A key management device

Abstract

This application discloses a key management device, including a key container with a switchable blocking component dividing it into an upper space and a lower space. The upper space has a key insertion inlet, and the lower space has a key removal outlet. The blocking component can hold the key in the upper space. The blocking component is also connected to a switch component, and a weight sensor is installed on the blocking component. The switch component and the weight sensor are both connected to a control component, which is also connected to a sampling machine. The control component is used to control the sampling machine to start sampling when it receives a card swipe signal and a weight signal from the weight sensor, and to control the switch component to open the blocking component to allow the key to fall into the lower space when it receives a signal that sampling has completed. This key management device can prevent drivers unfamiliar with the sampling process from driving away while the sampling head is being sampled, causing the sampling machine to derail and ensuring safety during the sampling process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of power plant equipment technology, and in particular relates to a key management device. Background Technology

[0002] The sampling process for coal trucks at thermal power plants is as follows: After the coal truck driver drives the truck to the designated sampling location, the system automatically issues a command to start sampling via the sampling machine interface. Sampling then begins. Once sampling is complete, the driver drives the truck out of the sampling area, thus completing the entire sampling process. However, the existing sampling process has the following problems: it is not possible to completely control whether the driver gets back into the truck after sampling is complete; the coal truck key cannot be effectively managed after the driver arrives at the designated sampling location, and sampling personnel cannot monitor the key's status. This could lead to the driver starting the truck before sampling is fully completed, potentially dragging the sampling machine and causing damage. Furthermore, sampling personnel cannot control the driver's whereabouts after the truck arrives at the designated sampling location, and there are no corresponding control measures in place if the driver leaves the designated location without authorization. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a key management device that can prevent drivers unfamiliar with the sampling process from leaving their positions while the sampling head is still sampling, thus avoiding the risk of the sampling machine derailing due to dragging the sampling head, and better ensuring safety during the sampling process.

[0004] This invention provides a key management device, including a key container. A switchable blocking component within the key container divides it into an upper space and a lower space. The upper space has a key insertion inlet, and the lower space has a key retrieval outlet. The blocking component can hold the key in the upper space. The blocking component is also connected to a switch component. A weight sensing component is mounted on the blocking component. The switch component and the weight sensing component are both connected to a control component. The control component is also connected to a sampling machine. The control component controls the sampling machine to start sampling when it receives a card swipe signal and a weight signal from the weight sensing component. Furthermore, it controls the switch component to open the blocking component to allow the key to fall into the lower space when it receives a signal indicating that sampling is complete.

[0005] Preferably, in the above-mentioned key management device, a human body detection component is also installed on the key container, and the human body detection component is also connected to the control component. The control component is used to control the sampler to start sampling when it simultaneously receives the card swipe signal, the weight signal and the human body presence signal from the human body detection component.

[0006] Preferably, in the above-mentioned key management device, the key container is further provided with a first alarm component, which is connected to the control component. The control component is used to control the first alarm component to sound an alarm and to control the sampler to stop sampling and raise its temperature when it receives a human absence signal from the human body detection component.

[0007] Preferably, in the above-mentioned key management device, the key container is further provided with a second alarm component, which is connected to the control component. The control component is used to control the second alarm component to sound an alarm and control the sampler to stop sampling and rise when it receives a key absence signal from the weight sensing component.

[0008] Preferably, in the above-mentioned key management device, the blocking component is further provided with a metal sensor, the metal sensor is connected to the control component, and the control component is used to control the sampler to start sampling when it simultaneously receives the card swipe signal, the weight signal, the human body presence signal and the metal object presence signal from the metal sensor.

[0009] Preferably, in the above-mentioned key management device, the blocking component includes a fixed plate with a through hole in the middle and a rotating plate rotatably connected to the fixed plate on one side. The switching component is used to control the rotating plate to block the through hole when it is parallel to the fixed plate so that the key is placed in the upper space, and to control the rotating plate to pass through the through hole and fall into the lower space when it is at a preset angle with the fixed plate.

[0010] Preferably, in the above-mentioned key management device, the switch component includes a latch disposed on the free side of the rotating plate, a latch through hole opened on the fixed plate, and an electromagnetic lock fixed to the fixed plate that enables the extension and retraction of the lock head. The electromagnetic lock is connected to the control component. When the rotating plate rotates to be parallel with the fixed plate, after the latch passes through the latch through hole, the control component is used to control the electromagnetic lock to be energized so that the lock head extends into the latch through hole, thereby fixing the rotating plate. It is also used to control the electromagnetic lock to retract the lock head after it is de-energized, thereby releasing the fixing of the rotating plate.

[0011] Preferably, in the above-described key management device, the switch component further includes a reset member connected to the free side of the rotating plate, for resetting the rotating plate to a state parallel to the fixed plate.

[0012] Preferably, in the above-mentioned key management device, the switch component further includes an electromagnet with a pin facing the rotating plate. The electromagnet is connected to the control component, which controls the electromagnet to be energized when the electromagnetic lock is de-energized, so that the pin extends to open the rotating plate and the key falls into the lower space.

[0013] Preferably, in the above-described key management device, the reset element is a spring in a compressed state, and the first end of the spring is connected to the top surface of the key container, and the second end is connected to the rotating plate.

[0014] As described above, the key management device provided by the present invention includes a key container. A switchable blocking component within the key container divides the container into an upper space and a lower space. The upper space has a key insertion port, and the lower space has a key extraction port. The blocking component can hold the key in the upper space. The blocking component is also connected to a switch component, and a weight sensing component is mounted on the blocking component. Both the switch component and the weight sensing component are connected to a control component, which is also connected to a sampling machine. The control component controls the sampling machine to start sampling when it receives a card swipe signal and a weight signal from the weight sensing component. It also controls the switch component to open the blocking component when it receives a signal indicating that sampling is complete, allowing the key to fall into the lower space. Therefore, this device avoids the problem of drivers unfamiliar with the sampling process leaving their positions while the sampling head is still sampling, potentially causing the sampling machine to derail and dragging the sampling head, thus better ensuring safety during the sampling process. Attached Figure Description

[0015] 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 will be 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.

[0016] Figure 1 This is an external front view of an embodiment of a key management device provided by the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 A perspective view of a partial internal structure of an embodiment of a key management device provided by the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a weight sensor;

[0019] Figure 4Rear view of the internal three-dimensional structure of an embodiment of a key management device provided by the present invention;

[0020] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the key management device provided by the present invention from another perspective;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a side view of the flip-up structure of the key management device. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The core of this invention is to provide a key management device that can be applied, but is not limited to, to the coal sampling process in thermal power plants. This device can prevent drivers unfamiliar with the sampling process from leaving their positions while the sampling head is still sampling, thus avoiding the problem of the sampling machine derailing due to dragging the sampling head. This better ensures safety during the sampling process.

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] An example implementation of the key management device provided by the present invention Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, Figure 1 This is an external front view of an embodiment of a key management device provided by the present invention. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a partial internal structure of an embodiment of a key management device provided by the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a weight sensor. Figure 4 This is a rear view of the internal three-dimensional structure of an embodiment of a key management device provided by the present invention. The key management device may include a key container 1, and a switchable blocking component 2 is provided inside the key container 1 to divide it into an upper space 3 and a lower space 4. The upper space 3 has a key insertion port 5, from which the coal car driver can insert the key into the key container 1 and enter the upper space 3. The lower space 4 has a key retrieval port 6, from which the coal car driver can retrieve the key. The blocking component 2 can hold the key in the upper space 3, ensuring that the key remains in the upper space 3 during the operation of the sampling machine and will not fall down and be retrieved by the driver. The blocking component 2 is also connected to a switching component 7. Figure 3It can be seen that a weight sensing component 8 is provided on the blocking component 2. It should be noted that the weight sensing component 8 can preferably be a button-type weight sensor with a diameter of 30mm. This sensor is located on the upper part of the blocking component 2, and the number can be, but is not limited to, four. Since there is a funnel on the upper part of the blocking component 2, when the key falls onto the blocking component 2 through the funnel, the principle of the four weight sensing components 8 arranged in the falling area is that the greater the applied force, the smaller the resistance, and the resistance tends to infinity when no force is applied. A single weight sensing component can act like... Figure 3 There are two signal output lines. Four weight sensors are connected to a four-line linear voltage conversion module. The linear voltage conversion module has four sensitivity adjustment potentiometers, each corresponding to one of the four weight sensing components. By adjusting the potentiometers, the pressure signals from the four weight sensing components are converted into 5V electrical signals, outputting four voltage signals to the key management device. When any weight sensing component outputs an electrical signal, it is assumed that a key has been inserted. Specifically, the switch component 7 and the weight sensing components can be simultaneously connected to the control component 9. The control component 9 is also connected to a sampling machine (not shown). The control component 9 is used to receive card swipe signals and signals from the weight sensing components. When the weight signal of component 8 is received, the sampling machine is controlled to start sampling. The card swipe signal here comes from the driver of the coal truck swiping his card. It stores information related to each driver. Once the card is swiped, it can be identified which driver brought the coal truck. Of course, it can also include other information. When the sampling machine receives the signal that sampling is complete, the control component 9 can control the switch component 7 to open the blocking component 2 so that the key falls into the lower space 4. In this way, the driver can get the key and start the vehicle to drive away. At this time, there will be no dragging of the sampling machine. It is ensured that the coal truck can only be driven away after sampling is completed, so the sampling process is safer.

[0025] It should be noted that the working process of this key management device in the field of coal car sampling control is as follows: After the coal car driver drives to the designated sampling position, the driver puts the key into the key inlet 1. After the weight sensing component 8 detects the presence of the key, the sampler begins sampling. During the sampling process, the key remains in the upper space 3. After the entire sampling process is completed, the control component 9 receives the sampling completion signal and controls the switch component 7 to open the blocking component 2. At this time, the key will fall into the lower space 4 under the action of gravity. Only then can the driver reach into the key retrieval outlet 6 to take the coal car key, start the vehicle, and drive it away. This effectively ensures that the driver cannot drive the vehicle away during the sampling process, effectively ensuring that the sampler will not be accidentally dragged and damaged, thus better ensuring the safety of the sampling process.

[0026] As described above, in the embodiments of the key management device provided by the present invention, a key container is included. A switchable blocking component within the key container divides the container into an upper space and a lower space. The upper space has a key insertion port, and the lower space has a key extraction port. The blocking component can hold the key in the upper space. The blocking component is also connected to a switch component, and a weight sensing component is provided on the blocking component. The switch component and the weight sensing component are simultaneously connected to a control component, which is also connected to a sampling machine. The control component controls the sampling machine to start sampling when it receives a card swipe signal and a weight signal from the weight sensing component. It also controls the switch component to open the blocking component when it receives a signal indicating that sampling is complete, allowing the key to fall into the lower space. Therefore, this method avoids the problem of drivers unfamiliar with the sampling process leaving their positions while the sampling head is still sampling, potentially causing the sampling machine to derail and dragging the sampling head, thus better ensuring safety during the sampling process.

[0027] In one specific embodiment of the aforementioned key management device, reference continues... Figure 1 A human body detection component 10 can also be installed on the key container 1, and this human body detection component 10 is also connected to the aforementioned control component 9. The control component 9 is used to control the sampling machine to start sampling when it simultaneously receives a card swipe signal, a weight signal, and a human body presence signal from the human body detection component 10. It should be noted that the aforementioned weight sensor can only detect the weight of the key. If the driver throws a non-key-like component with metal material into the key container, the key management device cannot accurately detect it. This requires the addition of other components such as a camera for identification. However, due to the harsh environment of the coal yard and the large amount of coal dust, precision components such as cameras cannot be used for a long time and cannot be maintained. Therefore, cameras are not suitable for the coal yard sampling machine area. Based on this, the human body detection component 10 can preferably be an infrared ray detection component. This way, by determining that the driver has not left the area where the key management device is located, it can prevent the driver from putting a metal component similar to a key into the key management device and starting the car with a real car key while the sampling machine is working. It can be seen that this further improves the security of the sampling process and better plugs the loopholes in coal truck key management.

[0028] In another specific embodiment of the aforementioned key management device, reference continues... Figure 1 The key container 1 is also equipped with a first alarm component 11, which can function as an audible alarm, a visual alarm, or a combination of both. The first alarm component 11 is connected to the control component 9. The control component 9 is used to control the first alarm component 11 to sound an alarm and to control the sampler to stop sampling and rise when it receives a human absence signal from the human detection component 10, so as to prevent the sampler from being dragged after the vehicle is driven. After the first alarm component 11 sounds an alarm, the management personnel can be notified of the abnormal situation in time and stop the driver in time to avoid more serious accidents.

[0029] In yet another specific embodiment of the aforementioned key management device, refer to... Figure 1 The key container 1 is also equipped with a second alarm component 12, which can function as an audible alarm, a visual alarm, or a combination of both. The second alarm component 12 is connected to the control component 9. The control component 9, upon receiving a key-out-of-position signal from the weight sensor, controls the second alarm component 12 to sound an alarm and controls the sampler to stop sampling and rise, preventing the driver from prematurely removing the key to start the vehicle and dragging the sampler after the vehicle is started. The alarm from the second alarm component 12 allows management personnel to promptly notify the driver of any abnormalities and stop the driver in time, preventing more serious accidents.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the key management device described above, a metal sensor (not shown) may also be provided on the blocking component 2. The metal sensor is connected to the control component 9. The control component 9 is used to control the sampler to start sampling when it simultaneously receives a card swipe signal, a weight signal, a human presence signal, and a metal object presence signal from the metal sensor. It should be noted that the metal sensor can sense the material of the key. The metal sensor can preferably be a mini ultra-short body-separated proximity switch with a length of 15mm, a width of 3mm, a metal detection distance of 2mm, a flush installation method, a response time of less than 0.3ms, and a normally open output method. This detection area is basically limited to the lower part of the funnel inside the device. Other metal parts such as electromagnets are not within this 2mm metal detection range, so they will not cause interference. When a key falls, the key approaches the proximity switch probe, generating an electromagnetic signal, and the normally open point closes, indicating that metal has fallen in. In this scenario, once the key management device detects that the key has been inserted, the coal truck driver starts swiping his card. Simultaneously, the infrared human body detection component detects that the person has arrived at the designated location. At this point, the host computer simultaneously receives the key status signal and the infrared human body detection signal. The infrared human body detection signal is triggered when the infrared rays are blocked, and the sampling machine starts sampling. This can prevent drivers from cheating to a greater extent.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment of the above-described key management device, refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the key management device provided by the present invention from another perspective. The blocking component 2 may include a fixed plate 21 with a through hole 23 in the middle, and a rotating plate 22 rotatably connected to the fixed plate 21 on one side. The switching component 7 is used to control the rotating plate 22 to rotate to be parallel with the fixed plate 21, blocking the through hole 23 to keep the key stationary in the upper space 3, and to control the rotating plate 22 to rotate to form a preset angle with the fixed plate 21, so that the key passes through the through hole 23 and falls into the lower space 4. Further, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a side view of the flip-up structure of the key management device. The switch component 7 preferably includes a latch 71 located on the free side of the rotating plate, a latch through-hole 72 on the fixed plate 21, and an electromagnetic lock 74 fixed to the fixed plate 21 to allow the extension and retraction of the lock head 73. The electromagnetic lock 74 is connected to the control component 9. When the rotating plate 22 rotates to be parallel to the fixed plate 21, the latch 71 passes through the latch through-hole 72. The control component 9 then energizes the electromagnetic lock 74 to extend the lock head 73 into the latch through-hole 72, thus fixing the rotating plate 22. It also controls the electromagnetic lock 74 to retract the lock head 73 after de-energizing, releasing the fixation of the rotating plate 22. Further details can be found by referring to... Figure 2 and Figure 5 The switch component 7 may also include a reset member 75 connected to the free side of the rotating plate 22, which is used to reset the rotating plate 22 to a state parallel to the fixed plate 21. That is, when there is no other external force, the reset member 75 can be used to restore the rotating plate 22 to the initial position that prevents the key from falling. Specifically, the reset member 75 can preferably be a spring in a compressed state, with the first end of the spring connected to the top surface of the key container 1 and the second end connected to the rotating plate 22. This can achieve the reset function at a lower cost and is not affected by the external dusty environment, resulting in a longer service life. Of course, other types of reset members can also be selected according to actual needs, which is not limited here.

[0032] In yet another preferred embodiment of the aforementioned key management device, reference continues... Figure 2 The aforementioned switch component 7 may further include an electromagnet 77 with a pin 76 facing the rotating plate 22. The electromagnet 77 is connected to a control component 9, which energizes the electromagnet 77 when the electromagnetic lock 74 is de-energized, causing the pin 76 to extend and push open the rotating plate 22, allowing the key to fall into the lower space. It should be noted that after the electromagnetic lock 74 is de-energized, the locking of the rotating plate 22 is released, allowing it to rotate. However, under the action of the reset component, it remains horizontal, and the key does not fall. Then, the electromagnet 77 is energized to push the pin 76 downwards to open the rotating plate 22, so that the rotating plate 22 no longer blocks the through hole on the fixed plate 21. The key can then fall naturally under gravity, allowing the driver to retrieve it. Starting the vehicle at this point will not drag the sampler, as sampling has been completed and the sampler has been raised to the designated position.

[0033] Additionally, it should be noted that, Figure 4 The base plate 13, the outer shell 14, the partition 15 and the waterproof edge 16 are also shown, which constitute the overall support structure.

[0034] 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 key management device, characterized in that, The device includes a key container, which is divided into an upper space and a lower space by a switchable blocking component. The upper space has a key insertion port, and the lower space has a key retrieval port. The blocking component can hold the key in the upper space. The blocking component is also connected to a switch component and has a weight sensing component. The switch component and the weight sensing component are connected to a control component. The control component is also connected to a sampling machine. The control component controls the sampling machine to start sampling when it receives a card swipe signal and a weight signal from the weight sensing component. It also controls the switch component to open the blocking component to allow the key to fall into the lower space when it receives a signal that the sampling machine has completed sampling. The blocking component includes a fixed plate with a through hole in the middle and a rotating plate rotatably connected to the fixed plate on one side. The switching component is used to control the rotating plate to block the through hole when it is parallel to the fixed plate so that the key is placed in the upper space, and to control the rotating plate to pass through the through hole and fall into the lower space when it is at a preset angle with the fixed plate.

2. The key management device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The key container is also equipped with a human body detection component, which is also connected to the control component. The control component is used to control the sampler to start sampling when it simultaneously receives the card swipe signal, the weight signal, and the human body presence signal from the human body detection component.

3. The key management device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The key container is also provided with a first alarm component, which is connected to the control component. The control component is used to control the first alarm component to sound an alarm and to control the sampler to stop sampling and raise its temperature when it receives a human absence signal from the human body detection component.

4. The key management device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The key container is also provided with a second alarm component, which is connected to the control component. The control component is used to control the second alarm component to sound an alarm and to control the sampler to stop sampling and rise when it receives a key absence signal from the weight sensing component.

5. The key management device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The blocking component is also equipped with a metal sensor, which is connected to the control component. The control component is used to control the sampler to start sampling when it simultaneously receives the card swipe signal, the weight signal, the human body presence signal, and the metal object presence signal from the metal sensor.

6. The key management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The switching component includes a latch disposed on the free side of the rotating plate, a latch through hole formed on the fixed plate, and an electromagnetic lock fixed to the fixed plate that enables the extension and retraction of the lock head. The electromagnetic lock is connected to the control component. When the rotating plate rotates to be parallel with the fixed plate, the latch passes through the latch through hole. The control component is used to control the electromagnetic lock to be energized so that the lock head extends into the latch through hole, thereby fixing the rotating plate. It is also used to control the electromagnetic lock to retract the lock head after it is de-energized, thereby releasing the fixation of the rotating plate.

7. The key management device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The switching component also includes a reset member connected to the free side of the rotating plate, used to reset the rotating plate to a state parallel to the fixed plate.

8. The key management device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The switching component also includes an electromagnet with a pin facing the rotating plate. The electromagnet is connected to the control component, which controls the electromagnet to be energized when the electromagnetic lock is de-energized, so that the pin extends and pushes open the rotating plate, allowing the key to fall into the lower space.

9. The key management device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The reset element is a spring in a compressed state, with the first end of the spring connected to the top surface of the key container and the second end connected to the rotating plate.

Images