JP2015037777A - Cleaning method of rice washing water - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cleaning method of rice washing water which efficiently and stably removing floating matter such as bran components and the like and permits circulation use of rice washing water for simplifying the whole constitution.SOLUTION: A cleaning method of rice washing water is characterized in that rice washing water separated from mixed fluid of polished rice after rice washing and rice washing water is stored by a prescribed quantity while giving a water level difference to a first water storage tank 801 located on the upstream side and a second water storage tank 809 which is communicated with the first water storage tank and is located on the downstream side, at the same time, rice washing water is caused to flow from the first water storage tank to the second water storage tank by a drop pressure due to a water head, a part of rice washing water containing floating matter corresponding to clear water amount supplied to rice washing water which is circulated and used in the first water storage tank and the second storage tank is discharged as overflow water and the rice washing water from which the floating matter is removed is sucked from the second water storage tank and is circulated and used for rice washing.

Description

  This invention is a method for purifying rice-washed water that is used in circulation in the washing of polished rice grains as a pre-treatment of rice cooking, especially when it is necessary to cook rice in relatively large quantities, such as in schools, hospitals, etc. It is about.

  The followings are known as those for purifying and circulating the washed rice water separated from the mixed fluid of polished rice and washed rice water after washing.

  The rice washing waste water from the rice washing device is filtered by a filter to obtain a filtrate. The filtrate is filtered through an ultrafiltration membrane to obtain membrane permeated water 2. The fresh water is added to the membrane permeated water and adjusted so that the BOD does not exceed a predetermined value, and then supplied again to the rice washing apparatus as the washing water (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  A method for reusing water for washing rice using a rotary drum type filtration device, wherein the rice washing waste water overflowed from the rice washer is introduced into the raw water tank of the rotary drum type filtration device, and the introduced rice washing waste water is introduced into the rotary drum. Then, the filtered treated water is returned to the rice washer (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP-A-6-91141 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-57721

  However, those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 require a filter that filters to obtain a filtrate, an ultrafiltration membrane that filters the filtrate to obtain membrane permeate, or a rotary drum filter. In addition, the structure of the cleaning device for washing rice becomes complicated, large, and expensive, and requires electric power for rotational drive.There are problems in energy saving, maintainability, and large flow resistance of washing water. It was. Furthermore, there has been a problem in efficiently and stably removing suspended matters such as rice bran components from the washed rice water used in circulation.

The present invention solves the above conventional problems,
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for purifying rice-washed water that is used to efficiently and stably remove suspended matters such as rice bran components from rice-washed water and to circulate and use them in rice-washed rice with a simplified overall configuration.

  The method for purifying rice-washed water according to the present invention comprises a first water storage tank located upstream of the rice wash water separated from the mixed fluid of polished rice and rice wash water after the rice washing, and the downstream side communicating with the first water storage tank. A water level difference is given to the second water tank located in the first water tank and a predetermined amount of water is stored, and the first water tank is caused to flow from the first water tank to the second water tank by a drop pressure due to the water level difference, A portion of the washed rice water containing suspended matter equivalent to the amount of fresh water supplied to the washed rice water circulated in the second reservoir is drained as an overflow, and the washed rice water from which suspended matter has been removed is sucked from the second reservoir. And it is characterized by being recycled for washing rice.

  According to the method for purifying rice-washed water of the present invention, suspended matters such as rice bran components can be efficiently and stably removed from the washed rice water, and the overall configuration can be simplified.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The block diagram which shows the whole structure of the rice-washing system containing the one part back-and-front process of one Embodiment of this invention. The basic block diagram of a refined rice grain supply part. The sectional side view of a polished rice grain guide part and an ejector drive part. The partial top view of an ejector drive part. The sectional side view of another embodiment of a polished rice grain guide part and an ejector drive part. The sectional side view of another embodiment of a polished rice grain guide part and an ejector drive part. The sectional side view of another embodiment of a polished rice grain guide part and an ejector drive part. The basic block diagram of the rice washing part. The basic block diagram which shows the attachment or detachment state of the rice washing part. (A), (b), (c) The external appearance perspective view of the partial element of the element unit of a rice-washing part. (A), (b), (c) The basic block diagram which shows the attachment or detachment state of the element unit of a rice washing part. (A), (b), (c) The basic block diagram which shows the attachment or detachment state of the element unit of a rice washing part. (A), (b) The block diagram which shows the fixing method of an element unit edge part. (A), (b), (c) The block diagram which shows the connection structure of the divided rice-washing part. (A), (b) The elements on larger scale of FIG. (A), (b) The block diagram of the holder in FIG. The block diagram which shows the structure of the rice washing water purification | cleaning part. A partially enlarged view of the washing water purification section.

  The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is in communication with the first water storage tank located on the upstream side of the rice washing water separated from the mixed fluid of the polished rice and the rice washing water after the rice washing, and the first water storage tank. The second water storage tank located downstream is provided with a water level difference to store a predetermined amount of water, and the first water storage tank is caused to flow from the first water storage tank to the second water storage tank by a drop pressure due to the water level difference. A portion of the washed rice water containing floating matter equivalent to the amount of fresh water supplied to the washing water used for circulation in the tank and the second water storage tank is drained as overflow water, and the washed rice water from which the suspended matter has been removed is the second stored water. This is a method for purifying rice-washed water characterized by being sucked from a tank and recycled for washing rice.

  As a result, suspended matters such as rice bran components can be efficiently and stably removed from the washed rice water, and the overall configuration can be simplified.

  The invention according to claim 2 of the present invention is the method according to claim 1, wherein the amount of inflow from the first reservoir to the second reservoir is adjustable. It is what.

Thereby, while being able to give a water level difference easily to a 1st water tank and a 2nd water tank, the quantity of the overflow water drained from each water tank can be adjusted arbitrarily.

  The invention according to claim 3 of the present invention is characterized in that, in the invention according to claim 1 or 2, the amount of drainage from the first reservoir is greater than the amount of drainage from the second reservoir. This is a water purification method.

  As a result, more floating substances such as rice bran contained in the rice washing water separated from the mixed fluid of polished rice and rice washing water after washing are removed on the first water tank side, and further left in the rice washing water from the second water tank. It is possible to reliably remove floating substances such as cocoons.

Invention of Claim 4 of this invention is the invention of any one of Claims 1-3,
A method for purifying rice-washed water characterized by causing the washed rice water to be circulated to flow into the first water tank and to flow into the second water tank at a position approximately at the intermediate height of the water level of the first water tank. It is what.

  As a result, the separation of the suspended matter and the sediment in the upward direction at a substantially intermediate height of the reservoir level of the first water tank can be promoted, and the separation of the suspended matter and sediment in the washed rice water can be promoted. The flow to the two water tanks can be reduced.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, the washing water is supplied at a substantially intermediate height from the first water storage tank to the second water storage water level. This is a method for purifying rice-washed water, which is characterized by flowing to a position.

  Thereby, in the 2nd water tank, separation of a floating thing can be promoted to the upper part of the position of the substantially middle height of the stored water level, and a sediment to the lower part.

  The invention according to claim 6 of the present invention is characterized in that, in the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, sediment is discharged from the bottom of the first water tank and the second water tank. This is a method for purifying washed rice water.

  Thereby, the sediment in the washed rice water can be reliably discharged.

  Hereinafter, a rice washing system including a partial pre- and post-process which is an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the basic structure of the rice washing system of this invention is demonstrated with reference to FIG.
The rice washing system according to an embodiment of the present invention is roughly divided (a pre-process of the rice washing system), stores a predetermined amount of polished rice grains to be washed and supplies the polished rice grains to the rice washing apparatus 200 side by a certain amount. Polished rice grain supply unit 100, guide unit 300 for preventing the scattering of the polished rice grains supplied from the polished rice grain supply unit 100, pump (rice washing water pumping means) 500 that sucks and pumps washed rice water, and washed rice pumped by the pump 500 An ejector drive unit (suction means, discharge means) 400 for sucking and flowing the mixed rice water, polished rice grains, and air by sucking the polished rice grains and air supplied from the polished rice grain supply unit 100 by the ejector action of water injection; A rice washing unit 600 (rice washing means / koji) for washing rice by flowing a mixed fluid of rice washing water, polished rice grains, and air discharged from the ejector drive unit 400 Separating means), after washing in the rice washing unit 600, the rice washing water separating unit 700 for separating the rice washing water from the mixed fluid of the polished rice grains and the rice washing water, and separating the suspended matter and the sediment from the rice washing water separated in the rice washing water separating unit 700 The rice washing water purification part 800 to be removed is provided.

  In addition, the rice washing water purification unit 800, the pump 500, the ejector driving unit 400, the rice washing unit 600, and the rice washing water separation unit 700 are sequentially connected, and the rice washing water separation unit 700 and the rice washing water purification unit 800 are further connected to circulate the rice washing water. It constitutes a route.

  Furthermore, the rice washing water separating unit 700 separates the rice washing water and stores the polished rice grains after the washing with the immersion water. The immersion tank unit 900 stores the polished rice grains stored in the immersion tank unit 900 by a predetermined amount and separates the immersion water. For example, a weighing rice distribution unit 1000 that drops and supplies the rice cooker 1200 is provided. Moreover, the control part 1300 which controls each element and the whole driving | operation of the said rice washing system is provided.

  In addition, after supplying the polished rice grains after the rice washing to the rice cooker 1200, rice cooking water is further added, and the rice cooker 1200 is heated and cooked to cook rice (not shown).

  In the rice washing system according to one embodiment of the present invention, the rice washing apparatus 200 is configured by an ejector driving unit 400, a pump 500, a rice washing unit 600, a rice washing water separation unit 700, a rice washing water purification unit 800, and the like. In addition, the range of the rice washing apparatus 200 is not limited to this.

  Next, the configuration of the polished rice grain supply unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. A flow rate in which a predetermined amount of polished rice grains to be washed is put into the storage tank 101 and stored, and the polished rice grains in the storage tank 101 are received by the two buckets 102a rotated by the drive motor 102b and dropped into the lower tank 103. It has a regulating valve 102.

  An endless belt 106 having a plurality of buckets 107 is suspended between the upper pulley 104 and the lower pulley 105, and the upper pulley 104 is interlocked with the drive motor 110 via the belt 111. In the vicinity of the upper pulley 104, there is a discharge port 108 for discharging the polished rice grains pumped out from the lower tank 103 by a predetermined amount by the bucket 107, and the polished rice grains fall into the guide part 300 through the pipe 109 from the discharge port 108. Supply.

  The volume and number of buckets 107, the rotation speed of the belt 111, and the like are configured such that the polished rice grains falling in the lower tank 103 are pumped out by the bucket 107 without substantially staying in the lower tank 103.

  For example, when the rotation speed of the belt 111 is constant, the rotational speed of the drive motor 102b is controlled, and the supply amount (falling amount) of the polished rice grains from the storage rice tank 101 to the lower tank 103 is changed. By increasing / decreasing the amount collected and pumped out, it is possible to increase / decrease the supply amount of the polished rice grains supplied from the discharge port 108 to the guide unit 300 via the pipe 109.

  That is, when increasing the supply amount of the polished rice grains that are dropped and supplied to the guide unit 300, the rotational speed of the drive motor 102b is increased to increase the supply amount (fall amount) of the polished rice grains to the lower tank 103, and each bucket 107 This increases the amount of polished rice grains that accumulate inside.

  In addition, by controlling the rotational speed of the drive motor 110 and controlling the rotational speed of the belt 111 to control the rotational speed of the drive motor 102 b, the guide unit 300 is connected from the discharge port 108 through the pipe 109. The increase / decrease width of the supply amount of the polished rice grains that fall and supply to the can be further increased.

  In the present embodiment, the polished rice grain supply unit 100 as described above is used. However, the invention is not limited to this as long as the polished rice grains can be continuously supplied to the rice washing apparatus in a predetermined amount. For example, a configuration in which polished rice grains are continuously supplied from the rice storage tank 101 by a drop while adjusting with a flow control valve, or a configuration using a rice feed pump may be used.

  Next, the basic configuration of the guide unit 300 and the ejector driving unit 400 that is integrally connected to the guide unit 300 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  3 and 4, the guide unit 300 includes an introduction guide 303 for introducing the polished rice grains supplied from the polished rice grain supply unit 100 through the pipe 109 into the receiving tube 301 from the opening 302. Further, a plurality of fresh water nozzles 304 are provided on the inner wall portion of the receiving cylinder 301, and the fresh water supplied from the plurality of fresh water nozzles 304 flows down along the inner wall portion of the receiving cylinder 301. R in the figure indicates polished rice grains.

  The receiving cylinder 301 has a hopper shape whose section is enlarged upward, and the lower opening of the introduction guide 303 is located in the receiving cylinder 301. Thereby, scattering and scattering of the polished rice grains falling from the lower opening of the introduction guide 303 in an open state to the atmosphere can be prevented, and a surplus volume for receiving the polished rice grains can be secured. Further, when the milled rice grain supply unit 100 is stopped, manual supply using a rice bag or the like can be performed from the opening 302 of the receiving tube 301, and the rice can be washed.

  Fresh water to the plurality of fresh water nozzles 304 is supplied through a fresh water supply pipe 305 and a valve 306 connected to a water supply source (fresh water source). The lower part (lower end part) of the receiving cylinder 301 has an opening, and is connected to the suction opening 404 of the ejector driving part 400.

  The ejector drive unit (suction means, discharge means) 400 has a nozzle 401 having a discharge port 401a for jetting rice washing water in a substantially horizontal direction in the main body, a diffuser 402 positioned coaxially with the nozzle 401, and the nozzle 401 and the diffuser. A suction chamber 403 is provided between 402 and integrally configured. The washing water is discharged from the discharge port 401a facing the suction chamber 403 into the diffuser 402 to form a jet water flow 401b. The diffuser 402 may have a pipe shape whose diameter is not reduced.

  A suction opening 404 is formed on the upper surface of the suction chamber 403, and the lower opening of the receiving cylinder 301 of the guide part 300 is connected to the suction opening 404. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the suction opening 404 has a substantially quadrangular shape and connects the lower opening of the receiving cylinder 301 having the same shape. The suction opening 404 has a substantially square shape, but is not limited thereto, and may be, for example, a circular shape.

  A discharge port 405 is formed at the lower part of the suction chamber 403, and a pipe 407 having a valve 406 is connected to the discharge port 405.

  A pipe 1101 is connected to the upstream side of the discharge port 401 a of the nozzle 401 of the ejector driving unit 400, and rice washing water is supplied from the pump 500. Further, the outlet side of the diffuser 402 of the ejector driving unit 400 is connected to the rice washing unit 600 via a pipe 1102.

  Further, the position of the discharge port 401 a and the tip of the nozzle 401 on the discharge port 401 a side protrudes into the suction chamber 403.

  The lower opening (lower end) of the introduction guide 303 is arranged and connected substantially concentrically to the suction opening 404 of the ejector drive unit 400.

  The lower opening (lower end) of the introduction guide 303 is arranged substantially concentrically with the suction opening 404 of the ejector driving unit 400 and connected with a predetermined interval. However, the receiving guide 301 is eliminated and the introduction guide 303 is removed. The lower opening (lower end) may be disposed close to the suction opening 404 of the ejector driving unit 400 or directly connected thereto. In this case, the configuration can be further simplified. In this configuration, the fresh water nozzle 304 faces the introduction guide 303, and the fresh water flows down along the inner wall of the introduction guide 303.

  In addition, although the cross section of the introduction guide 303 is round, and the cross section of the receiving cylinder 301 and the suction opening 404 is square, any of these constituent members may be square or round. The opening 302 may be provided with a detachable lid.

  Next, the structure of another embodiment of the guide part 300 and the ejector drive part 400 is shown in FIG. 3 is different from the configuration shown in FIG. 3 in that a plurality of pipes 307 are provided for sucking and supplying air to the suction opening 404 of the ejector driving unit 400. The lower end portion of the pipe 307 opens toward the suction opening 404, and the upper end portion is open to the atmosphere.

  Moreover, the structure of another embodiment of the guide part 300 and the ejector drive part 400 is shown in FIG. 3 is different from the configuration shown in FIG. 3 in that a pipe 308 is provided at a substantially central portion of the guide unit 300 that sucks and supplies air to the suction opening 404 of the ejector driving unit 400. The lower end portion of the pipe 308 is opened facing the suction opening 404, and the upper end portion is open to the atmosphere.

  Next, the structure of another embodiment of the guide part 300 and the ejector drive part 400 is shown in FIG. A difference from the configuration shown in FIG. 3 is that a fan 309 (gas supply means) for supplying air to the suction opening 404 of the ejector driving unit 400 via the inside of the receiving cylinder 301 is provided. The opening 302 of the receiving cylinder 301 has a lid 311, and air is supplied from the fan 309 through the pipe 310 into the receiving cylinder 301 to bring the suction opening 404 into a positive pressure state.

  Next, the basic structure of the rice-washing unit 600 that performs rice washing by removing rice bran components and the like on the surface of the polished rice grains will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the rice washing unit 600 includes a first rice washing unit 601 and a second rice washing unit 606 that are detachably connected in series. Further, both end portions of the continuous rice washing portion 600 are detachably connected to connecting pipes 614 and 618 fixed to support members 617 and 623 with bands 616 and 622, respectively.

  FIG. 8 shows a state in which both ends of the rice washing unit 600, in which the first rice washing unit 601 and the second rice washing unit 606 are connected, are connected to the connecting pipes 614, 618. FIG. 2 shows a state in which both ends of the rice-washing portion 600 provided with two rice-washing units 606 are detached from the connecting pipes 614 and 618.

  The connection pipes 614 and 618 are fixed to support members 617 and 623 fixed to the airframe 621 by bands 616 and 622.

  A static element unit 603 is inserted into the tube body 602 in the first rice washing unit 601, and a static element unit 608 is inserted into the tube body 607 in the second rice washing unit 606.

  Each of the static element units 603 and 608 is configured by integrally connecting a plurality of elements obtained by twisting a plate-like body into a smooth curved surface, and a part of the plurality of elements is formed. An enlarged view is shown in FIG.

  FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C show a part of the static element units 603 and 608. FIG. Elements 603L and 608L twist a single plate-like body 180 degrees to the left so that both ends of the straight line are in the same direction, and elements 603R and 608R form a single plate-like body in a straight line shape. Is twisted 180 degrees to the right so that both end faces are in the same direction.

  The linear end surfaces of the adjacent elements 603L and 603R are alternately connected and fixed alternately in a direction substantially orthogonal to each other by welding or the like to form a static element unit 603. Further, the linear ends of the adjacent elements 608L and 608R The end surfaces are alternately arranged in directions substantially orthogonal to each other, and are sequentially connected and fixed by welding or the like to constitute the static element unit 608.

  As described above, the static element units 603 and 608 are configured by sequentially connecting and fixing a plurality of elements having different twisting (twisting) directions in the left-right direction.

  11A and 12A show the state before the static element units 603 and 608 are inserted into the pipes 602 and 607, and FIGS. 11B and 12B show the static element units 603 and 608, respectively. 11 (c) and FIG. 12 (c) show a state in which the static element units 603 and 608 are completely inserted into the pipes 602 and 607, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the static element unit 603 as an example in the present embodiment has seven elements, and the element 603R is positioned on the fluid inlet side (right side in FIG. 11). The elements 603R are alternately arranged and the elements 603R are positioned on the outlet side, and four elements 603R and three elements 603L are used.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the static element unit 608 has seven elements, the element 608L is positioned on the fluid inlet side (right side of FIG. 12), and thereafter the elements 608R and 608L are alternately arranged. The element 608L is positioned on the outlet side, and three elements 608R and four elements 608L are used.

  A static element unit 603 is inserted into the tube body 602 to form a first rice washing unit 601, and a static element unit 608 is inserted into the tube body 607 to constitute a second rice washing unit 606. Further, the outlet side of the first rice washing unit 601 and the inlet side of the second rice washing unit 606 are connected in communication to constitute the rice washing unit 600.

  The element 603R is positioned on the outlet side of the first rice washing unit 601, the element 608L is positioned on the inlet side of the second rice washing unit 606, and the linear end surfaces of the element 603R and the element 608L are in a direction substantially orthogonal to each other. It arrange | positions and the 1st rice washing unit 601 and the 2nd rice washing unit 606 are connected.

  13A and 13B, after the static element units 603 and 608 are inserted into the pipe bodies 602 and 607, the static element units 603 and 608 are positioned and locked on the inlet sides of the pipe bodies 602 and 607, respectively. The configuration is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 13B, a locking portion 604 is provided at the end of the pipe body 602 on the inlet side (connection pipe 614 side) of the first rice washing unit 601, and the locking portion 604 has a circumferential shape. A groove 604a and two concave portions 604b are formed. Further, a locking portion 609 is provided at the end of the tube body 607 on the inlet side of the second rice washing unit 606 (the outlet side of the first rice washing unit 601), and the locking portion 609 has a circumferential groove 609a and a groove 609a. Two concave portions 609b are formed.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG.13 (b), the latching | locking part 605 is provided in the edge part of the pipe body 602 of the exit side (inlet side of the 2nd rice washing unit 606) of the 1st rice washing unit 601. In 605, a groove 605a is formed in a circumferential shape. A locking part 610 is provided at the end of the tube body 607 on the outlet side (connection pipe 618 side) of the second rice washing unit 606, and a groove 610a is formed in the locking part 610 in a circumferential shape.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, a protrusion 603T is formed at the end of the element 603R located on the inlet side (connection pipe 614 side) of the first rice washing unit 601, and the inlet side of the second rice washing unit 606 is formed. A protruding portion 608T is formed at the end of the element 608L located on the outlet side of the first rice washing unit 601.

  The protrusion 603T formed at the end of the element 603R of the first rice washing unit 601 is fitted into the recess 604b formed at the engaging portion 604 of the end of the tube 602, and the circumferential direction of the entire static element unit 603 and the tube length It is designed to position in the direction.

  Further, the projecting portion 608T formed at the end portion of the element 608L of the second rice washing unit 606 is fitted into the recess portion 609b formed at the engaging portion 609 of the end portion of the tube 607, and the circumferential direction of the entire static element unit 608, And positioning in the tube length direction.

  In the state shown in FIGS. 11C and 12C, the static element units 603 and 608 are inserted into the pipe bodies 602 and 607, respectively, and the first rice washing unit 601 and the second rice washing unit 606 are assembled. Indicates the state.

  Next, a detachable connection between the first rice washing unit 601 and the second rice washing unit 606, and a detachable connection configuration between the first rice washing unit 601 and the connecting pipe 614, and the second rice washing unit 606 and the connecting pipe 618, This will be described with reference to FIGS. 14, 15, and 16.

  First, the seal ring 611 is positioned between the first rice washing unit 601 and the second rice washing unit 606, and the seal ring 611 is sandwiched between the groove 605a of the locking portion 605 and the groove 609a of the locking portion 609. Thereafter, both the latching portion 605 and the latching portion 609 overlapped with each other are fixed by the holder 612. Thus, the rice washing unit 600 is configured with the first rice washing unit 601 and the second rice washing unit 606 as an integrated unit.

  FIG. 16A shows an external plan view of the holder 612 and FIG. 16B shows an external side view of the holder 612. The halved sandwiching members 612a and 612b are rotatably fixed by the coupling member 612c. The opposite side of the coupling member 612c has a wing nut 612d for clamping the sandwiching members 612a and 612b, and between the sandwiching members 612a and 612b. The suspending nut 612d sandwiches both the locking portion 605 and the locking portion 609, and is detachably fixed without using a tool. The holder 612 can be a general purpose one.

  As described above, the element 603R is positioned on the outlet side of the first rice washing unit 601, the element 608L is positioned on the inlet side of the second rice washing unit 606, and the linear end faces of the elements 603R and 608L Is arranged in a direction substantially orthogonal to each other so as to connect the first rice washing unit 601 and the second rice washing unit 606. As a method of positioning the first rice washing unit 601 and the second rice washing unit 606 in the circumferential direction, For example, by displaying a positioning line on the tube body 602 and the tube body 607 and aligning them visually, or by forming irregularities on the connection side of the tube body 602 and the tube body 607 and fitting them, The linear end faces of 603R and element 608L can be arranged and connected and fixed in directions substantially orthogonal to each other.

After the first rice washing unit 601 and the second rice washing unit 606 are integrated, as shown in FIGS. 14B and 14C, the seal rings 613 and 620 are connected to the first rice washing unit 601 and the second rice washing unit 606, respectively. These units are sandwiched between engaging portions 604 and 610 and connecting pipes 614 and 618 at both ends of the unit, and are detachably fixed using the holder 612 described above.
In addition, the 1st rice washing unit 601 and the 2nd rice washing unit 606, the connection pipes 614 and 618, etc. are comprised by the sanitary piping which made the material stainless steel.

  The connecting pipe 614 is connected to the ejector driving unit 400 side via a pipe 1102, and the connecting pipe 618 is connected to the rice washing water separating unit 700 side via a pipe 1103.

  In addition, the structure which directly connects the ejector drive part 400 side and the rice-washing part 600 without interposing the pipe 1102 may be sufficient. In this case, the configuration can be further simplified. Moreover, although the rice washing part 600 installed the pipe bodies 602 and 607 in the substantially horizontal direction, you may install in the inclination or the substantially vertical direction. In view of downsizing the entire rice washing apparatus, maintainability, etc., the rice washing unit 600 preferably has the tubes 602 and 607 installed in a substantially horizontal direction.

  Next, the basic structure of the rice washing water separation unit 700 will be described with reference to FIG. The rice washing water separating unit 700 separates the polished rice grains after the rice washing flowing from the rice washing unit 600 through the pipe 1103 and the mixed fluid of the rice washing water into the polished rice grains and the rice washing water. A mixed fluid of refined rice grains and rice-washed water is supplied onto a predetermined mesh net installed in the rice-washing water separating unit 700 or an inclined plate 701 made of small holes.

  The rice washing water separated by passing down the inclined plate 701 flows to the rice washing water purification unit 800 via the pipe 1104, and the polished rice grains that have failed to pass through the inclined plate 701 flow and fall on the inclined plate 701 to form a pipe. It flows through the immersion tank unit 900 via 1106. The rice-washed water separated after passing through the inclined plate 701 is separated by including a rice bran component, a small amount of crushed rice that is a little smaller than the polished rice grains used for cooking rice. Further, the air contained in the mixed fluid of the polished rice grains and the washed rice water is released to the atmosphere on the inclined plate 701.

  In addition, the basic structure of the rice washing water separation part 700 is an example, and is not limited to the above-described means, but may be other means. For example, a rotary centrifuge may be used. Further, fresh water may be supplied onto the inclined plate 701.

  Next, the structure of the rice washing water purification | cleaning part 800 is demonstrated with reference to FIG. 17, FIG. The rice-washing water purification unit 800 separates and purifies the suspended matter and sediment contained in the rice-washed water separated from the polished rice grains after passing through the rice-washing water separation unit 700. The purified rice washing water is sucked by the pump 500 and discharged again to the ejector drive unit 400 to be circulated and used for the rice washing.

  The rice washing water from the rice washing water separating unit 700 flows into the first water storage tank 801 through the pipe 1104 and stores a predetermined amount. In the first water storage tank 801, a drain hopper 802 having an enlarged shape upward and having an upper opening 803 is positioned, and a lower portion of the drain hopper 802 is communicated with a drain pipe 804. A small gap 802a is formed over the entire periphery of the outer periphery of the upper opening 803 serving as an inlet of overflow water and the inner wall of the first water storage tank 801. A drain pipe 805 having a valve 806 is provided below the first water tank 801.

  The opening of the pipe 1104 into which the washing water flows into the first water storage tank 801 is approximately the height between the upper opening 803 and the bottom of the first water storage tank 801, that is, the storage water level of the first water storage tank 801. Located at an intermediate height.

  A second water storage tank 809 that stores a predetermined amount of washed water has a drain pipe 810 that drains from an upper opening 811 that serves as an inlet of overflow water, and a drain pipe 812 that has a valve 813 provided below the second water tank 809. Yes.

  The first water storage tank 801 and the second water storage tank 809 communicate with each other through a communication pipe (communication path) 807, and the second water storage from the first water storage tank 801 through a flow rate adjusting valve 808 (flow rate adjusting means, flow rate setting means). The flow rate of the washing water flowing into the tank 809 is adjusted.

  Further, a flow restricting plate 807a is provided at the opening of the communication pipe 807 located on the first water tank 801 side. As a result, the rice washing water flowing into the first water storage tank 801 from the opening of the pipe 1104 goes straight and is prevented from flowing directly from the first water storage tank 801 to the second water storage tank 809.

  The flow rate adjusting valve 808 is provided in the middle of the communication pipe 807, but the opening of the communication pipe 807 located on the first water storage tank 801 side and the communication pipe 807 located on the second water storage tank 809 side. You may make it provide a flow volume setting means in either or both of an opening part. In this case, the flow rate setting means may use a valve, or may be configured using a mechanism that changes the passage area that opens the opening of the communication pipe 807 (changes the passage resistance).

  The connection position of the communication pipe 807 to the first water storage tank 801 is a substantially intermediate height between the upper opening 803 and the bottom of the first water storage tank 801, that is, a substantially intermediate height of the water storage level of the first water storage tank 801. Is located. Therefore, the opening position (connection height) of the pipe 1104 into which the rice washing water flows into the first water storage tank 801 and the connection position of the communication pipe 807 to the first water storage tank 801 face each other at substantially the same height. Yes.

  Further, the opening position (connection position) of the communication pipe 807 to the second water storage tank 809 is substantially the height between the bottom of the second water storage tank 809 and the upper opening 811, that is, the water storage of the first water storage tank 801. It is located at approximately the middle level of the water level.

  The second water tank 809 is provided with a float flow valve 814 (flow rate adjusting means) having a float 814a, and a fresh water supply pipe 816 having a valve 815 is connected to the float flow valve 814. In addition, a filter 817 that allows the rice washing water in the second water storage tank 809 to pass therethrough is sucked into the pump 500 through the filter 817 and discharged to the ejector driving unit 400.

  In FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, H1, H2, and H3 indicate the water level of the washed water, Hd1 indicates a water level difference (head) between H2 and H1, and Hd2 indicates a water level difference (head) between H3 and H2. Hd3 indicates the height difference between the water level H1 and the opening of the communication pipe 807 located on the first water storage tank 801 side, and Q1 to Q10 indicate the flow rates of the washing water at the portions indicated by the solid line arrows.

  The water level H1 indicates substantially the same position as the upper end of the upper opening 811 of the drain pipe 810. At this water level H1, the washing water in the second water storage tank 809 overflows from the upper opening 811 and begins to flow out as water. The supply of the rice washing water (fresh water) from the float flow valve 814 is set to stop at a water level slightly below the water level H1.

  Further, the water level H <b> 2 indicates substantially the same position as the upper end of the upper opening 803 of the drain hopper 802. At this water level H2, the washed water in the first water tank 801 overflows from the upper opening 803 and starts to flow out as water.

  Furthermore, the opening position (connection position) of the pipe 1104 into which the washed rice water flows into the first water storage tank 801 and the opening position (connection position) of the communication pipe 807 to the first water storage tank 801 are lower than the water level H1. Is set to

  In particular, the height difference Hd3 between the water level H1 and the opening of the communication pipe 807 located on the first water storage tank 801 side is such that the first water storage tank 801, When the water level of the washing water in the second water tank 809 is H1, or there is a state where the water level of the washing water in the first water tank 801 falls from H2 to H1, the vicinity of the surface of the washing water in the first water tank 801 at this time This is to prevent the washed rice water containing floating substances such as rice bran components from flowing out (moving) from the first water storage tank 801 to the second water storage tank 809. As a result, an increase in the slag components and the like of the washed rice water in the second water storage tank 809 can be prevented.

  In addition, the opening position (connection position) of the communication pipe 807 to the second water storage tank 809 is set to a position lower than the opening position (connection position) of the communication pipe 807 to the first water storage tank 801. Accordingly, the washed rice water can smoothly flow from the first water storage tank 801 to the second water storage tank 809 without staying in the communication pipe 807.

  Thus, the washed rice water flows from the pipe 1104 into the first water tank 801 and from the first water tank 801 into the second water tank 809 due to the drop pressures of the water level differences Hd2 and Hd1.

  Further, the ejector driving unit 400 is configured to be at a position lower than the water level H1, and the pump 500 is configured to be at a position lower than the ejector driving unit 400.

  Moreover, the suction position of the washing water of the pump 500 is located in the lower part in the second water storage tank 809. In addition, you may provide the filter (not shown) which does not let polished rice grains pass in the flow path between the ejector drive part 400 and the pump 500. FIG. Thereby, the backflow of the polished rice grains to the pump 500 can be prevented.

  In addition, the solid line arrow of each figure shows the flow direction in the location. FIG. 18 shows bubbles K generated in the rice-washed water due to air mixing.

  Although the first water tank 801 and the second water tank 809 are rectangular, they may be round. Further, the first water tank 801 and the second water tank 809 may be configured by partitioning the interior with a partition wall as one water tank, and the partition wall portion may have a flow rate adjusting function. The configuration can be further simplified.

  The first water tank 801 and the second water tank 809 may be provided with lids (not shown) that can be opened and closed or detached with the inside opened to the atmosphere.

  Next, referring to FIG. 1, an immersion tank unit 900 that stores the predetermined amount of polished rice grains after the rice washing water separated by the rice washing water separation unit 700 in immersion water is stored, and the polished rice grains stored from the immersion tank unit 900 are stored. The basic configuration of the metering rice distribution unit 1000 will be described in which a predetermined amount is measured and immersion water is separated and supplied to the rice cooker 1200, for example.

  Fresh water is supplied to the immersion tank unit 900 from the fresh water supply pipe 901 through the valve 902 as immersion water. This fresh water is supplied via the float flow valve 902a, and the water level in the immersion tank unit 900 is kept substantially constant.

  Further, in order to make the falling of the wet polished rice grains into the metering rice distribution unit 1000 smooth, fresh water is supplied from the fresh water supply pipe 903 through the valve 904 from the intermediate position of the immersion tank unit 900.

  Further, the immersion tank unit 900 is provided with a rice storage amount detection means 905 connected to the control unit 1300 to detect the rice storage level of the polished rice grains after the rice washing. When the amount of stored rice in the immersion tank unit 900 reaches a predetermined amount (substantially full) by the stored rice amount detection means 905, the polished rice grain supply unit 100 is controlled to stop the supply of the polished rice grains. Furthermore, when the amount of stored rice in the immersion tank unit 900 decreases to a predetermined amount or less, the milled rice grain supply unit 100 is controlled to start feeding milled rice grains.

  In this way, a predetermined amount of polished rice grains after washing is stored in the immersion tank unit 900 to ensure a certain immersion time, and the polished rice grains are stored in a predetermined amount from the bottom of the immersion tank unit 900 via the metering rice distribution unit 1000. It is dropped in the rice cooker 1200 sequentially and used for cooking rice.

  A plurality of the stored rice amount detection means 905 may be provided in the vertical direction of the immersion tank unit 900. In this case, it is possible to detect a reduction amount, a reduction rate, and the like of the amount of polished rice grains stored in the immersion tank unit 900. Thereby, the supply / non-supply of the polished rice grains to be washed by the polished rice grain supply unit 100, the supply amount, etc. can be controlled more finely, ensuring uniform soaking time and stable cooking.

  As the stored rice amount detection means 905, for example, the blades freely rotate in the air or the washed rice water, and the rotation of the blades is controlled when it comes into contact with the stored polished rice grains that are solid matter. What detects a target signal can be used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any apparatus that can detect the amount of stored rice may be used.

  In the immersion tank unit 900, the polished rice grains come into contact with the immersion water for a predetermined time and are wetted. The wet polished rice grains and the immersion water are sequentially dropped and moved from the lower part of the immersion tank unit 900 to the weighing rice distribution unit 1000. The valve 1001 is opened every predetermined time, and the amount of polished rice grains corresponding to the amount of rice cooked in the rice cooker 1200 is dropped into the water separation container 1002.

  The immersion water is separated from the small holes in the water separation container 1002 and drained through the pipe 1004, and the polished rice grains from which the immersion water has been separated in the water separation container 1002 are dropped into the rice cooker 1200 by opening the shutter 1003.

  Thereafter, after adding cooked water to the polished rice grains in the rice cooker 1200, the rice is heated and cooked with a rice cooker (not shown).

  A control unit 1300 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to main element systems (control targets) of the rice washing system, and controls basic driving operations, operations, displays, and the like.

  Next, the basic operation of the rice washing operation in one embodiment of the present invention will be sequentially described.

  First, with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 17, the 1st water tank 801 and 2nd which comprise the rice washing water purification | cleaning part 800 (rice washing water purification means) used as the operation | movement step before supplying polished rice grains and performing a rice washing operation. The operation of the rice washing water filling operation step for supplying the rice washing water (fresh water) to the water storage tank 809 will be described.

  Washed rice water is supplied into the second water storage tank 809 through a fresh water supply pipe 816 connected to a water supply source (fresh water source) and a float flow valve 814 with the valve 815 opened. At this time, the float 814a is lowered without receiving buoyancy due to the washing water, and the flow path of the float flow valve 814 is open, so that the washing water flows into the second water storage tank 809 (maximum supply amount: Q1).

  Thus, when the water level reaches a level slightly below H1 from the upper opening 811 of the drain pipe 810, the flow of the float flow valve 814 is closed by the rise of the float 814a, and the supply of the rice washing water is stopped. Accordingly, the water level of the washing water in the second water storage tank 809 is stored at a level slightly lower than H1 that does not flow out from the upper opening 811.

  In the process in which the rice washing water is stored in the second water storage tank 809, the rice washing water flows from the second water storage tank 809 into the first water storage tank 801 via the open flow control valve 808 and the communication pipe 807. The water level is the same as the water level of the washed water in the second water tank 809.

  Further, in the process of storing the rice washing water in the second water storage tank 809, the nozzle 401 of the ejector driving unit 400 from the second water storage tank 809 through the filter 817, the pump 500 stopped driving, and the pipe 1101; The rice washing water also flows in the lower part of the diffuser 402, the suction chamber 403, and the receiving cylinder 301, and is stored in the same level as the water level of the washing water in the first water storage tank 801 and the second water storage tank 809.

  In the filling operation step of rice washing water (fresh water), when the rice washing water is supplied into the first water storage tank 801 and the second water storage tank 809, the valves 806, 813, and 406 are closed. Moreover, the pump 500 and the polished rice grain supply unit 100 are stopped.

  Further, in the filling operation step of the washing water (fresh water), the confirmation of reaching the set water level to the first water storage tank 801, the second water storage tank 809, and the ejector drive unit 400 requires the rice washing water from the float flow valve 814. The supply time can be grasped in advance or confirmed visually.

  In order to confirm that the water level has reached the set water level, the second water tank 809 or a water level detection means (not shown) for detecting the level of the washing water (fresh water) in the second water tank 809 is provided. You may make it alert | report by a signal or you may make it perform the whole driving | operation control.

  In addition, the float flow valve 814 has been described as an example in order to adjust the supply and water level of washed rice water (fresh water). However, as other means, for example, an electrically driven valve 815 and a second water storage tank 809, Alternatively, a water level detection means (not shown) for detecting the level of the washing water (fresh water) in the first water tank 801 is provided, and the opening / closing control or flow rate control control of the electrically driven valve 815 is performed by a signal from the water level detection means. The water level may be adjusted.

  In addition, the time required for the filling operation step of the washed rice water (fresh water) is, for example, 2 to 3 minutes, and can be carried out in a short time.

  In addition, in the operation of filling the rice washing water (fresh water) to the rice washing water purification unit 800, the valve 815 for controlling whether or not the rice washing water (fresh water) is supplied may be manually opened and closed as a manual opening / closing valve. For example, an operation switch or the like via the control unit 1300 may be used as an electrically driven on / off valve.

  Next, the operation of the rice washing water circulation operation step performed after the rice washing water filling operation step will be described. In this operation step, the polished rice grain supply unit 100 is still stopped.

  First, the pump 500 is driven and the valve 306 is opened to supply fresh water from a plurality of nozzles 304.

  By driving the pump 500, the washed rice water in the second water storage tank 809 is sucked through the filter 817 and discharged from the discharge port 401a of the nozzle 401 of the ejector driving unit 400 through the pipe 1101 at a high speed. Water bundle) 401 b is formed and flows to the diffuser 402 through the suction chamber 403.

  In addition, when the pump 500 is driven, the water level of the rice washing water in the first water storage tank 801 and the second water storage tank 809 is temporarily lowered, but the float 814a is lowered and the rice washing water is immediately supplied from the float flow valve 814. . It is maintained almost in the vicinity of the lower part of the water level of H1.

  Note that the maximum amount Q1 of cleansing water (fresh water) supplied from the float flow valve 814 is set to be larger than the suction and discharge amount (Q2) by the pump 500.

  Further, by opening the valve 306, fresh water flows down the inner wall of the receiving cylinder 301 from the fresh water supply pipe 305 and the plurality of fresh water nozzles 304 and is supplied to the suction chamber 403 (Q3).

  The washing water supplied from the suction chamber 403, the lower portion in the receiving cylinder 301, and the fresh water supplied from the plurality of fresh water nozzles 304 are discharged from the discharge port 401a of the nozzle 401 at a high speed by the negative pressure generating action of the ejector drive unit 400. It flows from the diffuser 402 to the rice washing section 600 through the pipe 1102 together with the washing water of the jet water stream 401b.

  At this time, the amount of the rice washing water flowing through the pipe 1102 to the rice washing unit 600 is supplied to the suction chamber 403 by flowing fresh water from the plurality of fresh water nozzles 304 to the discharge amount (Q2, suction amount) by the pump 500. Added (Q3) and increased (Q4 = Q2 + Q3) to flow.

  Further, due to the negative pressure generating action of the ejector driving unit 400, a large amount of air is sucked into the suction chamber 403 from the suction opening 404 and flows to the rice washing unit 600 as a mixed fluid of rice washing water and air. In addition, the amount of air sucked into the flow amount Q4 of the rice washing water is added to the rice washing portion 600, and the rice washing portion 600 flows to the rice washing portion 600 as a mixed fluid (Q4 + aspiration air amount) of the rice washing water and air whose total flow rate is increased.

At this time, due to the negative pressure generating action in the suction chamber 403 by the jet water flow 401b discharged from the discharge port 401a of the nozzle 401 at a high speed, an air flow sucked into the suction chamber 403 from the suction opening 404 and descending is formed.
Further, around the jet water flow 401b, the descending air flow is drawn into the interval between the outer periphery of the jet water flow 401b and the inner periphery of the diffuser 402 while being guided by the jet water flow 401b.

An air flow that is sucked and flowing from the suction opening 404 to the suction chamber 403 is always formed, and since the opening area of the suction opening 404 can be set large, the air suction resistance is extremely small, and the outer periphery of the jet water flow 401b and the diffuser 402 It is easily pulled into the inner circumference.
An air flow is always formed from the suction opening 404 to the suction chamber 403 and the interval between the outer periphery of the jet water flow 401 b and the inner periphery of the diffuser 402. Therefore, a large amount of air can be sucked in the ejector driving unit 400.

  As in the past, in order to prevent the polished rice grains from passing through at the time of stoppage and backflow, a structure that sucks air through a small diameter pipe, a minute gap, and means for mixing the polished rice grains and the washing water in advance and sucking this In comparison, in the present embodiment, a large amount of air can be sucked stably.

  The mixed fluid of the rice washing water and air continuously flows through the pipe bodies 602 and 607 having the static element units 603 and 608 of the first rice washing unit 601 and the second rice washing unit 606, respectively. With reference to FIGS. 10 (a), (b), and (c) showing a part of the static element units 603 and 608, the flow state in the pipes 602 and 607 of the mixed fluid of the rice washing water and air will be described.

  FIG. 10A shows the action of dividing the mixed fluid of rice-washed water and air by the static element units 603 and 608. Arrows indicate the direction of the split flow. The mixed fluid is divided at the head portion of each element, and the number of divisions is 2n (n: number of elements). In the embodiment, a total of 14 static element units 603 and 608 are used, so the number of divisions is 16384.

  The mixture is divided at the leading end face portion (straight line portion) of each element 603R, 603L, 608R, 608L, and the divided mixed fluid is divided into the element front side by the partition wall of each element and the element back side Each of the divided mixtures is a part where the partition wall surface disappears due to the orthogonality of the elements, while each is further divided at the end face of the same element where the next end face part is orthogonally connected. The mixed fluids collide with each other and are subjected to stirring and mixing.

  Due to this dividing action, the air bubbles in the mixed fluid are divided every time they pass through the leading end surface portions (straight line portions) of the elements 603R, 603L, 608R, and 608L, and the bubble diameter gradually becomes minute and a large amount It becomes micronized bubbles.

  FIG. 10B shows the reversal action of the mixture of the washing water and air by the static element units 603 and 608. Arrows indicate the direction of reversal flow.

  By alternately connecting the elements 603R, 603L, 608R, and 608L having different twisting directions to be orthogonally connected, the reversing action is repeated a number of times equal to the number of elements. After the mixed fluid of rice-washed water and air divided at the element end face flows along the torsion face of the element, it reaches the end face of the element where the next twist direction is different, and further, it is in the opposite direction to the previous one. It flows in the traveling direction while receiving the reversal action. By reversing, flow fluctuations occur in the pipes 602 and 607, the washing water in the mixed fluid becomes a turbulent state, and air (micronized bubbles) receives a sudden inertial reversal force in the turbulent washing water. Stir.

  FIG. 10 (c) shows the conversion action of the mixed fluid of rice-washed water and air by the static element units 603 and 608. FIG. The arrow indicates the direction of the diverted flow.

  The mixed fluid changes its flow direction along the twisted surfaces of the connecting elements having different twist directions, and flows while spiraling in the axial direction. That is, the mixed fluid flowing through the wall portions in the pipe bodies 602 and 607 moves to the central portion, and the mixed fluid flowing through the central portion moves to the wall portion. The mixture spirally flows in the axial direction while repeating a planetary motion composed of a rotation motion and a revolution motion.

  Due to this reversal action and conversion action, the air in the mixed fluid gradually becomes smaller in bubble size and becomes a large amount of refined bubbles, and is uniformly dispersed in the flowing rice wash water.

  As described above, in the ejector driving unit 400, a large amount of air can be sucked into the suction opening 404, and this large amount of air flows into the rice washing unit 600 as relatively large bubbles (groups). By the single action and the combined action of the conversion, the bubble diameter becomes small every time it passes through each element, and the many finely divided bubbles are uniformly dispersed in the washed rice water and flow in the tubular bodies 602 and 607. Become.

  Further, the mixed fluid of the rice-washing water and air flows from the rice-washing unit 600 to the rice-washing water separating unit 700 through the pipe 1103, and the rice-washing water out of the mixture of the rice-washing water and air passes through the inclined plate 701 of the rice-washing water separating unit 700. It passes through the pipe 1104 and flows into the first water storage tank 801 by the drop pressure between the water level H1 and the water level H3 (see FIG. 18). Note that the air of the mixed fluid is released to the atmosphere at the inclined plate 701.

  Further, the rice washing water that has flowed into the first water storage tank 801 also flows into the second water storage tank 809 via the communication pipe 807 and the flow rate control valve 808.

  The amount of rice washing water flowing into the first water storage tank 801 from the washing water separator 700 through the pipe 1104 (Q5) is more likely to flow into the second water storage tank 809 via the communication pipe 807 by the flow rate control valve 808. Since the amount of water (Q8) is set small (Q5> Q8), the water level of the washed water in the first water tank 801 rises and exceeds the H2 level, and the drain pipe 804 is opened from the upper opening 803 of the drain hopper 802. It will be in the state which overflows as the quantity of overflow water (Q7).

  Even if the level of the washing water in the first water tank 801 rises and exceeds the H2 level and overflows as the amount of overflowing water (Q7) from the upper opening 803 of the drain hopper 802, the washing water in the pipe 1104 Inflow into the first water tank 801 is continued by the head pressure of the head Hd2.

  Further, when the water level of the washing water in the first water storage tank 801 changes from H1 to H2 that overflows as the amount of overflow water (Q7) from the upper opening 803, it changes to the maximum drop Hd1, and this drop pressure As a result, the outflow amount (Q8) from the first water storage tank 801 to the second water storage tank 809 stably flows out and continues.

  At this time, since the outflow amount (Q8) from the first water storage tank 801 to the second water storage tank 809 is set larger than the suction and discharge amount (Q2) by the pump 500 (Q8> Q2), the second water storage tank The water level of the washing water in 809 rises above H1, and overflows from the upper opening 811 of the drain pipe 810 through the drain pipe 810 as the amount of overflow water (Q9).

  At this time, the float 814a rises and the supply of the washing water (fresh water) from the float flow valve 814 stops. Furthermore, even if the supply of the washing water (fresh water) from the float flow valve 814 is stopped, the supply of the washing water (fresh water) from the plurality of fresh water nozzles 304 is continued.

The supply amount (Q3) of the washing water (fresh water) from the plurality of fresh water nozzles 304 is calculated from the amount of overflow water (Q7) from the upper opening 803 of the first water storage tank 801 and the upper opening 811 of the second water storage tank 809. Is approximately equal to the total amount of overflow water (Q9) (Q3 = Q7 + Q9).
Moreover, since the outflow amount (Q8) from the first water storage tank 801 to the second water storage tank 809 is set larger than the suction and discharge amount (Q2) by the pump 500 (Q8> Q2), each water level is stable. This can be maintained.

  A very small amount (Q6) of the rice washing water that has flowed to the rice washing water separating unit 700 via the pipe 1104 flows to the immersion tank unit 900 via the pipe 1106. Therefore, the amount (Q5) of the washed rice water flowing into the first water storage tank 801 through the pipe 1104 is obtained by subtracting Q6 from the amount of washed rice water Q4 flowing into the washed rice water separation unit 700.

  The amount (Q5) of the washed rice water flowing into the first water storage tank 801 is the amount of overflow water (Q7) from the upper opening 803 of the first water storage tank 801 and the overflow water from the upper opening 811 of the second water storage tank 809. The amount (Q3) of washing water (fresh water) supplied from the plurality of fresh water nozzles 304 is set with a margin so that the amount (Q9) can be secured.

  In addition, when the water level of the immersion water in the immersion tank unit 900 is higher than the predetermined water level, a very small amount (Q6) of the rice washing water flowing from the rice washing water separation unit 700 is separated from the excess water in the immersion tank unit 900. When it becomes, it flows into the 1st water tank 801 as the outflow amount (Q10) from the pipe 1105 enters the pipe 1104.

  The amount of outflow (Q10) from the pipe 1105 is drained in addition to the amount of overflow water (Q7) from the upper opening 803 of the first water storage tank 801.

  Even if the predetermined mesh net or small hole group in the inclined plate 701 of the rice-washing water separating unit 700 is clogged to some extent with crushed rice and the amount of rice-washing water to the dip tank unit 900 increases, this increase will flow out from the pipe 1105. The amount (Q10) can enter the pipe 1104 and flow into the first water tank 801 as the flow rate Q5.

  When fresh water is supplied to the inclined plate 701 of the rice washing water separating unit 700, this fresh water supply amount enters the pipe 1104 and flows into the first water storage tank 801 as a flow rate Q5, and from the upper opening 803 of the first water storage tank 801. Drained in addition to the amount of overflow water (Q7).

  As described above, the pipe 1101, the ejector driving unit 400, the pipe 1102, the rice washing unit 600, the pipes 1103 and 1104, and the first water storage tank 801 are performed according to the rice washing water circulation operation step performed after the rice washing water filling operation step. And the second water storage tank 809 and the like are filled with washed rice water (fresh water), and the washed rice water returns to the first water storage tank 801 and the second water storage tank 809 to reach respective predetermined water levels. The amount of overflow water (Q7) overflows from the upper opening 803 of the drain hopper 802 of 801 through the drain pipe 804 as the amount of overflow water (Q7), and the amount of overflow water (Q9) from the upper opening 811 of the drain pipe 810 in the second water storage tank 809 ) And a state of overflowing through the drain pipe 810, and a circulation flow state of discharging from the pump 500 to the ejector drive unit 400.

  Further, the air sucked by the ejector drive unit 400 in the rice washing water circulation operation step has a small bubble diameter in the rice washing unit 600, and this finely divided bubble is uniformly dispersed in the washed rice water in which it flows. It will be in the state which flows in the inside of 602,607.

  In addition, the time required for the circulation operation step of the washed rice water is, for example, 2 to 3 minutes, and can be carried out in a short time.

  In addition, confirmation of completion of the circulation operation step of the washing water is performed by grasping a necessary supply time in advance, and by a water level detection means (illustrated) for detecting the water level of the washing water (fresh water) in the first water tank 801. None) may be provided and notified by a signal from the water level detection means, or the entire operation control may be performed. Moreover, the start of the overflow of overflow water from the drain pipes 804 and 810 can be detected visually or by a detection device.

  The total amount of overflow water (Q7) from the upper opening 803 of the first water tank 801 and the amount of overflow water (Q9) from the upper opening 811 of the second water tank 809 is relative to the discharge amount Q2 of the pump 500. The ratio of the overflow water amount (Q7) to the overflow water amount (Q9) is set to approximately 8: 2. These are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these.

  Next, the operation | movement of the rice washing operation step implemented after the circulation operation step of rice washing water is demonstrated. In the rice washing operation step, the total supply amount of polished rice grains according to the required total amount of cooked rice is set, and washing is performed while controlling the supply of polished rice grains in relation to the amount of stored rice in the immersion tank 900. is there.

  In addition, the rice washing operation step includes an initial rice washing operation step in which the supply of polished rice grains to be washed is continuously supplied until the polished rice grains after washing are fully filled in the immersion tank 900, and predetermined in the immersion tank 900. After soaking the polished rice grains after rice washing for a period of time (for example, at least 1 hour or more), the supply of the polished rice grains to be washed is controlled according to the reduction of the polished rice grains after the rice washing in the immersion tank 900 due to the start of rice cooking. It is roughly divided into a replenishing rice washing operation step to be performed and a rice washing operation stopping step to be performed after the supply of the polished rice grains according to the required total amount of cooked rice is completed.

First, an initial rice washing operation step is described in which the polished rice grains to be washed are continuously supplied into the immersion tank 900 until the polished rice grains after the washing are full.

  After the rice washing water circulation operation step, the polished rice grain supply unit 100 is driven to start supplying the polished rice grains. The drive motor 110 of the polished rice grain supply unit 100 is driven to rotate the upper pulley 104 via the belt 111. At the same time, the endless belt 106 rotates around the fulcrum of the lower pulley 105, the bucket 107 included in the endless belt 106 scoops up the polished rice grains in the lower tank 103, the bucket 107 is reversed at the upper pulley 104, and the pipe is sequentially discharged from the discharge port 108. Through 109, the polished rice grains are allowed to fall naturally in an open state.

  The polished rice grains that fall through the pipe 109 in an open state enter the receiving tube 301 from the introduction guide 303 of the guide unit 300 and enter the suction chamber 403 through the suction opening 404 of the ejector drive unit 400. Fall with energy).

  Further, as described above, in the circulating operation step of the washing water, a suctioned and descending air flow is formed in the suction opening 404 and the suction chamber 403 by the negative pressure generating action of the ejector driving unit 400. By dropping the milled rice grains in the descending air flow, the milled rice grains are smoothly drawn into the suction chamber 403 with the action of dropping along the air flow descending to the natural fall speed of the milled rice grains themselves.

  In addition, since an air flow is always formed from the suction opening 404 to the suction chamber 403, and further between the outer periphery of the jet water flow 401b and the inner periphery of the diffuser 402, the outer periphery of the jet water flow 401b is defined as air in the diffuser 402. The mixed fluid with polished rice grains flows. Thereby, the polished rice grains are drawn into the suction chamber 403 and smoothly flow through the diffuser 402 and discharged.

  Therefore, the polished rice grains can be stably sucked at the same time while stably sucking a large amount of air in the ejector driving unit 400, and discharged and flowed to the rice washing unit 600 together with the washing water.

  By dropping the polished rice grains in a diffused state (under open air), air existing between the polished polished rice grains in the diffused state is also sucked into the suction chamber from the suction opening, and a large amount of air can be sucked more stably.

  By sucking so that the polished rice grains do not accumulate in the suction chamber, the fallen polished rice grains are immediately sucked and discharged without clogging the suction opening and suction chamber, and air is always sucked continuously and stably. be able to. Also, the configuration is simplified.

  Further, by facing the suction chamber 403 and positioning the nozzle 401, the polished rice grains falling and sucked from the suction opening 404 strike the upper surface portion of the nozzle 401 facing the suction chamber 403 and are quickly diffused into the entire suction chamber 403. A spreading effect also occurs.

  In addition, by dropping the polished rice grains as a falling flux having a cross section smaller than the area of the suction opening 404, an air phase always exists between the outer periphery of the falling flux of the polished rice grains and the suction opening, and the air is always supplied. A large amount can be sucked continuously and stably.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the suction chamber 403 sucks a much larger amount of air than the conventional means for sucking the mixed fluid of polished rice grains and washed rice water by the ejector action and sucking the air from the pipe. Can be washed. In addition, a large amount of air can be stably and simultaneously sucked from the same suction opening 404 together with the polished rice grains.

  At this time, the amount of the washed water to the rice washing section 600 (Q4, including fresh water discharged from the fresh water nozzle 304) is added with the amount of air sucked and the polished rice grains, and the whole rice volume is increased. It flows to the washing unit 600 as a mixed fluid of water, polished rice grains, and air (volume of Q4 + volume of polished rice grains + volume of suction air).

  Next, operations of another embodiment of the guide unit 300 and the ejector driving unit 400 shown in FIG. 7 will be described. A fan 309 (gas supply means) that supplies air to the suction opening 404 of the ejector driving unit 400 through the inside of the receiving cylinder 301, and a lid 311 is provided to the opening 302 of the receiving cylinder 301, from the fan 309 through the pipe 310. Air is supplied into the receiving tube 301 and the suction opening 404 is positively pressurized to suck air.

  As a result, a larger amount of air can be stably sucked into the suction chamber 403 from the suction opening formed in the upper surface portion of the suction chamber that generates a negative pressure by jetting of the washing water.

  Next, the operation of another embodiment of the guide unit 300 and the ejector driving unit 400 shown in FIG. 5 will be described. A plurality of pipes 307 are provided, the lower end portion of the pipe 307 opens toward the suction opening 404, and the upper end portion is open to the atmosphere. As a result, a large amount of air can be stably sucked into the suction chamber 403 through the plurality of pipes 307 from the suction opening formed in the upper surface portion of the suction chamber that generates a negative pressure by the jet of washed rice water.

  The operation of another embodiment of the guide unit 300 and the ejector driving unit 400 shown in FIG. 6 will be described. A pipe 308 is provided at a substantially central portion of the guide unit 300 that sucks and supplies air to the suction opening 404 of the ejector drive unit 400, and the lower end of the pipe 308 opens toward the suction opening 404, and the upper end is Open to the atmosphere. As a result, a large amount of air can be stably sucked into the suction chamber 403 through the plurality of pipes 308 from the suction opening formed in the upper surface portion of the suction chamber that generates a negative pressure by the washing water washing.

  Further, in the rice washing operation step, fresh water is supplied from the plurality of fresh water nozzles 304 into the receiving cylinder 301. The fresh water discharged from the plurality of fresh water nozzles 304 flows along the inner wall of the receiving cylinder 301 and is drawn into the suction chamber 403 by the suction force due to the negative pressure in addition to the drop drop energy.

  The polished rice grains, air, and fresh water that has flowed down along the inner wall of the receiving tube 301 from the same suction opening 404 into the suction chamber 403 are fed into the diffuser 402 at a high speed together with the jet water stream 401b discharged from the discharge port 401a at a high speed. Furthermore, it flows into the rice-washing part 600 through the pipe 1102 as a mixed fluid of rice-washing water, polished rice grains, and air.

  Note that the fresh water discharged from the plurality of fresh water nozzles 304 flows down along the inner wall of the receiving cylinder 301, so that some polished rice grains hitting the inner wall of the receiving cylinder 301 are surely dropped and sucked into the suction opening 404. Can do.

  In the configuration of another embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of pipes 307 serving as air suction passages to the suction opening 404 are provided, so that a larger amount of air is sucked into the suction chamber 403 as a divided flow. Can be washed. In addition, the plurality of pipes 307 can divide the fall of the polished rice grains at the suction opening 404 portion, thereby suppressing the pulsation of the polished rice grains and preventing agglomeration, smoothing the flow, and preventing clogging.

  In the configuration of another embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a pipe 308 serving as a suction passage for air to the suction opening 404 is provided in the central portion, so that a larger amount of air is concentrated and sucked into the suction chamber 403. Can be washed. Moreover, the fall of the polished rice grains at the suction opening 404 portion can be divided by the pipe 308 to suppress the pulsation of the polished rice grains and prevent agglomeration, smooth the flow, and prevent clogging.

  In the configuration of another embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the fan 309 that supplies positive pressure to the suction opening 404 is provided, so that a larger amount of air can be sucked into the suction chamber 403 to perform the rice washing. it can.

  Next, the rice washing operation in the rice washing section 600 into which a mixed fluid of rice washing water, polished rice grains, and air flows will be described.

  In the rice washing water circulation operation step, the flow state of the mixed fluid of the rice washing water and air in the rice washing section 600 has been described. Next, FIG. 10 (a) showing a part of the static element units 603 and 608 based on this state. (B) Referring to (c), the flow in the pipe bodies 602 and 607 of the mixed fluid obtained by mixing the rice washing water (including fresh water discharged from the plurality of fresh water nozzles 304) and the air with the refined rice grains. The state will be described.

  FIG. 10A shows the dividing action of the mixed fluid of the rice washing water, air, and polished rice grains by the static element units 603 and 608. Arrows indicate the direction of the split flow.

  Due to this dividing action, as described above, the air in the mixed fluid becomes minute and becomes finer bubbles, but the polished rice grains in the mixed fluid are the end face portions (straight portions) at the head of each element 603R, 603L, 608R, 608L. Each time it passes through, it is divided and dispersed uniformly in the flowing rice water.

  FIG. 10B shows the reversal action of the mixed fluid of the washed rice water, air, and polished rice grains by the static element units 603 and 608. Arrows indicate the direction of reversal flow. By this reversal action, the polished rice grains in the mixed fluid are subjected to turbulent agitation due to a rapid inertial reversal force.

  FIG. 10 (c) shows the conversion action of the mixed fluid of washed rice water, air, and polished rice grains by the static element units 603 and 608. The arrow indicates the direction of the diverted flow. By this conversion action, the polished rice grains in the mixed fluid are in a state of being uniformly dispersed in the flowing washed rice water.

  As described above, a large number of fine bubbles of a large amount of air are uniformly dispersed in the washed rice water and flow in the tubes 602 and 607, and the polished rice grains in the mixed fluid are more uniform in the flowing washed rice water. Will be dispersed and exist.

  A large amount of air sucked by the ejector driving unit 400 becomes finer bubbles each time it passes through each element and is uniformly dispersed in the rice-washed water by the above-described division, inversion, conversion alone and combined action. The refined bubbles are uniformly interposed between the polished rice grains in the tubular bodies 602 and 607, and the generation of broken rice due to rubbing between the polished rice grains and collision with the element side walls can be suppressed.

  Further, the polished rice grains do not become lumps in the pipe bodies 602 and 607 but are finely divided into the washed rice water, and flow alone as one rice grain. Further, the polished rice grains are turbulently agitated due to the sudden reversal of inertia, and change their posture violently in the washing water. For this reason, the washed rice water flows from the constantly changing direction to the boundary surface between the polished rice grains and the washed rice water while contacting at high speed. Furthermore, the state which the refinement | miniaturization bubble and the rice-washing water contact alternately on the interface of polished rice grain and the rice-washing water arises.

  By the above-described action, the cocoon components and foreign matters adhering to the surface of the polished rice grains can be quickly and efficiently peeled, and further, the re-adhesion of the cocoon components separated in the washed rice water to the surface of the polished rice grains is prevented. can do.

  The mixed fluid obtained by mixing the polished rice grains (including fresh water discharged from the plurality of fresh water nozzles 304) and air into the pipe bodies 602 and 607 having the static element units 603 and 608 of the rice cleaning section 600. And flow in approximately 1 second. This makes it possible to wash the rice in an extremely short time.

  Further, the fine bubbles can also reduce the piping resistance when the mixed fluid flows into the rice washing water separating unit 700 (at the time of rice feeding).

  In addition, the number of elements and the number of rice washing units is an example and is not limited to this, and is set to an optimum number according to various conditions of rice washing.

  Next, a rice washing water separation step of separating the mixed fluid of the rice washing water, the polished rice grains, and the air that has undergone the washing operation in the rice washing section 600 into the washed rice water used for washing the rice and the polished rice grains after the washing is described.

  A mixed fluid of the rice washing water, the polished rice grains, and the air that has undergone the rice washing operation in the rice washing unit 600 flows into the rice washing water separation unit 700 through the pipe 1103.

  The rice washing water that has passed through the predetermined mesh or small hole group of the inclined plate 701 and used for the rice washing that has passed through it flows to the rice washing water purification unit 800 via the pipe 1104. The separated rice-washed water also contains the rice bran component peeled off at the rice-washing portion 600, a small amount of broken rice contained in the polished rice grains before the rice-washing, and some of the bubbles having a small diameter generated at the rice-washing portion 600.

  The polished rice grains (for cooking rice) that have failed to pass through the predetermined mesh or small hole group of the inclined plate 701 flow fall on the inclined plate 701 and drop and flow into the immersion tank unit 900 via the pipe 1106.

  Next, the purification step in the rice washing water purification unit 800 used for the rice washing separated in the rice washing water separation unit 700 will be described.

  In addition, when the rice washing water used for the rice washing starts to flow into the first water storage tank 801 and the second water storage tank 809 from the rice washing water separation unit 700, as described in the rice washing water filling operation step, 1104, the first water storage tank 801, the communication pipe 807, the second water storage tank 809, and the ejector drive unit 400 are filled with clean water as the rice cleaning water, and as described in the circulation operation step of the rice cleaning water. , The washing water flows by the driving of the pump 500, the washing water level in the first water tank 801 has already risen, and overflows as the amount of overflowing water (Q7) from the upper opening 803 of the drain hopper 802 (water level H2 In addition, the water level of the washing water in the second water tank 809 rises above H1 and overflows from the upper opening 811 of the drain pipe 810 as the amount of overflow water (Q9). Is shall.

  In the separated rice-washed water, the rice bran component peeled in the rice-washing part 600, a small amount of crushed rice contained in the polished rice grains before the rice-washing, a part of the bubbles having a small diameter generated in the rice-washing part 600, and partly in the rice-washed water A dissolved air component is also included.

  When the rice washing water used for the rice washing separated by the rice washing water separating unit 700 flows into the first water storage tank 801, the fresh water in the first water storage tank 801 is gradually replaced with the rice washing water used for the rice washing. The soot component and the foreign matter having a specific gravity smaller than that of water rise as floating matter, and are drained from the upper opening 803 of the drain hopper 802 through the small gap 802a together with the overflow water through the drain pipe 804.

  Since the soot component contains an oil component, a part of the first water tank 801 in the vicinity of the water surface becomes foamy and is discharged with an action of being attracted by overflowing water.

  When the rice washing water used for the rice washing separated by the rice washing water separation unit 700 falls into the pipe 1104, air is entrained and flows into the first water storage tank 801 containing bubbles, and the fineness generated in the rice washing unit 600. Since some of the bubbles are included, the bubble K exists in the first water storage tank 801 and moves upward.

  A soot component adheres to the film of these bubbles K, and the rise in the washed rice water is promoted as a suspended matter. Thereby, the koji component in the washed rice water can be efficiently discharged.

  In addition, it is good also as a structure which supplies an air component to a rice washing water in the 1st water tank 801 with an air pressure feeding means and a microbubble generator, and forcibly exists more bubbles. In this case, the rise in the washed rice water as a suspended matter is further promoted. Thereby, the cocoon component in the washed rice water can be discharged more efficiently.

  Crushed rice, foreign matter, and the like having a specific gravity greater than that of water are collected at the bottom of the first water storage tank 801 using the washed rice water as a sediment. Since these amounts are small, when the operation is stopped, the valve 806 is opened and discharged from the drain pipe 805. When there is a relatively large amount of broken rice, foreign matter, etc., the valve 806 that is electrically driven during the rice washing operation may be periodically opened and discharged from the drain pipe 805. Further, the valve 806 may be continuously opened.

  The opening of the pipe 1104 into which the washed rice water flows into the first water storage tank 801 is positioned at a substantially intermediate height between the upper opening 803 and the bottom of the first water storage tank 801. That is, the first water storage tank 801 is positioned at a substantially intermediate height of the stored water level. Accordingly, it is possible to promote the separation of the suspended matter in the upward direction and the sediment in the downward direction with respect to the opening position of the pipe 1104.

  In addition, the pipe 1104 is attached so that the rice washing water flows in the direction of the substantially central portion of the first water storage tank 801, and suppresses the generation of a unidirectional swirling flow and stirring flow in the first water storage tank 801. Can promote separation of suspended matter and sediment.

  Further, as described above, the drain hopper 802 having the upper opening 803 has an enlarged shape upward, and a small gap 802a is formed between the outer periphery of the upper opening 803 serving as the inlet of overflow water and the inner wall of the first water storage tank 801. By forming it over the circumference, floating substances (such as soot components) are raised while converging, and the washed rice water can be quickly pushed out from the small gap 802a together with the foam of soot components and drained.

  Since the washing water used for washing rice flows into the first water storage tank 801 at the place where the amount of overflowing water (Q7) overflows from the upper opening 803 of the drain hopper 802 (water level H2), Floating matters such as dredging components and foreign matters having a smaller specific gravity can be drained together with overflowing water from the upper opening 803 of the drainage hopper 802 through the small gap 802a. That is, it is possible to start a purification function for removing floating substances such as drought components and foreign matters having a specific gravity smaller than that of water at the same time that the rice washing water used for washing the rice flows into the first water storage tank 801.

  The rice washing water used for the rice washing from which the suspended matter and the sediment are separated in the first water storage tank 801 flows into the second water storage tank 809 through the communication pipe 807 and the flow rate control valve 808 as the outflow amount Q8.

  At this time, since the water level H2 in the first water tank 801 is higher than the water level H1 in the second water tank 809, the washing water passes through the communication pipe 807 and the flow control valve 808 due to the drop pressure. Flow into the second water storage tank 809.

  In the washed rice water flowing into and stored in the second water storage tank 809, drought components, foreign matters, etc. having a specific gravity smaller than the water that could not be separated in the first water storage tank 801 in the first purification stage rise as floating substances, The water is drained from the opening 811 through the drain pipe 810 together with overflowing water (amount of overflowing water (Q9)).

  Since the soot component contains an oil component, a part of the second water tank 809 is foamed particularly near the water surface and is discharged with an action of being attracted by overflowing water.

  Since the washing water that flows into the second water storage tank 809 also contains fine bubbles, the air bubbles exist in the second water storage tank 809 and move upward. A soot component is contained in the film of these bubbles, rises as a suspended matter, passes through the upper opening 811 and the drain pipe 810, and is drained together with overflowing water. Thereby, the koji component in the washed rice water can be efficiently discharged.

  Since the washing water used for washing rice flows into the first water storage tank 801 at the place where the amount of overflowing water (Q7) overflows from the upper opening 803 of the drain hopper 802 (water level H2), Floating matters such as dredging components and foreign matters having a smaller specific gravity can be drained together with overflowing water from the upper opening 803 of the drainage hopper 802 through the small gap 802a. That is, it is possible to start a purification function for removing floating substances such as drought components and foreign matters having a specific gravity smaller than that of water at the same time that the rice washing water used for washing the rice flows into the first water storage tank 801.

  In addition, it is good also as a structure which supplies an air component to a rice washing water in the 2nd water storage tank 809 by an air pressure feeding means and a microbubble generator, and a bubble is forced to exist.

  Crushed rice, foreign matters and the like having a specific gravity greater than that of water are collected at the bottom of the second water storage tank 809 using the washed rice water as a sediment. Since these amounts are small, the valve 813 may be opened and discharged from the drain pipe 812 when the operation is stopped. When there is a relatively large amount of crushed rice (crushed rice), foreign matter, etc., the valve 813 that is electrically driven during the washing operation may be periodically opened and discharged from the drain pipe 812. Further, the valve 813 may be continuously opened.

  The opening of the communication pipe 807 into which the washed rice water flows into the second water tank 809 is positioned at a substantially intermediate height between the upper opening 811 and the bottom of the second water tank 809. In other words, the second water storage tank 809 is positioned at a substantially intermediate height of the stored water level. Accordingly, it is possible to promote the separation of the suspended matter in the upward direction and the sediment in the downward direction with respect to the opening position of the communication pipe 807.

  In addition, the communication pipe 807 is attached so that the rice washing water flows in the direction of the substantially central portion of the second water storage tank 809, and suppresses the generation of unidirectional swirling flow and stirring flow in the second water storage tank 809. Therefore, separation of suspended matter and sediment can be promoted.

  The opening on the first water storage tank 801 side of the communication pipe 807 for flowing the washed rice water from the first water storage tank 801 to the second water storage tank 809 has a substantially intermediate height between the upper opening 803 and the bottom of the first water storage tank 801. That is, the first water storage tank 801 is positioned at a substantially intermediate height of the stored water level. This is configured to face each other at substantially the same height as the opening position of the pipe 1104. As a result, the washing water with less suspended and sediment components can be discharged from the first water tank 801 to the second water tank 809.

  A flow regulating plate 807a is provided to face the opening of the communication pipe 807 on the first water storage tank 801 side. As a result, the rice washing water flowing into the first water storage tank 801 from the opening of the pipe 1104 flows directly toward the opening on the first water storage tank 801 side of the communication pipe 807 that flows the rice washing water into the second water storage tank 809. It is possible to prevent the suspended matter and sediment from flowing out to the second water storage tank 809, and to improve the purification performance in the first water storage tank 801.

  The washed rice water discharged to the second water storage tank 809 is replaced with the fresh water that was in the initial stage, and the soot component and foreign matters having a specific gravity smaller than the water that could not be separated in the first water storage tank 801 in the first purification stage. It rises as a thing and is drained together with overflowing water through the drain pipe 810 from the upper opening 811.

  When the washed rice water returned to the second water storage tank 809 is replaced with fresh water that was in the initial stage, the filter 817 supplements contaminants of a predetermined size or more, and the returned washed rice water is used as circulating water. The operation is automatically switched to the rice washing operation to be supplied from the pump 500 to the ejector driving unit 400.

  The operation and action of the ejector drive unit 400 and the rice wash unit 600 during the regular operation of washing the rice when automatically switching to the rice washing operation of supplying the washed rice water after the washing as circulating water to the ejector drive unit 400 from the pump 500 The effects and the like are as described above.

  In the rice washing operation step of supplying the polished rice grains and washing the rice, after the washing, the separated rice washing water separated from the polished rice grains and circulated is sprayed from the nozzle 401 to suck air and the polished rice grains from the suction opening 404. The fresh water (rice washing water) that is not used for washing rice is supplied from the plurality of fresh water nozzles 304 to the suction chamber, and a mixed fluid of the air, the polished rice grains, the separated rice washing water, and the fresh water is discharged from the suction chamber to wash the rice. 600 is flowed.

  Thereby, in the suction chamber 403, the polished rice grains are first brought into contact with and mixed with fresh water, and then brought into contact with and mixed with the circulated and separated separated washing water that flows at high speed. Therefore, fresh fresh water is first absorbed on the surface and cracks of the polished rice grains to be supplied, suppressing absorption of the starch components dissolved in the separated washed rice water into the polished rice, and further promoting the exfoliation and reattachment of rice bran ingredients. Can be suppressed.

  The washing water is sucked from the second water storage tank 809 by the pump 500, and the amount of the washing water supplied from the fresh water nozzle 304 is circulated to the amount of the washing water to be discharged to the ejector drive unit 400. There is much water quantity of the washing water returned to the water storage tank 801.

  Accordingly, the washing water corresponding to the amount of fresh water supplied from the fresh water nozzle 304 overflows from each of the upper opening 803 of the drain hopper 802 of the first water storage tank 801 and the upper opening 811 of the drain pipe 810 of the second water storage tank 809. It will drain. Therefore, the amount of fresh water supplied from the fresh water nozzle 304 is added to the washed rice water after the washing and is replaced with the fresh water.

  The fresh water supply amount (replacement amount) from the fresh water nozzle 304 is set to, for example, approximately 10% of the discharge flow rate of the pump 500. Note that the amount of fresh water supplied from the fresh water nozzle 304 is selected or set according to the washing amount of the polished rice grains, the adhering amount of rice bran components, etc. of the polished rice grains.

  For example, the amount of fresh water supplied from the fresh water nozzle 304 may be increased when the processing amount of the polished rice grains is increased, or when the amount of adhering rice bran components or the like of the polished rice grains is large. As a result, the amount of drainage increases as overflow water from the upper opening 803 of the drain hopper 802 of the first water storage tank 801 and overflow water from each of the upper opening 811 of the drain pipe 810 of the second water storage tank 809 circulates the washed rice. The concentration of the water cocoon component and starch component can be kept below a certain level.

  Further, the excess water of fresh water supplied from the fresh water supply pipes 901 and 903 to the immersion tank unit 900 flows out from the pipe 1105 and is returned to the first water storage tank 801 together with the rice wash water separated by the rice wash water separation 700, whereby the first water storage The amount of drainage increases as overflow water from the upper opening 803 of the drain hopper 802 of the tank 801, and the concentration of drought components and starch components in the circulated rice washing water can be suppressed to a certain level and can be effectively utilized as rice washing water. .

  Further, the refined rice grains and the washed rice water may be separated while supplying a predetermined amount of fresh water to the inclined plate 701 of the washed rice water separation 700. In this case, the increased amount of the supplied fresh water is also supplied through the pipe 1104. By returning to the first water storage tank 801, overflow water from the upper opening 803 of the drain hopper 802 of the first water storage tank 801 and overflow water from each of the upper opening 811 of the drain pipe 810 of the second water storage tank 809 are obtained. The amount of drainage increases, the concentration of the cocoon component and starch component in the circulating rice washing water can be kept below a certain level, and it can be effectively utilized as the rice washing water.

  As described above, the rice-washing water separation unit 700 separates the polished rice grains and the rice-washed water, and the rice bran components and foreign matters contained in the separated rice-washing water are separated as floating substances having a specific gravity smaller than that of the water. By recirculating and reusing the rice-washed water that has been discharged and removed, it is possible to eliminate the reattachment of rice bran ingredients and foreign matters to the polished rice grains, thereby exhibiting the rice-washing effect.

  In addition, the rice washing water purified by the rice washing water purification unit 800 is discharged to the ejector driving unit 400 by the pump 500, mixed with the polished rice grains to be washed, and flowed again to the rice washing unit 600 to continuously perform the rice washing operation. , Most of the washing water can be circulated and reused for significant water saving.

  As described above, the method for purifying the rice washing water in the rice washing water purification unit 800 includes the first water storage tank 801 located upstream of the rice washing water separated from the mixed fluid of the polished rice and the rice washing water after the rice washing, A water level difference is given to a second water tank 809 that communicates with one water tank 801 and is located on the downstream side to store a predetermined amount of water, and the second water storage from the first water tank 801 is caused by a drop pressure due to the water level difference. Flowing into the tank 809, draining a part of the rice washing water containing floating matter corresponding to the amount of fresh water supplied to the rice washing water circulated and used in the first water storage tank 801 and the second water storage tank 809 as overflow water, The washed rice water from which the suspended matter has been removed is sucked from the second water storage tank 809 and circulated for use in washing the rice.

  As a result, suspended matters such as rice bran components can be efficiently and stably removed from the washed rice water, and the overall configuration can be simplified.

Further, since the inflow amount from the first water storage tank 801 to the second water storage tank 809 can be adjusted by the flow rate adjusting valve 808, a difference in water level between the first water storage tank 801 and the second water storage tank 809 can be easily made. The amount of overflow water drained from each water tank can be arbitrarily adjusted.

  In addition, the amount of waste water from the first water storage tank 801 is larger than the amount of water discharged from the second water storage tank 809, so that the rice bran contained in the rice washing water separated from the mixed fluid of polished rice and rice washing water after the rice washing More floating matter can be removed on the first water storage tank 801 side, and further, floating materials such as rice cake remaining in the washed rice water can be reliably removed from the second water storage tank 809.

  In addition, at the position of approximately the intermediate water level of the water storage level of the first water storage tank 801, the washed rice water to be circulated flows into the first water storage tank 801 and flows into the second water storage tank 809, thereby The separation of the floating substance in the upward direction and the sedimentation in the downward direction can be promoted at a position substantially at the intermediate height of the storage water level of the water storage tank 801. Flow to 809 can be reduced.

  Further, the flushed rice water is caused to flow from the first water storage tank 801 to a position at a substantially intermediate height of the water storage water level of the second water storage tank 809, so that the second water storage tank 809 has a position at a substantially intermediate water storage level. It is possible to promote separation of suspended matter in the upward direction and sediment in the downward direction.

Further, by discharging the sediment from the bottoms of the first water storage tank 801 and the second water storage tank 809, the sediment in the washing water can be reliably discharged.

  In the present embodiment, the two water storage tanks of the first water storage tank 801 and the second water storage tank 809 constitute the washing water cleaning unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as a multi-stage configuration in which a reservoir for draining a portion of washed rice water containing floating matter as overflow water and discharging sediment is provided between the first reservoir 801 and the second reservoir 809. Well, the method for purifying washed rice water of the present invention includes this.

  When the initial rice washing operation step as described above is continued and the amount of stored rice in the immersion tank unit 900 reaches a predetermined amount (full amount), this is detected by the stored rice amount detection means 905 and the polished rice grain supply unit 100 is detected. Is stopped, and the supply of the polished rice grains to the ejector driving unit 400 is stopped.

  At this time, even if the supply of the polished rice grains to the ejector driving unit 400 is stopped, the driving of the pump 500 and the supply of fresh water from the fresh water nozzle 304 are continued for a certain time (for example, 2 to 3 minutes). Thereby, the washing water continues to circulate, and the supply amount of the fresh water from the fresh water nozzle 304 is drained as overflow water from the drain pipes 804 and 810, and a part of the washed rice water is replaced with this fresh water. It has become. Furthermore, the polished rice in the flow path such as the ejector driving unit 400 and the rice washing unit 600 can be completely flowed to the rice washing water separating unit 700.

  That is, when the amount of stored rice in the immersion tank unit 900 is less than a predetermined amount, this is detected by the stored rice amount detection means 905 to drive the polished rice grain supply unit 100 and supply the polished rice grains to the ejector driving unit 400. Continue to wash rice.

  As described above, the initial rice washing operation step is performed in which the supply of the polished rice grains to be washed is continuously supplied in the immersion tank unit 900 until the polished rice grains after the washing are full.

  After carrying out the initial rice washing operation step, after the polished rice after washing for a predetermined time (for example, at least 1 hour) is immersed in the immersion tank unit 900, the polished rice after washing in the immersion tank unit 900 by the start of rice cooking A replenishing rice washing operation step is performed in which the supply of polished rice to be washed is controlled in accordance with the decrease in the amount of rice.

  In the replenishing rice washing operation step, when the amount of stored rice in the dip tank unit 900 decreases and is less than a predetermined amount, this is detected by the stored rice amount detection means 905 to drive the polished rice grain supply unit 100 and the polished rice grains are ejected. The drive unit 400 is supplied to continue the rice washing operation.

  When the amount of stored rice in the immersion tank unit 900 reaches a predetermined amount again, this is detected by the stored rice amount detection means 905, and the drive of the polished rice grain supply unit 100 is stopped and the polished rice grains to the ejector drive unit 400 are stopped. Stop supplying.

  Also at this time, as described above, even if the supply of the polished rice grains to the ejector driving unit 400 is stopped, the driving of the pump 500 and the supply of fresh water from the fresh water nozzle 304 are continued for a certain time (for example, 2 to 3 minutes). Thereby, the washing water continues to circulate, and the supply amount of the fresh water from the fresh water nozzle 304 is drained as overflow water from the drain pipes 804 and 810, and a part of the washed rice water is replaced with this fresh water. It has become. Furthermore, the polished rice grains in the flow paths of the ejector driving unit 400, the rice washing unit 600, and the like can be completely flowed to the rice washing water separating unit 700.

  After the supply of the polished rice grains is stopped, while the drive of the pump 500 and the supply of fresh water from the fresh water nozzle 304 are continued for a certain period of time, the stored rice amount detection means 905 causes the stored amount of rice in the immersion tank unit 900 to exceed the predetermined amount When it is detected that the amount is low, the polished rice grain supply unit 100 is driven again, and the polished rice grains are supplied to the ejector driving unit 400 to perform the rice washing operation.

  Further, even if the driving of the pump 500 and the supply of fresh water from the fresh water nozzle 304 are continued for a certain time, the stored rice amount detection means 905 detects that the stored amount of rice in the immersion tank unit 900 is stored in a predetermined amount. When it is, the drive of the pump 500 and the supply of fresh water from the fresh water nozzle 304 are temporarily stopped.

  Once the driving of the pump 500 and the supply of fresh water from the fresh water nozzle 304 are stopped, the washed water in the pipe 1103, the rice washing section 600, and the pipe 1102 disposed at a position higher than the second water storage tank 809 is caused by the drop pressure. It flows backward to the second water storage tank 809 via the drive unit 400 and the pump 500. Furthermore, the inflow of the washing water into the first water storage tank 801 through the pipe 1104 from the washing water separator 700 is also stopped.

  The washed rice water flowing back to the second water storage tank 809 is drained as overflow water from the drain pipe 810, and when the flow of the washed water into the first water storage tank 801 stops, the head pressure of the first water storage tank 801 is reduced by the head pressure of the head Hd1. The washing water moves to the second water storage tank 809 through the communication pipe 807 and is drained as overflow water from the drain pipe 810 until the water level becomes H1. This state is the same as the water level in the step of filling the washing water (clean water) into the washing water purification section 800 described above.

When the water level is in the state of H1, when the stored rice amount detection means 905 detects that the stored amount of rice in the immersion tank unit 900 is less than a predetermined amount, first, the driving of the pump 500 and the float flow valve The above-described rice washing water circulation operation step of supplying fresh water from 814 and fresh water from the fresh water nozzle 304 is performed. As a result, the water levels in the first water tank 801 and the second water tank 809 rise again, and the water is discharged from the drain pipes 804 and 810 as overflow water.
After performing the above-described rice washing water circulation operation step, the polished rice grain supply unit 100 is driven again, and the polished rice grains are supplied to the ejector driving unit 400 to restart the rice washing operation. Each time the rice washing operation is restarted, a rice washing water circulation operation step is performed.

  As described above, before the driving of the polished rice grain supply unit 100 is resumed, the rice washing water circulation operation step is performed again, so that the fresh water from the float flow valve 814 and the fresh water from the fresh water nozzle 304 are supplied. In this case, the rinsing water is replaced with clean water, and the concentration of the starch component of, for example, the eluted polished rice grains in the washed rice water is lowered and purified.

  In addition, once the drive of the pump 500 and the supply of the fresh water from the fresh water nozzle 304 are stopped and the water level is in the middle of being lowered to the H1 level, the washed rice water circulation operation step is performed again, and then the polished rice grain supply unit 100 is again performed. , And the polished rice grains are supplied to the ejector drive unit 400 to resume the rice washing operation.

  Thus, in the replenishing rice washing operation step, the amount of stored rice in the immersion tank unit 900 is detected by the stored rice amount detecting means 905, and the rice washing operation depending on whether or not the polished rice grains are supplied is repeated.

  Next, the rice washing operation stop step when the entire supply of polished rice according to the required total amount of cooked rice is completed will be described. When the entire supply of polished rice according to the required total amount of cooked rice is finished, first, the driving of the polished rice grain supply unit 100 is stopped, and then the driving of the pump 500 and the supply of fresh water from the fresh water nozzle 304 are performed for a certain period of time ( (For example, 2 to 3 minutes) Continue and then stop. . Thereby, the washing water continues to circulate, and the supply amount of the fresh water from the fresh water nozzle 304 is drained as overflow water from the drain pipes 804 and 810, and a part of the washed rice water is replaced with this fresh water. It has become. Furthermore, the polished rice grains in the flow paths of the ejector driving unit 400, the rice washing unit 600, and the like can be completely flowed to the rice washing water separating unit 700.

  Further, after stopping the driving of the pump 500 and the supply of fresh water from the fresh water nozzle 304, the draining valves 806 and 813 are opened, the rice washing water in the first water storage tank 801 and the second water storage tank 809, and the sediment accumulated at the bottom. Is discharged. At this time, the washing water in the flow paths such as the ejector driving unit 400 and the rice washing unit 600 positioned above returns to the first water storage tank 801 and the second water storage tank 809 due to the drop pressure and is simultaneously drained. After draining the rice-washed water and sediment accumulated at the bottom, the valves 806 and 813 are closed to prepare for the next rice-washing operation.

  The present invention can be applied not only to polished rice grains, but also to washing of granular materials, grains, etc., and mixing of liquids such as granular materials and powders.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Refined rice grain supply part 101 Rice storage tank 102 Flow control valve 103 Lower tank 104 Upper pulley 105 Lower pulley 106 Endless belt 107 Bucket 108 Discharge port 109 Pipe 110 Drive motor 111 Belt 200 Rice washing apparatus 300 Guide part 301 Receptacle 302 Opening 303 Introduction guide 304 Fresh water nozzle 305 Fresh water supply pipe 306 Valve 307 Pipe 308 Pipe 309 Fan 310 Pipe 311 Lid 400 Ejector drive section (suction means, discharge means)
401 Nozzle 401a Discharge port 401b Jet water flow (jet water bundle)
402 Diffuser 403 Suction chamber 404 Suction opening 405 Discharge port 406 Valve 407 Pipe 500 Pump (rice washing water pressure feeding means)
600 Rice washing section (rice washing means)
601 First rice washing unit (rice washing means)
602 Tubing body 603 Static element unit 603L element 603R element 603T Protruding portion 604 Locking portion 604a Groove 604b Recessed portion 605 Locking portion 605a Groove 606 Second rice washing unit (rice washing means)
607 Tubular body 608 Static element unit 608L element 608R element 608T Protruding part 609 Locking part 609a Groove 609b Recessed part 610 Locking part 610a Groove 611 Seal ring 612 Holder 612a Holding member 612b Connecting member 612d Pipe 615 Locking section 616 Band 617 Support member 618 Connection pipe 619 Locking section 620 Seal ring 621 Airframe 622 Band 623 Support member 700 Washing water separation section 701 Inclined plate 800 Washing water purification section 801 First water storage tank (upstream storage tank) )
802 Drainage hopper 802a Small gap 803 Upper opening 804 Drainage pipe 805 Drainage pipe 806 Valve 807 Communication pipe (communication path)
807a Flow regulating plate 808 Flow rate regulating valve (flow rate regulating means, flow rate setting means)
809 Second reservoir (downstream reservoir)
810 Drain pipe 811 Upper opening 812 Drain pipe 813 Valve 814 Float flow valve (flow rate adjusting means, water level detecting means)
814a Float 815 Valve 816 Fresh water supply pipe 817 Filter 900 Immersion tank 901 Fresh water supply pipe 902a Float flow valve (flow rate adjusting means, water level detecting means)
902 Valve 903 Fresh water supply pipe 904 Valve 905 Rice storage amount detection means 1000 Metering rice distribution unit 1001 Valve 1002 Water separation container 1003 Shutter 1004 Pipe 1101 Pipe (circulation path)
1102 Pipe (circulation path)
1103 Pipe (circulation path)
1104 Pipe (circulation path)
1105 Pipe 1106 Pipe 1200 Rice cooker 1300 Control unit

Claims (6)

The water level in the first water tank located upstream and the second water tank located downstream from the first water tank is the rice wash water separated from the mixed fluid of polished rice and rice water after washing. Washing rice for storing a predetermined amount of water by giving a difference, and causing the first water tank to flow from the first water tank to the second water tank by the pressure drop due to the water level difference, and circulatingly used in the first water tank and the second water tank A part of the washed rice water containing floating matter corresponding to the amount of fresh water supplied to the water is drained as overflow water, and the washed rice water from which the suspended matter has been removed is sucked from the second water storage tank and recycled for washing rice. A method for purifying washed rice water. The method for purifying washed rice water according to claim 1, wherein the amount of inflow from the first water tank to the second water tank is adjustable. The method for purifying washed rice water according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the amount of drainage from the first water tank is larger than that of the second water tank. The rice water to be circulated is caused to flow into the first water tank and flow to the second water tank at a position substantially at the intermediate height of the water level of the first water tank. The method for purifying washed rice water according to any one of the above. The method for purifying rice-washed water according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the rice-washed water is caused to flow from the first water storage tank to a position at a substantially intermediate height of the water storage water level of the second water storage tank. . The method for purifying washed rice water according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sediment is discharged from the bottom of the first water tank and the second water tank.