A feeding system and a feeding system tank shortage alarm method

Abstract

This invention discloses a feeding system and a method for alarming low material levels in the feeding tank, including a material hopper, a suction pump, a material tank, a controller, a control panel, a liquid level detector, an electrically controlled valve, and an alarm. If the feeding gun is found to be clogged or the suction pump is damaged, the suction pump can be manually shut off using the suction pump button, and the electrically controlled valve can be shut off using the selection button. The alarm will stop after the electrically controlled valve is closed. After the feeding gun is cleared or the suction pump returns to normal, the electrically controlled valve can be manually opened using the selection button, and the suction pump can be opened using the suction pump button. The alarm will stop when the liquid level in the material tank exceeds the alarm threshold. This invention avoids the problem of low material levels in the material tank when the feeding gun is clogged or the pump is damaged. Furthermore, because the alarm continues to sound during the material tank switching process, it prompts the operator to press the suction pump button on the control panel, thus preventing the problem of low material levels in the material tank caused by the operator forgetting to press the suction pump button.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tobacco feeding, and in particular to a feeding system and a method for alarming low material levels in the feeding system's hopper. Background Technology

[0002] Feeding tobacco leaves is a crucial step in tobacco production, directly affecting the quality of the finished tobacco product. The feeding system adds liquid feed to the tobacco leaves. The feeding system mainly includes: a feed gun, a feed hopper, a suction pump, a feed tank, a liquid feed nozzle, a control panel, a PLC controller, and a liquid feed detector.

[0003] To ensure optimal conditions for the use of the slurry, the slurry required for each batch of tobacco production is delivered in two batches by the batching room. After the last container of the first delivery of slurry is sucked into the feed tank, the operator shuts off the suction pump via a button on the control panel and then notifies the batching room to deliver more slurry. The batching worker then delivers the remaining slurry to the feeding station. Once the slurry is delivered, the operator transfers the feed gun connected to the suction pump to the slurry-filled tank, and then restarts the suction pump via a button on the control panel to replenish the slurry in the tank.

[0004] The liquid level detector is used to detect the liquid level in the tank and sends the detected level to the PLC controller. If the PLC controller detects that the liquid level in the tank is greater than the upper limit, it controls the suction pump to stop suction. When the liquid level in the tank is less than the lower limit, the PLC controller controls the suction pump to start and replenish the liquid in the tank.

[0005] In actual production, the following situations can lead to a failure to replenish the feed tank in a timely manner: First, the batching worker forgets to turn on the suction pump via the button on the control panel after delivering the remaining feed to the feeding station; second, the feed gun or suction pump malfunctions, such as a clogged feed gun, clogged suction pump, or a damaged suction pump. Failure to replenish the feed tank in a timely manner, resulting in no tobacco leaves being fed, will cause irreversible quality problems.

[0006] Therefore, how to avoid material shortages in the tank and thus prevent quality accidents is a critical issue that urgently needs to be addressed by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to avoid material shortage in the material tank, thereby avoiding quality accidents.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0009] A feeding system includes a material hopper, a suction pump, a material tank, a controller, a control panel, and a liquid level detector. The inlet of the suction pump is connected to the material hopper, and the outlet of the suction pump is connected to the material tank. The liquid level detector is used to detect the amount of liquid in the material tank and is communicatively connected to the controller. The control panel has a suction pump button, which is communicatively connected to the control terminal of the suction pump through the controller. The system also includes:

[0010] An electrically controlled valve for controlling the connection or disconnection of the suction pump and the material tank; the control panel is equipped with a selection button; the selection button is communicatively connected to the control terminal of the electrically controlled valve through the controller.

[0011] An alarm is communicatively connected to the controller. When the controller detects that the liquid level in the tank is equal to or less than the alarm value and the solenoid valve is in the open state, the controller controls the alarm to sound. When the controller detects that the liquid level in the tank is greater than the alarm value, or detects that the solenoid valve is in the closed state, the controller controls the alarm to stop sounding.

[0012] Preferably, the material tank includes a first material tank and a second material tank, the electrically controlled valve is a three-way valve, the inlet of the three-way valve is connected to the outlet of the suction pump, and the first outlet and the second outlet of the three-way valve are respectively connected to the inlet of the first material tank and the inlet of the second material tank;

[0013] The liquid detector includes a first liquid detector and a second liquid detector. The first liquid detector and the second liquid detector are used to detect the amount of liquid in the first tank and the second tank, respectively. Both the first liquid detector and the second liquid detector are communicatively connected to the controller.

[0014] The selection buttons include a first selection button and a second selection button. The first selection button connects or disconnects the inlet and the first outlet of the three-way valve via the controller. When the controller detects that the liquid level in the first tank is equal to or less than the alarm value, and the inlet and the first outlet of the three-way valve are connected, the controller controls the alarm to sound. When the controller detects that the liquid level in the first tank is greater than the alarm value, or detects that the inlet and the first outlet of the three-way valve are disconnected, the controller controls the alarm to stop sounding.

[0015] The second selection button connects or disconnects the inlet and the second outlet of the three-way valve via the controller. When the controller detects that the liquid volume in the second tank is equal to or less than the alarm value, and the inlet and the second outlet of the three-way valve are connected, the controller controls the alarm to sound. When the controller detects that the liquid volume in the second tank is greater than the alarm value, or detects that the inlet and the second outlet of the three-way valve are disconnected, the controller controls the alarm to stop sounding.

[0016] Preferably, the feeding system further includes an air pump, the inlet of which is connected to an air source, and the outlet of which is connected to a pipeline located between the suction pump and the three-way valve. The control panel is provided with a residual material recovery button for controlling the opening and closing of the air pump, and the residual material recovery button is communicatively connected to the control terminal of the air pump through the controller.

[0017] Preferably, the liquid detector is a weighing instrument, which includes an electronic platform scale and a weighing display instrument. The material tank is mounted on the electronic platform scale, and the signal output terminal of the electronic platform scale is communicatively connected to the signal input terminal of the weighing display instrument. The signal output terminal of the weighing display instrument is communicatively connected to the controller.

[0018] Preferably, the material tank is placed in a heating jacket through which heating steam flows, and a support leg is provided at the bottom of the heating jacket, with the bottom of the support leg placed on the electronic platform scale.

[0019] Preferably, the alarm is an audible and visual alarm.

[0020] This invention also discloses a method for alarming low material levels in a feeding system's hopper, based on the feeding system, including a method for triggering the alarm and a method for deactivating the alarm.

[0021] The method for triggering the alarm is as follows: the controller determines that the amount of liquid in the first or second tank is less than the alarm value based on the signal sent by the first or second liquid detector, and the controller detects that the inlet of the three-way valve is connected to the first outlet or the second outlet, then the alarm will sound.

[0022] The method to clear the alarm is as follows: When material is supplied to the first material tank or the second material tank, the controller determines, through the signal sent by the first material liquid detector or the second material liquid detector, that the amount of material liquid in the first material tank or the second material tank is greater than the alarm value, and then the alarm is cleared.

[0023] Preferably, the method for deactivating the alarm further includes: manually closing the three-way valve using the first selection button or the second selection button; if the controller detects that the inlet, the first outlet, and the second outlet of the three-way valve are all closed, then the alarm is deactivated.

[0024] Preferably, if the alarm detects that the liquid in the material tank has been completely sucked up, the suction pump is turned off by pressing the suction pump button, while the inlet of the three-way valve remains connected to the first outlet or the second outlet, so that the alarm continues to sound.

[0025] Preferably, after the last batch of liquid is pumped into the first or second tank by the suction pump, the suction pump is turned off by pressing the suction pump button, and the residual material recovery button is turned on to start the air pump. Compressed gas is blown into the pipe connecting the suction pump and the three-way valve, and the residual material in the pipe is blown into the first or second tank. After a preset time, the controller stops the air pump and closes the three-way valve to deactivate the alarm.

[0026] As can be seen from the above technical solution, in actual operation, if the material gun becomes clogged or the suction pump malfunctions, it cannot supply material to the tank normally. The liquid level in the tank will drop to the alarm value, and the alarm will sound. Upon receiving the alarm, if the operator finds that the material gun is clogged or the suction pump is damaged, they can manually shut off the suction pump using the suction pump button and close the electric control valve using the selector button. The alarm will stop sounding after the electric control valve is closed. After the material gun is cleared or the suction pump returns to normal, the operator can manually open the electric control valve using the selector button and start the suction pump using the suction pump button. The alarm will stop sounding once the liquid level in the tank exceeds the alarm value. This invention avoids the problem of insufficient material in the tank when the material gun is clogged or the suction pump is damaged.

[0027] If the liquid material in the feed hopper is completely drained, preventing normal feeding to the feed tank, and the liquid level in the feed tank drops to the alarm threshold, the alarm will sound. Upon receiving the alarm and finding that the liquid in the feed hopper has been drained, the operator will manually shut off the feed pump using the feed pump button. They will then notify the batching room to send a new feed hopper. Once the new feed hopper arrives, the feed gun will be placed into the new hopper. During this process, the electrically controlled valve remains open, so the alarm will continue to sound. The alarm's warning will prompt the operator to press the feed pump button on the control panel. Once the liquid level in the feed tank exceeds the alarm threshold, the alarm will stop. Because the alarm continues to sound during the feed hopper transfer, it prompts the operator to press the feed pump button on the control panel, thus preventing the problem of the feed tank running out of material due to the operator forgetting to press the feed pump button. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art are briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding system disclosed in the embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The core of this invention is to provide a feeding system that includes an alarm that will sound when the material tank is low on material.

[0031] Another core aspect of this invention is to provide an alarm method for when the material tank of a feeding system is low on material.

[0032] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0033] The feeding system disclosed in this embodiment of the invention includes: a material bucket, a suction pump, a material tank, a controller, a control panel, and a liquid detector.

[0034] The inlet of the suction pump is connected to the feed hopper, and the outlet is connected to the feed tank. The suction pump draws the liquid feed from the feed hopper into the feed tank. The liquid feed in the feed tank is then sprayed onto the tobacco leaves through a liquid feed nozzle. A suction pump button is located on the control panel, and this button communicates with the control terminal of the suction pump via the controller. The suction pump can be turned on or off using the button. A liquid feed detector is used to detect the amount of liquid feed in the feed tank, and this detector communicates with the controller.

[0035] The feeding system of this invention also includes an electrically controlled valve, which is located between the suction pump and the material tank to control the connection or disconnection between the suction pump and the material tank. A selection button is provided on the control panel, which is communicatively connected to the electrically controlled valve via the controller. The selection button can be used to open or close the electrically controlled valve.

[0036] A feeding gun is installed at the end of the pipe connected to the inlet of the suction pump. Placing the feeding gun into the material tank establishes a connection between the tank and the suction pump. The operator manually activates the electric control valve via a selection button, connecting the suction pump to the material tank. The suction pump is then activated via the suction pump button on the control panel, feeding material into the tank. A liquid level detector monitors the liquid level in the tank and sends the signal to the controller. When the controller detects that the liquid level in the tank exceeds the upper limit, it stops the suction pump. When the controller detects that the liquid level is below the lower limit, it activates the suction pump. This achieves automated feeding of the material tank. After the liquid in the tank is completely sucked out, the operator manually shuts off the suction pump via the suction pump button, then notifies the batching supplier to deliver material. The feeding gun is then placed into a new material tank, and the operator manually restarts the suction pump via the suction pump button.

[0037] The feeding system in this invention also includes an alarm, which is communicatively connected to the controller. When the controller detects that the liquid level in the tank is equal to or less than the alarm value, and the electrically controlled valve is in the open state, the controller activates the alarm. The alarm indicates that the liquid level in the tank is below the lower limit. After an incident is handled and the feeding pump resumes normal operation, if the controller detects that the liquid level in the tank is greater than the alarm value, the alarm will stop. Alternatively, if the electrically controlled valve is manually closed using a selection button on the control panel, the alarm will also stop.

[0038] In actual operation, if the feed gun becomes clogged or the feed pump malfunctions, it cannot supply material to the tank, causing the liquid level in the tank to drop to the alarm threshold, triggering an alarm. Upon receiving the alarm, if the operator finds the feed gun clogged or the feed pump malfunctioning, they manually shut off the feed pump using the feed pump button and close the electrically controlled valve using the selector button. The alarm stops after the electrically controlled valve is closed. Once the feed gun is cleared or the feed pump is functioning normally again, the operator manually opens the electrically controlled valve using the selector button and starts the feed pump using the feed pump button. The alarm stops when the liquid level in the tank exceeds the alarm threshold. This invention avoids the problem of insufficient material in the tank when the feed gun is clogged or the feed pump is damaged.

[0039] If the liquid material in the feed hopper is completely drained, preventing normal feeding to the feed tank, and the liquid level in the feed tank drops to the alarm threshold, the alarm will sound. Upon receiving the alarm and finding that the liquid in the feed hopper has been drained, the operator will manually shut off the feed pump using the feed pump button. They will then notify the batching room to send a new feed hopper. Once the new feed hopper arrives, the feed gun will be placed into the new hopper. During this process, the electrically controlled valve remains open, so the alarm will continue to sound. The alarm's warning will prompt the operator to press the feed pump button on the control panel. The alarm will stop sounding once the liquid level in the feed tank exceeds the alarm threshold. Because the alarm continues to sound during the feed hopper transfer, it prompts the operator to press the feed pump button on the control panel, thus preventing the problem of the feed tank running out of material due to the operator forgetting to press the feed pump button.

[0040] Two material tanks are typically used during on-site operations. Different material tanks can be selected when spraying different liquids, or the other tank can be activated if one tank malfunctions. The material tanks in this invention include a first material tank and a second material tank. The electrically controlled valve is preferably a three-way valve. The inlet of the three-way valve is connected to the outlet of the suction pump. The first outlet of the three-way valve is connected to the inlet of the first material tank. The second outlet of the three-way valve is connected to the inlet of the second material tank. The activation of the electrically controlled valve means that the inlet of the three-way valve is connected to the first outlet, or the inlet of the three-way valve is connected to the second outlet. The closure of the electrically controlled valve means that the inlet of the three-way valve is closed from both the first and second outlets.

[0041] The liquid detectors include a first liquid detector and a second liquid detector. The first and second liquid detectors are used to detect the amount of liquid in the first and second tanks, respectively. Both the first and second liquid detectors are communicatively connected to the controller.

[0042] The selection buttons include a first selection button and a second selection button. The first selection button connects or disconnects the inlet and first outlet of the three-way valve via the controller, thus controlling the connection or disconnection of the suction pump and the first material tank. When the controller detects that the liquid level in the first material tank is equal to or less than the alarm value, and the inlet and first outlet of the three-way valve are connected, the controller activates the alarm. When the controller detects that the liquid level in the first material tank is greater than the alarm value, or detects that the inlet and first outlet of the three-way valve are disconnected, the controller deactivates the alarm.

[0043] The second selection button connects or disconnects the inlet and second outlet of the three-way valve via the controller, thus controlling the connection or disconnection of the suction pump and the second material tank. When the controller detects that the liquid level in the second material tank is equal to or less than the alarm value, and the inlet and second outlet of the three-way valve are open, the controller activates the alarm. When the controller detects that the liquid level in the second material tank is greater than the alarm value, or detects that the inlet and second outlet of the three-way valve are closed, the controller deactivates the alarm.

[0044] The feeding system of this invention also includes an air pump. The air pump inlet is connected to an air source, and the air pump outlet is connected to a pipeline located between the suction pump and the three-way valve. A residual material recovery button is provided on the control panel for controlling the start and stop of the air pump. The residual material recovery button is communicatively connected to the control terminal of the air pump via a controller. After the last tank of liquid in the same batch is sucked up, the suction pump is manually turned off using the suction pump button. Then, the residual material recovery button is pressed to introduce compressed air into the pipeline between the suction pump and the three-way valve, thereby blowing the remaining liquid in the pipeline into the tank, thus achieving residual material recovery.

[0045] The liquid detector in this invention is preferably a weighing instrument. The weighing instrument includes an electronic platform scale and a weighing display instrument. The material tank is mounted on the electronic platform scale, and the signal output terminal of the electronic platform scale is communicatively connected to the signal input terminal of the weighing display instrument, which in turn is communicatively connected to a controller.

[0046] This invention uses an electronic platform scale to weigh the material tank to reflect the amount of liquid inside. Because it is unaffected by factors such as the viscosity of the liquid, the weighing instrument can accurately reflect the liquid volume. The weighing display instrument shows the weight of the tank for easy observation by operators. It also facilitates adjustment of the weighing instrument during maintenance. The signal output terminal of the weighing display instrument is connected to the controller, and the weighing display instrument sends the liquid volume of the tank to the controller. The alarm value can be set to 30 kg; when the weighing instrument detects that the weight of the tank is less than 30 kg, the alarm will sound.

[0047] If there are two material tanks, a first material tank and a second material tank, then there are correspondingly two weighing instruments. The first material tank is installed on the first electronic platform scale, and the signal output terminal of the first electronic platform scale is communicatively connected to the signal input terminal of the first weighing display instrument, which in turn is communicatively connected to the controller. The second material tank is installed on the second electronic platform scale, and the signal output terminal of the second electronic platform scale is communicatively connected to the signal input terminal of the second weighing display instrument, which in turn is communicatively connected to the controller.

[0048] The feeding system of this invention also includes a heating jacket, in which the material tank is placed. Heating steam flows through the heating jacket. A support leg is provided at the bottom of the heating jacket, and the bottom of the support leg is mounted on an electronic scale. Due to the heating effect of the heating steam, the liquid in the material tank is at a high temperature, thus ensuring the quality of the liquid.

[0049] The alarm in this invention is an audible and visual alarm. The dual audible and visual prompts increase the accuracy of the alarm, and the failure of one component will not affect the alarm.

[0050] This invention also discloses a method for alarming low material levels in a feeding system's hopper, comprising:

[0051] The alarm is triggered as follows: The controller determines, via signals from the first or second liquid level detector, that the liquid level in either the first or second tank is less than the alarm threshold. Furthermore, the controller detects continuity between the inlet and the first or second outlet of the three-way valve. In other words, when supplying material to the first tank, if the liquid level is detected to be less than the alarm threshold, the alarm will sound; similarly, when supplying material to the second tank, if the liquid level is detected to be less than the alarm threshold, the alarm will sound.

[0052] The method to clear the alarm is as follows: After the fault is cleared, feed material into the first or second material tank. The controller determines that the amount of material in the first or second material tank is greater than the alarm value by the signal sent by the first or second material detector, and then the alarm is cleared.

[0053] Another method to clear the alarm: Manually close the three-way valve using either the first or second selection button. The controller will detect that the inlet, first outlet, and second outlet of the three-way valve are all closed, thus clearing the alarm. For example, if a blockage is found in the feed gun or the suction pump is damaged while feeding material to the first tank, close the three-way valve using the first selection button to clear the alarm, and simultaneously shut down the suction pump using the suction pump button. Then, repair or replace the feed gun or suction pump. Once the feed gun or suction pump is back to normal, reopen the inlet and first outlet of the three-way valve using the first selection button, and start the suction pump using the suction pump button. Since the liquid level in the tank is still below the alarm value, the alarm will sound. As material is fed, if the liquid level in the tank exceeds the alarm value, the alarm will stop, indicating that the feed gun or suction pump is functioning normally.

[0054] If the alarm sounds and it indicates that the liquid in the hopper has been completely sucked out, the suction pump should be shut off using the suction pump button. Simultaneously, the inlet of the three-way valve should remain open to either the first outlet or the second outlet, thus keeping the alarm functioning. After replacing the hopper, the operator will be alerted by the alarm and press the suction pump button to start the pump.

[0055] After the last batch of liquid material is pumped into the first or second storage tank by the suction pump, the alarm will sound when the liquid level in the tank drops to the alarm threshold. The operator will then shut off the suction pump using the suction pump button and simultaneously activate the residual material recovery button, starting the air pump. This air pump will blow compressed air into the pipe connecting the suction pump and the three-way valve, pushing the residual material in the pipe into the first or second storage tank. After a preset time, the controller will stop the air pump and simultaneously close the three-way valve. Closing the three-way valve means that both the inlet, first outlet, and second outlet of the three-way valve are closed. The alarm will be deactivated after the three-way valve closes.

[0056] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper" and "lower," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0057] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0058] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A feeding system, comprising a material hopper, a suction pump, a material tank, a controller, a control panel, and a liquid level detector, wherein the inlet of the suction pump is connected to the material hopper, the outlet of the suction pump is connected to the material tank, the liquid level detector is used to detect the amount of liquid in the material tank, the liquid level detector is communicatively connected to the controller, and the control panel is provided with a suction pump button, the suction pump button being communicatively connected to the control terminal of the suction pump through the controller, characterized in that... Also includes: An electrically controlled valve for controlling the connection or disconnection of the suction pump and the material tank; the control panel is equipped with a selection button; the selection button is communicatively connected to the control terminal of the electrically controlled valve through the controller. An alarm is communicatively connected to the controller. When the controller detects that the amount of liquid in the tank is equal to or less than the alarm value, and the electronically controlled valve is in the on state, the controller controls the alarm to sound an alarm. When the controller detects that the amount of liquid in the tank is greater than the alarm value, or when it detects that the electronically controlled valve is in the closed state, the controller controls the alarm to stop alarming. The material tank includes a first material tank and a second material tank. The electrically controlled valve is a three-way valve. The inlet of the three-way valve is connected to the outlet of the suction pump. The first outlet and the second outlet of the three-way valve are respectively connected to the inlet of the first material tank and the inlet of the second material tank. The liquid detector includes a first liquid detector and a second liquid detector. The first liquid detector and the second liquid detector are used to detect the amount of liquid in the first tank and the second tank, respectively. Both the first liquid detector and the second liquid detector are communicatively connected to the controller. The selection buttons include a first selection button and a second selection button. The first selection button connects or disconnects the inlet and the first outlet of the three-way valve via the controller. When the controller detects that the liquid level in the first tank is equal to or less than the alarm value, and the inlet and the first outlet of the three-way valve are connected, the controller controls the alarm to sound. When the controller detects that the liquid level in the first tank is greater than the alarm value, or detects that the inlet and the first outlet of the three-way valve are disconnected, the controller controls the alarm to stop sounding. The second selection button connects or disconnects the inlet and the second outlet of the three-way valve via the controller. When the controller detects that the liquid volume in the second tank is equal to or less than the alarm value, and the inlet and the second outlet of the three-way valve are connected, the controller controls the alarm to sound. When the controller detects that the liquid volume in the second tank is greater than the alarm value, or detects that the inlet and the second outlet of the three-way valve are disconnected, the controller controls the alarm to stop sounding.

2. The feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding system also includes an air pump, the inlet of which is connected to an air source, and the outlet of which is connected to a pipeline located between the suction pump and the three-way valve. The control panel is equipped with a residual material recovery button for controlling the opening and closing of the air pump. The residual material recovery button is communicatively connected to the control terminal of the air pump through the controller.

3. The feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid detector is a weighing instrument, which includes an electronic platform scale and a weighing display instrument. The material tank is mounted on the electronic platform scale. The signal output terminal of the electronic platform scale is communicatively connected to the signal input terminal of the weighing display instrument, and the signal output terminal of the weighing display instrument is communicatively connected to the controller.

4. The feeding system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The material tank is placed in a heating jacket through which heating steam flows. A support leg is provided at the bottom of the heating jacket, and the bottom of the support leg is placed on the electronic platform scale.

5. The feeding system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The alarm is an audible and visual alarm.

6. A method for alarming low material levels in a feeding system's hopper, based on the feeding system described in claim 2, characterized in that, This includes methods for triggering and deactivating alarms; The method for triggering the alarm is as follows: the controller determines that the amount of liquid in the first or second tank is less than the alarm value based on the signal sent by the first or second liquid detector, and the controller detects that the inlet of the three-way valve is connected to the first outlet or the second outlet, then the alarm will sound. The method for deactivating the alarm is as follows: The suction pump supplies material to the first or second material tank. The controller determines, based on the signal sent by the first or second material detector, that the amount of material in the first or second material tank is greater than the alarm value, and then the alarm is deactivated.

7. The material shortage alarm method for the feeding system tank according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method for deactivating the alarm further includes: manually closing the three-way valve using the first selection button or the second selection button; if the controller detects that the inlet, the first outlet, and the second outlet of the three-way valve are all closed, then the alarm is deactivated.

8. The material shortage alarm method for the feeding system tank according to claim 6, characterized in that, If the alarm sounds and it is found that the liquid in the material tank has been completely sucked up, the suction pump is turned off by pressing the suction pump button, while keeping the inlet of the three-way valve connected to the first outlet or the second outlet, so that the alarm continues to sound.

9. The material shortage alarm method for the feeding system tank according to claim 6, characterized in that, After the last batch of liquid material is pumped into the first or second tank by the suction pump, the suction pump is turned off by pressing the suction pump button, and the residual material recovery button is turned on to start the air pump. Compressed gas is blown into the pipe connecting the suction pump and the three-way valve, blowing the residual material in the pipe into the first or second tank. After a preset time, the controller stops the air pump and closes the three-way valve to deactivate the alarm.

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