience while effectively preventing the occurrence of broken rice and performing re-milling. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external perspective view of a rice milling facility according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic system configuration diagram related to the rice milling process of the rice milling equipment shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an indoor floor plan of the rice milling facility shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front view of the partition wall shown in Figure 3, as seen from the passenger compartment side. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of the rice milling section shown in Figure 2. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system for the rice milling section of the rice milling equipment shown in Figure 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a table summarizing the control parameters for each mode performed by the control unit. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of the milling section in Figure 2 during the milling process in germ protection mode. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 9. [Figure 11] Figure 11(a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main area around the refining chamber in normal mode, and Figure 11(b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main area around the refining chamber in germ-protection mode. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an enlarged view of the main parts around the control panel shown in Figure 4. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process for determining whether to execute the re-milling mode. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a graph used to determine the execution conditions based on whiteness. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a graph used to determine the execution conditions based on the fatty acid content. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a schematic front view showing the configuration around the rice tank. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a table summarizing the control amounts for each mode executed by the control unit of another embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a table summarizing the control amounts for each mode executed by the control unit of the other embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] <1. Configuration of the rice milling equipment> Based on the above technical concept, the configuration of the rice milling equipment A, which is specifically constructed according to the drawings, will be described below. Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the rice milling equipment A according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the rice milling facility A is constructed as a simple building with a roof and four side walls. A front entrance a1 for user use is provided at the front of the building, and a back entrance a2 for worker use is provided on the side.

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic system configuration diagram (side view) related to the rice milling process of rice milling equipment A. As shown in Figure 2, the rice milling equipment A is equipped with, in order from the upstream side of the processing path for rice to be milled (more specifically, brown rice before milling and rice that has been milled once and is to be milled again (i.e., polished rice), but since the normal rice milling process mainly uses brown rice, the term "brown rice" will be used below to refer to rice for milling), a brown rice input section S1 for receiving the brown rice, a foreign matter removal section S2 for removing foreign matter contained in the brown rice, a milling section S3 for milling the input brown rice, and a polished rice extraction section S4 for extracting polished rice (also called polished brown rice or polished white rice). In addition, a first grain lifter E1 is provided between the brown rice input section S1 and the foreign matter removal section S2, and a second grain lifter E2 is provided between the foreign matter removal section S2 and the milling section S3, and these are configured to transport the brown rice upwards.

[0025] The brown rice input unit S1 is equipped with a roughly funnel-shaped input hopper 1 into which the user inputs brown rice, and is configured to transfer the brown rice input into the input hopper 1 to the first graining machine E1. The front of the brown rice input unit S1 is provided with an opening / closing door 1a for opening and closing the input opening of the input hopper 1. The user can input rice into the input hopper 1 by opening this door 1a. Near the input opening of the input hopper 1, a state detection sensor I is provided to detect the state of the rice input into the input hopper 1. This state detection sensor I is configured to automatically detect the state of the rice when the user inputs rice into the input hopper 1, by placing a small amount of rice into a sample collection container. This state detection sensor I can also detect the presence or absence of rice in the input hopper 1.

[0026] The state detection sensor I detects information related to the state of the rice. The information detected by the state detection sensor I (hereinafter referred to as state detection information) is transmitted to the control unit C, which will be described later. The state detection sensor I includes a whiteness detection sensor i1 that detects the whiteness of the rice that has been put in, a fatty acid content detection sensor i2 that detects the fatty acid content, and temperature detection sensors i3 that detect the temperature.

[0027] The whiteness detection sensor i1 is a sensor that detects the whiteness of rice by measuring the spectral reflectance of the grain surface. For example, it can detect the whiteness of rice as a numerical value from 0 to 100 (the higher the number, the higher the whiteness). Alternatively, it may be configured to detect the whiteness by analyzing images from a camera that images the rice.

[0028] The fatty acid content detection sensor i2 is a sensor that detects the fatty acid content of rice. For example, it can detect the fatty acid content of rice as a numerical value from 0 to 50 (the higher the number, the higher the fatty acid content).

[0029] The temperature detection sensor i3 is a sensor that detects the temperature of the rice. Here, since it is estimated that the temperature of the rice will become approximately the same as the ambient temperature over time, the temperature detection sensor i3 is configured to detect the temperature of the rice by measuring the ambient temperature near the input hopper 1.

[0030] The foreign matter removal section S2 is equipped with a stone remover 2 for separating stones mixed in with brown rice and a foreign matter removal device 3 for separating long foreign objects such as straw scraps mixed in with brown rice. Brown rice supplied from the first grain lifter E1 to the foreign matter removal section S2 is passed from the stone remover 2 through the foreign matter removal device 3 to the second grain lifter E2.

[0031] The rice milling section S3 includes a brown rice tank 4 for temporarily storing brown rice, a rotary valve 5 for dispensing brown rice from the brown rice tank 4, a rice milling machine 6 for milling the brown rice, and a bran removal fan 7 for sucking up the bran generated during milling by the rice milling machine 6. Details of the rice milling section S3 will be described later. The brown rice supplied from the second grain lifting machine E2 to the brown rice tank 4 is dispensed from the rotary valve 5 and supplied to the rice milling machine 6, where it is milled and then handed over to the white rice output section S4.

[0032] The polished rice extraction unit S4 is equipped with a roughly funnel-shaped polished rice tank 8 that receives the polished rice processed by the polishing unit S3, and the polished rice can be extracted from this polished rice tank 8.

[0033] Figure 3 is an indoor floor plan of the rice milling facility A shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the interior of rice milling facility A is divided by a partition wall a3 into a guest room a4 where users stay and a machine room a5 where various equipment is located. Guest room a4 can be accessed from the front entrance a1, and machine room a5 can be accessed from the back entrance a2. On the machine room a5 side, the aforementioned input hopper 1, stone remover 2, foreign matter removal device 3, brown rice tank 4, rotary valve 5, rice milling machine 6, bran removal fan 7, polished rice tank 8, etc. are installed.

[0034] Figure 4 is a front view of the partition wall a3 in Figure 3, as seen from the passenger room a4 side. This partition wall a3 is equipped with an opening / closing door 1a and a polished rice outlet a6 facing the polished rice tank 8, allowing the user to load brown rice through the opening / closing door 1a and remove polished rice through the outlet a6. In addition, a control panel S for receiving user input and a payment slot G for receiving payment are provided in the approximate center of the partition wall a3. As will be described in more detail later, the control panel S is equipped with a selection switch SW for receiving user input.

[0035] <2. Configuration of the rice milling section S3> Figure 5 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of the rice milling section S3 in Figure 2. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, the rice milling section S3 is equipped with a milling chamber 9 for milling brown rice, and a rotary valve 5 is installed in a supply passage 10 that connects the milling chamber 9 and the brown rice tank 4.

[0036] The rotary valve 5 is configured to dispense a predetermined amount of brown rice stored in the brown rice tank 4 into the polishing chamber 9 by rotation. Therefore, the amount of brown rice supplied to the polishing chamber 9 per unit time is determined according to the rotation speed of the rotary valve 5. The valve motor M1 that rotates the rotary valve 5 is controlled by the control unit C, which will be described later. As a result, the control unit C can control the amount of brown rice supplied to the polishing section S3 (polishing chamber 9) by controlling the valve motor M1. The rotary valve 5 and valve motor M1 described above constitute a supply amount adjustment unit J1 that adjusts the amount of brown rice supplied to the polishing chamber 9.

[0037] The polishing chamber 9 has a rotating shaft 11 inside which is driven by a drive motor M2. On this rotating shaft 11, starting from the upstream side in the brown rice transport direction F1, are a transport roll 12 that transports the brown rice dropped from the rotary valve 5 and sends it to the polishing chamber 9, and a polishing roll 13 that stirs and polishes the brown rice inside the polishing chamber 9.

[0038] The conveying roll 12 is equipped with a spiral, which allows it to convey brown rice along the longitudinal direction of the rotating shaft 11 as the shaft rotates, and also sends the brown rice from the supply passage 10 into the polishing room 9. The conveying speed of the brown rice by the conveying roll 12 is sufficiently faster than the supply speed of the brown rice by the rotary valve 5.

[0039] Furthermore, a rice polishing screen 14, which has a mesh-like slit pattern formed on its plate surface, is arranged inside the polishing chamber 9 to surround the polishing roll 13. As shown in Figure 6, this rice polishing screen 14 is formed in a regular hexagonal cross-section. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the size of the rice polishing screen 14 is, for example, width W1 = 100 mm, height W2 = 120 mm, and depth W3 = 400 mm. In this embodiment, the polishing chamber 9 is in an inclined position with the supply side at the top and the outflow side at the bottom.

[0040] The polishing roll 13 has stirring blades 13a for stirring brown rice, which are formed to protrude from the circumferential surface along the longitudinal direction of the polishing roll 13. The arrow F2 in Figure 6 indicates the rotation direction of the polishing roll 13. The peripheral speed of the polishing roll 13 (referring to the speed Vs at the tip of the stirring blades 13a; the same applies hereafter) can be controlled by the control unit C, which will be described later, by driving and controlling the drive motor M2 that rotates the polishing roll 13. As a result, the control unit C can control the stirring speed of the polishing roll 13 by controlling the drive motor M2. Here, stirring speed refers to the number of rotations per unit time (min-1) of the polishing roll 13. When the peripheral speed and stirring speed of the polishing roll 13 increase, the straight-line speed of the brown rice in the polishing chamber 9 also increases. As a result, the polishing speed (speed of polishing) of the brown rice also improves. The aforementioned rotating shaft 11, polishing roll 13, and drive motor M2 constitute the stirring speed adjustment unit J2 within the polishing chamber 9.

[0041] Furthermore, the drive motor M2 is equipped with an ammeter I2 for measuring current values, and the control unit C is configured to acquire information regarding the measured value of the ammeter I2 and to control the current supplied to the drive motor M2 based on that measured value.

[0042] In this way, as the polishing roll 13 rotates, the brown rice inside the polishing screen 14 in the polishing chamber 9 is polished (milled) by friction between the grains as it moves in a straight line while being agitated and interfering with the surface of the polishing screen 14.

[0043] An outlet 9a, which is an opening for the outflow of polished rice, is provided at the bottom of the polishing chamber 9. A pressure plate 15 biased toward the polishing chamber 9 is positioned to cover this outlet 9a. This pressure plate 15 is fixed to one end of a pressure arm 17, which is rotatably mounted on a pressure support shaft 16 as a fulcrum, and the other end of the pressure arm 17 is biased by an elastic spring 18. The pressing force of this elastic spring 18 is adjusted by the position of a pressure adjustment head 19, which moves forward and backward driven by a pressure adjustment motor M3. The pressure adjustment motor M3 is driven and controlled by a control unit C, which will be described later. As a result, the control unit C is able to control the pressure of the pressure plate 15.

[0044] Here, the brown rice polished in the polishing chamber 9 flows out from the outlet 9a against the biasing force of the pressure plate 15 and is supplied to the polished rice tank 8 of the polished rice extraction section S4. Therefore, the higher the pressure of the pressure plate 15, the higher the pressure inside the polishing chamber 9 and the higher the degree of polishing. Conversely, the lower the pressure of the pressure plate 15, the lower the pressure inside the polishing chamber 9 and the lower the degree of polishing. The pressure adjustment motor M3, pressure support shaft 16, pressure arm 17, and pressure plate 15 described above constitute the pressure adjustment section J3 that adjusts the pressure inside the polishing chamber 9.

[0045] Furthermore, a bran removal fan 7 is provided below the polishing chamber 9 to suck up the bran generated in the polishing chamber 9. The bran removal fan 7 is configured to appropriately suck up and remove the bran generated by the rice polishing process. The fan motor M4 that drives the bran removal fan 7 is driven and controlled by the control unit C.

[0046] <3. Configuration of the control unit> Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system for the rice milling section S3 of the rice milling equipment A in Figure 1. The control unit C is an information processing device comprising a CPU that performs arithmetic processing and a memory capable of reading and writing information necessary for arithmetic processing. The configuration shown as a functional block in Figure 7 is realized by the CPU operating according to various control programs stored in the memory. Note that the control unit C may also be a sequence control instead of a CPU.

[0047] A selection switch SW is connected to the input side of the control unit C, and the control unit C can acquire information from the operation of the selection switch SW. In addition, as described above, a state detection sensor I is connected, and state detection information can be acquired. Specifically, information detected from the whiteness detection sensor i1, fatty acid content detection sensor i2, and temperature detection sensor i3 can be acquired. Furthermore, an ammeter I2 is connected, and information regarding the measured value of the ammeter I2 can be acquired.

[0048] Furthermore, the output side of the control unit C is connected to a supply amount adjustment unit J1, a stirring speed adjustment unit J2, a pressure adjustment unit J3, and a bran removal fan 7. As a result, the control unit C can control the amount of brown rice supplied to the polishing chamber 9 by the supply amount adjustment unit J1, the stirring speed of the polishing rolls 13 by the stirring speed adjustment unit J2, the pressure of the pressure plate 15 by the pressure adjustment unit J3, and the removal of bran by the bran removal fan 7.

[0049] The control unit C is configured to perform rice milling in multiple control modes (hereinafter referred to as "milling modes") with different control amounts. As shown in Figure 7, the control unit C includes a normal mode execution unit c1 that performs the "normal mode", a rinse-free rice mode execution unit c2 that performs the "wash-free rice mode", a germ protection mode execution unit c3 that performs the "germ protection mode", and a re-milling mode execution unit c4 that performs the "re-milling mode", and is configured to be able to select and execute these modes. In addition, the control unit C includes a re-milling execution determination unit c5 that determines whether or not to perform re-milling, and a brown rice supply amount correction unit c6 that corrects the amount of brown rice supplied by the rotary valve 5 of the supply amount adjustment unit J1.

[0050] Figure 8 is a table summarizing the control amounts for each rice milling mode executed by the control unit C. In Figure 8, the control mode (rice milling mode), control item, and control amount are summarized in a list. X (kg / hr), P (MPa), and R (min-1) in the figure are set values ​​that are determined according to the scale of the rice milling unit S3, and these set values ​​serve as the basis for the rice milling process. These set values ​​are set in advance by the operator before the rice milling process. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example, the set values ​​are set to X=380, P=1, and R=900. These set values ​​mean that the control amounts are controlled to be 380 kg of brown rice per hour, 1 MPa of pressure plate 14, and 900 min-1 of rotation speed of milling roll 13.

[0051] The normal mode execution unit c1 is a program that executes the normal mode, which is the mode for performing the normal rice milling process. In normal mode, it is possible to switch between three states with different degrees of polishing: standard, partially polished, and highly polished, according to the user's needs. This switching is performed by operating the selection switch SW.

[0052] In the diagram, the "Normal Mode (Standard)" is a control mode in which the control quantities that serve as the standard for normal rice milling are set, and the rice milling process is performed according to the amount of brown rice supplied by the rotary valve 5, the pressure P, and the stirring speed R. Here, the "Normal Mode (Standard)" is a mode in which the rice milling process is performed according to the control quantities that serve as the standard for the other rice milling modes. Therefore, it is desirable that the control quantities in the "Normal Mode (Standard)" are set to quantities that allow for rice milling to be performed at a standard degree of polishing. On the other hand, in the "Normal Mode (Partially Milled)," the pressure P is reduced by about 30% compared to the "Normal Mode (Standard)." This allows for a lower final degree of polishing. In the "Normal Mode (Highly Polished)," the pressure P is increased by about 20% compared to the "Normal Mode (Standard)." This allows for a higher final degree of polishing.

[0053] The rinse-free rice mode execution unit c2 is a program that executes the rinse-free rice mode, which is a control mode for finishing brown rice as rinse-free rice. In rinse-free rice mode, the amount of brown rice supplied is reduced by about 20% and the pressure P is increased by about 40% compared to the normal mode (standard). This increases the degree of polishing at the end, making it possible to finish the rice as rinse-free rice.

[0054] The germ protection mode execution unit c3 is a program that executes the germ protection mode, which is a control mode that performs rice milling while preventing the removal of the germ from brown rice. In germ protection mode, it is possible to switch between two states with different degrees of polishing: standard and partially polished. This switching is performed by operating the selection switch SW.

[0055] The germ protection mode (standard) reduces the amount of brown rice supplied by about 20% compared to the normal mode (standard). In addition, the pressure in germ protection mode (standard) is set to the same level as in normal mode, while in germ protection mode (partially milled), the pressure P is reduced by about 30%.

[0056] Next, the effects of the germ protection mode will be explained using Figures 9 to 11. Figure 9 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of the milling section S3 in Figure 2 during the milling process in germ protection mode. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 9. Figure 11(a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part around the milling chamber 9 in normal mode, and Figure 11(b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part around the milling chamber 9 in germ protection mode.

[0057] As shown in Figures 9 and 11, during rice milling in germ protection mode (standard), brown rice grains br are supplied from the brown rice tank 4 to the polishing room 9, but the amount of brown rice supplied is reduced by about 20% compared to the normal mode (standard).

[0058] Here, as shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part around the polishing chamber 9 in normal mode in Figure 11(a), in normal mode, the density of grains br in the polishing chamber 9 is high (the packing rate increases), causing the grains br to be oriented randomly. The tips of grains br containing germs come into contact with the polishing screen 14, making it easier for the germs to be removed. In addition to contact with the polishing screen, if the grains are oriented randomly, friction between grains can also cause the germs to be removed from each other. In contrast, in germ protection mode, by reducing the amount of brown rice supplied by about 20% compared to normal mode (standard), the density of grains br in the polishing chamber 9 is reduced (the packing rate is lowered), making it easier for the longitudinal orientation of the grains br to align with the direction of travel (along the polishing roll 13). As a result, the desired degree of polishing can be achieved by the contact of the sides of the grains br with the polishing screen 14 and friction between the brown rice grains, while preventing the tips of the grains br containing the germ from coming into contact with the polishing screen 14 or removing the germ from the brown rice grains themselves. Therefore, it becomes possible to polish rice without removing the germ. In addition, by reducing friction between the brown rice grains and not only preventing the removal of the germ, but also by uniformly polishing the surface of the brown rice, the flavor layer of the finished rice can be preserved, resulting in a good taste.

[0059] Returning to Figures 7 and 8, the re-milling mode execution unit c4 is a program that executes the re-milling mode. The re-milling mode is a control mode for re-milling brown rice (i.e., white rice) that has already been milled. In other words, white rice loses its flavor due to oxidation of the surface over time after milling, so this re-milling mode allows for re-milling, which improves the deterioration of flavor.

[0060] In the re-milling mode, the pressure P is reduced by approximately 30% compared to the normal mode (standard). This prevents breakage of polished rice that has become brittle over time. In addition, it prevents excessive milling of the surface of the polished rice. Furthermore, the stirring speed R is increased by approximately 10%. By increasing the stirring speed R by approximately 10%, the ratio of the peripheral speed Vs to the speed of the polished rice moving within the polishing chamber 9 is increased, and the straightness of the grain br is increased. This reduces the time the polished rice stays in the polishing chamber 9, thereby reducing the load on the polished rice and preventing breakage. At this time, reducing the pressure P of the pressure plate 15 also makes it easier for the grain to flow out of the polishing chamber 9, so the synergistic effect of these factors reduces the time the polished rice stays in the polishing chamber 9. Thus, in the re-milling mode, by reducing the pressure P of the pressure plate 15 and increasing the stirring speed R, the re-milling process can be performed quickly, the load on the grain is reduced, and breakage can be effectively prevented.

[0061] <4. Select Switch SW Configuration> Figure 12 is an enlarged view of the main parts around the control panel S shown in Figure 4. Although not shown in Figure 12, the control panel S is equipped with a display screen (display unit) capable of displaying various information. This display screen is configured to display setting screens, and during rice milling, it displays the current rice milling mode and the remaining time until the rice milling process is completed.

[0062] As shown in Figure 12, the control panel S is equipped with multiple push-button switches (sw1 to sw7) corresponding to each of the control modes described above, as selection switches SW. The control unit C first receives user input, acquires the operation information of the selection switches SW, and, unless the seventh switch sw7, which is a button dedicated to the re-milling mode, is pressed and selected, the re-milling execution determination unit c5 determines whether or not to automatically execute the re-milling mode, and then executes each of the control modes described above corresponding to the operated selection switch SW. In other words, when the control unit C acquires the operation information of the selection switches SW, it first performs a re-milling mode execution determination process using the re-milling execution determination unit c5 to determine whether or not to automatically execute the re-milling mode.

[0063] Here, the first switch sw1 activates the normal mode (standard), the second switch sw2 activates the normal mode (partially milled), and the third switch sw3 activates the normal mode (highly polished). Additionally, the fourth switch sw1 is for the user to select the no-wash rice mode.

[0064] Switch 5, sw1, selects the germ protection mode (standard), and switch 6, sw6, selects the germ protection mode (partially milled). Switch 7, sw7, selects and executes the re-milling mode. Switch 8, sw8, is for returning the input brown rice to the user. Switches 9 through 11, sw9 and sw11, are for switching the execution of the re-milling mode execution determination process ON / OFF, and for making various settings.

[0065] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, there is only one type of milling degree in normal mode. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, multiple selection switches SW corresponding to different milling degrees such as 3 minutes, 5 minutes, and 8 minutes may be provided. Alternatively, the configuration may allow selection of 3 minutes, 5 minutes, and 8 minutes of milling depending on the number of times the second switch SW2 is pressed.

[0066] Here, during normal mode execution (rice milling), the control unit C is configured to appropriately switch between normal mode (standard), normal mode (partially milled), and normal mode (highly polished) depending on the operation of the selection switch SW. This allows the user to fine-tune the degree of polishing of the brown rice during the milling process while observing the finished white rice.

[0067] On the other hand, the germ protection mode and the re-milling mode are configured to restrict switching to other modes during the milling process. The germ protection mode is to prevent accidental operation, and the re-milling mode is to prevent broken rice grains from causing clogging of the milling chamber 9 due to switching to another mode. The re-milling mode is configured to be less prone to user error by providing a dedicated switch.

[0068] <Determination process for executing re-milling mode> Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process for determining whether to execute the re-milling mode. As described above, the re-milling mode execution determination process is a process in which the re-milling mode execution determination unit c5 determines whether or not to automatically execute the re-milling mode. When the user loads rice into the input hopper 1, and the user operates the selection switch SW to select one of the modes other than the re-milling mode—the normal mode (standard, partially milled, polished) or the germ protection mode (standard, partially milled)—this re-milling mode execution determination process is started before the milling process using the milling mode selected by the user is executed.

[0069] Next, we will explain the process for determining whether to execute the re-milling mode. First, the re-milling execution determination unit c5 obtains information about the milling mode selected by the user based on the operation of the user's selection switch SW (step #1).

[0070] Next, state detection information (whiteness, fatty acid content, and temperature of the input rice) is acquired from the state detection sensor I (step #2). Then, based on the acquired state detection information, it is determined whether the execution condition based on whiteness is met (step #3). If the execution condition based on whiteness is met (Y in step #3), it is determined whether the execution condition based on fatty acid content is met (step #4). Furthermore, if the execution condition based on fatty acid content is also met (Y in step #4), the re-milling mode is executed (step #5). On the other hand, if the execution condition based on whiteness or fatty acid content is not met, the rice milling process is performed using the milling mode selected by the user (step #6). Thus, with a configuration that automatically executes the re-milling mode when the execution conditions based on whiteness and fatty acid content are met, information about the state of the input rice is acquired and determined, and when the rice is in a state suitable for re-milling, the re-milling mode is automatically executed, reducing the load on the grains during milling. This improves user convenience and effectively prevents broken rice during re-milling.

[0071] <Execution conditions based on whiteness> Figure 14 is a graph used to determine the execution conditions based on whiteness. In the graph in Figure 14, the vertical axis represents whiteness and the horizontal axis represents temperature. This allows a point on the graph to be determined by the whiteness and temperature values ​​detected by the state detection sensor I. The line used to determine whether the conditions are met is determined by the rice milling mode selected by the user. The line labeled "No-wash rice" is selected when the user has selected the no-wash rice mode. The line labeled "High-white" is selected when the user has selected the normal mode (high-white). The line labeled "Standard" is selected when the user has selected either the normal mode (standard) or the germ-protected mode (standard). The line labeled "Partially milled" is selected when the user has selected either the normal mode (partially milled) or the germ-protected mode (partially milled).

[0072] When a point on the graph, based on the whiteness and temperature detection values ​​of the state detection information obtained from the state detection sensor I, is located in the region below the selected line, it is determined that the execution condition based on whiteness is satisfied. When it is located above each line, it is determined that the execution condition based on whiteness is not satisfied. For example, at a temperature of t, the line for pre-washed rice points to whiteness y4 on the vertical axis. If the whiteness of the state detection information is less than or equal to whiteness y4, the condition is satisfied; if it is greater than whiteness y4, the condition is not satisfied. In a similar manner, the line for top-white rice is whiteness y3, the line for standard rice is whiteness y2, and the line for partially milled rice is whiteness y1, with the relationship y4>y3>y2>y1.

[0073] Here, each line is set so that the higher the temperature, the lower the whiteness value required to satisfy the conditions, and the lower the temperature, the higher the whiteness value required to satisfy the conditions. This is because the higher the ambient temperature (rice temperature), the softer the surface of the grain becomes, making it easier to improve whiteness through milling. Conversely, the lower the temperature, the harder the surface of the grain becomes, making it more difficult to improve whiteness through milling. Therefore, since it is thought that broken rice is less likely to occur at higher rice temperatures, the whiteness threshold at which the re-milling mode is automatically executed is lowered, making it less likely for the re-milling mode to be automatically executed, thus enabling milling that is appropriate for the condition of the rice. Conversely, in situations where the rice temperature is low and broken rice is likely to occur, the re-milling mode is more likely to be automatically executed, which effectively prevents broken rice. In this way, by taking the detected rice temperature into account and automatically executing the milling mode, the burden on the user in making selections is reduced, and more appropriate milling is possible.

[0074] <Execution conditions based on fatty acid content> Figure 15 is a graph used to determine the execution conditions based on the fatty acid content. In the graph in Figure 14, the vertical axis represents fatty acid content, and the horizontal axis represents the number of days. Thus, a point on the graph is determined by the fatty acid content obtained from the state detection sensor I and the number of days elapsed since the last milling, as entered by the user. The number of days elapsed since the last milling is entered by the user after the rice is loaded into the input hopper 1. At appropriate intervals, a message such as "If re-milling is required, please enter the number of days elapsed since the last milling" is displayed on the screen. The user then inputs the number of days elapsed since the last milling using switches 9 (sw9) to 11 (sw11) according to the displayed message. If the user does not input the number of days elapsed since the last milling (e.g., if re-milling is not required), a standard value of 60 days is automatically entered as the number of days elapsed since the last milling.

[0075] Then, similar to the execution conditions based on whiteness as described above, the line used to determine whether the conditions are met is determined by the milling mode selected by the user. The line labeled "No-wash rice" is the line selected when the user has selected the no-wash rice mode. The line labeled "High-white" is the line selected when the user has selected the normal mode (high-white). The line labeled "Standard" is the line selected when the user has selected either the normal mode (standard) or the germ-protected mode (standard). The line labeled "Partially milled" is the line selected when the user has selected either the normal mode (partially milled) or the germ-protected mode (partially milled).

[0076] When a point on the graph, determined by the fatty acid content of the state detection information obtained from the state detection sensor I and the number of days elapsed since the last rice milling entered by the user, is located in the region above the selected line, it is determined that the execution condition based on fatty acid content is satisfied. When it is located below each line, it is determined that the execution condition based on fatty acid content is not satisfied. For example, when the number of days is u, the line for pre-washed rice points to fatty acid content x4 on the vertical axis. If the fatty acid content of the state detection information is greater than or equal to fatty acid content x4, the condition is satisfied; if it is less than fatty acid content x4, the condition is not satisfied. In a similar manner, the line for polished white rice is fatty acid content x3, the line for standard rice is fatty acid content x2, and the line for partially milled rice is fatty acid content x1, with the relationship x4>x3>x2>x1. Each milling line is designed to increase the baseline fatty acid content as the number of days increases. The slope of this increase takes into account the general increase in fatty acid content of rice over time, and is used to determine if remilling is necessary when the fatty acid content of the rice increases at a certain rate or higher. In this way, by considering the number of days elapsed since the last milling, it is possible to accurately determine whether remilling is necessary.

[0077] <Correction of brown rice supply due to motor load> In the re-milling mode, the rice milling process is configured to increase the rotational speed of the milling roll 13 per unit time. At this time, the brown rice supply amount correction unit c6 is configured to prevent overload due to the increased rotational speed of the milling roll 13 by reducing (i.e., correcting) the supply amount by the supply amount adjustment unit J1 (rotary valve 5) according to the motor load of the drive motor M2, thereby preventing overload of the milling roll 13. Here, since the motor load of the drive motor M2 is correlated with the current value of the drive motor M2, the control unit C corrects the supply amount by the supply amount adjustment unit J1 (rotary valve 5) based on the detected value of the ammeter I2. That is, during the rice milling process in re-milling mode, the control unit C monitors the detected value of the ammeter I2, and when the detected value exceeds a predetermined threshold, it corrects the supply amount by reducing the supply amount by the supply amount adjustment unit J1 (rotary valve 5), thereby reducing the load on the milling roll 13 and managing the ammeter I2 to stay within the predetermined threshold. This effectively prevents overload caused by an increase in the rotational speed of the polishing roll 13.

[0078] <Configuration around the white rice tank> Figure 16 is a schematic front view showing the configuration around the rice tank 8. As shown in Figure 16, a rack 20 for placing bags of rice is provided at the bottom of the rice tank 8. This rack 20 can be rotated to switch between a storage position (upward-flipped position) and a placement position (horizontal position). Furthermore, it consists of an upper rack 20a and a lower rack 20b with different upper and lower placement heights. This allows for the setting of two placement positions with different upper and lower heights, increasing versatility and improving user convenience.

[0079] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It goes without saying that modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea. For example, the control unit C can also be configured as follows.

[0080] <Pressure control of pressure plates based on current values> In the example shown in Figure 8, the relationship between the germ protection mode or re-milling mode and the pressure of the pressure plate 15 is shown. However, instead, an ammeter may be provided on the pressure regulating motor M3, and the control unit C may be configured to acquire the detected current value of the pressure regulating motor M3. The control unit C may then be configured to determine the pressure of the pressure plate 15 by controlling the current value of the pressure regulating motor M3 when the milling process is performed in germ protection mode or re-milling mode.

[0081] More specifically, a current value greater than the current value of the pressure regulating motor M3 when the pressure plate 15 is unloaded (the minimum current value required to operate the pressure plate 15), and less than the current value at a pressure of 0.7P (MPa) in normal mode (partial milling), can be set as the reference current value, and the pressure of the pressure plate 15 can be determined using this reference current value as the current value of the pressure regulating motor M3. This allows the pressure of the pressure plate 15 to be controlled according to the load on the pressure regulating motor M3, thereby improving the accuracy of the milling process in germ protection mode or re-milling mode and improving the quality of the finished white rice.

[0082] <Automatic execution of re-milling mode based on whiteness and fatty acid content> In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, the flowchart illustrating the process for determining whether to execute the re-milling mode shows that the control unit C is configured to determine whether to automatically execute the re-milling mode by taking into account both the execution conditions based on whiteness and the execution conditions based on fatty acid content. However, it is also possible to configure the control unit C to determine whether to automatically execute the re-milling mode based only on the whiteness value of the state detection information obtained from the state detection sensor I, or to configure the control unit C to determine whether to automatically execute the re-milling mode based only on the fatty acid content value of the state detection information obtained from the state detection sensor I.

[0083] For example, if the decision to automatically execute the re-milling mode is based solely on the whiteness value, the system can be configured to perform milling according to the milling mode selected by the user if the whiteness value of the state detection information obtained from the state detection sensor I is less than a preset first standard value for whiteness; if it is between the first and second standard values, the re-milling mode is automatically executed; and if it is above the second standard value, the system determines that the whiteness of the input rice is sufficient and milling is not necessary, and does not perform the milling process. It is desirable that the first and second standard values ​​be set for each milling mode selected by the user, because the finished whiteness differs depending on the milling mode.

[0084] When determining whether to automatically execute the re-milling mode based solely on the fatty acid content value of the state detection information obtained from the state detection sensor I, the system can be configured to execute the milling process using the milling mode selected by the user if the fatty acid content value of the state detection information obtained from the state detection sensor I falls below a predetermined value for fatty acid content, and to automatically execute the re-milling mode if it is above the predetermined value. It is desirable that the predetermined value be set for each milling mode selected by the user.

[0085] <Pressure regulation by temperature> When the control unit C starts the rice milling process by executing germ protection mode (standard, partially milled), it acquires information on the rice temperature (or ambient temperature) detected by the state detection sensor I. If the rice temperature is above the first set temperature (e.g., 25 degrees Celsius), it can determine that the surface of the rice is soft and that the whiteness will increase more easily than usual. Therefore, the control unit C may be configured to lower the target whiteness of the finished product (i.e., lower the pressure of the pressure plate 15) during the rice milling process. If the temperature is below the second set temperature (e.g., 15 degrees Celsius), it can determine that the surface of the rice is hard and that the whiteness will not increase more easily than usual. Therefore, the control unit C may be configured to raise the target whiteness of the finished product (i.e., increase the pressure of the pressure plate 15). In other words, for example, in the illustrated example shown in Figure 8, if the rice temperature is above the first set temperature, the rice milling process can be performed with the pressure reduced by about 10% from the pressure P shown in Figure 8. If the temperature is below the second set temperature, the rice milling process can be performed with the pressure increased by about 10% from the pressure P shown in Figure 8. This allows the system to take the rice temperature into consideration and achieve the desired level of whiteness in the finished product. Furthermore, the system can be configured to perform the same process in normal modes (standard, partially milled, and highly polished).

[0086] <Pressure regulation by moisture> The state detection sensor I may include a moisture value detection sensor that detects the moisture content of the rice. When the rice milling process is started by executing the germ protection mode (standard, partially milled), the control unit C acquires information regarding the moisture content of the rice detected by the state detection sensor I. Since it is estimated that broken rice is more likely to occur when the moisture content is low, the control unit C may be configured to lower the pressure of the pressure plate 15 below a set control amount. Conversely, since it is estimated that broken rice is less likely to occur when the moisture content is high, the control unit C may be configured to raise the pressure of the pressure plate 15 above a set control amount. This allows for effective prevention of broken rice, taking into account the moisture content of the rice. The same process can also be performed in normal mode (standard, partially milled, polished white rice).

[0087] <Control amount of the control unit in a different embodiment> Figure 17 is a table summarizing the control amounts for each mode executed by the control unit C of another embodiment. As shown in Figure 17, in the germ protection mode (standard), the control unit C of the other embodiment reduces the amount of brown rice supplied to less than in the pre-washed rice mode and by about 40% compared to the normal mode (standard).

[0088] As shown in Figure 17, in germ protection mode (standard), reducing the supply of brown rice by about 40% compared to normal mode (standard) reduces the density of grains br in the polishing chamber 9 (lowers the packing rate) more than in the embodiment of Figure 8, making it easier for the longitudinal orientation of the grains br to align with the direction of travel (along the polishing roll 13). On the other hand, the embodiment of Figure 8 has the effect of shortening the time required for polishing compared to the embodiment of Figure 17, and the manager of the polishing equipment can select and set the supply amount in advance according to the user's demand. When germ protection mode is used for partial polishing, polishing is performed at approximately the same level as partial polishing in normal mode. Specifically, if there are multiple types of partial polishing as described later, it is desirable to use the lowest degree of polishing (for example, about 3 minutes as described later). This makes it easier for users who are unsure what degree of polishing to select when leaving the germ portion in partial polishing to understand.

[0089] Next, another embodiment 2 relating to the control unit C will be described based on Figure 18. Figure 18 is a table summarizing the control amounts for each mode executed by the control unit C of another embodiment 2. In this embodiment 2, during the rice milling process in germ protection mode, brown rice grains br are supplied from the brown rice tank 4 to the polishing room 9. At this time, the amount of brown rice supplied is reduced by about 20% (or 40%) and the stirring speed is increased by about 10% compared to the normal mode (standard).

[0090] In germ protection mode, the amount of brown rice supplied is reduced by approximately 20% (or 40%) compared to normal mode (standard), thereby reducing the density of grains br in the polishing chamber 9 (lowering the packing rate), and making it easier for the longitudinal orientation of the grains br to align with the direction of travel (along the polishing roll 13). Furthermore, by increasing the stirring speed by approximately 10%, the ratio of the peripheral speed Vs to the speed of the brown rice moving through the polishing chamber 9 is increased, and the straightness of the grains br is increased. Through these synergistic effects, the longitudinal orientation of the grains br can be aligned with the direction of travel even more effectively. As a result, while achieving the user's desired degree of polishing through contact of the sides of the grains br with the polishing screen 14 and friction between brown rice grains, it is possible to further prevent the tips of grains br containing germs from coming into contact with the polishing screen 14 or the germs from being removed by other brown rice grains. Therefore, more preferably, it is possible to mill the rice in a way that prevents the removal of the germ, while also reducing friction between the brown rice grains. This not only prevents the removal of the germ, but also preserves the flavorful layer of the finished rice, resulting in a better taste.

[0091] In yet another embodiment, a moisture detection sensor detects the moisture content of the rice introduced into the input hopper 1. When the moisture content falls below a predetermined value, the stirring speed is increased by 10%. When the moisture content is above the predetermined value, it is determined that rice breakage is unlikely, so the system may be configured to increase the stirring speed by a larger percentage than 10% (approximately 40-50%). Furthermore, in this case, the system may be configured to increase the stirring speed as the moisture content increases. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1. Input hopper 1a Opening and closing door 2 Stone remover 3 Foreign matter removal device 4 Brown rice tanks 5 Rotary valve 6 Rice polishing machine 7. Rice bran removal fan 8 white rice tanks 9. Polishing Room 9a Outlet 10 Supply route 11 Rotation axis 12 Conveyor Rolls 13 Polishing Roll 14 Rice milling screen 15 Pressure plate 16 Pressure support shaft 17 Pressure Arm 18 Elastic springs 19 Pressure adjustment head 20 Shelves A Rice milling equipment a1 Main entrance a2 back entrance a3 Partition wall br grain C control section S1 Brown rice input section S2 Foreign matter removal section S3 Rice Milling Department S4 White rice removal section E1 1st grain hoist E2 2nd grain hoist I State detection sensor M1 Valve Motor M2 drive motor M3 Pressure Regulating Motor M4 Fan Motor

Claims

1. It is equipped with a rice milling section that mills the rice that is fed into the input hopper, The rice milling unit comprises a brown rice tank for storing brown rice, a milling chamber for milling brown rice, a rotary valve for dispensing and supplying brown rice from the brown rice tank to the milling chamber, and a pressure plate provided at the outlet of the milling chamber. The milling chamber is equipped with a milling roll that mills brown rice by rotating, and a milling screen that surrounds the milling roll and mills the rice by interfering with the milled brown rice. A rice milling apparatus comprising a supply amount adjustment unit for adjusting the amount of brown rice supplied to the milling chamber, and a control unit for controlling a pressure adjustment unit for adjusting the pressure of the pressure plate, A state detection sensor for detecting the state of rice fed into the input hopper, The system includes a stirring speed adjustment unit for adjusting the stirring speed of the polishing rolls, The control unit is configured to perform rice milling in multiple control modes, and based on the supply amount controlled by the supply amount adjustment unit and the pressure controlled by the pressure adjustment unit, which are set in advance, it performs rice milling in a normal mode that performs rice milling with a standard degree of polishing, The system is configured to perform a re-milling mode, in which the pressure adjustment unit reduces the pressure on the pressure plate to a level lower than that of the normal mode, and the stirring speed adjustment unit increases the stirring speed to perform the milling process. The rice milling equipment is characterized by comprising a re-milling execution determination unit that determines whether or not to automatically execute the re-milling mode based on state detection information indicating the state of rice obtained from the state detection sensor, and at the start of the rice milling process, the re-milling execution determination unit determines whether or not to automatically execute the re-milling mode, and the equipment is configured to automatically execute the re-milling mode.

2. The state detection sensor includes a temperature detection sensor that detects the temperature of the rice. The rice milling apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit acquires detection information from the temperature detection sensor during the rice milling process, and is configured to lower the target whiteness of the finished product when the temperature of the rice is above a first set temperature, and to raise the target whiteness of the finished product when the temperature of the rice is below a second set temperature.

3. The rice milling equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the state detection sensor includes a whiteness detection sensor for detecting the whiteness of the rice, and the re-milling execution determination unit is configured to determine whether or not to automatically execute the re-milling mode based on the detected whiteness value of the rice.

4. The rice milling equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the state detection sensor includes a fatty acid content detection sensor for detecting the fatty acid content of rice, and the re-milling execution determination unit is configured to determine whether or not to automatically execute the re-milling mode based on the detected fatty acid content of the rice.

5. It is equipped with a rice milling section that mills the rice that is fed into the input hopper, The rice milling unit comprises a brown rice tank for storing brown rice, a milling chamber for milling brown rice, a rotary valve for dispensing and supplying brown rice from the brown rice tank to the milling chamber, and a pressure plate provided at the outlet of the milling chamber. The milling chamber is equipped with a milling roll that mills brown rice by rotating, and a milling screen that surrounds the milling roll and mills the rice by interfering with the milled brown rice. A rice milling apparatus comprising a supply amount adjustment unit for adjusting the amount of brown rice supplied to the milling chamber, and a control unit for controlling a pressure adjustment unit for adjusting the pressure of the pressure plate, A state detection sensor for detecting the state of rice fed into the input hopper, The system includes a stirring speed adjustment unit for adjusting the stirring speed of the polishing rolls, The control unit is configured to perform rice milling in multiple control modes, and based on the supply amount controlled by the supply amount adjustment unit and the pressure controlled by the pressure adjustment unit, which are set in advance, it performs rice milling in a normal mode that performs rice milling with a standard degree of polishing, The system is configured to perform a re-milling mode, in which the pressure adjustment unit reduces the pressure on the pressure plate to a level lower than the pressure in the normal mode, and the stirring speed adjustment unit increases the stirring speed to perform the milling process. The system also includes a re-milling execution determination unit that determines whether or not to automatically execute the re-milling mode based on state detection information indicating the state of the rice obtained from the state detection sensor. The state detection sensor includes a moisture value detection sensor for detecting the moisture content of rice. The control unit is configured to acquire information regarding the moisture content of the rice detected by the state detection sensor when the rice milling process is started, and to lower the pressure of the pressure plate below a set control amount if the moisture content is low, and to raise the pressure of the pressure plate above a set control amount if the moisture content is high.

6. It is equipped with a rice milling section that mills the rice that is fed into the input hopper, The rice milling unit comprises a brown rice tank for storing brown rice, a milling chamber for milling brown rice, a rotary valve for dispensing and supplying brown rice from the brown rice tank to the milling chamber, and a pressure plate provided at the outlet of the milling chamber. The milling chamber is equipped with a milling roll that mills brown rice by rotating, and a milling screen that surrounds the milling roll and mills the rice by interfering with the milled brown rice. A rice milling apparatus comprising a supply amount adjustment unit for adjusting the amount of brown rice supplied to the milling chamber, and a control unit for controlling a pressure adjustment unit for adjusting the pressure of the pressure plate, A state detection sensor for detecting the state of rice fed into the input hopper, The system includes a stirring speed adjustment unit for adjusting the stirring speed of the polishing rolls, The control unit is configured to perform rice milling in multiple control modes, and based on the supply amount controlled by the supply amount adjustment unit and the pressure controlled by the pressure adjustment unit, which are set in advance, it performs rice milling in a normal mode that performs rice milling with a standard degree of polishing, The system is configured to perform a re-milling mode, in which the pressure adjustment unit reduces the pressure on the pressure plate to a level lower than the pressure in the normal mode, and the stirring speed adjustment unit increases the stirring speed to perform the milling process. The system also includes a re-milling execution determination unit that determines whether or not to automatically execute the re-milling mode based on state detection information indicating the state of the rice obtained from the state detection sensor. A rice milling apparatus characterized in that an ammeter for measuring current values ​​is attached to the drive motor that rotates the milling roll, and the control unit is equipped with a brown rice supply amount correction unit that corrects the supply amount by the supply amount adjustment unit based on the information obtained from the measured value of the ammeter.

7. The rice milling equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that the re-milling execution determination unit acquires information on the number of days elapsed since the previous milling, which is entered by the user, and is configured to increase the value of the fatty acid content of the rice, which is the condition for automatically executing the re-milling mode, as the acquired number of elapsed days increases.

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