A method and apparatus for contact-based detection of clamping in place in a tippler

Abstract

This invention discloses a method and apparatus for contact-based detection of clamping positioning in a tippler, relating to the field of tippler loading and unloading. Specifically designed for vertical point-pressure tipplers, where detection elements cannot be installed on the pressure mechanism, this invention presents a novel mechanical structure. The stopping position of the pressure beam is determined by the position of this mechanical structure after contact with the car body, achieving the detection purpose. This direct contact detection method offers high reliability and avoids false positioning where the hydraulic system pressure reaches the set value but the actual pressure beam does not contact the car body, thus reducing the accident rate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tippler loading and unloading, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for contact-type detection of clamping in place for tipplers. Background Technology

[0002] A tippler is a large mechanical device that automatically unloads bulk materials from open railway wagons. The tippler uses a pressing device to secure the open wagons inside, then rotates them 165 degrees to pour the material into a hopper, which is then transported to its destination. Existing tippler systems employ various pressing methods. Currently, the vertical pressing method is widely used due to its adaptability to a wide range of wagon types. Each pressing beam is controlled by an independent hydraulic system, resulting in improved stability compared to other methods. The pressing beams are controlled by a hydraulic system, and the tightness of the pressing beams is determined by detecting the pressure signal within the pressing beam cylinders.

[0003] Current methods involve installing inductive switches or pressure sensors within the pressure beam. When an inductive switch is used, the pressure beam descends to begin pressing the truck. When the pressure head contacts the truck bed, it moves upwards within the inductive switch's sensing range, triggering the switch to send a signal to the PLC control system. When a pressure sensor is used, the pressure beam descends to begin pressing the truck. When the pressure head contacts the truck bed, the pressure sensor installed under the pressure head reaches the set pressure value and sends a signal to the PLC control system. The drawbacks of these methods are that because the pressure beam moves up and down within a slide, the connecting cables of the detection elements must move with the pressure beam. These cables are prone to breakage and damage, and material may fall onto the cables when the tipper tilts. Therefore, installing detection elements on the pressure beam results in low reliability and stability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the reliability and stability issues of the aforementioned method for installing detection elements on the loading beam, this invention provides a contact-based detection and clamping mechanism for tippers. This invention primarily employs direct contact detection, improving the reliability and stability of the detection and avoiding false positioning where the hydraulic system pressure reaches a set value but the loading beam does not actually contact the wagon.

[0005] The technical means employed in this invention are as follows:

[0006] A contact-type detection and clamping device for a tipper includes: a pressure beam, a sensor head, a fixed base, a return spring, a sensor switch, a car body pressure plate, and a pressure beam and car body pressure plate.

[0007] The sensing head and the car body pressure plate of the pressing beam are fixedly installed at the head of the pressing beam. The sensing switch, the reset spring, the junction box and the car body pressure plate constitute a detection device. The detection device is installed on the fixed seat next to the pressing beam slide.

[0008] Furthermore, the sensing head and the pressure plate of the car body of the pressure beam move up and down together with the pressure beam.

[0009] Furthermore, the detection device can move up and down via the fixed base and the return spring. After determining the height of the car body via the car body pressure plate, the pressure beam is stopped at the position of contacting the car body to achieve the purpose of detection.

[0010] Further, determining the car body height using the detection device includes the following steps:

[0011] Step 1: As the car body moves forward into the tipper, it will lift the car body pressure plate. After the vehicle comes to a complete stop, the pressure plate remains in contact with the car body. At this time, the position of the sensor switch indicates the actual height of the car body.

[0012] Step 2: The pressing beam descends to begin pressing the car. When the sensor head enters the sensing range of the sensor switch, the pressing beam stops descending. At this time, the pressing beam's car body pressing plate ensures that it is in contact with the car body and pressed into place.

[0013] Step 3: The sensor switch triggers a position signal to the PLC control system. Upon receiving this signal, the PLC control system considers the vehicle to be in position and stops pressing the vehicle. This signal serves as an important interlocking signal for the tipper to tip over.

[0014] Step 4: After the car body is unloaded, the pressing beam rises, the sensing head leaves the sensing range of the sensing switch, the pressing position signal disappears, and at this time the pressing beam car body pressing plate separates from the car body.

[0015] Step 5: After the car body is pushed out of the tipper, the car body pressure plate descends to its original position under the action of the return spring, waiting for the next cycle.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0017] 1. The present invention provides a contact-type detection device for clamping in place for tipper machines. It adopts a direct contact detection method, which has high reliability and avoids the false positioning phenomenon where the hydraulic system pressure reaches the set value but the actual clamping beam does not make contact with the car body.

[0018] 2. The present invention provides a contact-type detection and clamping device for tipper machines, which is applicable to a variety of vehicle models. For different vehicle models with different heights, one detection device can complete the detection.

[0019] 3. The present invention provides a contact-type detection device for clamping in place for tipper machines, which improves stability, reduces false positioning accidents caused by pressure signals, and reduces accident losses.

[0020] 4. The present invention provides a contact-type detection and clamping device for tipper machines, which has a simple mechanism, low cost, low maintenance, and saves manpower and material resources.

[0021] In summary, the contact-type detection and clamping positioning device for tipper provided by this invention adopts a direct contact detection method, which improves the reliability and stability of detection, avoids the false positioning phenomenon where the hydraulic system pressure reaches the set value but the actual clamping beam does not make contact with the car body, reduces false positioning accidents caused by pressure signals, and reduces accident losses.

[0022] Based on the above reasons, this invention can be widely promoted in the field of tippler loading and unloading. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application 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 some embodiments recorded in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a point-pressure tipper, which is a contact-type detection and clamping device for tipper according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a contact-type detection device for clamping in place on a tippler in the absence of a vehicle, according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a contact-type detection and clamping device for a tipper, according to the present invention, in the state of a vehicle.

[0027] In the diagram: 1. Pressure beam; 2. Sensor head; 3. Fixing base; 4. Return spring; 5. Induction switch; 6. Car body pressure plate; 7. Pressure beam and car body pressure plate; 8. Released state; 9. Clamped state. Detailed Implementation

[0028] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. 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.

[0030] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0031] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0032] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms 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 the scope of protection of this invention. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0033] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation besides the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, a device described as "above" or "above" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0034] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the present invention provides a method and device for contact detection and clamping of a tipper, comprising: a pressure beam 1, a sensing head 2, a fixed base 3, a return spring 4, a sensing switch 5, a car body pressure plate 6, and a pressure beam and car body pressure plate 7.

[0036] The sensing head 2 and the car body pressure plate 7 of the pressing beam are fixedly installed at the head of the pressing beam 1. The sensing switch 5, the reset spring 4, the junction box and the car body pressure plate 6 constitute a detection device. The detection device is installed on the fixed seat 3 next to the slide of the pressing beam 1.

[0037] Furthermore, the sensing head 2 and the pressure plate 7 of the car body of the pressure beam move up and down together with the pressure beam 1.

[0038] Furthermore, the detection device can move up and down via the fixed base 3 and the return spring 4. After determining the height of the car body via the car body pressure plate 6, the pressure beam 1 is stopped at the position of contacting the car body to achieve the purpose of detection.

[0039] Further, determining the car body height using the detection device includes the following steps:

[0040] Step 1: As the car body moves forward into the tipper, it will lift the car body pressure plate 6. After the vehicle comes to a complete stop, the car body pressure plate 6 remains in contact with the car body. At this time, the position of the induction switch 5 indicates the actual height of the car body.

[0041] Step 2: The pressing beam 1 descends to begin pressing the car. When the sensing head 2 enters the sensing range of the sensing switch 5, the pressing beam 1 stops descending. At this time, the pressing beam car body pressing plate 7 ensures that it contacts the car body and presses it into place.

[0042] Step 3: The sensor switch 5 triggers a position signal to the PLC control system. After receiving the signal, the PLC control system considers the vehicle to be in position and stops pressing the vehicle. This signal serves as an important interlocking signal for the tipper to tip over.

[0043] Step 4: After the car body is unloaded, the pressing beam 1 rises, the sensing head 2 leaves the sensing range of the sensing switch 5, the pressing position signal disappears, and at this time the car body pressing plate 7 of the pressing beam separates from the car body.

[0044] Step 5: After the car body is pushed out of the tipper, the car body pressure plate 6 descends to its original position under the action of the return spring 4, waiting for the next cycle.

[0045] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A contact-type detection method for ensuring the clamping is in place in a tippler, characterized in that: include: Car pressure beam, sensor head, mounting base, return spring, inductive switch, car body pressure plate, car pressure beam and car body pressure plate; The sensing head and the car body pressure plate of the pressing beam are fixedly installed at the head of the pressing beam. The sensing switch, the reset spring, the junction box and the car body pressure plate constitute a detection device. The detection device is installed on the fixed seat next to the pressing beam slide. The car body pressure plate moves up and down with the return spring. After determining the height of the car body by the car body pressure plate, the pressure beam stops at the position of contacting the car body to achieve the purpose of detection. Determining the height of a car body using the detection device includes the following steps: Step 1: As the car body moves forward into the tipper, the car body will lift the car body pressure plate. After the vehicle stops, the car body pressure plate will remain in contact with the car body. At this time, the position of the sensor switch is the actual position of the car body height. Step 2: The pressing beam descends to begin pressing the car. When the sensor head enters the sensing range of the sensor switch, the pressing beam stops descending. At this time, the pressing beam's car body pressing plate ensures that it is in contact with the car body and pressed into place. Step 3: The sensor switch triggers a position signal to the PLC control system. Upon receiving this signal, the PLC control system considers the vehicle to be in position and stops pressing the vehicle. This signal serves as an important interlocking signal for the tipper to tip over. Step 4: After the car body is unloaded, the pressing beam rises, the sensing head leaves the sensing range of the sensing switch, the pressing position signal disappears, and at this time the pressing beam car body pressing plate separates from the car body. Step 5: After the car body is pushed out of the tipper, the car body pressure plate descends to its original position under the action of the return spring, waiting for the next cycle.

2. The contact-type detection method for detecting clamping in place in a tippler according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensor head and the pressure plate of the car body move up and down together with the pressure beam.

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