JP7467154B2 - Rice conveying equipment and rice processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a rice conveying device and a rice processing facility equipped with this rice conveying device.

2. Description of the Related Art A rice conveying device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known in the art.
This rice conveying device includes a storage hopper for storing rice, a rotary valve for delivering rice from the storage hopper, a rotary valve motor for driving the rotary valve, and a blower for transporting the rice delivered by the rotary valve together with air.

JP 2018-127340 A

However, the rice conveying device disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires equipment such as a rotary valve and a rotary valve motor to remove rice from the storage hopper, which increases the number of parts and makes the device larger and heavier.
Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a rice conveying device that can be made small and lightweight and can transport rice smoothly, and a rice processing facility equipped with this rice conveying device.

The technical means of the present invention for solving this technical problem is characterized by the following points.
The rice conveying device is a rice conveying device that conveys rice to a rice processing machine which includes a rice storage bin for storing rice and a rice washing device for washing the rice supplied from the rice storage bin, and is equipped with a storage section for storing rice, a blower for blowing out air, an air circulation pipe for directing the air blown out from the blower toward the rice storage bin, and a rice removal pipe having one end connected to the storage section and the other end protruding and opening into the air circulation pipe , the air circulation pipe having an air vent hole for discharging a portion of the air flowing through the air circulation pipe, and the air vent hole is provided upstream of the air circulation pipe relative to the central axis of the rice removal pipe .

Preferably, the air flow pipe is disposed below the storage section, the rice removal pipe extends downward from the storage section, and the lower end of the rice removal pipe is inclined so as to become higher from the upstream side to the downstream side of the air flow pipe.

Preferably, the air vent hole is provided above the lower end of the rice removal pipe.
Preferably, the rice conveying device includes a housing in which the storage section is provided, and wheels for supporting the housing so that the housing can be moved.

Preferably, a cylindrical pipe holder for holding the air flow pipe in a determined direction is provided on the outer surface of the housing.
Preferably, the housing has a handle to be gripped when moving the housing and an operating part for operating the blower, and the tube holding part, the handle and the operating part are arranged on the same side of the outer surface of the housing.

The rice processing equipment includes a rice processing machine including a rice storage bin for storing rice and a rice washing device for washing rice supplied from the rice storage bin , and a rice conveying device for conveying rice to the rice processing machine including a rice storage bin for storing rice and a rice washing device for washing rice supplied from the rice storage bin, the rice conveying device including a storage section for storing rice, a blower for blowing air, an air circulation pipe for directing the air blown from the blower toward the rice storage bin, and a rice removal pipe having one end connected to the storage section and the other end protruding and opening into the air circulation pipe. and a receiving container provided on the upper part of the rice storage container and receiving air and rice guided through the air flow pipe, the receiving container having an opening that allows the rice received in the receiving container to fall toward the rice storage container, a connection port to which the downstream end of the air flow pipe is connected, and an air escape section that allows the air guided through the air flow pipe to escape to the outside , and the receiving container has a backing plate against which the rice guided from the connection port to the receiving container collides and falls into the opening .

Preferably, the air escape portion has a louver opening obliquely downward.
Preferably, the air flow pipe has an upstream pipe arranged on the blower side, a downstream pipe arranged on the rice storage tank side, and a connection portion that detachably connects the upstream pipe and the downstream pipe.

Preferably, the upstream pipe is connected to the rice conveying device and the downstream pipe is connected to the receiving vessel.
Preferably, the rice processing machine has a support frame supporting the rice storage bin, and the support frame is provided with a holding portion for holding the downstream pipe.

The rice conveying device and rice processing equipment of the present invention can be made smaller and lighter, allowing for smooth rice transportation.

FIG. FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the rice conveying device with the top cover removed. FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of the rice conveying device. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rice conveying device with the top cover removed. 13 is a plan view showing the space below the storage section. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the lower part of the storage section, the rice removal pipe, the air circulation pipe (second pipe), etc. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 6. 1 is a front oblique view showing the lower part of the storage section, the rice removal pipe, the air circulation pipe (second pipe), etc. 1 is a rear perspective view showing the lower part of the storage section, the rice removal pipe, the air circulation pipe (second pipe), etc. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the air flow in the rice removal pipe and the air circulation pipe. FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the lower part of the storage section, the rice removal pipe, the air circulation pipe (second pipe), etc. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rice processing facility. FIG. 1 is a side view of a rice processing facility. FIG. 2 is a front view of the rice processor. FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the drain jacket and the drain box. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an initial screen M1. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a menu set screen M2. A cross-sectional view showing the rice storage facility and receiving container. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a receiving container is attached to a lid body. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the receiving container from below. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the state in which the receiving container is attached to the lid body, as viewed from below. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the components (receiving container, downstream pipe, and lid). FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the receiving container and the lid body. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the rice processor. This is an oblique view showing how the component is attached to the rice storage cabinet.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1 to 5 show the rice conveying device 100. For the sake of convenience, the direction of arrow A1 in Fig. 1 will be referred to as the forward direction, the direction of arrow A2 as the rearward direction, the direction of arrow B1 as the rightward direction, and the direction of arrow B2 as the leftward direction. The direction of arrow A will be referred to as the front-rear direction, and the direction of arrow B as the width direction of the device.
As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the rice conveying device 100 includes a storage section 101 for storing rice, and a conveying mechanism 102 for removing and conveying the rice stored in the storage section 101.

As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the storage section 101 has an inlet 103 at the top through which rice can be put in, and an outlet 104 at the bottom through which rice can be taken out. The inlet 103 is blocked by an upper lid 105. A handle 105a is provided on the top of the upper lid 105. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the inlet 103 is opened by removing the upper lid 105. This allows rice to be supplied to the storage section 101 from the inlet 103.

As shown in FIG. 4, the storage section 101 has an upper space 106 and a lower space 107. The upper space 106 is formed in a rectangular tube shape. The lower space 107 is formed in a rectangular pyramid shape. The lower part of the upper space 106 is connected to the upper part of the lower space 107. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the lower space 107 has a guide surface 108 and a bottom surface 109. The guide surface 108 is an inclined surface that guides (slides down) the rice stored in the storage section 101 toward the bottom surface 109. The lower end of the guide surface 108 is connected to the bottom surface 109. The bottom surface 109 is formed with an outlet 104.

As shown in FIG. 3, the guide surface 108 includes a first surface 108a, a second surface 108b, a third surface 108c, and a fourth surface 108d. The first surface 108a is disposed on the right side of the guide surface 108. The second surface 108b is disposed on the left side of the guide surface 108. The third surface 108c is disposed on the rear side of the guide surface 108. The fourth surface 108d is disposed on the front side of the guide surface 108. The distance between the first surface 108a and the second surface 108b gradually decreases as the surface moves downward. The distance between the third surface 108c and the fourth surface 108d gradually decreases as the surface moves downward.

The rice conveying device 100 includes a housing 110. The storage section 101 is provided inside the housing 110. The housing 110 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The length of the housing 110 in the front-rear direction A is shorter than the length of the housing 110 in the device width direction B. The housing 110 has a plurality of outer surfaces 111. The outer surfaces 111 include a right surface 111a, a left surface 111b, a front surface 111c, a rear surface 111d, and a bottom surface 111e.

The underside 111e is provided with casters equipped with wheels 112. This allows the housing 110 to be supported by the wheels 112 so that it can be moved. The right side 111a is provided with a handle 114. The handle 114 is a part that is gripped when moving the housing 110. When an operator grips the handle 114 and pushes (or pulls) the housing 110, the wheels 112 rotate (roll) on the floor surface, allowing the housing 110 to be moved smoothly.

The handle 114 is provided on the upper part of the housing 110. As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5, etc., the handle 114 has a first part 114a, a second part 114b, and a third part 114c. The first part 114a is disposed with a gap between it and the outer surface 111 (right surface 111a) of the housing 110. The first part 114a extends in the front-rear direction. The second part 114b extends from the outer surface 111 (right surface 111a) of the housing 110 to the front end of the first part 114a. The third part 114c extends from the outer surface 111 (right surface 111a) of the housing 110 to the rear end of the first part 114a.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the housing 110 is provided with an inspection hatch 115. The inspection hatch 115 is provided at the bottom of the front surface 111c of the housing 110. The inspection hatch 115 is covered by a cover 116. The lower edge of the cover 116 is connected to the front surface 111c via a hinge 136. As shown by arrow E in Figure 1, the cover 116 can rotate around the hinge 136 as a fulcrum. The inspection hatch 115 can be closed by rotating the cover 116 upward. The inspection hatch 115 can be opened by rotating the cover 116 downward. Figures 1 and 2 show the inspection hatch 115 in an open state. By opening the inspection hatch 115, it is possible to inspect the air circulation pipe 119 and rice removal pipe 120, which will be described later.

5, the housing 110 is provided with a ventilation section 117 that connects the inside of the housing 110 (the space below the storage section 101) to the outside of the housing 110. The ventilation section 117 is provided on the rear surface 111d of the housing 110. The ventilation section 117 is composed of a louver that opens obliquely downward.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 , the conveying mechanism 102 includes a blower 118 , an air flow pipe 119 , and a rice removal pipe 120 .

The blower 118 is disposed inside the housing 110. The blower 118 is disposed below the storage section 101 inside the housing 110. The blower 118 has a suction section 118a that draws in air and a delivery section 118b that sends out air. The suction section 118a draws in outside air through the ventilation section 117 of the housing 110. One end of the air circulation pipe 119 is connected to the delivery section 118b. The delivery section 118b sends air into the inside of the air circulation pipe 119, thereby circulating air inside the air circulation pipe 119.

The air flow pipe 119 guides the air sent out from the blower 118 toward the rice storage 12 (see FIG. 13, etc.) of the rice processing machine 1. The air flow pipe 119 has an upstream pipe 119A located on the upstream side (the blower 118 side) and a downstream pipe 119B (see FIG. 13, etc.) located on the downstream side (the rice storage 12 side). The upstream pipe 119A and the downstream pipe 119B are detachably connected.
As shown in Fig. 4, one end of the upstream pipe 119A is disposed inside the housing 110, and the other end is disposed outside the housing 110. One end of the upstream pipe 119A is disposed below the accommodation portion 101. As shown in Figs. 4 and 6, the upstream pipe 119A includes a first pipe 121, a second pipe 122, and a third pipe 123. In this embodiment, the first pipe 121 and the third pipe 123 are made of a hose having flexibility, such as a bellows pipe. The second pipe 122 is made of a fixed pipe having no flexibility.

The first pipe 121 and the second pipe 122 are disposed below the accommodation section 101. One end of the first pipe 121 is connected to the delivery section 118b of the blower 118. The other end of the first pipe 121 is connected to one end of the second pipe 122 via a first connecting pipe 124. The other end of the second pipe 122 is connected to one end of the third pipe 123 via a second connecting pipe 125.
As shown in FIG. 4, one end of the third tube 123 is disposed inside the housing 110, and the other end is disposed outside the housing 110. That is, the third tube 123 extends from the inside to the outside of the housing 110. One end of the third tube 123 is disposed below the storage section 101. The middle part of the third tube 123 penetrates the right surface 111a of the housing 110. The other end of the third tube 123 extends upward along the right surface 111a of the housing 110. A first connecting section 123a is provided at the other end of the third tube 123. The first connecting section 123a is detachably connected to a second connecting section 123b (see FIG. 13) provided at one end of the downstream tube 119B. The downstream tube 119B will be described later.

As shown in Figures 1 to 5, a pipe holder 126 is provided on the outer surface (right surface 111a) of the housing 110 to determine the direction of the air flow pipe 119 (upstream pipe 119A). The third pipe 123 of the upstream pipe 119A is held in an upwardly facing state by being held by the pipe holder 126. As shown in Figure 4, the pipe holder 126 has a cylindrical portion 126a extending in the vertical direction and an inclined plate 126b provided inside the cylindrical portion 126a. The cylindrical portion 126a surrounds the outer periphery of the upstream pipe 119A between the outer surface (right surface 111a) of the housing 110. The inclined plate 126b is disposed at the lower part inside the cylindrical portion 126a. The inclined plate 126b is inclined so as to face upward as it moves away from the right surface 111a. The inclined plate 126b smoothly bends the third tube 123, which protrudes outside the housing 110, upward.

The rice removal pipe 120 shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, etc. is a pipe for removing rice stored in the storage section 101 into the air circulation pipe 119. The rice removal pipe 120 extends perpendicularly to the second pipe 122 of the air circulation pipe 119. The cross-sectional area of the rice removal pipe 120 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the air circulation pipe 119 (second pipe 122). In this embodiment, the rice removal pipe 120 and the air circulation pipe 119 (second pipe 122) are circular pipes (pipes with a circular cross section), and the inner diameter of the rice removal pipe 120 is smaller than the inner diameter of the air circulation pipe 119 (second pipe 122).

As shown in Figures 7, 12, etc., the rice removal pipe 120 extends downward from the storage section 101. One end side (upper end side) of the rice removal pipe 120 is connected to the storage section 101. Specifically, one end side (upper end side) of the rice removal pipe 120 is connected to the storage section 101 via a connection plate 127. A connection port 127a is formed in the connection plate 127, and the upper end of the rice removal pipe 120 is connected to the connection port 127a. The connection port 127a is connected to the removal port 104 of the storage section 101. The connection plate 127 is connected to the storage section 101 via a cover member 128.

As shown in Fig. 9, a locking projection 127b is provided on the front of the connection plate 127. As shown in Fig. 10, a locking claw 127c is provided on the rear of the connection plate 127. The locking projection 127b and the locking claw 127c are used to connect the connection plate 127 to the cover member 128.
As shown in Figs. 7 to 10, the cover member 128 is disposed above the connection plate 127. The cover member 128 has a lower plate 128a, a right plate 128b, a left plate 128c, a front plate 128d, and a rear plate 128e. The lower plate 128a is disposed between the lower end of the storage section 101 and the connection plate 127. The lower plate 128a has a through hole 128f formed at a position overlapping with the connection port 127a and the removal port 104. The right plate 128b extends upward from the right edge of the lower plate 128a. The left plate 128c extends upward from the left edge of the lower plate 128a. The front plate 128d extends upward from the front edge of the lower plate 128a. The rear plate 128e extends downward from the rear edge of the lower plate 128a. The upper portions of the right plate 128 b , the left plate 128 c , and the front plate 128 d are connected to the rear surface (lower surface) of the guide surface 108 .

As shown in FIG. 9, a locking member 129 is attached to the front plate 128d of the cover member 128. The locking member 129 has a locking ring 129a and a swinging piece 129b. The locking ring 129a can be moved up and down by swinging the swinging piece 129b around the support shaft 130. The locking member 129 can be locked to the locking protrusion 127b by hooking the locking ring 129a onto the locking protrusion 127b provided on the connection plate 127 and swinging the swinging piece 129b upward. In addition, the locking ring 129a can be removed from the locking protrusion 127b by swinging the swinging piece 129b downward, thereby releasing the locking of the locking member 129 to the locking protrusion 127b.

As shown in FIG. 10, a locking hole 128g is formed in the rear plate 128e of the cover member 128. A locking claw 127c provided on the connection plate 127 can be inserted into the locking hole 128g. The connection plate 127 can be attached to the cover member 128 by inserting the locking claw 127c into the locking hole 128g and locking the locking member 129 to the locking projection 127b. The connection plate 127 can be removed from the cover member 128 by releasing the locking of the locking member 129 to the locking projection 127b and removing the locking claw 127c from the locking hole 128g.

In this way, the rice removal pipe 120 can be attached to or detached from the storage section 101 by attaching or detaching the connection plate 127 to or from the cover member 128. In other words, the rice removal pipe 120 is detachable from the storage section 101. The rice removal pipe 120 can be easily attached and detached by opening the inspection hatch 115 and accessing the locking member 129.

As shown in Figures 7 and 11, the other end (lower end) of the rice removal pipe 120 protrudes and opens into the air flow pipe 119. Specifically, the lower end (lower end surface) 120a of the rice removal pipe 120 protrudes and opens into the second pipe 122. In addition, the lower end 120a of the rice removal pipe 120 is located below the central axis CL1 of the air flow pipe 119 (second pipe 122) throughout the entire area from the upstream side (left side) to the downstream side (right side) of the air flow pipe 119.

The lower end 120a of the rice extraction pipe 120 is inclined so that it becomes higher from the upstream side (left side) of the air circulation pipe 119 toward the downstream side (right side). In other words, the vertical distance D between the lower end 120a of the rice extraction pipe 120 and the lower part of the inner surface of the air circulation pipe 119 (second pipe 122) increases from the upstream side (left side) of the air circulation pipe 119 toward the downstream side (right side). The distance D is shortest at the left end 120b of the rice extraction pipe 120 (see distance D1) and longest at the right end 120c of the rice extraction pipe 120 (see distance D2). The lower end 120a of the rice extraction pipe 120 opens at an incline toward the downstream side of the air circulation pipe 119 with respect to the vertical downward direction (facing diagonally downward to the right).

As described above, because the lower end 120a of the rice removal pipe 120 is inclined, the opening area of the lower end 120a of the rice removal pipe 120 is larger than the area of the cross section perpendicular to the central axis CL2 of the rice removal pipe 120. This allows smooth removal (suction) of rice from the rice removal pipe 120 to the air flow pipe 119. In addition, because the lower end 120a of the rice removal pipe 120 is inclined, the cross-sectional area of the air flow path in the air flow pipe 119 becomes wider from the upstream side to the downstream side, making it easier for rice to flow from the upstream side to the downstream side.

In addition, because the lower end 120a of the rice removal pipe 120 protrudes into the air flow pipe 119, the cross-sectional area of the air flow path in the air flow pipe 119 is narrowed at the protruding portion, increasing the air pressure and speeding up the flow rate. Therefore, the rice removed from the lower end 120a of the rice removal pipe 120 into the air flow pipe 119 moves smoothly with the air flow and does not get clogged in the pipe.

As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the center of the rice extraction pipe 120 coincides with the center of the second pipe 122 of the air circulation pipe 119 in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 8, a space SP1 through which air can flow is formed between the lower end 120a of the rice extraction pipe 120 and the lower part of the inner surface of the air circulation pipe 119. A space SP2 through which air can flow is formed between the front end of the rice extraction pipe 120 and the front part of the inner surface of the air circulation pipe 119. A space SP3 through which air can flow is formed between the rear end of the rice extraction pipe 120 and the rear part of the inner surface of the air circulation pipe 119. Spaces SP1, SP2, and SP3 are mutually connected. The cross-sectional area of the air flow passage of space SP2 is equal to the cross-sectional area of the air flow passage of space SP3.

As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the second tube 122 has an air vent hole 131 that discharges a portion of the air flowing through the air flow tube 119. As shown in Figure 11, the air vent hole 131 is provided above the lower end 120a of the rice removal tube 120. The air vent hole 131 is provided at a height position that overlaps with the central axis CL1 of the air flow tube 119 (second tube 122). The air vent hole 131 is provided upstream (left side) of the central axis CL2 of the rice removal tube 120. The air vent hole 131 is provided at a position that overlaps with the rice removal tube 120 in the air flow direction (apparatus width direction) in the air flow tube 119. In other words, the air vent hole 131 is provided to the right of the left end 120b and to the left of the right end 120c of the rice removal tube 120.

In this embodiment, the shape of the air vent hole 131 is circular, but it may be a shape other than circular (for example, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, etc.). In this embodiment, the number of air vent holes 131 is one, but the number of air vent holes 131 may be two or more. The size (diameter) of the air vent hole 131 is set to a size that does not allow rice grains to pass through or makes it difficult for rice grains to pass through. In addition, the air vent hole 131 is preferably provided at the position described above, but it may be provided at another position on the air flow pipe 119.

When air is sent from the delivery section 118b into the air flow pipe 119 by driving the blower 118, as the air flows through the second pipe 122, an air flow (suction force) F1 toward the rice removal pipe 120 due to the ejector effect (see FIG. 11). This suction force causes the rice stored in the storage section 101 to be sucked through the rice removal pipe 120 into the air flow pipe 119 (second pipe 122). The rice sucked into the second pipe 122 is sent downstream on the air flow F2 in the air flow pipe 119 and exits the housing 110 through the third pipe 123.

As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 5, an operation unit 132 for operating the blower 118 is provided on the outer surface (right surface 111a) of the housing 110. The operation unit 132 has a drive button 133 for driving the blower 118, a stop button 134 for stopping the blower 118, and a timer 135 for setting the operation time of the blower 118. The operation unit 132 is arranged facing upward (so that it can be operated from above). However, the arrangement, number, and type of the operating tools provided on the operation unit 132 can be changed as appropriate.

The tube holding part 126, the handle 114, and the operating part 132 are arranged on the same side (the right side 111a side) of the outer surface 111 of the housing 110. As shown in FIG. 3, in a plan view, the tube holding part 126 and the operating part 132 are contained inside the handle 114. The third tube 123 extends upward through the space surrounded by the handle 114 and the right side 111a. This allows the third tube 123 protruding from the tube holding part 126 to be contained inside the handle 114, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5. This allows the external shape of the rice conveying device 100 to be configured compactly.

13 and 14 show a rice processing facility 200 equipped with the rice conveying device 100 described above.
The rice processing equipment 200 comprises a rice conveying device 100, a rice processing machine 1, and a receiving container 201.
The rice processing machine 1 will now be described.

Figure 15 shows a rice processing machine 1. The rice processing machine 1 shown in Figure 15 is a device that can store rice (rice storage), wash rice (rice washing), and cook rice (rice cooking). The rice processing machine 1 is equipped with a rice storage 12 for storing rice, a rice washing device 13 for washing rice, a rice cooker 14 for cooking the rice washed in the rice washing device 13, a support frame 15 for supporting the rice cooker 14, the rice storage 12, and the rice washing device 13, and a water supply and drainage device 16.

The rice storage 12 has a case 12a formed in a substantially box shape and a funnel-shaped rice storage tank 12b provided within the case 12a. The top of the case 12a is open as a supply port 12c for supplying rice. A lid 10 is provided on the top of the case 12a so that it can be opened and closed (or attached and detached). By opening (or removing) the lid 10, the supply port 12c at the top of the case 12a is opened, and rice can be supplied into the rice storage tank 12b. In addition, as described below, by providing a receiving port 10e (see FIG. 23) on the lid 10, rice can be supplied from the rice conveying device 100 to the rice storage tank 12b even when the lid 10 is closed (or attached). A display device 50 for performing various settings is provided on the front of the case 12a.

A weighing device 19 is provided at the bottom of the rice storage tank 12b. The weighing device 19 has, for example, a rotatably supported cylindrical body. The cylindrical body is formed with an introduction portion through which rice is introduced from the rice storage tank 12b, and is configured to measure the rice in the rice storage tank 12b and send it to the rice washing device 13 by rotating the cylindrical body a predetermined number of times.
The rice washing device 13 is a device for washing rice, and is equipped with a rice washing tank 22 for washing rice. The rice washing tank 22 is equipped with a rice washing tank 22a into which rice is poured, and a stirring member 22b for stirring the rice in the rice washing tank 22a. The rice washing tank 22a can be attached and detached by operating a hook member 21 provided on the lower side of the rice storage 12 (case 12a). When the cylinder of the measuring device 19 is rotated in the attached state, rice measured by the measuring device 19 provided in the rice storage 12 is poured into the rice washing tank 22a from the upper part of the rice washing tank 22a. An opening 22c is formed at the lower end of the rice washing tank 22a.

The water supply and drainage device 16 is a device that supplies water to and drains water from the rice washing tank 22, and includes a drainage jacket 23 provided at the bottom of the rice washing tank 22 and a drainage box 24 that communicates with the drainage jacket 23.
The drainage jacket 23 is detachably attached to the lower part of the rice washing tank 22, i.e., the lower part of the rice washing tank 22a so as to cover the opening 22c, and receives drainage water from the rice washing tank 22a. That is, the drainage jacket 23 can be removed from the rice washing tank 22a by releasing the hook member 39 attached to the lower part of the rice washing tank 22a from the drainage jacket 23.

The stirring member 22b is disposed in the rice washing tank 22a and rotates about a vertical axis. The stirring member 22b washes (washes) the rice in the rice washing tank 22a by rotating.
As shown in Fig. 16, the drain jacket 23 has an outer peripheral wall 23a formed in a cylindrical shape and a bottom wall 23b protruding radially inward from the lower part of the outer peripheral wall 23a. The bottom wall 23b is provided with a rice discharge port 27 through which rice and the like from the opening 22c of the rice washing tank 22a passes to the rice cooker 14. A conical rice discharge valve 28 is inserted into the rice discharge port 27. The rice discharge valve 28 is provided at the lower end of a vertical shaft 29 extending vertically so as to be movable up and down, and the rice discharge port 27 is opened and closed by the vertical shaft 29 being raised and lowered. It is possible to detect by a sensor whether the rice discharge port 27 is in an open state (rice discharge valve open position) or a closed state (rice discharge valve closed position).

A cylindrical funnel member 31 having a plurality of holes formed in a side wall portion is placed on the bottom wall 23b. A drain port 32 is formed on one side of the outer peripheral wall 23a of the drain jacket 23 for allowing the liquid in the drain jacket 23 to flow to the drain box 24 side.
The drainage box 24 is formed in a box shape, and for example, a removable lid 37 is provided on the right side of the drainage box 24, and the inside of the drainage box 24 can be washed (cleaned) by removing the lid 37. A water inlet 33 is formed in the drainage box 24 on the side opposite the drain outlet 32 of the drainage jacket 23. One end of a pipe (piping) 34 is connected to the water inlet 33, and the other end of the pipe 34 is connected to the drain outlet 32 of the drainage jacket 23, thereby communicating between the drainage box 24 and the drainage jacket 23.

The drainage box 24 is provided with an opening/closing member 35 for opening and closing a communication passage (e.g., inside a pipe 34) from the drainage jacket 23 to the drainage box 24. For example, the opening/closing member 35 has an opening/closing section 40 and a link member 36 to which the opening/closing section 40 is attached and which can swing freely. The opening/closing section 40 and the link member 36 are provided inside the drainage box 24. When the interlocking member 41 attached to the base end side of the link member 36 is lowered downward, the link member 36 swings to move the opening/closing section 40 away from the water inlet 33 to an open state, and when the interlocking member 41 is raised upward, the link member 36 swings to move the opening/closing section 40 close to the water inlet 33 to a closed state.

The link member 36 is biased rearward by a biasing member 42 such as a spring (the interlocking member 41 is biased upward), so when the interlocking member 41 is not moved downward, the opening/closing section 40 opens the water inlet 33. The drain box 24 is formed with a drain outlet 43, to which a drain hose (not shown) that guides wastewater to the outside is detachably connected. An overflow pipe 38 is connected between the top of the drain box 24 and the rice washing tank 22a, and wastewater overflowing from the rice washing tank 22a flows into the drain box 24 via the overflow pipe 38.

As shown in FIG. 15, the water supply and drainage device 16 has a water supply nozzle 25a provided on the upper side of the rice washing tank 22a, a water supply line (piping) 25b for supplying a water supply source such as a tap to the water supply nozzle 25a, a first opening and closing valve (electromagnetic opening and closing valve) 25c provided on the water supply line 25b, a flow rate sensor 25d provided on the water supply line 25b, a second opening and closing valve (faucet) 25e for manually opening and closing the water supply line 25b, and a strainer (water supply mesh) 25f attached to the water supply nozzle 25a side via the second opening and closing valve 25e. The drain box 24 and the drain jacket 23 are also part of the water supply and drainage device 16.

The rice cooker 14 has a rice cooker 17 for cooking rice, and a heating unit 18 such as a gas stove or an induction heater for heating the rice cooker 17. The rice cooker 17 includes an inner pot 17a with an open top, an outer pot 17b into which the inner pot 17a is inserted from above and stored in a removable manner, and a lid 17c that can be opened and closed to close the top opening of the inner pot 17a. The heating unit 18 is located below the inner pot 17a and can cook rice by heating the inner pot 17a. The top surface of the lid 17c is open, and a freely swingable shutter 17d is provided on the top of the lid 17c. The opening of the lid 17c can be closed or opened by the shutter 17d.

As shown in FIG. 17, the rice processing machine 1 is equipped with a display device 50. The display device 50 has a display section 50A and an operation section 51B. The display section 50A is a section that displays various information and is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel. The operation section 51B is a section that performs various operations and is composed of switches, etc. The operation section 51B includes a setting switch 51, a start switch 52, a reservation switch 54, a cancel switch 55, an up switch 56, a down switch 57, a left switch 58, and a right switch 59.

As shown in Fig. 18A, the display unit 50A displays an initial screen M1 indicating the state of rice cooking when starting up the rice processing machine 1. Also, as shown in Fig. 18B, the display unit 50A displays a menu set screen M2 when the setting switch 51 is operated.
18A, the initial screen M1 displays various processes. For example, the initial screen M1 displays a weighing process S1 in which rice is being weighed using a weighing device 19, a rice washing process S2 in which rice is being washed in the rice washing device 13, a colander lifting process S3 in which the rice is lifted into a colander after being washed in the rice washing device 13, a water adjustment process S4 in which a predetermined amount of water is calculated and water with or without added water is supplied to the rice washing device 13, a rice discharge process S5 in which the rice and water with or without added water in the rice washing device 13 are poured into the rice cooker 14, a soaking process S6 in which rice is soaked in the rice cooker 14, a rice cooking process S7 in which rice is cooked in the rice cooker 14, a steaming process S8 in which rice is steamed in the rice cooker 14, and a cooked process S9 in which the rice is cooked. On the initial screen M1, the current process can be visually identified by inverting the letters indicating each process (weighing process S1, rice washing process S2, draining process S3, water addition process S4, rice removal process S5, soaking process S6, cooking process S7, steaming process S8, cooking process S9) from the letters indicating other processes, or by changing the color of the letters indicating the process from the other letters, or by making the letters or figures indicating each process different from the other processes.

As shown in FIG. 18B, the menu setting screen M2 is a screen for setting each process (measuring process S1, rice washing process S2, draining process S3, water addition process S4, soaking process S6, cooking process S7, and steaming process S8).
The menu set screen M2 displays a plurality of setting items 61. The plurality of setting items 61 include a rice cooking item 61a indicating the setting of the amount of rice to be cooked, a water addition/reduction item 61b indicating the setting of the amount of water to be added/reduced, a washing method item 61c indicating the setting of the method of washing rice, a mode item 61d indicating the setting of the cooking method (rice cooking method) and the number of times to cook rice, a soaking item 60e indicating the setting of the soaking time, and a soaking item 61f indicating the setting of the soaking time.

The menu set screen M2 also displays setting information corresponding to a number of setting items 61. The setting information includes a cooking amount 62a corresponding to the cooking item 61a, a water amount 62b corresponding to the water addition item 61b, a degree of washing 62c corresponding to the washing method item 61c, a cooking method (white rice, vinegared rice) corresponding to the mode item 61d, and a setting value 62d indicating the number of times to cook rice (once, twice), a soaking time 62e corresponding to the soaking item 61e, and a soaking time 62f corresponding to the soaking item 61f.

A cursor 63 and the like are displayed on the menu set screen M2, and various settings can be made by moving the position of the cursor 63 using any of the up switch 56, down switch 57, left switch 58, and right switch 59. For ease of explanation, the up switch 56, down switch 57, left switch 58, and right switch 59 may sometimes be simply referred to as change switches.
For example, by moving the cursor 63 to the rice cooking item 61a and then operating the change switch, the amount of cooked rice can be increased or decreased. By moving the cursor 63 to the water addition/reduction item 61b and then operating the change switch, the amount of water to be added or reduced 62b can be increased or decreased. In the water addition/reduction item 61b in FIG. 18B, a value corresponding to the amount of water to be added or reduced 62b is indicated by a level gauge 64, with "low" indicating that one side is less than the reference value Q1 indicated in the center of the level gauge 64 and "high" indicating that the amount of water to be added or reduced is more than the predetermined reference value Q1 on the other side, and the amount of water to be added or reduced 62b can be set depending on the position of the cursor 63 pointed to the level gauge 64. For example, by positioning the cursor 63 on the high side of the level gauge 64, the amount of water to be added or reduced can be increased from the reference value Q1 in eight steps (H1 to H8), and by positioning the cursor 63 on the low side of the level gauge 64, the amount of water to be added or reduced can be decreased in eight steps (L1 to L8). In the above embodiment, the amount of water to be added/reduced 62b is increased/decreased in stages, but the amount of water to be added/reduced 62b may be input as a numerical value, similar to the amount of cooked rice 62a.

By moving the cursor 63 to the washing method item 61c and then operating the change switch, the washing method (whether to wash thoroughly or lightly) can be set. By moving the cursor 63 to the mode item 61d and then operating the change switch, the cooking method (white rice, vinegared rice) and the number of times to cook the rice (once, twice) can be changed. By moving the cursor 63 to the soaking item 61e and then operating the change switch, the soaking time can be increased or decreased.

As described above, the display device 50 can be operated by store staff (manager, employee, part-time worker) to set setting information (amount of cooked rice 62a, amount of water added/reduced 62b, degree of washing 62c, cooking method (white rice, vinegared rice) and number of times to cook rice (once, twice), soaking time 62e, steaming time 62f).
In the above-described embodiment, the rice processing machine 1 is a device that performs weighing, washing, and cooking, but it may also be a device that performs rice washing. For example, the rice processing machine 1 may be a rice processing machine that does not have at least the rice cooker 14 among the rice storage 12, the rice washing device 13, the water supply and drainage device 16, and the rice cooker 14, or it may be a rice processing machine that does not have the rice storage 12 and the rice cooker 14. In other words, the rice processing machine 1 may be one that has at least the rice washing device 13.

Next, the receiving container 201 will be described.
As shown in Figures 13, 14, 19, etc., the receiving container 201 is provided on the upper part of the rice storage warehouse 12.
The receiving container 201 receives air and rice guided through the air flow pipe 119, and supplies the received rice to the rice storage 12.

20 to 22, the receiving container 201 has an upper plate 201a and a side wall 201b. The side wall 201b includes a right wall 201c, a left wall 201d, a front wall 201e, and a rear wall 201f. The lower part of the receiving container 201 is open.
As shown in Figures 13, 20, etc., the receiving container 201 is attached to the upper surface 10a of the lid body 10 of the rice storage 12. The receiving container 201 may be fixed to the upper surface 10a of the lid body 10, but it is preferable that it is detachable.

As shown in Figures 20 and 23, the lid 10 has a top plate 10b, a right side plate 10c, and a left side plate 10d. The right side plate 10c extends downward from the right edge of the top plate 10b. The left side plate 10d extends downward from the left edge of the top plate 10b. The surface of the top plate 10b forms the upper surface 10a of the lid 10. As shown in Figures 23 and 25, the top plate 10b is formed with a receiving port 10e that receives rice from the receiving container 201. The lower part of the receiving container 201 is connected to the receiving port 10e provided in the lid 10.

As shown in FIG. 19, the receiving port 10e is located above the supply port 12c provided at the top of the case 12a and is connected to the supply port 12c. As shown in FIG. 23 and FIG. 26, the top plate 10b is provided with a skylight 10f. The skylight 10f is covered by an openable and closable cover plate 202. By rotating the cover plate 202 upward on a hinge 203 as a fulcrum, the skylight 10f can be opened to visually check the inside of the case 12a through the supply port 12c and confirm the amount of rice.

As shown in FIG. 21, the receiving container 201 has a connection port 201g to which the downstream end of the air flow pipe 119 (downstream pipe 119B) is connected. The connection port 201g is provided on the right wall 201c. One end of a pipe connector (elbow) 204 is connected to the connection port 201g. As shown in FIG. 24, etc., the other end of the pipe connector 204 is connected to the other end of the downstream pipe 119B of the air flow pipe 119. In other words, the downstream pipe 119B of the air flow pipe 119 is connected to the connection port 201g via the pipe connector 204.

As shown in FIG. 14, the second connection part 123b provided at one end of the downstream pipe 119B is connected to the first connection part 123a provided at the other end of the upstream pipe 119A. As a result, the upstream pipe 119A and the downstream pipe 119B are connected, so that the air and rice transported through the upstream pipe 119A are guided to the downstream pipe 119B, and from the downstream pipe 119B, they are guided through the connection port 201g into the inside of the receiving container 201. In other words, the air and rice guided through the air flow pipe 119 are guided through the connection port 201g into the inside of the receiving container 201.

As shown in Figures 21 and 25, the receiving container 201 has a first space 205 and a second space 206 inside. The first space 205 is a space that receives air and rice that are introduced into the inside of the receiving container 201 through the connection port 201g. The second space 206 is a space that receives air from the first space 205. The first space 205 is located upstream of the air flow inside the receiving container 201 and is connected to the connection port 201g. The second space 206 is located downstream of the air flow inside the receiving container 201 and is connected to the first space 205 at the bottom of the internal space of the receiving container 201.

As shown in Figures 21, 23, 25, etc., the receiving container 201 has a partition member 208 inside. The partition member 208 is a member that divides the inside of the receiving container 201 into a first space 205 and a second space 206. The upper end of the partition member 208 is connected to the lower surface of the upper plate 201a. The lower end of the partition member 208 is located higher than the lower end of the side wall 201b. As a result, a communication passage 207 (see Figure 25) that connects the first space 205 and the second space 206 is formed below the partition member 208.

As shown in Figures 21 to 23, the partition member 208 has a first plate 208a and a second plate 208b. The first plate 208a is disposed in a position facing the right wall 201c and the connection port 201g. The second plate 208b is disposed in a position facing the rear wall 201f. The rear end of the first plate 208a is connected to the inner surface (front surface) of the rear wall 201f. The front end of the first plate 208a is connected to the left end of the second plate 208b. The second plate 208b extends to the right from the front end of the first plate 208a. The right end of the second plate 208b is connected to the inner surface (left surface) of the right wall 201c. The first plate 208a is inclined so as to move away from the connection port 201g (shift to the left) as it goes downward.

The first space 205 is a space surrounded by the upper plate 201a, the right wall 201c, the rear wall 201f, the first plate 208a, and the second plate 208b, and is open at the bottom. The open bottom of the first space 205 forms an opening 209 that allows the rice received in the receiving container 201 to fall toward the rice storage 12. As shown by the arrow G in Figures 19 and 25, the rice introduced into the internal space of the receiving container 201 from the connection port 201g collides with the first plate 208a and falls toward the opening 209 below. In other words, the first plate 208a is a backing plate that collides with the rice introduced into the receiving container 201 from the connection port 201g and causes it to fall into the opening 209. Hereinafter, the first plate 208a is also referred to as the backing plate 208a.

The second space 206 is a space surrounded by the upper plate 201a, the right wall 201c, the left wall 201d, the front wall 201e, the rear wall 201f, the first plate 208a, and the second plate 208b, and the lower part is open. The lower part of the second space 206 is connected to the first space 205 via the communication passage 207. The communication passage 207 is provided to guide the air introduced from the connection port 201g into the first space 205 to the second space 206. As shown by the arrow H in FIG. 25, the air guided from the connection port 201g to the first space 205 is guided through the communication passage 207 to the second space 206. Since the communication passage 207 is formed below the connection port 201g and the backing plate 208a, rice rarely passes through the communication passage 207 and enters the second space 206 from the first space 205.

As shown in Figures 20, 21, 25, etc., the receiving container 201 has an air release section 210. The air release section 210 releases air that has been introduced into the receiving container 201 through the air flow pipe 119 to the outside. This allows the air to flow smoothly through the air flow pipe 119 from the upstream side (the blower 118 side) to the downstream side (the rice storage 12 side). The air release section 210 is connected to the second space 206, and can release the air that has been introduced into the second space 206 to the outside.

As shown in FIG. 22, the air release section 210 has an exhaust port 211 formed in the side wall 201b, and a ventilation plate 212 attached to face the exhaust port 211. The exhaust port 211 includes a first exhaust port 211A and a second exhaust port 211B. The first exhaust port 211A is formed in the left wall 201d. The second exhaust port 211B is formed in the front wall 201e. The ventilation plate 212 includes a first ventilation plate 212A and a second ventilation plate 212B. The first ventilation plate 212A is attached to cover the first exhaust port 211A. The second ventilation plate 212B is attached to cover the second exhaust port 211B.

The ventilation plate 212 (first ventilation plate 212A, second ventilation plate 212B) has louvers 213 that open diagonally downward. As shown by arrow J in FIG. 25, the air guided to the second space 206 of the receiving container 201 is discharged to the outside of the receiving container 201 through the opening of the louvers 213 of the air release section 210. Most of the rice guided to the receiving container 201 collides with the backing plate 208a in the first space 205 and falls into the opening 209, but some may be guided to the second space 206 through the communication passage 207. In this case, some of the rice guided to the second space 206 may be discharged to the outside together with the air from the air release section 210. However, since the louvers 213 that constitute the air release section 210 open diagonally downward, the rice that comes out of the opening of the louvers 213 falls diagonally downward (see arrow J in FIG. 25) and does not scatter widely around.

26, the receiving container 201 has a longer distance d1 between the side walls (left wall 201d, front wall 201e) on which the air release section 210 is provided and the outer edge of the top surface 10a of the lid body 10 than the distance d2 between the side walls (right wall 201c, rear wall 201f) on which the air release section 210 is not provided and the outer edge of the top surface 10a of the lid body 10 (d1>d2). As a result, a wide area R1 on which the receiving container 201 is not placed is formed on the left and front parts of the top surface 10a of the lid body 10. Therefore, rice that comes out of the opening of the louver 213 that constitutes the air release section 210 can fall into the area R1 and remain on the top surface 10a, and is prevented from falling onto the floor surface (the installation surface of the rice processing machine 1).

As shown in Figures 13, 14, 27, etc., the rice processing equipment 200 is equipped with a holding portion 214 that holds the downstream pipe 119B. The holding portion 214 can hold the downstream pipe 119B in a determined orientation. The holding portion 214 includes a first holding portion 215 and a second holding portion 216. The first holding portion 215 holds one end of the downstream pipe 119B. The second holding portion 216 holds the other end of the downstream pipe 119B.

The first holding portion 215 is provided on the support frame 15 of the rice processing machine 1. The first holding portion 215 is provided below the rice storage 12 of the support frame 15 and to the side (right) of the rice washing device 13. As shown by the imaginary line in FIG. 13, the first holding portion 215 can hold the downstream pipe 119B that has been disconnected from the upstream pipe 119A. The first holding portion 215 has a fixed plate 215a, a receiving plate 215b, a side plate 215c, and a front plate 215d. The fixed plate 215a is fixed to the support frame 15. The receiving plate 215b extends laterally (to the right) from the fixed plate 215a and can hold the downstream pipe 119B. The side plate 215c extends upward from the side end (right end) of the receiving plate 215b and holds the downstream pipe 119B from the side. The front plate 215d extends upward from the front end of the receiving plate 215b. The upper edge of the front plate 215d is formed in an arc shape so that it can fit along the outer circumferential surface of the downstream pipe 119B.

As shown in FIG. 24 etc., the second holding portion 216 is provided on the lid body 10 of the rice processing machine 1. The second holding portion 216 is attached to the right side plate 10c of the lid body 10. The second holding portion 216 has a fixed portion 216a, a lower extension portion 216b, a right extension portion 216c, an upper extension portion 216d, and a left extension portion 216e. The fixed portion 216a is fixed to the front portion of the right side plate 10c. The lower extension portion 216b extends downward from the fixed portion 216a. The right extension portion 216c extends rightward from the lower extension portion 216b. The upper extension portion 216d extends upward from the right extension portion 216c. The left extension portion 216e extends leftward from the upper extension portion 216d. As shown in FIG. 20, the lower extension 216b, the right extension 216c, the upper extension 216d, and the left extension 216e form an angular tube 216f, which can surround and hold the downstream pipe 119B. The angular tube 216f is inclined downward as it moves forward. This allows the second holding portion 216 to hold the downstream pipe 119B by directing it diagonally downward and forward, as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14.

Figure 24 shows a component 217 in which the receiving container 201 and downstream pipe 119B are combined with the lid 10. As shown in Figure 27, the component 217 can be attached to the rice processing machine 1 with the lid 10 removed. Also, as shown in Figure 14, by connecting the upstream pipe 119A and the downstream pipe 119B, a conveying unit 220 can be formed in which the component 217 and the rice conveying device 100 are combined. By attaching this conveying unit 220 to the rice processing machine 1, a rice processing facility 200 can be formed that includes the rice conveying device 100, the rice processing machine 1, and the receiving container 201.

13 and 14, the rice conveying device 100 can be arranged in front of the rice processing machine 1. Specifically, the rice conveying device 100 can be arranged in front of the rice cooker 14 of the rice processing machine 1. Since the length of the rice conveying device 100 in the front-rear direction A is shorter than the length in the device width direction B, even if it is arranged in front of the rice processing machine 1, the rice conveying device 100 does not protrude significantly in front of the rice processing machine 1. In addition, by arranging the rice conveying device 100 in front of the rice processing machine 1, it is easy to connect the upstream pipe 119A extending upward in the rice conveying device 100 to the downstream pipe 119B whose direction is determined diagonally downward and forward by the second holding portion 216, and the overall length of the air flow pipe 119 can be shortened. In addition, the handle 114, pipe holding part 126, and operating part 132 of the rice conveying device 100 are arranged facing the same side (right side), so the operator can grasp the handle 114 and place the rice conveying device 100 in front of the rice processing machine 1, and then connect the downstream pipe 119B and the upstream pipe 119A and operate the operating part 132 with almost no movement, improving operability.

When rice is transported from the rice conveying device 100 to the rice processing machine 1, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the rice conveying device 100 is placed in front of the rice processing machine 1, the conveying unit 220 is attached to the rice processing machine 1, and the upstream pipe 119A and downstream pipe 119B of the air circulation pipe 119 are connected. Next, the operation unit 132 of the rice conveying device 100 is operated to drive the blower 118. Specifically, the timer 135 is operated to set the driving time of the blower 118, and the drive button 133 is pressed to drive the blower 118. The driving time of the blower 118 set by the timer 135 is set to the time that the rice storage 12 can be filled with rice transported from the rice conveying device 100. The time that rice can be filled can be calculated in advance based on the capacity of the rice storage 12 (case 12a) and the amount (volume) of rice that can be transported from the rice conveying device 100 per unit time.

When the blower 118 is driven, air is sent to the upstream pipe 119A, and the air flows from the first pipe 121 through the second pipe 122 to the third pipe 123. When the air flows through the second pipe 122, an air flow (suction force) F1 toward the inside of the rice removal pipe 120 is generated (see FIG. 11), and the rice stored in the storage section 101 is sucked through the rice removal pipe 120 into the air flow pipe 119 (second pipe 122). The rice sucked into the second pipe 122 flows together with the air through the third pipe 123 and exits the housing 110, and is then guided to the downstream pipe 119B.

The rice guided to the downstream pipe 119B enters the first space 205 of the receiving container 201 together with the air through the connection port 201g, collides with the backing plate (first plate) 208a, and falls toward the opening 209 below (see Figures 19 and 25). The rice that falls into the opening 209 passes through the receiving port 10e provided in the lid 10 and enters the case 12a through the supply port 12c. This transports the rice from the storage section 101 of the rice transport device 100 to the rice storage 12 of the rice processing machine 1.

When the rice storage 12 is filled with rice (when the time set by the timer 135 has elapsed), the blower 118 stops operating and the transport ends. In order to ensure that the rice storage 12 is filled with rice, the operating time of the blower 118 may be set longer than the time calculated by the above calculation. In this case, the rice that fills the rice storage 12 may rise to the point where it enters the first space 205 of the receiving container 201 and may block the connection port 201g. If the connection port 201g is blocked, air cannot escape from the air escape section 210, but since the air circulation pipe 119 has an air vent hole 131, air can escape from the air vent hole 131. This prevents the internal pressure of the air circulation pipe 119 from becoming excessively high, causing the air circulation pipe 119 to become detached or damaged.

The rice conveying device 100 and rice processing equipment 200 described above provide the following advantages.
The rice conveying device 100 is a rice conveying device that conveys rice to a rice processing machine 1 which includes a rice storage 12 for storing rice and a rice washing device 13 for washing the rice supplied from the rice storage 12, and is equipped with a storage section 101 for storing rice, a blower 118 for blowing out air, an air flow pipe 119 for directing the air blown out from the blower 118 toward the rice storage 12, and a rice removal pipe 120 having one end connected to the storage section 101 and the other end protruding and opening into the air flow pipe 119.

This configuration makes it possible to provide a rice conveying device 100 that can be made small and lightweight and that can smoothly convey rice. More specifically, by sending air from the blower 118 into the air flow pipe 119, the rice stored in the storage section 101 can be taken out (sucked out) from the rice removal pipe 120 into the air flow pipe 119 and guided together with the air toward the rice storage 12. Therefore, there is no need for equipment such as a rotary valve or rotary valve motor for removing the rice, and the rice conveying device 100 can be made small and lightweight, while also being able to smoothly convey rice.

In addition, the air flow pipe 119 is positioned below the storage section 101, and the rice removal pipe 120 extends downward from the storage section 101, with the lower end 120a of the rice removal pipe 120 inclined so as to become higher from the upstream side of the air flow pipe 119 to the downstream side.
According to this configuration, the cross-sectional area of the air flow path in the air flow pipe 119 becomes wider from the upstream side to the downstream side at the portion where the rice removal pipe 120 protrudes, so rice is less likely to clog the downstream side of the air flow pipe 119, and rice can be transported smoothly from the upstream side to the downstream side of the air flow pipe 119. Also, by inclining the lower end 120a of the rice removal pipe 120, a wide opening area of the lower end 120a can be secured, so rice can be smoothly removed from the rice removal pipe 120 to the air flow pipe 119.

In addition, the air flow pipe 119 has an air vent hole 131 for discharging a portion of the air flowing through the air flow pipe 119 .
According to this configuration, even if the downstream end of the air flow pipe 119 becomes blocked with rice and the flow of air is impeded, it is possible to release air through the air vent hole 131, thereby preventing the air flow pipe 119 from becoming detached or being damaged due to an increase in internal pressure.

In addition, the air vent hole 131 is provided above the lower end portion 120 a of the rice removal pipe 120 .
According to this configuration, rice removed from the lower end 120a of the rice removal pipe 120 into the air flow pipe 119 can be effectively prevented from being discharged through the air vent hole 131 or from clogging the air vent hole 131.

In addition, the air vent hole 131 is provided upstream of the central axis CL2 of the rice removal pipe 120.
According to this configuration, rice removed from the lower end 120a of the rice removal pipe 120 into the air flow pipe 119 can be effectively prevented from being discharged through the air vent hole 131 or from clogging the air vent hole 131.

The rice conveying device 100 also includes a housing 110 in which the storage section 101 is provided, and wheels 112 that support the housing 110 so that it can be moved.
According to this configuration, the rice conveying device 100 can be easily moved and installed at the location where the rice processing machine 1 is installed, etc.
Further, on the outer surface 111 of the housing 110, a cylindrical pipe holder 126 is provided for holding the air flow pipe 119 in a determined direction.

According to this configuration, the direction of the air circulation pipe 119 is determined and held outside the housing 110, so that the air circulation pipe 119 can be directed toward the rice storage 12. In addition, since the air circulation pipe 119 does not extend in an irregular direction, the air circulation pipe 119 is prevented from interfering with the movement of the operator or the rice conveying device 100.
In addition, the housing 110 has a handle 114 that is gripped when moving the housing 110 and an operating unit 132 that operates the blower 118, and the tube holding unit 126, the handle 114, and the operating unit 132 are arranged on the same side of the outer surface 111 of the housing 110.

With this configuration, an operator can grasp the handle 114 and move the rice conveying device 100 to the required location, and then connect the air flow pipe 119 and operate the operating unit 132 without moving his or her body significantly, resulting in excellent operability.
The rice processing equipment 200 also comprises a rice processing machine 1 including a rice storage warehouse 12 for storing rice and a rice washing device 13 for washing the rice supplied from the rice storage warehouse 12, the rice conveying device 100, and a receiving container 201 that is provided on the upper part of the rice storage warehouse 12 and receives air and rice guided through an air flow pipe 119, and the receiving container 201 has an opening 209 that allows the rice received in the receiving container 201 to drop toward the rice storage warehouse 12, a connection port 201g to which the downstream end of the air flow pipe 119 is connected, and an air escape section 210 that releases the air guided through the air flow pipe 119 to the outside.

With this configuration, rice can be transported together with air from the rice conveying device 100, which does not require equipment such as a rotary valve or a rotary valve motor, to the receiving container 201 via the air flow pipe 119, and the rice can be dropped from the opening 209 into the rice storage 12 of the rice processing machine 1. In addition, since the air guided through the air flow pipe 119 can be released to the outside from the air release section 210, air can be smoothly circulated from the upstream side (blower 118 side) of the air flow pipe 119 to the downstream side (rice storage 12 side).

Further, the air escape section 210 has louvers 213 that open obliquely downward.
According to this configuration, even if rice is discharged from the air release section 210, the rice can be prevented from scattering over a wide area.
The receiving container 201 also has a backing plate 208 a against which the rice guided into the receiving container 201 from the connection port 201 g collides and falls into the opening 209 .

According to this configuration, it is possible to reliably cause the rice guided to the receiving container 201 to fall toward the opening 209.
In addition, the air flow pipe 119 has an upstream pipe 119A arranged on the blower 118 side, a downstream pipe 119B arranged on the rice storage tank 12 side, and connection parts (first connection part 123a, second connection part 123b) that detachably connect the upstream pipe 119A and the downstream pipe 119B.

With this configuration, by connecting the upstream pipe 119A and the downstream pipe 119B, it is possible to transport rice from the blower 118 side to the rice storage 12 side through the air flow pipe 119. In addition, by disconnecting the upstream pipe 119A and the downstream pipe 119B, the rice transport device 100 can be made compact, making it easier to move and store the rice transport device 100.

In addition, the upstream pipe 119A is connected to the rice conveying device 100, and the downstream pipe 119B is connected to the receiving container 201.
According to this configuration, by connecting the upstream pipe 119A and the downstream pipe 119B, it is possible to transport rice from the rice conveying device 100 to the receiving container 201 through the air flow pipe 119. In addition, by disconnecting the upstream pipe 119A and the downstream pipe 119B, the structure 217 including the receiving container 201 can be separated from the rice conveying device 100 to make it compact.

The rice processing machine 1 also has a support frame 15 that supports the rice storage bin 12, and the support frame 15 is provided with a holding portion (first holding portion 215) that holds the downstream pipe 119B.
According to this configuration, the orientation of downstream pipe 119B can be determined by the holding portion (first holding portion 215), making it possible to easily connect downstream pipe 119B and upstream pipe 119A.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the embodiment disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

1 Rice processing machine 12 Rice storage 13 Rice washing device 15 Support frame 100 Rice conveying device 101 Storage section 110 Housing 111 Outer surface of housing 112 Wheels 114 Handle 118 Blower 119 Air flow pipe 119A Upstream pipe 119B Downstream pipe 120 Rice removal pipe 120a Lower end 123a Connection section (first connection section)
123b Connection portion (second connection portion)
126 Tube holding portion 131 Air vent hole 132 Operation portion 201 Receiving container 201g Connection port 208a Backing plate 209 Opening 210 Air release portion 213 Louver 215 Holding portion (first holding portion)
CL2 Central axis of rice extraction tube

Claims (11)

A rice conveying device that conveys rice to a rice processing machine including a rice storage shed for storing rice and a rice washing device for washing rice supplied from the rice storage shed,
A storage section for storing rice;
A blower that blows air;
An air flow pipe that guides the air sent out from the blower toward the rice storage facility;
a rice removal pipe having one end connected to the storage section and the other end protruding and opening into the air flow pipe;
Equipped with
the air flow pipe has an air vent hole for discharging a portion of the air flowing through the air flow pipe,
A rice conveying device , wherein the air vent hole is provided upstream of the air flow pipe relative to the central axis of the rice removal pipe . The air flow pipe is disposed below the storage section,
The rice removal pipe extends downward from the storage section,
2. The rice conveying device according to claim 1, wherein a lower end of the rice removal pipe is inclined so as to become higher from the upstream side to the downstream side of the air circulation pipe. 2. The rice conveying device according to claim 1 , wherein the air vent hole is provided above a lower end of the rice removal pipe. A housing having the storage unit provided therein;
Wheels that movably support the housing;
The rice conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , further comprising: 5. The rice conveying device according to claim 4 , further comprising a cylindrical pipe holder provided on an outer surface of the housing for holding the air flow pipe in a predetermined direction. The housing includes:
A handle that is gripped when moving the housing; and
An operation unit for operating the blower;
having
The rice conveying device according to claim 5 , wherein the tube holding portion, the handle, and the operating portion are arranged on the same side of the outer surface of the housing. A rice processing machine including a rice storage shed for storing rice and a rice washing device for washing the rice supplied from the rice storage shed;
A rice conveying device that conveys rice to a rice processing machine including a rice storage bin that stores rice and a rice washing device that washes the rice supplied from the rice storage bin, the rice conveying device comprising: a storage section that stores rice; a blower that blows air; an air circulation pipe that directs the air blown from the blower toward the rice storage bin; and a rice removal pipe that is connected to the storage bin at one end and that is opened by protruding into the air circulation pipe at the other end;
A receiving container provided on the upper part of the rice storage shed and receiving air and rice guided through the air circulation pipe;
Equipped with
The receiving container comprises:
An opening for dropping the rice received in the receiving container toward the rice storage shed;
a connection port to which a downstream end of the air flow pipe is connected;
an air release section that releases the air guided through the air flow pipe to the outside;
having
The rice processing equipment has a backing plate that causes the rice introduced into the receiving container from the connection port to collide with and fall into the opening. 8. The rice processing equipment according to claim 7 , wherein the air escape section has louvers that open obliquely downward. The air flow pipe is
An upstream pipe arranged on the blower side;
A downstream pipe arranged on the rice storage side;
a connection portion that detachably connects the upstream pipe and the downstream pipe;
9. The rice processing facility according to claim 7 or 8, comprising: The upstream pipe is connected to the rice conveying device;
10. The rice processing facility of claim 9 , wherein the downstream pipe is connected to the receiving vessel. The rice processing machine has a support frame for supporting the rice storage bin,
The rice processing equipment according to claim 9 or 10 , wherein the support frame is provided with a holding portion for holding the downstream pipe.

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