| 摘要 |
A sorting apparatus for judging the quality of rice grains optically and sorting them mechanically. The apparatus has a tilted surface in which are formed a plurality of lines constituting the passages for rows of rice grains. The rice grains and the background are illuminated by a light source. The output from an optical sensor, responsive to the light from the background and the rice grains, is suitably processed and delivered to a solenoid which in turn actuates a rebounding member which is constructed to maintain a steady position by the action of a spring and a stopper. As a result, the rice grains are directed in different directions and sorted by the action of a partition wall. Since the sorting operation makes use of a rebounding of the rice grains on a rebounding member, the mechanical impact imparted to the rice grains during the sorting can be decreased advantageously. A film of clean air is formed in the exposed portion of the optical system to keep the latter away from dusts. In addition, a circuit for negating the gentle change in the solar battery serving as the optical sensor is incorporated in the electronic circuit, thereby ensuring a high sorting precision. In addition, the major parts of the sorting apparatus can be taken out as an assembly. A conveyor belt is provided for the purpose of taking out the sorted rice grains. This sorting apparatus can be arranged in a plurality of stages so that a large quantity of rice particles can be processed. The apparatus is suited to use in various industries which deals with rice, e.g., brewing industry, rice refining industry and so forth. |
