Hopper device

Abstract

The invention discloses a hopper device which is characterized in that the hopper device comprises a hopper body, at least one linkage piece and at least one solidification restraining piece, the hopper body is used for storing materials, the hopper body comprises a discharging port and an opening-closing part, the discharging port is located in the lower portion of the hopper body, and the opening-closing part is located in the lower portion of the hopper body. The opening and closing part is used for opening or closing the discharge port, the at least one linkage piece is provided with one end connected with the opening and closing part, when the opening and closing part opens or closes the discharge port, the at least one linkage piece is linked with the opening and closing part and at least moves in the vertical direction, and the at least one consolidation restraining piece is used for restraining the opening and closing part from being fixedly connected with the opening and closing part. And the at least one consolidation restraining piece is arranged on the at least one linkage piece, when the opening and closing part opens or closes the discharge port, the at least one consolidation restraining piece is linked with the opening and closing part and moves along with the at least one linkage piece at least in the vertical direction, and the at least one consolidation restraining piece can be folded from an unfolded state to a downward folded state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hopper device, and more particularly to a hopper device that is not easily clogged with materials. Background Art

[0002] A hopper device is a known device that can be used to store and / or discharge materials to be processed such as granular, powdered or muddy materials. An inlet for receiving materials and an outlet for discharging materials are respectively provided at the upper and lower parts thereof. Generally, the cross-sectional area of the hopper device gradually decreases from the inlet to the outlet. Therefore, when the materials move towards the outlet, the materials near the outlet are prone to form an arch structure that hinders the discharge due to the increased pressure, resulting in bridging or consolidation phenomena. When the bridging or consolidation phenomena occur, it may be difficult for the materials to be discharged from the discharge port. At this time, in order to enable the materials near the outlet to be discharged smoothly, the operator needs to use a stick or other tools to scrape off the materials remaining in the hopper device. However, the above operations not only pose a risk of sudden falling of the materials, but also consume a large amount of manpower and working hours.

[0003] Therefore, a common solution at present is to install a vibration motor on the side of the hopper device, which can vibrate to break the bridging phenomenon so that the materials can fall smoothly.

[0004] In addition, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-31286 (hereinafter simply referred to as Patent 1) discloses a technique in which wires are provided in a hopper device so that the materials can be decomposed and fragmented by colliding with and interfering with the wires after entering the hopper device.

[0005] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 61-17017 (hereinafter simply referred to as Patent 2) discloses a technique in which a conical outflow restrictor is suspended by a wire in a hopper device, and the conical outflow restrictor is driven by the materials flowing towards the outlet to swing to avoid bridging at the outlet.

[0006] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-76392 (hereinafter simply referred to as Patent 3) discloses a technique in which a lifter and a vibrator that can move vertically and vibrate by connecting to the lifter are provided in a hopper device.

[0007] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 60-38550 (hereinafter simply referred to as Patent 4) discloses a technique in which a cylindrical structure is suspended by a wire in a hopper device, and the cylindrical structure can move arbitrarily when the materials pass through the gap between the inner wall of the hopper device and the cylinder to break the bridging phenomenon.

[0008] However, if the solution using the vibration motor and the device of Patent 3 above are to be used, a power source needs to be provided, and the material may be difficult to fall due to the influence of its curing degree. Moreover, installing the vibration motor on the side of the hopper device may also cause the structure of the hopper device to deteriorate due to vibration.

[0009] In addition, in Patent 1 above, if the material cannot fall normally, the material cannot be decomposed and broken. Therefore, when the material is cured, the material may not be discharged smoothly.

[0010] In Patent 2 above, although the conical outflow restrictor can swing freely, if the material cannot flow normally, the conical outflow restrictor cannot swing normally. Therefore, the material may not be discharged smoothly at this time.

[0011] In Patent 4 above, although the cylindrical structure can move freely, if the material cannot flow normally through the gap between the cylindrical structure and the inner wall of the hopper device and the cylinder, the cylindrical structure cannot move normally. Therefore, when the material is cured, the material may not be discharged smoothly.

[0012] The present invention aims to provide a hopper device that can smoothly discharge materials without using power devices such as motors to solve the above technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention discloses a hopper device, characterized in that the hopper device includes a hopper body, at least one linkage member, and at least one consolidation suppression member. The hopper body is used to store materials. The hopper body includes a discharge port and an opening / closing portion. The discharge port is located at the lower part of the hopper body. The opening / closing portion is used to open or close the discharge port. One end of the at least one linkage member is connected to the opening / closing portion. When the opening / closing portion opens or closes the discharge port, the at least one linkage member moves at least in the vertical direction in conjunction with the opening / closing portion. The at least one consolidation suppression member is provided on the at least one linkage member. When the opening / closing portion opens or closes the discharge port, the at least one consolidation suppression member moves at least in the vertical direction together with the at least one linkage member in conjunction with the opening / closing portion, wherein the at least one consolidation suppression member can be folded down from the unfolded state to the folded state.

[0014] Through the above settings, the present invention can avoid bridging or consolidation of materials and ensure that the materials can be discharged smoothly. Moreover, the consolidation restriction member of the present invention can be folded down from the unfolded state to the folded state and move downward under the action of the opening / closing portion or the weight of the material, etc., so as to avoid hindering the falling of the material, thereby making it easier to push the material downward.

[0015] The objectives and advantages of the present invention will be realized and attained by the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.

[0016] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and do not limit the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 Front view of the hopper device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 is Figure 1 Side view of the hopper device shown;

[0019] Figure 3 is Figure 1 Projection view of the hopper device shown along line A-A;

[0020] Figure 4 is Figure 1 Projection view of the hopper device shown along line B-B;

[0021] Figure 5 is Figure 1 Top view of the scraping ball shown;

[0022] Figure 6 is Figure 1 Side view of the scraping ball shown;

[0023] Figure 7 is Figure 1 Bottom view of the scraping ball shown;

[0024] Figure 8 is Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the scraping ball in the unfolded state shown;

[0025] Figure 9 is Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the scraping ball in the folded state shown;

[0026] Figures 10 to 12 is Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the hopper device for discharging the muddy material shown;

[0027] Figures 13 to 16 is Figure 1 Actuation schematic diagram of the scraping ball when the hopper device is used to discharge the muddy material shown;

[0028] Figures 17 to 22 Exemplary schematic diagram of the locking mechanism for locking the scraper according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figures 23 to 26 Actuation schematic diagram of the scraping ball when the hopper device is used to discharge the muddy material according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 27Schematic diagram of the recovery mechanism according to the third embodiment of the present invention for returning the scraper from the retracted state to the sheet-like unfolded state;

[0031] Figure 28 and Figure 29 Schematic diagram of the operation of the scraping ball when the scraper is in the retracted state according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 30 and Figure 31 Schematic diagram of the operation of the scraping ball having only a metal cover according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Among them, the reference numerals are explained as follows:

[0034] 1 Hopper device

[0035] 10 Hopper body

[0036] 153 Metal cover

[0037] 159 Elastic resin

[0038] 2 Mud-like material

[0039] 20 Movable wire member

[0040] 30, 73, 74a, 74b Springs

[0041] 40 Support member

[0042] 41 Upper contact point

[0043] 50, 150, 250, 350 Scraping balls

[0044] 51 Upper suspension metal fitting

[0045] 52 Scraper

[0046] 52a, 52b Locking grooves

[0047] 53 Resin cover

[0048] 54 Scraping claws

[0049] 55 Driving part

[0050] 55a Shaft

[0051] 56 Lower suspension metal fitting

[0052] 57 Stopping structure

[0053] 58 Return spring

[0054] 60 Discharge port

[0055] 61a, 61b Opening and closing door pieces

[0056] 62 lower contact

[0057] 71a, 71b Locking claw

[0058] 72 Locking rope

[0059] D Clearance DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Hereinafter, some embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] (First embodiment)

[0062] <Structural configuration of hopper device>

[0063] See also Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 1 This is a front view of a hopper device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 The side view of the hopper device 1 is shown, Figure 3 for Figure 1 The hopper device 1 is shown as a projection view along the line segment AA. Figure 4 for Figure 1 The hopper device 1 is shown in a projection view along line segment BB.

[0064] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the hopper device 1 includes a hopper body 10 , a movable wire member 20 and a scraper ball 50 .

[0065] The lower part of the hopper body 10 is provided with a discharge port 60 for discharging the material stored in the hopper body 10, wherein the material stored in the hopper body 10 may be a muddy material 2, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the material stored in the hopper body 10 may be a granular or powdery material; the hopper device 1 further includes an opening and closing portion for opening or closing the discharge port 60, wherein the opening and closing portion may include opening and closing door pieces 61a, 61b that can open or close the discharge port 60 in a manner that moves in a horizontal direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the opening and closing portion may include opening and closing door pieces 61a, 61b that are arranged in a biparting manner (i.e., can open or close the discharge port 60 in a pivoting manner), or the opening and closing portion may include opening and closing door pieces 61a, 61b that have an arc-shaped cross-section and can open or close the discharge port 60 in a manner that moves in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0066] The hopper device 1 further includes a support member 40 disposed within the hopper body 10 and at a certain height above the discharge port 60, wherein the support member 40 can be supported between the opposite side walls of the hopper body 10. In this embodiment, the hopper device 1 includes four support members 40, and the support member 40 can be a member filled with material inside, such as a metal rod, or can be a hollow member inside, such as a pipe fitting.

[0067] The movable wire member 20 is one example of the linkage member of the present invention, however, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the linkage member can be a movable chain. The movable wire member 20 has a lower end connecting the opening and closing door pieces 61a, 61b at the lower connection point 62, and an upper end connecting the support member 40 at the upper connection point 41 through a spring 30. In this embodiment, the hopper device 1 includes four movable wire members 20, wherein each movable wire member 20 is connected to the corresponding support member 40, and the lower ends of two of the four movable wire members 20 are connected to the opening and closing door piece 61a, and the lower ends of the other two of the four movable wire members 20 are connected to the opening and closing door piece 61b. Thus, the corresponding two of the four movable wire members 20 are arranged in a staggered manner in the side direction of the hopper device 1.

[0068] The scraping ball 50 is one example of the consolidation inhibiting member of the present invention, and the scraping ball 50 can be disposed on the movable wire member 20 in an attached manner. In this embodiment, four scraping balls 50 are equidistantly arranged on each movable wire member 20.

[0069] <Structural configuration of the scraping ball 50>

[0070] Please refer to Figures 5 to 9 , Figure 5 is Figure 1 the top view of the scraping ball 50 shown in Figure 6 is Figure 1 the side view of the scraping ball 50 shown in Figure 7 is Figure 1 the bottom view of the scraping ball 50 shown in Figure 8 is Figure 1 the cross-sectional view of the scraping ball 50 in the unfolded state shown in Figure 9 is Figure 1 the cross-sectional view of the scraping ball 50 in the folded state shown in

[0071] As Figures 5 to 9 shown, the scraping ball 50 has an upper suspension metal fitting 51, a scraping plate 52, a resin cover 53, scraping claws 54, a driving part 55, and a lower suspension metal fitting 56.

[0072] The upper suspension metal fitting 51 is used to enable the scraping ball 50 to be attached to the movable wire member 20 and connect the movable wire member 20 to the upper part of the scraping ball 50. For example, the upper end of the upper suspension metal fitting 51 may provide an annular attachment portion for connecting the movable wire member 20. The lower end of the upper suspension metal fitting 51 is provided with a stop structure 57, which is one example of the limiting member of the present invention. The stop structure 57 is located on the upper surface of the scraping plate 52 and straddles two relatively foldable parts of the scraping plate 52 to prevent the scraping plate 52 from folding upward from the sheet-like unfolded state.

[0073] The lower suspension metal fitting 56 is used to enable the scraping ball 50 to be attached to the movable wire member 20 and connect the movable wire member 20 to the lower part of the scraping ball 50. For example, the lower end of the lower suspension metal fitting 56 may provide an annular attachment portion for connecting the movable wire member 20.

[0074] The scraping plate 52 is a foldable sheet-like structure and can be folded downward relative to its central axis from the sheet-like unfolded state. When the scraping plate 52 is in the folded state, the lower surface of the scraping plate 52 contacts the lower suspension metal fitting 56, so that the opposite ends of the scraping plate 52 are separated from each other, thereby forming a gap between the opposite ends of the scraping plate 52.

[0075] The resin cover 53 is one example of the covering member of the present invention. The resin cover 53 can be disposed on the upper surface of the scraping plate 52 in an attached manner to cover the entire scraping plate 52, and the resin cover 53 can be made of an elastic material. Therefore, when the scraping plate 52 is in the folded state, the surface of the resin cover 53 covering the entire scraping plate 52 is bent downward, thereby applying an elastic force in the unfolding direction to the scraping plate 52.

[0076] The scraping claws 54 are one example of the protrusions of the present invention. A plurality of scraping claws 54 protruding downward from the scraping ball 50 are provided on the lower surface of the scraping plate 52. For example, each scraping claw 54 can be a protruding structure in the shape of a cylinder, a cone, a pyramid (such as a triangular pyramid or a quadrangular pyramid), or a dome.

[0077] The driving part 55 can serve as a shaft part for allowing the scraping plate 52 to be folded downward from the sheet-like unfolded state.

[0078] <Operation of the hopper device>

[0079] The operating principle of the hopper device 1 will be described below.

[0080] Please refer to Figures 10 to 16 , Figures 10 to 12 is Figure 1 a schematic diagram of the hopper device 1 shown for discharging the muddy material 2, Figures 13 to 16 is Figure 1 a schematic diagram of the operation of the scraping ball 50 when the hopper device 1 discharges the muddy material 2 shown. It should be noted that although Figures 10 to 12The illustrated scraping ball 50 (scraping plate 52) is in a folded state. However, in reality, the scraping ball 50 will switch between the states shown in Figure 13 and the state shown in Figure 16 . The actual state of the scraping ball 50 will be described in detail below.

[0081] As shown in Figure 13 , when there is no mud-like material 2 stored in the hopper body 10, the scraping plate 52 can be in a sheet-like unfolded state. At this time, the elastic force applied by the resin cover 53 to the scraping plate 52 in the unfolding direction can keep the scraping plate 52 in the sheet-like unfolded state.

[0082] When starting to store the mud-like material 2 in the hopper body 10, the mud-like material 2 will first accumulate on the resin cover 53. Then, under the action of gravity, the resin cover 53 will be driven downward and folded by the mud-like material 2. When the scraping plate 52 is in the folded state, the surface of the resin cover 53 is bent downward, so that the mud-like material 2 can easily fall.

[0083] As shown in Figure 10 , when the hopper body 10 is filled with the mud-like material 2, the scraping plate 52 can be in the downward folded state shown in Figure 14 . At this time, since the lower surface of the scraping plate 52 contacts the lower suspension metal fitting 56, gaps D are formed at the relative two end portions of the scraping plate 52. This setting can effectively prevent the mud-like material 2 from solidifying under the scraping ball 50 even when the scraping plate 52 is in the folded state. In addition, since the material stored in the hopper body 10 is the mud-like material 2, the movable wire member 20 may be bent.

[0084] Next, as shown in Figure 11 , when the opening and closing door pieces 61a, 61b are opened so that the mud-like material 2 stored in the hopper body 10 can be discharged from the discharge port 60, since the movable wire member 20 is connected to the opening and closing door pieces 61a, 61b, the movable wire member 20 will be pulled downward in conjunction with the opening and closing door pieces 61a, 61b, so that the spring 30 is in the stretched state shown in Figure 15 . At the same time, the scraping ball 50 provided on the movable wire member 20 will also move downward with the movable wire member 20. Furthermore, during the above process, the movable wire member 20 may also move slightly in the horizontal direction.

[0085] Although, in the above example, the opening and closing door pieces 61a and 61b are arranged to move in the horizontal direction, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the opening and closing door pieces 61a and 61b can be arranged as double doors so that the opening and closing door pieces 61a and 61b can be opened or closed relative to the center of the two. Alternatively, the opening and closing door pieces 61a and 61b can have an arc-shaped cross-section and can move in the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, or a combination thereof to achieve opening or closing. Since the movable wire member 20 is connected to the opening and closing door pieces 61a and 61b, when the moving amount of the connecting portion of the opening and closing door pieces 61a and 61b connected to the movable wire member 20 in the vertical direction increases, the movable wire member 20 can be pulled downward, thereby driving the scraping ball 50 to move downward.

[0086] When the opening and closing door pieces 61a and 61b are opened, since the scraping plates 52 of the scraping balls 50 are in a downward closed state rather than a sheet-like unfolded state, each scraping ball 50 does not obstruct the falling of the mud-like material 2, ensuring the smooth falling of the mud-like material 2. On the other hand, when starting to store the mud-like material 2 in the hopper body 10, the scraping balls 50 can remain in the unfolded state for a period of time to obstruct the falling of the mud-like material 2, thereby ensuring that the mud-like material 2 is not easily accumulated below the scraping balls 50. Therefore, compared with the case where the scraping balls 50 are not provided, the present invention can effectively alleviate or inhibit the consolidation of the mud-like material 2, enabling the mud-like material 2 to be easily discharged from the discharge port 60.

[0087] In addition, the plurality of scraping claws 54 provided on the lower surface of the scraping plate 52 protruding downward from the scraping ball 50 not only help to scrape the mud-like material 2 but also prevent the mud-like material 2 from sticking to the lower surface of the scraping plate 52.

[0088] As Figure 12 shown, when all the mud-like material 2 stored in the hopper body 10 is discharged, the scraping plate 52 can return to the sheet-like unfolded state as Figure 16 shown. The aforementioned return mechanism is provided by the resin cover 53 made of an elastic material. As described above, since the resin cover 53 can apply an elastic force to the scraping plate 52 in the unfolding direction, the scraping plate 52 can return to the sheet-like unfolded state in response to the discharge of the mud-like material 2 accumulated on the resin cover 53.

[0089] Furthermore, as described above, the stop structure 57 is located on the upper surface of the scraping plate 52 and straddles the two relatively closable parts of the scraping plate 52. Therefore, when the scraping plate 52 returns to the sheet-like unfolded state, the stop structure 57 can prevent the scraping plate 52 from closing upward from the sheet-like unfolded state. The scraping plate 52 that has returned to the sheet-like unfolded state can provide the technical effect of inhibiting consolidation to the mud-like material 2 when storing the mud-like material 2 next time, thus meeting the requirement of repeated use.

[0090] (Second Embodiment)

[0091] The hopper device 1 of the second embodiment is provided with a locking mechanism for locking the scraper 52, which is an example of the holding unit of the present invention.

[0092] <Structural configuration of the locking mechanism>

[0093] Figures 17 to 22 It is a schematic diagram of an example in which the locking mechanism of the second embodiment of the present invention locks the scraper 52. Specifically, Figure 17 It is an axial sectional view of the driving part 55 of the second embodiment of the present invention when the scraper 52 is not locked. Figure 18 It is another axial sectional view of the driving part 55 of the second embodiment of the present invention when the scraper 52 is not locked. Figure 19 It is a radial sectional view of the driving part 55 of the second embodiment of the present invention when the scraper 52 is locked and held in the deployed state. Figure 20 It is a radial sectional view of the driving part 55 of the second embodiment of the present invention when the scraper 52 is locked and held in the deployed state. Figure 21 It is an axial sectional view of the driving part 55 of the second embodiment of the present invention when the scraper 52 is locked and held in the retracted state. Figure 22 It is a radial sectional view of the driving part 55 of the second embodiment of the present invention when the scraper 52 is locked and held in the retracted state, where Figure 17 、 19 、21 omits the drawing of the scraper 52. Figure 18 、 20 、22 only shows a partial structure of the scraper 52 deployed or retracted relative to the driving part 55.

[0094] As Figures 17 to 22 shown, the locking mechanism includes locking claws 71a, 71b, a locking rope 72 and a spring 73. Preferably, the locking mechanism further includes springs 74a, 74b. Locking grooves 52a, 52b are provided around the drive shaft of the driving part 55. The locking rope 72, the locking claws 71a, 71b and the locking grooves 52a, 52b can be an example of the connecting member, an example of the claw part and an example of the concave part of the present invention respectively. The drive shaft of the driving part 55 includes a shaft 55a for accommodating the locking claw 71b. Specifically, since the locking claw 71b can move up and down in the vertical direction, a space for the locking claw 71b to move is formed on the shaft 55a. It should be noted that although not shown in the drawings, it can be understood that the shaft 55a extends in the depth direction of the drawings such as Figure 18 、 20 、22. Furthermore, in Figures 17 to 22In the illustrated example, the two ends of the locking rope 72 can be respectively connected to the locking claw 71b and the support member 40 as the fixed end. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the two ends of the locking rope 72 can be connected to the locking claw 71b and a mechanism interlocked with the opening / closing part (such as the opening / closing door pieces 61a, 61b), so that the locking rope 72 can be pulled upward or displaced downward and reset by the opening / closing part when the opening / closing part opens or closes the discharge port 60, thereby driving the locking claw 71b. In addition, although not shown in the drawings, it can be understood that in the state where the scraping balls 50 are arranged in series, the locking rope 72 can pass through the upper scraping ball 50 and be connected to the lower scraping ball 50, so that the upper scraping ball 50 and the lower scraping ball 50 have similar operations.

[0095] The locking groove 52a has a shape matching the locking claw 71a to allow the locking claw 71a to move in or out, and when the scraping plate 52 is in the unfolded state, the locking groove 52a and the locking claw 71a face each other. In addition, the locking groove 52b has a shape matching the locking claw 71b to allow the locking claw 71b to move in or out, and when the scraping plate 52 is in the folded state, the locking groove 52b and the locking claw 71b face each other.

[0096] The springs 73, 74a, and 74b can be arranged side by side with each other, and the spring 73 can be located between the springs 74a and 74b. Preferably, the spring constant of the spring 73 can be greater than that of the springs 74a and 74b. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In one example, as long as it can be ensured that the locking mechanism can be normally stretched or deformed without loosening when the locking rope 72 is pulled by the falling mud-like material 2, the spring 73 can have any spring constant. For example, when the movable wire member 20 swings arbitrarily or when the movable wire member 20 moves vertically or horizontally together with the scraping ball 50 due to the accumulation or fall of the mud-like material 2, the spring 73 should be able to ensure that the locking mechanism does not loosen. In another example, the spring 73 can be set to have a certain degree of spring constant, so that when the movable wire member 20 and the scraping ball 50 are driven by the falling mud-like material 2 and move downward, it can absorb the force acting on the locking rope 72 until the spring 73 overcomes the force of the springs 74a and 74b and is in a fully extended state to release the locking mechanism. In another example, the spring 73 can be set to have a certain degree of spring constant, so that when the movable wire member 20 and the scraping ball 50 are driven by the opening and closing door pieces 61a and 61b and move downward together, it can release the locking mechanism. One example of the locking and release of the locking mechanism will be described below, where the locking mechanism is interlocked with the opening and closing door pieces 61a and 61b of the opening and closing part. The state of the scraping plate 52 will change with the storage state of the mud-like material 2 and the force state of the resin cover 53, and the movable wire member 20 and the scraping ball 50 will be driven by the falling mud-like material 2 and move vertically or horizontally together. However, the release time point of the locking mechanism is not limited to the description of the following example.

[0097] In addition, although the locking mechanism described above can be used to lock the scraping plate 52 in both the deployed state and the retracted state, it can be understood that the locking mechanism can also only include some structures to lock the scraping plate 52 in one of the deployed state and the retracted state. For example, if only the scraping plate 52 in the retracted state is to be locked or released, the locking groove 52a can be omitted. If only the scraping plate 52 in the deployed state is to be locked or released, the locking groove 52b can be omitted. One example of the scraping plate 52 in the retracted state being locked and held in the retracted state when the opening and closing door pieces 61a and 61b are opened and the scraping plate 52 in the retracted state being released when the opening and closing door pieces 61a and 61b are closed will be described below.

[0098] <Operation of the hopper device 1 with a locking mechanism>

[0099] When there is no mud-like material 2 stored in the hopper body 10, the scraping plate 52 can be in a sheet-like deployed state and is not locked (please refer to this part Figure 1 and Figure 13 ).

[0100] When starting to store the muddy material 2 in the hopper body 10, since the scraping plate 52 is in a sheet-like unfolded state, the muddy material 2 will first accumulate on the resin cover 53 of the scraping plate 52. Then, since the scraping plate 52 is not locked, the scraping plate 52 will be driven by the muddy material 2 under the action of gravity and close downward. When the scraping plate 52 is in the closed state, the surface of the resin cover 53 is bent downward to help the muddy material 2 to fall.

[0101] When the hopper body 10 is full of the muddy material 2, the scraping plate 52 is in the closed state (please refer to this part in Figure 10 and Figure 14 ). At this time, since the lower surface of the scraping plate 52 contacts the lower suspension metal fitting 56, a gap D is formed between the opposite ends of the scraping plate 52. This setting can effectively prevent the muddy material 2 from solidifying under the scraping ball 50. It should be noted that when the muddy material 2 is stored in the hopper body 10, the movable wire member 20 may be bent.

[0102] Next, when the opening and closing door pieces 61a, 61b are opened so that the muddy material 2 stored in the hopper body 10 can be discharged from the discharge port 60, the movable wire member 20 connecting the opening and closing door pieces 61a, 61b is pulled downward so that the spring 30 is in a stretched state (please refer to this part in Figure 11 and Figure 15 ). At the same time, the scraping ball 50 provided on the movable wire member 20 also moves downward with the movable wire member 20. It should be noted that during the above process, the movable wire member 20 may also move slightly in the horizontal direction.

[0103] In addition, when the opening and closing door pieces 61a, 61b are opened, since the scraping ball 50 is in the downward closed state instead of the sheet-like unfolded state, the scraping ball 50 does not hinder the fall of the muddy material 2. On the other hand, when starting to store the muddy material 2 in the hopper body 10, the scraping ball 50 can remain in the sheet-like unfolded state and last for a period of time to hinder the fall of the muddy material 2, so as to ensure that the muddy material 2 is not easily accumulated under the scraping ball 50. Therefore, compared with the case where the scraping ball 50 is not provided, the present invention can effectively relieve or inhibit the solidification of the muddy material 2 so that the muddy material 2 can be easily discharged from the discharge port 60.

[0104] Furthermore, since the resin cover 53 is made of an elastic material, when the scraping ball 50 moves downward, the scraping plate 52 may return to the sheet-like unfolded state due to changes in the storage amount and / or weight of the muddy material 2. In this embodiment, when the opening and closing door pieces 61a, 61b are opened, the scraping plate 52 is locked and remains in the closed state. Specifically, as in Figure 21 and Figure 22As shown, when the opening and closing door pieces 61a and 61b are opened, the locking rope 72 is pulled downward by the downward-moving scraping ball 50, thereby stretching the spring 73. When the pulling force of the locking rope 72 exceeds the force that the springs 74a and 74b can provide, the locking claw 71b can extend into the locking groove 52b, so that the scraping plate 52 is locked and maintained in the closed state.

[0105] The above setting can prevent the scraping plate 52 from returning to the sheet-like unfolded state when the scraping ball 50 moves downward. That is to say, when the opening and closing door pieces 61a and 61b are opened, the scraping plate 52 can be kept in the closed state to avoid hindering the discharge of the muddy material 2 and ensure the smooth discharge of the muddy material 2.

[0106] Next, after all the muddy material 2 stored in the hopper body 10 has been discharged (this part can be referred to Figure 12 ), the opening and closing door pieces 61a and 61b can be closed again to drive the movable wire member 20 and the scraping ball 50 to move upward together, thereby releasing the downward pulling force of the locking rope 72, and then allowing the locking claw 71b to be pushed downward by the elastic force applied by the springs 74a and 74b and move out of the locking groove 52b to unlock the scraping plate 52 in the closed state. This setting allows the resin cover 53 made of an elastic material and capable of applying an elastic force to the scraping plate 52 in the unfolding direction to drive the scraping plate 52 to return to the sheet-like unfolded state when the locking of the scraping plate 52 is released, in response to the discharge of the muddy material 2 on the resin cover 53 (this part can be referred to Figure 16 ). The above operation does not require the use of the locking groove 52a and the locking claw 71a, and after the scraping plate 52 returns to the sheet-like unfolded state, the above operation can be repeated by storing the muddy material 2 in the hopper body 10 again. In addition, as described above, the locking of the scraping plate 52 can be released by indirectly driving the locking rope 72 by the scraping ball 50.

[0107] The above examples have clearly illustrated how the locking mechanism locks and releases the squeegee 52 in the folded state. The locking mechanism can also lock and release the squeegee 52 in the unfolded state by using the locking claw 71a and the locking groove 52a. Therefore, the aforementioned locking mechanism can keep the squeegee 52 in both the folded state and the unfolded state. Understandably, the settings such as the elastic coefficients of the springs 73, 74a, 74b, the flexibility of the locking rope 72, the shapes and opening / closing directions of the opening / closing door pieces 61a, 61b, and the connection positions of the movable wire member 20 and the opening / closing door pieces 61a, 61b can be appropriately adjusted according to actual needs. In one example, when the opening / closing door pieces 61a, 61b are opened, the movable wire member 20 can move downward to pull the locking rope 72 downward. At the same time, the locking claw 71a will be pulled out of the locking groove 52a to unlock the squeegee 52 in the unfolded state. When the opening / closing door pieces 61a, 61b are fully opened, the locking claw 71b will extend into the locking groove 52b to lock the squeegee 52 in the folded state. When the opening / closing door pieces 61a, 61b are fully closed, the locking claw 71a will extend into the locking groove 52a to lock the squeegee 52 in the unfolded state.

[0108] The locking mechanism in the above examples locks the squeegee 52 when the opening / closing door pieces 61a, 61b are fully opened or closed. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be appropriately adjusted according to actual needs.

[0109] Furthermore, in the above examples, the locking rope 72 is connected to the support member 40 as a fixed end. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the locking rope 72 can be combined with a mechanism that pulls or retracts the locking rope 72 in conjunction with the opening and closing of the opening / closing door pieces 61a, 61b at appropriate time points. In addition, by adjusting the settings such as the elastic coefficients of the springs 73, 74a, 74b, the flexibility of the locking rope 72, the shapes and opening / closing directions of the opening / closing door pieces 61a, 61b, and the connection positions of the movable wire member 20 and the opening / closing door pieces 61a, 61b, the locking mechanism can lock or unlock the squeegee 52 during the opening or closing of the opening / closing door pieces 61a, 61b.

[0110] In addition, although the above examples use the opening and closing of the opening / closing door pieces 61a, 61b as the trigger mechanism for the locking mechanism to lock or unlock the squeegee 52, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the locking mechanism can lock or unlock the squeegee 52 according to the storage amount of the mud-like material 2 and the downward movement amount of the scraping ball 50. For example, the locking mechanism can lock or unlock the squeegee 52 when the storage amount of the mud-like material 2 is greater than or equal to a predetermined storage amount and the scraping ball 50 moves downward to a predetermined position.

[0111] The locking mechanisms in the following other embodiments can be applied according to the above examples or their appropriate combinations. In addition, the above examples can be applied or combined with the necessary operations of locking mechanisms other than the following other embodiments.

[0112] (Third Embodiment)

[0113] A metal cover 153 can be provided on the upper surface of the scraping plate 52 of the ball scraper 150 in the third embodiment.

[0114] Please refer to Figures 23 to 26 , Figures 23 to 26 , which is a schematic diagram of the operation of the ball scraper 150 in the third embodiment of the present invention when the hopper device 1 discharges the muddy material 2.

[0115] As Figures 23 to 26 shown, the ball scraper 150 includes a metal cover 153 provided on the upper surface of the scraping plate 52, which is one example of the metal layer of the present invention. In this embodiment, the metal cover 153 can include two parts for the driving part 55 to be arranged therebetween. The ball scraper 150 further includes an elastic resin 159 provided above the driving part 55 and between the two parts of the metal cover 153, which is one example of the elastic member of the present invention. Compared with the ball scraper 50 with a resin cover 53 provided on the upper surface of the scraping plate 52, the ball scraper 150 with a metal cover 153 provided on the upper surface of the scraping plate 52 can make the upper surface of the scraping plate 52 have better structural strength, thereby improving its control effect on the muddy material 2 and its durability.

[0116] When the hopper body 10 does not store the muddy material 2, the scraping plate 52 can be in the sheet-like unfolded state as Figure 23 shown. At this time, the scraping plate 52 can be locked by the aforementioned locking mechanism and maintained in the sheet-like unfolded state. Specifically, the locking claw 71a can extend into the locking groove 52a through the operation of the locking rope 72, so that the scraping plate 52 is locked and maintained in the sheet-like unfolded state (for this part, please refer to Figure 19 and Figure 20 ). Understandably, the scraping plate 52 can be maintained in the sheet-like unfolded state under the action of the elastic force applied by the elastic resin 159. Therefore, the locking claw 71a and the locking groove 52a can be omitted.

[0117] Next, the locking rope 72 can be driven by the aforementioned locking mechanism, so that the locking claw 71a is pulled out of the locking groove 52a, thereby unlocking the scraping plate 52 (for this part, please refer to Figure 17 and Figure 18 ). When starting to store the muddy material 2 in the hopper body 10, since the scraping plate 52 is in the sheet-like unfolded state, the muddy material 2 will first accumulate on the metal cover 153 of the scraping plate 52. Then, since the scraping plate 52 is not locked, the scraping plate 52 will be driven by the muddy material 2 under the action of gravity and retract downward to be as Figure 24The closed state shown, when the squeegee 52 is in the closed state as shown in Figure 24 When in the closed state shown, the metal cover 153 and the elastic resin 159 are inclined so that the squeegee 52 is in an umbrella shape with the height decreasing from the center outwards, enabling the muddy material 2 on the metal cover 153 to fall smoothly.

[0118] When the opening and closing door pieces 61a, 61b are opened so that the muddy material 2 stored in the hopper body 10 can be discharged from the discharge port 60, the movable wire member 20 can be pulled downward and move downward. At the same time, the scraping ball 150 provided on the movable wire member 20 will also move downward with the movable wire member 20.

[0119] In addition, when the opening and closing door pieces 61a, 61b are opened, since the scraping ball 150 is in the downward closed state rather than in the sheet-like unfolded state, the scraping ball 150 will not obstruct the falling of the muddy material 2. On the other hand, when starting to store the muddy material 2 in the hopper body 10, the scraping ball 150 can be kept in the sheet-like unfolded state and for a period of time to obstruct the falling of the muddy material 2, thereby ensuring that the muddy material 2 is not easily accumulated below the scraping ball 150. Therefore, compared with the case where the scraping ball 150 is not provided, the present invention can effectively relieve or inhibit the consolidation of the muddy material 2, enabling the muddy material 2 to be easily discharged from the discharge port 60. In this embodiment, the squeegee 52 can be locked and maintained in the closed state as shown in Figure 25 When the scraping ball 150 moves downward, the squeegee 52 will not return to the sheet-like unfolded state.

[0120] When all the muddy material 2 is discharged and the locking claw 71b is pulled out of the locking groove 52b with the closing of the opening and closing door pieces 61a, 61b to unlock the squeegee 52 in the closed state (for this part, please refer to Figure 17 and Figure 18 ), since the elastic resin 159 is made of an elastic material, the squeegee 52 can return from the closed state to the sheet-like unfolded state as shown in Figure 26 When the elastic resin 159 is made of an elastic material, the squeegee 52 can return from the closed state to the sheet-like unfolded state as shown in

[0121] Since the overall weight of the scraping ball 150 using the metal cover 153 is relatively large, if the force provided by the elastic resin 159 is not sufficient to drive the squeegee 52 to return to the sheet-like unfolded state, the locking mechanism can be additionally provided with a return unit for helping the squeegee 52 to return to the sheet-like unfolded state.

[0122] Please refer to Figure 27 , Figure 27 is a schematic diagram of an example of the return mechanism of the third embodiment of the present invention for enabling the squeegee 52 to return from the closed state to the sheet-like unfolded state, where Figure 27 only shows a partial structure of the squeegee 52 unfolding or closing relative to the driving part 55.

[0123] As shown inFigure 27 As shown, a return spring 58 may be provided in the driving part 55, which is an example of the return unit of the present invention. The return spring 58 can apply a return force to the scraper 52 to drive the scraper 52 to move from the downward retracted state to the sheet-like unfolded state. Therefore, when the locking mechanism is released, the scraper 52 can smoothly move from the downward retracted state to the sheet-like unfolded state.

[0124] In addition, since an elastic resin 159 is provided between the two parts of the metal cover 153, the muddy material 2 will not accumulate between the two parts of the metal cover 153 when the scraper 52 is retracted downward.

[0125] (Other embodiments)

[0126] In another embodiment, the scraper 52 of the scraping ball 250 can be kept in the retracted state during use.

[0127] Please refer to Figure 28 and Figure 29 , Figure 28 and Figure 29 which are schematic diagrams of the operation of the scraping ball 250 in another embodiment of the present invention when the scraper 52 is in the retracted state.

[0128] As Figure 28 and Figure 29 shown, in this embodiment, when the muddy material 2 is not stored in the hopper body 10, the scraper 52 can be in the retracted state as shown in Figure 28 shown. For example, by adjusting the elastic force of the resin cover 53 to reduce the force applied by the resin cover 53 to the scraper 52 to make the scraper 52 return to the sheet-like unfolded state, the scraper 52 can be in the retracted state as shown in Figure 28 shown.

[0129] Next, the muddy material 2 can be stored in the hopper body 10 as a storage material. Then, when the opening and closing door pieces 61a, 61b are opened so that the muddy material 2 stored in the hopper body 10 can be discharged from the discharge port 60, the movable wire member 20 can be pulled downward and move downward. At the same time, the scraping ball 250 provided on the movable wire member 20 will also move downward with the movable wire member 20.

[0130] As Figure 29As shown, when the scraper ball 250 moves downward, the scraper ball 250 will be slightly expanded, but the scraper plate 52 is still in a downward folded state to avoid hindering the falling of the muddy material 2, thereby ensuring that the muddy material 2 falls smoothly. On the other hand, compared with the case where the scraper ball 150 is not provided, when the muddy material 2 begins to be stored in the hopper body 10, the scraper ball 150 can hinder the falling of the muddy material 2, thereby ensuring that the muddy material 2 is not easy to accumulate under the scraper ball 150. Therefore, the present invention can effectively alleviate or inhibit the solidification of the muddy material 2, so that the muddy material 2 can be easily discharged from the discharge port 60. In addition, since the scraper plate 52 kept in the folded state takes up less space, the storage amount of the muddy material 2 will not be greatly reduced.

[0131] In another embodiment, when the scraper ball 50 moves downward, the scraper plate 52 can be kept in the sheet-like expanded state and will not be retracted downward. For example, by adjusting the elastic force of the resin cover 53 to increase the force applied by the resin cover 53 to the scraper plate 52 to restore the scraper plate 52 to the sheet-like expanded state, the scraper plate 52 can be kept in the sheet-like expanded state, so that a space can be formed below the scraper ball 50 to prevent the mud-like material 2 from solidifying, thereby helping the mud-like material 2 to be discharged from the discharge port 60. Alternatively, in another example, the scraper 52 may be locked by the aforementioned locking mechanism and maintained in the sheet-like expanded state. The aforementioned locking mechanism may lock the scraper 52 when the opening and closing door pieces 61a, 61b are closed so that the scraper 52 is reliably maintained in the sheet-like expanded state, and may also unlock the scraper 52 when the opening and closing door pieces 61a, 61b are opened to allow the scraper 52 to be folded downward, wherein the scraper 52 maintained in the sheet-like expanded state may hinder the muddy material 2 from falling, so after the storage operation of the muddy material 2 is completed, a space is formed below the scraper 52 to allow the scraper 52 to be folded downward, so when the muddy material 2 is discharged from the discharge port 60 under the action of gravity, the scraper 52 may be folded downward. On the other hand, when the muddy material 2 is discharged, or when the opening and closing door pieces 61a, 61b are closed to link the aforementioned locking mechanism to be unlocked, the scraper 52 may automatically return to the sheet-like expanded state. Specifically, when the muddy material 2 is discharged, or when the door pieces 61a, 61b are closed to link the aforementioned locking mechanism for unlocking, the force provided by the resin cover 53 can drive the scraper 52 to return to the sheet-like expanded state.

[0132] In addition, Figures 23 to 26 The difference from the illustrated embodiment is that the elastic resin 159 may not be provided in this embodiment.

[0133] See also Figure 30 and Figure 31 , Figure 30 and Figure 31 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the operation of a scraper ball 350 having only a metal cover 153 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0134] like Figure 30 andFigure 31 As shown, only a metal cover 153 is provided on the upper surface of the scraping plate 52 of the scraping ball 350 in this embodiment, which is an example of the metal layer of the present invention. Compared with the scraping ball 50 having a resin cover 53 on the upper surface of the scraping plate 52, the scraping ball 350 having a metal cover 153 on the upper surface of the scraping plate 52 can make the upper surface of the scraping plate 52 have better structural strength, thereby improving its control effect on the muddy material 2 and its durability.

[0135] In this embodiment, when the muddy material 2 is not stored in the hopper body 10, the scraping plate 52 can be in the sheet-like unfolded state as shown in Figure 30 Specifically, the scraping ball 350 can be provided with a return spring 58 as a return unit to make the scraping plate 52 in the sheet-like unfolded state as shown in Figure 30 shown.

[0136] When starting to store the muddy material 2 in the hopper body 10, since the scraping plate 52 is in the sheet-like unfolded state, the muddy material 2 will first accumulate on the metal cover 153 on the scraping plate 52. Then, since the scraping plate 52 has two parts separated by the driving part 55, the two parts of the scraping plate 52 can be driven by the muddy material 2 under the action of gravity to close downward around the driving part 55 to the closed state as shown in Figure 31 When the scraping plate 52 is in the closed state as shown in Figure 31 shown, the metal cover 153 is inclined so that the scraping plate 52 is in an umbrella shape with the height decreasing from the center to the outside, so that the muddy material 2 located on the metal cover 153 can fall smoothly.

[0137] When the opening / closing door pieces 61a, 61b are opened so that the muddy material 2 stored in the hopper body 10 can be discharged from the discharge port 60, the movable wire member 20 can be pulled downward and move downward. At the same time, the scraping ball 350 provided on the movable wire member 20 will also move downward with the movable wire member 20.

[0138] In addition, when the opening / closing door pieces 61a, 61b are opened, since the scraping ball 350 is in the downward closed state rather than the sheet-like unfolded state, the scraping ball 350 will not hinder the falling of the muddy material 2. On the other hand, when starting to store the muddy material 2 in the hopper body 10, the scraping ball 350 can remain in the sheet-like unfolded state for a period of time to hinder the falling of the muddy material 2, so as to ensure that the muddy material 2 is not easily accumulated below the scraping ball 350. Therefore, compared with the case where the scraping ball 350 is not provided, the present invention can effectively relieve or inhibit the consolidation of the muddy material 2 so that the muddy material 2 can be easily discharged from the discharge port 60. In this embodiment, the scraping plate 52 can be locked and maintained in the closed state as shown in Figure 31 shown, so when the scraping ball 350 moves downward, the scraping plate 52 will not return to the sheet-like unfolded state.

[0139] When all the mud-like material 2 stored in the hopper body 10 is discharged, the scraping ball 350 can be restored to the sheet-like unfolded state as shown by the return spring 58 as Figure 27 shown, and the restoring force generated by the return spring 58 on the scraping plate 52 in this embodiment can be less than the force generated by the mud-like material 2 piled on the scraping ball 350 on the scraping plate 52 under the action of gravity, so as to allow the scraping plate 52 to be smoothly driven by the mud-like material 2 to be folded downward to the folded state and can be smoothly restored to the sheet-like unfolded state when the mud-like material 2 is discharged. Figure 30 The above embodiments are all examples with the mud-like material 2 as the stored material, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the stored material can be granular material, powdery material or other materials that are prone to bridging, consolidation or blockage in the container. In addition, it can be understood that the settings of the size, shape, length, etc. of the scraping ball and related structures can be appropriately adjusted according to the material characteristics of the stored material to produce the above technical effects.

[0140] Furthermore, it can be understood that although the hopper device 1 in the above example has four movable wire members 20, and each movable wire member 20 is provided with four scraping balls, the number, size and length of the scraping balls and linkage members can be appropriately adjusted according to the actual situation. Without departing from the above technical concept, the present invention can be implemented in various forms.

[0141] In addition, it can be understood that although the locking mechanism in the above example can be used to lock or unlock at least one of the unfolded state and the folded state of the scraping plate, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the locking mechanism can not only lock or unlock the scraping plate in both the unfolded state and the folded state, but also lock or unlock the scraping plate in at least one state between the unfolded state and the folded state, that is, the locking mechanism can lock the scraping plate in three or more states. In addition, the structure of the locking mechanism is not limited to the above embodiments, and the above embodiments are only examples. Without departing from the above technical concept, the present invention can be implemented in various forms.

[0142] In addition, it can be understood that although the locking mechanism in the above example can be used to lock or unlock at least one of the unfolded state and the folded state of the scraping plate, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the locking mechanism can not only lock or unlock the scraping plate in both the unfolded state and the folded state, but also lock or unlock the scraping plate in at least one state between the unfolded state and the folded state, that is, the locking mechanism can lock the scraping plate in three or more states. In addition, the structure of the locking mechanism is not limited to the above embodiments, and the above embodiments are only examples. Without departing from the above technical concept, the present invention can be implemented in various forms.

[0143] The above are only examples for explaining the embodiments of the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can have various changes and modifications. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0144] The present invention can easily discharge the stored material without using power-consuming components such as motors.

[0145] All of the examples and conditional language provided above are intended for the purpose of assisting the reader in understanding the present invention and the teachings of the concepts contributed by the inventors to advance the field, and should not be construed as limiting these specifically recited examples and conditions. Nor does the organization of these examples in the specification involve showing the advantages and disadvantages of the present invention. Although one or more embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0146] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can have various changes and modifications. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hopper device, characterized in that: The hopper device comprises: A hopper body, which is used to store materials, the hopper body comprising a discharge port and an opening and closing portion, the discharge port is located at the lower part of the hopper body, and the opening and closing portion is used to open or close the discharge port; At least one linkage member having one end connected to the opening and closing portion, wherein when the opening and closing portion opens or closes the discharge port, the at least one linkage member is linked with the opening and closing portion to move at least in a vertical direction; as well as At least one consolidation inhibition member is arranged on the at least one linkage member. When the opening and closing portion opens or closes the discharge port, the at least one consolidation inhibition member is linked with the opening and closing portion and moves at least along the vertical direction together with the at least one linkage member, wherein the at least one consolidation inhibition member can be folded downward from an expanded state to a folded state.

2. The hopper device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hopper device further includes a holding unit, and the holding unit is used to keep the at least one solidification inhibitor in the expanded state or the folded state.

3. The hopper device according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the opening and closing portion opens or closes the material outlet, the holding unit is linked with the opening and closing portion to keep the at least one solidification inhibitor in one of the expanded state and the retracted state.

4. The hopper device according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the opening and closing portion opens and closes the discharge port, the holding unit is linked with the opening and closing portion to keep the at least one solidification inhibitor in one of the expanded state and the folded state.

5. The hopper device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A recess is formed on the shaft portion of the at least one consolidation inhibitor for allowing the at least one consolidation inhibitor to be expanded or folded, and the holding unit includes a claw portion, and the holding unit keeps the at least one consolidation inhibitor in the expanded state or the folded state by moving the claw portion out of or into the recess.

6. The hopper device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The holding unit moves the claw portion out of or into the recess according to the movement of the at least one solidification inhibitor along the vertical direction.

7. The hopper device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The holding unit further includes a connecting member, one end and the other end of the connecting member are respectively connected to the fixed end and the claw portion.

8. The hopper device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The holding unit further includes a connecting member, one end of which is connected to a mechanism linked to the opening and closing portion, and the other end of which is connected to the claw portion.

9. The hopper device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one consolidation inhibiting member includes a restoring unit, and the restoring unit is used to drive the at least one consolidation inhibiting member to return from the folded state to the unfolded state.

10. The hopper device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one consolidation inhibiting member includes a limiting member, and the limiting member is used to prevent the at least one consolidation inhibiting member from being folded upward from the deployed state.

11. The hopper device according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the at least one consolidation inhibiting member is folded downward from the expanded state to the folded state, a gap is formed between two opposite ends of the at least one consolidation inhibiting member.

12. The hopper device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A protrusion is formed on the lower surface of the at least one solidification inhibitor.

13. The hopper device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A covering member is disposed on the upper surface of the at least one consolidation inhibiting member. When the at least one consolidation inhibiting member is in the folded state, the surface of the covering member is bent downward.

14. The hopper device according to claim 13, characterized in that The covering member is made of elastic material.

15. The hopper device according to claim 14, characterized in that The covering member is used for applying elastic force to the at least one consolidation inhibiting member so as to return the at least one consolidation inhibiting member from the folded state to the unfolded state.

16. The hopper device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A metal layer having an inclined surface is disposed on the upper side of the at least one solidification inhibitor.

17. The hopper device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A metal layer and an elastic member are disposed on the upper side of the at least one solidification inhibitor.

18. The hopper device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The opening and closing part opens or closes the discharge port in a manner of moving in a horizontal direction.

19. The hopper device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The opening and closing portion opens or closes the discharge port in a pivoting manner.

20. The hopper device according to claim 1, characterized in that The opening and closing part opens or closes the discharge port in a manner of moving along the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

21. The hopper device according to claim 1, characterized in that The hopper device further comprises a support member, which is arranged above the discharge port, and the other end of the at least one linkage member is connected to the support member via a spring.

22. The hopper device according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one solidification inhibiting member includes a plurality of solidification inhibiting members disposed on the at least one linkage member.

23. The hopper device according to claim 22, characterized in that The at least one linking member includes a plurality of linking members.

24. The hopper device according to claim 23, characterized in that The plurality of linking members are arranged in a staggered manner in the lateral direction.

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