Self-locking folding hopper and method for locking it

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a folding feeder hopper (101) having a side wall (200) configured to lock itself when unfolded or flared for operation. The locking assembly (300) comprises a first locking means (301) provided on the side wall (200) configured to engage with a second locking means (302) provided on a support assembly (202), wherein the second locking means (302) comprises a resilient element (303); and a retaining member (403a, 403b) located on the front and rear ends (107, 108) of the hopper (101) for providing alignment with the side wall (200) when the side wall (200) is moved between a locked position and an unlocked position. The present disclosure also provides a method for locking the side wall (200) in a flared position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a collapsible hopper for bulk material handling equipment, and particularly, but not exclusively, to a collapsible hopper in which the sidewalls are movable between a lowered transport position and an elevated working position, and are also capable of locking themselves in the elevated working position using a self-locking mechanism. This disclosure also relates to a method for locking the sidewalls of the hopper in the elevated working position. Background Technology

[0002] Bulk material handling units or equipment can be static or transportable between operating locations. Examples of such units or equipment include screening machines, crushers, and combined crushing and screening units. These units typically include a loading hopper that receives a supply of bulk material, which is then fed into a material handling unit (e.g., a screen box or crusher) for subsequent unloading via one or more intermediate conveyors or discharge conveyors.

[0003] The supply from the hopper to the material handling unit relies on gravity unloading, and the unit is typically positioned below the hopper, with the hopper, as the uppermost component, determining the maximum height of the handling unit. Therefore, it is known to construct the hopper with walls that can fold downwards or collapse to significantly reduce the overall height of the equipment and allow for convenient transport along public roads without the risk of collision with elevated obstacles such as bridges. Examples of such collapsible hoppers are described in US2004 / 0035963, US 2006 / 0016104, EP2949397, EP 2664492, and GB 2496522. Alternatively, the hopper can be positioned below the handling unit, and a belt conveyor can be used to lift the material from the hopper into the handling unit.

[0004] However, conventionally adjustable hopper installations are disadvantageous for several reasons. In particular, maintenance personnel often need to climb onto the device to manually operate locking components located on the hopper wall. This operation, often referred to as high-position pinning, can be dangerous. Typically, this is achieved by manually inserting a wedge or pin into a suitable slot or aligned pair of holes to secure the raised sidewall. Working at heights with heavy wedges, and working between the frame of the equipment and the thick walls of the hopper, which is hinged to the frame, presents a safety risk, given the conditions prevalent in mining and construction.

[0005] Furthermore, the walls must be reliably secured to withstand the considerable loads exerted on them when the hopper is supplied with bulk material. Due to the impact of the material on the walls, over time, not only the hopper but also the frame structure of the equipment and auxiliary components will become fatigued and fractured. Document EP2949397 describes a locking mechanism that requires no manual intervention. However, when the sidewalls are locked in the raised working position, this arrangement requires the use of additional components, namely external support arms for holding the sidewalls in place.

[0006] Therefore, a collapsible hopper arrangement is needed to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks. Specifically, a collapsible hopper arrangement is desired that does not require service personnel to use any high-level pins or lifting equipment to lock the sidewalls in the raised working position. Furthermore, it is desirable that such an arrangement does not require any additional external supports for locking the sidewalls in the raised working position. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to overcome or at least reduce the aforementioned problems existing in the prior art.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a collapsible hopper for a bulk material handling apparatus, the collapsible hopper providing automatic or semi-automatic movement of the hopper sidewalls between a lowered transport position and an elevated working position.

[0009] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a collapsible hopper for bulk material handling equipment that is quick and easy to install without jeopardizing the safety of operators.

[0010] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a foldable feeder hopper for bulk material handling equipment that can be remotely controlled.

[0011] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a collapsible hopper for a bulk material handling apparatus, the collapsible hopper being compact, stable, and requiring no external support structure for the sidewalls when the sidewalls are locked in the raised working position.

[0012] The above-mentioned objectives are achieved by this disclosure, which provides a collapsible feeder hopper in which the sidewalls of the hopper are configured to move between a lowered position and a raised position, and are capable of locking themselves in the raised position without requiring manual engagement of any locking mechanism. Other objects and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0013] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a collapsible feeder hopper for a bulk material handling apparatus is provided, comprising: at least one sidewall pivotally mounted to a support frame having a front end and a rear end, wherein the front end is adjacent to a material handling unit on the apparatus and the rear end is distant from the material handling unit, and the sidewall is mounted to the support frame via at least one pivot mount; a rear wall mounted to the support frame at the rear end; at least one support assembly for the sidewall mounted on the support frame and including a first bracket for receiving a sliding actuator and a second bracket for receiving a rotary actuator; and a locking assembly including a first locking device disposed on a lower surface of the sidewall and a second locking device mounted on the support assembly, characterized in that the first locking device is configured to engage with the second locking device, and wherein the second locking device comprises a material having a higher degree of elasticity than the material of the first locking device.

[0014] Preferably, the first locking device is configured to engage with the second locking device such that when the sliding actuator moves the sidewall from the unlocked working position (C) to the locked working position (D), the sidewall can be fixed in the unlocked working position (C), thereby the engagement allows the sidewall to be locked in the locked working position (D).

[0015] Advantageously, in this arrangement, locking is achieved when the first locking device engages with the second locking device and pressure received from the sliding actuator is applied to the second locking device. Due to the high elasticity of one of the components, the second locking device provides a counterforce in opposite directions when compressed. When these two counterforces from the first and second locking devices are balanced, the sidewall remains stationary in the raised working position, thus forming a self-locking arrangement for holding the sidewall in the raised position. During material handling equipment operation, the high elasticity of one component of the second locking device also dampens the impact of vibrations from the material load, thereby preventing mechanical damage to the hopper.

[0016] The advantage of this disclosure is that the sidewall of the feeder hopper can be installed and locked from a lowered transport position to an elevated working position, and can return from the elevated working position to the lowered transport position from a safe location away from the equipment location, thereby preventing the risk of operator injury.

[0017] Preferably, the first locking device is in the form of a wedge-shaped portion disposed on the lower surface of the sidewall. This wedge-shaped portion can be part of a bracket mounted on the lower surface of the sidewall, or it can be in the form of a protrusion on the lower surface of the sidewall. Preferably, the wedge-shaped portion is part of the sidewall or integral with the sidewall. This simplifies the manufacture of the sidewall and eliminates the need for operators to additionally install the wedge-shaped portion on the sidewall.

[0018] The wedge shape is advantageous in this disclosure because it facilitates cooperation or mechanical engagement with the second locking device.

[0019] Preferably, the second locking device is mounted at the support frame, and at least one component of the second locking device is made of a damping or elastic material to reduce impact loads. The second locking device prevents the sidewall from rotating during machine operation (when material is loaded) by restricting the movement of the first locking device, thus limiting outward rotation of the sidewall. Optionally, the second locking device includes an elastic member pinned between a front metal plate and a rear metal plate, the front metal plate facing the first locking device and in direct contact with the first locking device when the sidewall is raised and locked, and the rear metal plate in direct contact with the frame of the support assembly. The advantage of clamping the elastic member between the two metal plates is that, in addition to the impact reduction explained above, the elastic member also provides counter-pressure against the pressure of the sliding actuator pushing the first locking device, allowing the sidewall to self-lock when it is in the raised working position.

[0020] Preferably, the support assembly further includes a first guide groove configured to receive a first pivot pin and a second guide groove configured to receive a second pivot pin, the first guide groove being parallel to the second guide groove, wherein the first and second pivot pins are configured to move synchronously in response to translational actuation from a sliding actuator. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "translation" means linear movement occurring in a horizontal plane. The movement of the first pivot pin in the first guide groove and the parallel movement of the second pivot pin in the second guide groove result in translational movement of the sidewall, i.e., linear movement in the horizontal plane. The advantage of this structural feature of the parallel grooves is that they allow for smooth translational movement of the sidewall between an unlocked position and a locked position.

[0021] Preferably, a sliding actuator disposed in the folding feeder hopper is configured to provide translational movement of the sidewall between a locked transport position (A) and an unlocked transport position (B), and a rotary actuator is configured to provide pivoting of the sidewall between an unlocked transport position (B) and an unlocked working position (C).

[0022] Preferably, the sliding actuator is configured to have a first translational movement and a second translational movement, wherein the first translational movement enables the sidewall to move from a locked transport position (A) to an unlocked transport position (B), and wherein the second translational movement pushes the first locking device toward the second locking device, enabling the sidewall to move from an unlocked working position (C) to a locked working position (D), thereby raising the sidewall and fixing it in the locked working position (D).

[0023] Furthermore, a rotary actuator disposed in the folding feed hopper is configured to provide rotational movement to the sidewall, such that the rotational movement occurs after the first translational movement and before the second translational movement, enabling the sidewall to move from the unlocked transport position (B) to the unlocked working position (C).

[0024] Sliding actuators and rotary actuators may include hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators or electric actuators.

[0025] Preferably, the support assembly further includes a first pad assembly mounted on the upper surface of the support assembly. When the first locking device is advanced by a sliding actuator and moves toward and mechanically engages with the second locking device during a second translational movement, the first pad assembly provides a sliding contact surface for the first locking device. Furthermore, the first locking device is provided with a second pad assembly mounted on its lower surface. The second pad assembly is configured to slide on the first pad assembly during the second translational movement.

[0026] Therefore, the first pad assembly is configured to slide into contact with the second pad assembly when the sliding actuator causes the sidewall to translate between the unlocked working position (C) and the locked working position (D). The pad assembly makes its first contact at the end of the first rotational movement from the unlocked transport position (B) to the unlocked working position (C).

[0027] Advantageously, the first and second pad assemblies face each other, thereby providing complementary sliding surfaces so that the first locking device can slide smoothly on the upper surface of the support assembly, thereby allowing the sidewall to translate unimpeded between the unlocked working position (C) and the locked working position (D).

[0028] Preferably, the materials of the first and second pad assemblies have a lower coefficient of friction than the sidewalls. The advantage of a low coefficient of friction is that it facilitates smooth sliding of the first locking device on the upper surface of the support assembly, allowing the first locking device to engage with the second locking device after the second translational movement.

[0029] Preferably, the line of action of the sliding contact between the first and second pad assemblies is parallel to the line of action of the sliding actuator when the sliding actuator provides translational movement of the sidewall between the unlocked working position (C) and the locked working position (D). Advantageously, the parallel line of action enables the locking mechanism to operate. For the purposes of this application, the term "line of action" refers to the geometric representation of the direction of the force vector. Thus, the frictional force generated between the first and second pad assemblies is parallel to the pressure (also known as the starting pressure) applied by the sliding actuator to push the first locking device toward the second locking device.

[0030] Preferably, the locking assembly further includes at least one retaining member mounted on the front end of the support frame and at least one retaining member mounted on the rear wall. Optionally, one of the retaining members may be mounted on the rear end of the support frame. The retaining member is an important part of the self-locking mechanism. The retaining member acts as a guide for the sidewall, thereby providing alignment of the sidewall, especially in its locked state. Advantageously, the retaining member makes the entire device compact, especially when the sidewall is folded up for transport.

[0031] Furthermore, preferably, the engagement plane of the component is kept parallel to the first guide groove and the second guide groove. Parallel engagement planes are advantageous because they ensure proper alignment during locking and unlocking of the sidewalls. For the purposes of this application, the term "engagement plane" refers to a plane located in a direction parallel to the line of action of the sliding actuator.

[0032] Advantageously, the sidewall is provided with a pivot that is axially positioned above the first locking device when the sidewall is in the extended state, particularly when it is in the locked working position (D). During operation, the material load entering the hopper pushes the sidewall axially outward. Because the bottom of the hopper is narrower than the top, the pressure from the load is concentrated on the lower portion of the extended sidewall. The pivot, positioned relatively high within the support assembly, causes the material load to exert pressure on the portion of the sidewall below the pivot, thereby keeping the sidewall in the locked working position (D). Therefore, in this aspect of the disclosure, the pivot's position facilitates the function of the folding feeder hopper.

[0033] The higher position of the pivot is also advantageous because it ensures physical contact between the first and second liner assemblies as the sidewall moves between the open and closed states.

[0034] Alternatively, the rear wall is part of the support frame. This alternative embodiment provides ease of manufacture and a reduction in the number of hopper assembly steps.

[0035] Alternatively, the support assembly is integrated with the support frame, meaning the support assembly forms part of the support frame. This alternative embodiment provides ease of manufacture and installation, as well as a reduction in the number of hopper assembly steps.

[0036] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a mobile bulk material handling device is provided, comprising: a support frame; a handling unit supported on the support frame; tracks or wheels that allow the device to move on the ground; an unloading conveyor; a main motor output; and a folding hopper having a locking mechanism for the sidewalls as described above, for receiving material to be fed into the handling unit.

[0037] Advantageously, the self-locking sidewalls of the feeder hopper provide better stability and a compact geometry for mobile bulk material handling equipment. The locking components used in the feeder hopper are quick and easy to install and require no external support structures.

[0038] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided for locking at least one sidewall of a feeder hopper in a bulk material handling apparatus, comprising the following steps:

[0039] - A first translational movement is made by a sliding actuator, so that the sidewall can move from the locked transport position (A) to the unlocked transport position (B);

[0040] - Rotational movement is achieved by a rotary actuator, enabling the sidewall to move from the unlocked transport position (B) to the unlocked working position (C);

[0041] - A second translational movement is performed by a sliding actuator, enabling the sidewall to move from the unlocked working position (C) to the locked working position (D), wherein the locking component is configured to lock the sidewall in the locked working position (D);

[0042] The locking assembly includes a first locking device disposed at the lower part of the side wall and a second locking device installed at the support assembly;

[0043] The feature is that when the sliding actuator moves the sidewall from the unlocked working position (C) to the locked working position (D), the first locking device and the second locking device mechanically engage, so that the sidewall can be locked in the locked working position (D).

[0044] Preferably, the method of locking the sidewall of the feeder hopper can be remotely controlled and requires little or no human intervention.

[0045] Preferably, the method for locking the sidewall of the feeder hopper is automatic or semi-automatic. In the automated method, the pressure in the hydraulic cylinder of the sliding actuator can be monitored using a pressure sensor. The level can be continuously received at a PLC device, which may or may not be part of the mobile bulk handling equipment. Feedback from the pressure sensor or visual feedback from the sidewall will determine the subsequent adjustments required for the locking assembly.

[0046] Advantageously, locking the sidewalls of the feeder hopper allows the equipment to continue operating safely and reliably with minimal human intervention.

[0047] Other aspects and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0049] Figure 1 This is an external side view of a mobile bulk material handling device that embodies one aspect of this disclosure;

[0050] Figure 2a According to one aspect of this disclosure Figure 1 A perspective view of the feeder hopper of the equipment, showing the sidewalls deployed for operation, and Figure 2b This is a perspective view of the feeder hopper, showing the sidewalls folded down for transport.

[0051] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a support component according to one preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a locking component according to one preferred embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of the locking assembly when the sidewall is in the locked transport position A according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0054] Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the locking assembly when the sidewall is in the unlocked transport position B, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 5C is a cross-sectional view of the locking assembly when the sidewall is in the unlocked working position C according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0056] Figure 5D is a cross-sectional view of the locking assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure when the sidewall is in the locked working position D.

[0057] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0058]

[0059] Detailed Implementation

[0060] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are provided to fully and completely convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

[0061] refer to Figure 1The mobile bulk material handling equipment 100 includes a support frame 104 that supports a chassis for mounting a pair of annular tracks 105, enabling the equipment 100 to propel itself on the ground. The equipment 100 also includes a main motor 106, an input feed hopper 101, a material handling unit (e.g., a crusher) 102, and an unloading conveyor 103. The feed hopper 101 includes folding hopper sidewalls 200 movable between a raised working position (where the sidewalls are extended) and a lowered transport position (where the sidewalls are folded). More specifically, as shown in Figures 5A-5D, the sidewalls 200 are configured to move between four positions A, B, C, and D, where A is the locked transport position, B is the unlocked transport position, C is the unlocked working position, and D is the locked working position.

[0062] Figures 2A and 2B show the sidewalls 200 in an unfolded and folded state, respectively. Referring to Figure 2A, the feeder hopper 101 includes a pair of sidewalls 200 that are generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the main frame 104. The sidewalls 200 are shown unfolded in a locked working position D, which is the preferred position when the material handling device 100 is in operation. The feeder hopper 101 is mounted on a support frame 104 having a front end 107 and a rear end 108, wherein the front end 107 is close to the material handling unit 102 and the rear end is away from or away from the material handling unit 102. Support assemblies 202 are mounted on the support frame 104, with at least one support assembly 202 on each side of the frame 104, and the support assemblies 202 are coupled to the sidewalls 200. According to a preferred embodiment, two or more support assemblies 202 are provided for each sidewall 200 of the hopper 101. In addition to providing support for the unfolded sidewall 200, the support assembly 202 houses a sliding actuator (205) and a rotary actuator (206) (not shown in the figure) that cause the sidewall 200 to move between a locked transport position A and a locked working position D.

[0063] Referring to Figure 2B, the feeder hopper 101 is shown with the sidewall 200 folded in a locked transport position A, which is the preferred position for the sidewall 200 when the material handling equipment 100 is not in operation or is being transported to an operating location. The rear wall 201 is mounted on the rear end 108 of the support frame 104. According to an alternative embodiment, the rear wall 201 may be integral with the support frame 104; that is, the rear wall 201 may be part of the support frame 104. A support assembly 202 is mounted on the support frame 104 and connected to the sidewall 200. A retaining member 403a is mounted on the front end 107 of the support frame 104, and a retaining member 403b is mounted on the rear wall 201. The retaining members 403a and 403b form an important part of the self-locking mechanism of the sidewall 200. These retaining members 403a and 403b provide alignment with the sidewall 200 and act as guides for the sidewall 200, especially when the sidewall 200 is in the locked working position D. As the sidewall 200 unfolds and undergoes a second translational movement from the unlocked working position C to the locked working position D, the retaining members 403a and 403b engage with the corresponding ends of the sidewall 200, enabling the locking mechanism to engage. Therefore, at the end of the second translational movement, the sidewall 200 is secured in position D.

[0064] According to an alternative embodiment, the retaining member 403b may also be mounted on the rear end 108 of the support frame 104.

[0065] refer to Figure 3 The support assembly 202 includes a frame 212 mounted on a base 213 and has a first bracket 203 for receiving a sliding actuator 205 and a second bracket 204 for receiving a rotary actuator 206. The brackets 203, 204 and the rotary actuator 206 are mounted such that they pass through an opening in the base 213. The support assembly 202 is coupled to a sidewall 200, and the actuators 205 and 206 are responsible for moving the sidewall 200 between a folded state and an unfolded state. When the sidewall 200 moves between a locked transport position A and an unlocked transport position B, the sliding actuator 205 provides a first translational movement to the sidewall 200, and when the sidewall 200 moves between an unlocked operating position C and a locked operating position D, the sliding actuator 205 provides a second translational movement to the sidewall 200. Rotary actuator 206 provides pivoting of sidewall 200, allowing sidewall 200 to rotate between a folded state and an unfolded state, particularly between the unlocked transport position B and the unlocked working position C. According to a preferred embodiment, sliding actuator 205 and rotary actuator 206 are hydraulic cylinders.

[0066] The support assembly 202 also includes a pair of first guide grooves 207 configured to receive a first pivot pin 210. These guide grooves 207 are parallel to each other and located within the wall of the frame 212. The pin 210 slides along the grooves 207 in response to actuation from the sliding actuator 205, resulting in translational movement of the sidewall 200, particularly between the locked transport position A and the unlocked transport position B, and also between the unlocked operating position C and the locked operating position D.

[0067] The support assembly 202 also includes a pair of second guide grooves 208 positioned below the base 213 in the wall of the frame 212, such guide grooves 208 being parallel to each other and configured to receive a second pivot pin 211. The first pivot pin 210 and the second pivot pin 211 are configured to move synchronously and parallel in response to translational actuation from the sliding actuator 205.

[0068] Furthermore, pivot pin 210 enables sidewall 200 to rotate in response to actuation from rotary actuator 206. Pivot pin 209 connects sliding actuator 205 to main frame 212.

[0069] refer to Figure 3 As shown in Figures 5A-5D, the hydraulic cylinder of the sliding actuator 205 applies pressure to move the pivot pins 210, 211 upward in their guide grooves 207, 208, thereby enabling translational actuation, which causes the folded sidewall to move from the locked transport position A to the unlocked transport position B. This is the first translational movement performed by the sliding actuator 205. Subsequently, the rotary actuator 206 applies pressure to the pivot pin 210, thereby enabling rotational actuation, which causes the sidewall 200 to unfold as it changes its position from the unlocked transport position B to the unlocked working position C. Then, the hydraulic cylinder of the sliding actuator 205 retracts, causing the pivot pins 210, 211 to move downward in the guide grooves 207, 208, thereby moving the sidewall 200 from the unlocked working position C to the locked working position D. This is the second translational movement caused by the sliding actuator 205. Figure 4 As shown, when the sidewall 200 slides downward, the sidewall 200 fixes itself in place by means of the locking component 300.

[0070] refer to Figure 4 The locking assembly 300 includes a first locking device 301 protruding from the lower surface of the sidewall 200, a second locking device 302 mounted on the support assembly 202, and retaining members 403a and 403b (as shown in FIG2B). According to a preferred embodiment, the first locking device 301 is wedge-shaped, such as... Figure 4As shown. The wedge shape facilitates engagement with the second locking device 302. The first locking device 301 has a liner on its lower surface, referred to as the second liner assembly 402, which is preferably made of a material with a coefficient of friction lower than that of the sidewall 200. A preferred example of such a material is polyethylene.

[0071] The support assembly 202 also has a similar liner mounted on its upper surface, referred to as the first liner assembly 401. The first liner assembly 401 is also preferably made of a material with a coefficient of friction lower than that of the sidewall 200. The first liner assembly 401 and the second liner assembly 402 are preferably made of the same material to facilitate downward sliding movement of the first locking device 301 when it comes into physical contact with the support assembly 202, so as to eventually engage with the second locking device 302.

[0072] As in Figure 4 As can be seen in Figures 5A-5D, the sidewall 200 is provided with a pivot 220, which is axially positioned above the first locking device 301.

[0073] The second locking device 302, mounted on the upper surface of the support assembly 202, further includes three elements: two metal plates (front metal plate 304a and rear metal plate 304b) and an elastic element 303 pressed between the metal plates 304a and 304b. The front metal plate 304a is in direct contact with the support assembly 202, and the rear metal plate is configured to face the first locking device 301 when the first locking device 301 slides down to engage with the second locking device 302 to lock the sidewall 200 in the deployed working position D.

[0074] Figures 5A-5D illustrate the steps of locking the sidewall 200. Referring to Figure 5A, in the first step, the sidewall 200 is in a folded state or locked transport position A. In this position, the first locking device 301 points upward. Pins 210 and 211 are located at the bottom of guide grooves 207 and 208, respectively. Referring to Figure 5B, in the second step, the sidewall 200 obtains the unlocked transport position B as pins 210 and 211 move upward in their respective guide grooves 207 and 208. This movement (also referred to as the first translational movement) is the result of actuation provided by the sliding actuator 205. Furthermore, referring to Figure 5C, a third step is shown, in which the sidewall 200 is now in an open or unfolded state. This is the result of rotational actuation provided by the rotary actuator 206, which causes the sidewall 200 to pivot about pin 210 and obtain the unlocked working position C. For the fourth and final step in locking the sidewall 200, Figure 5D shows the second translational movement occurring, where pins 210 and 211 slide downwards from the unlocked working position C to the locked working position D in their respective guide grooves 207 and 208. At this point, the first locking device 301 slides downwards, simultaneously establishing physical contact between the first pad assembly 401 and the second pad assembly 402. Pad assemblies 401 and 402 are made of a low-friction material, which provides a smooth sliding interaction between the first locking device 301 and the upper surface of the support assembly 202. Furthermore, as it slides downwards, the first locking device 301 pushes the second locking device 302 and receives counter-pressure due to the presence of the elastic element 303 forming part of the second locking device 302. When the opposing forces from the first locking device 301 and the second locking device 302 reach equilibrium, the sidewall 200 achieves a fixed state in the locked working position D. Thus, the sidewall 200 becomes self-locking.

[0075] Reversing the order of the above steps will result in the unlocking and folding of sidewall 200.

Claims

1. A folding feeder hopper (101) for a bulk material handling device (100), the folding feeder hopper comprising: At least one sidewall (200) is pivotally mounted to a support frame (104) having a front end (107) and a rear end (108), the sidewall (200) being mounted on the support frame (104) by at least one pivot mount; Rear wall (201), which is mounted to the support frame (104) at the rear end (108). At least one support assembly (202) of the sidewall (200) is mounted on the support frame (104) and includes a first bracket (203) for receiving a sliding actuator (205) and a second bracket (204) for receiving a rotary actuator (206). as well as The locking assembly (300) includes a first locking device (301) disposed on the lower surface of the sidewall (200) and a second locking device (302) mounted on the support assembly (202), such that the first locking device (301) is configured to engage with the second locking device (302) to secure the sidewall (200). The second locking device (302) is characterized in that it comprises a material having a higher degree of elasticity than the material of the first locking device (301).

2. The folding feeder hopper (101) according to claim 1, wherein, The support assembly (202) further includes a first guide groove (207) configured to receive a first pivot pin (210) and a second guide groove (208) configured to receive a second pivot pin (211), the first guide groove (207) being parallel to the second guide groove (208), wherein the first pivot pin (210) and the second pivot pin (211) are configured to move synchronously in response to translational actuation from the sliding actuator (205).

3. The folding feeder hopper (101) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second locking device (302) includes an elastic member (303) positioned between the front metal plate (304a) and the rear metal plate (304b).

4. The folding feeder hopper (101) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The sidewall (200) is provided with a pivot (220) positioned axially above the first locking device (301).

5. The folding feeder hopper (101) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The sliding actuator (205) is configured to provide translational movement of the sidewall (200) between the locked transport position (A) and the unlocked transport position (B).

6. The folding feeder hopper (101) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The rotary actuator (206) is configured to provide pivoting of the sidewall (200) between the unlocked transport position (B) and the unlocked working position (C).

7. The folding feeder hopper (101) according to claim 6, wherein, The first locking device (301) is configured to engage with the second locking device (302) when the sliding actuator (205) moves the sidewall (200) from the unlocked working position (C) to the locked working position (D), thereby enabling the sidewall (200) to be locked in the locked working position (D).

8. The folding feeder hopper (101) according to claim 7, wherein, The support assembly (202) further includes a first pad assembly (401) mounted on the upper surface of the support assembly (202).

9. The folding feeder hopper (101) according to claim 8, wherein, The first locking device (301) is provided with a second pad assembly (402) mounted on the lower surface of the first locking device (301).

10. The folding feeder hopper (101) according to claim 9, wherein, The first pad assembly (401) is configured to slide into contact with the second pad assembly (402) when the sliding actuator (205) causes the sidewall (200) to translate between an unlocked working position (C) and a locked working position (D).

11. The folding feeder hopper (101) according to claim 10, wherein, The line of action of the sliding contact between the first pad assembly (401) and the second pad assembly (402) is parallel to the line of action of the sliding actuator (205) when the sliding actuator (205) provides translational movement of the sidewall (200) between the unlocked working position (C) and the locked working position (D).

12. The folding feeder hopper (101) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The first locking device (301) is in the form of a wedge-shaped portion protruding from the lower surface of the sidewall (200).

13. The folding feeder hopper (101) according to claim 9, wherein, The first pad assembly (401) and the second pad assembly (402) are made of a material with a coefficient of friction lower than that of the material of the wall (200).

14. The folding feeder hopper (101) according to claim 2, wherein, The locking assembly (300) further includes at least one retaining member (403a) mounted on the front end (107) of the support frame (104) and at least one retaining member (403b) mounted on the rear wall (201).

15. The folding feeder hopper (101) according to claim 14, wherein, The engagement planes of the retaining member (403a) mounted on the front end (107) of the support frame (104) and the retaining member (403b) mounted on the rear wall (201) are parallel to the first guide groove (207) and the second guide groove (208).

16. A method for locking at least one sidewall (200) of a collapsible feeder hopper (101) of a bulk material handling apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1-15, the method comprising the steps of: - A first translational movement is performed by a sliding actuator (205) so that the sidewall (200) can move from the locked transport position (A) to the unlocked transport position (B); - Rotational movement is performed by a rotary actuator (206) so that the sidewall (200) can move from the unlocked transport position (B) to the unlocked working position (C). - A second translational movement is performed by the sliding actuator (205) so that the sidewall (200) can move from the unlocked working position (C) to the locked working position (D). The locking component (300) is configured to lock the sidewall (200) in the locking working position (D); The locking assembly (300) includes a first locking device (301) disposed at the lower portion of the sidewall (200) and a second locking device (302) mounted on the support assembly (202). The feature is that when the sliding actuator (205) moves the sidewall (200) from the unlocked working position (C) to the locked working position (D), the first locking device (301) and the second locking device (302) mechanically engage, so that the sidewall (200) can be locked in the locked working position (D).

17. A mobile bulk material handling device (100), comprising: Supporting framework (104); The processing unit (102) is supported on the support frame (104); Tracks (105) or wheels that allow the equipment (100) to move on the ground; Unloading conveyor (103); Main motor output (106); and The folding feeder hopper (101) according to any one of claims 1-15 is used to hold material to be fed into the processing unit (102).

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