Sulfuric acid production plant rapping facility and emergency method in case of failure thereof
By designing the rapping chain plate assembly and the limit column magnetic block, the problem of high failure rate of the rapping hammer in the electrostatic precipitator of sulfuric acid production equipment was solved, achieving stable rapping ash removal effect and extending equipment life.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ANHUI SMART FERTILIZER TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, the electrostatic precipitator in sulfuric acid production equipment has a high failure rate of the rapping hammer during long-term high-temperature rapping, resulting in unstable ash removal effect.
The system employs a vibratory chain plate assembly, including vibratory clamps, tubular suspension chains, and vibratory rods. The vibratory rods are driven by a vibratory hammer to vibrate the vibratory clamps, reducing direct connections. Combined with the design of limit posts and magnetic blocks, the spacing between the fixing plates can be adjusted to maintain the spring rebound force and reduce the risk of vibratory rod breakage.
During long-term high-temperature rapping, the failure probability of the rapping hammer is reduced, a stable rapping and dust removal effect is maintained, the service life of the equipment is extended, and structural resonance and noise are reduced.
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Figure CN118321012B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of rapping ash removal equipment technology, and in particular to a rapping ash removal equipment for sulfuric acid production equipment and an emergency method for its failure. Background Technology
[0002] The SO2 gas produced during the sulfuric acid production process in the pyrite-based sulfuric acid production equipment carries a lot of dust. If the dust is not intercepted and removed in time, it will affect many parts of the sulfuric acid production equipment.
[0003] In existing technologies, electrostatic precipitators can be used to intercept and remove dust generated during the sulfuric acid production process in sulfuric acid production equipment. Electrostatic precipitators generally consist of multiple inlet distribution plates, multiple electric fields connected in series, a dust collection hopper, and a rapping device. The inlet distribution plates are located at the SO2 inlet, and the rapping device rapps multiple inlet distribution plates under the control of the series electric fields. The dust collection hopper is located below the inlet distribution plates to achieve rapping dust removal.
[0004] However, existing electrostatic precipitators often require multiple rapping hammers to rappel an air inlet distribution plate. During long-term high-temperature rapping, the use of multiple rapping hammers undoubtedly increases the probability of failure, thus easily reducing the ash removal effect of rapping. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In order to reduce the probability of malfunction of the rapping hammer during long-term high-temperature rapping and thus maintain a stable rapping ash removal effect, this application provides a rapping ash removal facility for sulfuric acid production equipment and an emergency method for malfunction.
[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a rapping ash removal facility for sulfuric acid production equipment, which adopts the following technical solution:
[0007] A rapping ash removal facility for sulfuric acid production equipment includes a main body. An air inlet distribution plate is disposed within the main body. The main body also includes a rapping hammer, a rapping rod, and a rapping chain plate assembly. The rapping hammer is mounted on the main body via a drive component. The rapping rod is disposed between the rapping hammer and the rapping chain plate assembly. The rapping chain plate assembly contacts the air inlet distribution plate. The rapping rod is struck by the rapping hammer, which in turn drives the rapping chain plate assembly to rappel the air inlet distribution plate.
[0008] Preferably, the vibrating chain plate assembly includes a vibrating clamp plate, a tubular suspension chain, and a tubular suspension clamp.
[0009] Secondly, the present invention provides a rapping ash removal facility for sulfuric acid production equipment, which adopts the following technical solution:
[0010] A rapping ash removal device for sulfuric acid production equipment includes a rapping clamp movably mounted on the equipment body, a pipe clamp fixedly mounted on the equipment body, a pipe chain connecting the rapping clamp and the pipe clamp, a rapping rod positioned between the rapping hammer and the rapping clamp, a movable plate connected to the rapping clamp, and two fixed plates mounted on the equipment body. The two fixed plates are positioned on the left and right sides of the movable plate along the sliding direction of the rapping clamp, and springs are connected between the movable plate and the fixed plates on both sides.
[0011] Preferably, the device body is provided with an adjustment platform, and the two fixed plates are disposed on the adjustment platform. The adjustment platform is used to synchronously adjust the distance between the two fixed plates.
[0012] Preferably, a double-ended screw is rotatably disposed inside the adjusting platform, the axis of the double-ended screw being parallel to the spacing direction of the two fixed plates. A screw block is rotatably disposed at one end of the adjusting platform, the screw block being coaxially and fixedly connected to the double-ended screw. Two sliders are slidably disposed on the adjusting platform, the sliding direction of the two sliders being parallel to the spacing direction of the two fixed plates. The two fixed plates are respectively fixedly connected to the two sliders. The threads at both ends of the double-ended screw have opposite directions, and the two sliders are slidably connected to the two ends of the double-ended screw respectively.
[0013] Preferably, both of the fixing plates are connected to limit posts, and the two limit posts are respectively inserted into the two springs.
[0014] Preferably, two mounting blocks are fixedly provided on the device body. The two mounting blocks are located on the outer side of the two fixed plates respectively. The distal ends of the two limiting posts are fixedly connected to the inner side of the two mounting blocks respectively, and the proximal ends of the two limiting posts pass through the two fixed plates respectively.
[0015] Preferably, a pressure sensor is provided at the proximal end between the two limiting posts.
[0016] Preferably, a guide platform is fixedly provided on the main body of the equipment, and a guide hole is provided through between the two ends of the guide platform. The direction of the guide hole is parallel to the sliding direction of the vibrating clamp, and the vibrating rod passes through the guide hole of the guide platform.
[0017] A control groove is provided on the inner sidewall of the guide hole. The length direction of the control groove is parallel to the length direction of the guide hole. A first magnetic block is fixedly provided at one end of the control groove near the vibrating hammer. A second magnetic block is fixedly connected to the sidewall of the vibrating rod and the second magnetic block is located in the control groove. The first magnetic block and the second magnetic block are attracted to each other.
[0018] Thirdly, this invention provides an emergency method for handling malfunctions of the rapping ash removal facility in sulfuric acid production equipment, employing the following technical solution:
[0019] An emergency method for handling a malfunction of the rapping ash removal system in a sulfuric acid production equipment, employing the rapping ash removal system described in the second aspect, includes the following steps:
[0020] When the spring's rebound force weakens, resulting in poor vibration effect, the adjustment platform is used to control the two fixed plates to move closer together.
[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:
[0022] 1. The rapping dust removal device of the present invention can effectively reduce the number of rapping hammers, reduce the probability of malfunction of the rapping hammers during long-term high-temperature rapping, and thus maintain a stable rapping dust removal effect.
[0023] 2. The improved process of rapping and dust removal of the air intake distribution plate of the equipment body is as follows: the rapping hammer strikes the rapping rod under the control of the drive component, the rapping rod then strikes the rapping clamp plate, and the rapping clamp plate vibrates repeatedly under the control of the spring to drive the pipe chain to repeatedly rappe the air intake distribution plate, thereby rapping and dust removal of the outer surface of the air intake distribution plate. Since the rapping rod and the rapping clamp plate are not directly connected in this process, the situation of structural resonance between the rapping rod and the rapping clamp plate is reduced, thereby reducing the risk of rapping rod breakage during long-term high-temperature rapping.
[0024] 3. When the spring's rebound force weakens due to prolonged high-temperature vibration, the spring can maintain a good rebound force by actively controlling the two fixed blocks to move closer to each other, thereby maintaining a good vibration effect for the tubular suspension chain.
[0025] 4. When the spring's rebound force weakens and it is necessary to adjust the two fixed plates to be closer to each other, the limiting post remains stationary. On the one hand, because the spring's rebound force weakens, the spring is more likely to withstand greater deformation. Therefore, keeping the limiting post stationary can provide the spring with greater deformation space to adapt to greater deformation. On the other hand, keeping the limiting post stationary can keep the vibration range of the vibrating clamp unchanged.
[0026] 5. As the spring's rebound force gradually weakens, the force exerted by the movable plate on the vibrating clamp on the near end of the limiting post will gradually increase. By setting a pressure sensor at the near end of the limiting post, the force on the near point of the limiting post can be understood in a timely manner, thereby accurately determining whether it is necessary to adjust the distance between the two fixed plates through the adjustment table.
[0027] 6. When the vibratory hammer strikes the vibratory rod, the first magnetic block and the second magnetic block can be separated, allowing the vibratory rod to strike the vibratory clamp. During the vibration, the vibratory clamp also exerts a force on the vibratory rod, causing it to move in the reset direction. During the reset process, due to the attraction between the first and second magnetic blocks, the vibratory rod can quickly return to a stable fixed state. This reduces the vibration of the vibratory rod, extending its service life, and also allows the vibratory rod to quickly prepare for the next strike from the vibratory hammer. Attached Figure Description
[0028] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the rapping ash removal facility in the sulfuric acid production equipment of Example 1;
[0029] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the rapping ash removal facility in the sulfuric acid production equipment of Example 2;
[0030] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the adjustment platform in Embodiment 2;
[0031] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the guide block and vibrating rod in Embodiment 2.
[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Vibrating hammer; 2. Vibrating rod; 21. Rubber pad; 3. Vibrating clamp; 31. Movable plate; 4. Tube column suspension chain; 5. Tube column suspension clamp; 6. Adjusting platform; 61. Fixing plate; 62. Double-ended screw; 63. Tightening block; 64. Sliding block; 7. Spring; 81. Mounting block; 82. Limiting post; 83. Pressure sensor; 9. Guide platform; 91. Control groove; 911. First magnetic block; 912. Second magnetic block; 10. Air intake distribution plate. Detailed Implementation
[0033] The following will be combined with the appendix Figure 1-4 The present invention will be further illustrated by the embodiments.
[0034] Example 1
[0035] This embodiment discloses a rapping ash removal facility for sulfuric acid production equipment.
[0036] Reference Figure 1The sulfuric acid production equipment's rapping ash removal system includes a main body, within which an air inlet distribution plate 10 is installed. The main body also contains a rapping hammer 1, a rapping rod 2, and a rapping chain assembly. The rapping chain assembly includes a rapping clamp 3, a pipe-type suspension chain 4, and a pipe-type suspension clamp 5. The rapping clamp 3 is movably mounted on the main body, while the pipe-type suspension clamp 5 is fixedly mounted on the main body. The pipe-type suspension chain 4 connects the rapping clamp 3 and the pipe-type suspension clamp 5 and is located on the outer surface of the air inlet distribution plate 10. The rapping rod 2 is movably mounted on the main body. The rapping hammer 1 is mounted on the main body via a drive component. The rapping rod 2 is positioned between the rapping hammer 1 and the pipe-type suspension chain 4. One end of the rapping rod 2 is adjacent to the rapping hammer 1, and the other end is fixedly connected to the pipe-type suspension chain via a channel steel. The rapping rod 2, struck by the rapping hammer 1, causes the rapping clamp 3 to vibrate. Specifically, both the vibrating clamp 3 and the vibrating rod 2 are slidably mounted on the equipment body along a straight line, and the sliding directions between the vibrating clamp 3 and the vibrating rod 2 are parallel. In this embodiment, the vibrating hammer is an elliptical wheel. Based on the above design, the vibration dust removal process of the air intake distribution plate 10 of the equipment body is as follows: the vibrating hammer 1 strikes the vibrating rod 2 under the control of the driving component, and the vibrating rod 2 then drives the tubular suspension chain 4 to strike the air intake distribution plate 10, thereby vibrating and removing dust from the outer surface of the air intake distribution plate 10. Compared with the prior art, which requires multiple vibrating hammers for one air intake distribution plate 10, the vibration dust removal device of the present invention can effectively reduce the number of vibrating hammers, reduce the probability of vibration hammer failure during long-term high-temperature vibration, and thus maintain a stable vibration dust removal effect.
[0037] Example 2
[0038] This embodiment discloses a rapping ash removal facility for sulfuric acid production equipment.
[0039] Reference Figure 2The sulfuric acid production equipment's rapping ash removal system includes an equipment body. Inside the equipment body is an air inlet distribution plate 10, a rapping hammer 1, a rapping rod 2, and a rapping chain assembly. The rapping chain assembly includes a rapping clamp 3, a pipe-type suspension chain 4, and a pipe-type suspension clamp 5. The rapping clamp 3 is movably mounted on the equipment body, the pipe-type suspension clamp 5 is fixedly mounted on the equipment body, and the pipe-type suspension chain 4 connects the rapping clamp 3 and the pipe-type suspension clamp 5, and is located on the outer surface of the air inlet distribution plate 10 of the equipment body. The rapping rod 2 is movably mounted on the equipment body. The rapping hammer 1 is mounted on the equipment body via a driving component. The rapping rod 2 is positioned between the rapping hammer 1 and the rapping clamp 3, with both ends of the rapping rod 2 adjacent to the rapping hammer 1 and the rapping clamp 3, respectively. The rapping rod 2, struck by the rapping hammer 1, causes the rapping clamp 3 to vibrate. Specifically, both the vibrating clamp 3 and the vibrating rod 2 are slidably mounted on the equipment body along a straight line, and the sliding directions between the vibrating clamp 3 and the vibrating rod 2 are parallel. Furthermore, the vibrating clamp 3 is connected to a movable plate 31, and two fixed plates 61 are provided on the equipment body. The two fixed plates 61 are arranged on the left and right sides of the movable plate 31 along the sliding direction of the vibrating clamp 3, and springs 7 are connected between the movable plate 31 and the fixed plates 61 on both sides. Based on the above design, the vibration dust removal process of the air intake distribution plate 10 of the equipment body is as follows: the vibrating hammer 1 strikes the vibrating rod 2 under the control of the driving component, the vibrating rod 2 then strikes the vibrating clamp 3, and the vibrating clamp 3 repeatedly vibrates under the control of the springs 7 to drive the tubular suspension chain 4 to repeatedly vibrate the air intake distribution plate 10, thereby vibrating and removing dust from the outer surface of the air intake distribution plate 10. Because the vibrating rod 2 and the vibrating clamp 3 are not directly connected during this process, the possibility of structural resonance between the vibrating rod 2 and the vibrating clamp 3 is reduced, thereby lowering the risk of breakage of the vibrating rod 2 during long-term high-temperature vibration. In addition, rubber pads 21 are provided at both ends of the vibrating rod 2. The two rubber pads 21 are used to reduce the striking noise between the vibrating rod 2 and the vibrating hammer 1 and the striking noise between the vibrating rod 2 and the vibrating clamp 3, respectively.
[0040] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3The equipment body is also equipped with an adjustment platform 6, on which two fixed plates 61 are mounted. The adjustment platform 6 is used to synchronously adjust the distance between the two fixed plates 61. Specifically, a double-ended screw 62 is rotatably mounted inside the adjustment platform 6. The axis of the double-ended screw 62 is parallel to the spacing direction of the two fixed plates 61. A screw block 63 is rotatably mounted at one end of the adjustment platform 6. The screw block 63 is coaxially and fixedly connected to the double-ended screw 62. The screw block 63 allows the operator to actively control the rotation of the double-ended screw 62. Furthermore, two sliders 64 are slidably mounted on the adjustment platform 6. The sliding direction of the two sliders 64 is parallel to the spacing direction of the two fixed plates 61. The two fixed plates 61 are respectively fixedly connected to the two sliders 64. Moreover, the threads at both ends of the double-ended screw 62 have opposite directions, and the two sliders 64 are slidably connected to the two ends of the double-ended screw 62 respectively. With this setting, when the long-term high-temperature vibration process weakens the rebound force of spring 7, the spring 7 can continue to maintain a good rebound force by actively controlling the two fixed blocks to move closer to each other, thereby maintaining a good vibration effect of the tubular suspension chain 4. The specific control process is as follows: the operator turns the screw block 63, the screw block 63 drives the double-headed screw 62 to rotate, the double-headed screw 62 rotates to opposite ends, and then drives the two restricted sliders 64 to move closer to each other, thereby achieving the result that the two fixed plates 61 move closer to each other.
[0041] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 Both fixed plates 61 are connected to limit posts 82. The two limit posts 82 are inserted into the two springs 7 respectively. The limit posts 82 are used to limit the maximum deformation of the springs 7, thereby protecting the springs 7. At the same time, the two limit posts 82 can also limit the vibration range of the vibrating clamp 3. Furthermore, two mounting blocks 81 are fixedly installed on the main body of the equipment. The two mounting blocks 81 are located on the outer side of the two fixed plates 61 respectively. The far ends of the two limiting posts 82 are fixedly connected to the inner side of the two mounting blocks 81 respectively, and the proximal ends of the two limiting posts 82 pass through the two fixed plates 61 respectively, so that the limiting posts 82 and the fixed plates 61 are movably connected. The purpose is that when the spring 7's rebound force weakens and it is necessary to adjust the two fixed plates 61 to move closer to each other, the limiting posts 82 remain stationary. On the one hand, since the spring 7's rebound force weakens, the spring 7 is more likely to withstand greater deformation. Therefore, keeping the limiting posts 82 stationary can provide the spring 7 with greater deformation space to adapt to greater deformation. On the other hand, keeping the limiting posts 82 stationary can keep the vibration range of the vibrating clamp 3 unchanged. Furthermore, pressure sensors 83 are installed at the proximal ends of the two limiting posts 82. When the rebound force of the spring 7 gradually weakens, the force exerted by the movable plate 31 on the vibrating clamp 3 on the proximal end of the limiting post 82 will gradually increase. Therefore, by installing pressure sensors 83 at the proximal end of the limiting post 82, the force on the proximal point of the limiting post 82 can be understood in a timely manner, thereby accurately determining whether it is necessary to adjust the distance between the two fixed plates 61 by adjusting the adjustment table 6.
[0042] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 To facilitate the sliding of the vibrating rod 2, a guide platform 9 is fixedly installed on the main body of the equipment. A guide hole is formed between the two ends of the guide platform 9, and the direction of the guide hole is parallel to the sliding direction of the vibrating clamp 3. The vibrating rod 2 passes through the guide hole of the guide platform 9, so that the guide platform 9 guides the sliding of the vibrating rod 2. Furthermore, a control groove 91 is formed on the inner side wall of the guide hole, and the length direction of the control groove 91 is parallel to the length direction of the guide hole. A first magnetic block 911 is fixedly installed at the end of the control groove 91 near the vibrating hammer 1. A second magnetic block 912 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the vibrating rod 2 and is located inside the control groove 91. In addition, the first magnetic block 911 and the second magnetic block 912 are attracted to each other, and the magnetic attraction between the first magnetic block 911 and the second magnetic block 912 is less than the striking force of the vibrating hammer 1 on the vibrating rod 2. With the above settings, when the vibrating hammer 1 strikes the vibrating rod 2, the first magnetic block 911 and the second magnetic block 912 can be separated, allowing the vibrating rod 2 to strike the vibrating clamp 3. During the vibration process, the vibrating clamp 3 also exerts a force on the vibrating rod 2, causing the vibrating rod 2 to move in the direction of resetting. During the resetting process, due to the attraction between the first magnetic block 911 and the second magnetic block 912, the vibrating rod 2 can quickly return to a stable fixed state. On the one hand, this reduces the vibration of the vibrating rod 2 to extend its service life, and on the other hand, it allows the vibrating rod 2 to prepare for the next strike from the vibrating hammer 1 as soon as possible.
[0043] Reference Figure 2 In this embodiment, the vibrating hammer 1 is a cam, the driving component is a motor, and the cam is connected to the output shaft of the motor to strike the vibrating rod 2 during rotation.
[0044] This embodiment also discloses an emergency method for when the rapping ash removal facility of a sulfuric acid production equipment malfunctions, using the rapping ash removal facility of the sulfuric acid production equipment as described in Embodiment 2.
[0045] Emergency procedures for malfunctions in the rapping and ash removal system of sulfuric acid production equipment include the following steps:
[0046] When the spring 7's rebound force weakens, resulting in poor vibration effect, the adjustment table 6 is used to control the two fixed plates 61 to move closer to each other.
[0047] The above are all preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A rapping ash removal device for sulfuric acid production equipment, characterized in that: The device includes a main body, which is provided with an air intake distribution plate (10). The main body is also provided with a vibrating hammer (1), a vibrating rod (2) and a vibrating chain plate assembly. The vibrating hammer (1) is provided on the main body by connecting a driving component. The vibrating rod (2) is provided between the vibrating hammer (1) and the vibrating chain plate assembly. The vibrating chain plate assembly contacts the air intake distribution plate (10). The vibrating rod (2) is driven by the vibrating hammer (1) to vibrate the vibrating chain plate assembly to vibrate the air intake distribution plate (10). The vibrating chain plate assembly includes a vibrating clamp plate (3), a tubular hanging chain (4), and a tubular hanging clamp (5); the vibrating clamp plate (3) is movably mounted on the equipment body, the tubular hanging clamp (5) is fixedly mounted on the equipment body, the tubular hanging chain (4) is connected between the vibrating clamp plate (3) and the tubular hanging clamp (5), the vibrating rod (2) is mounted between the vibrating hammer (1) and the vibrating clamp plate (3), the vibrating clamp plate (3) is connected to a movable plate (31), the equipment body is provided with two fixed plates (61), the two fixed plates (61) are arranged on the left and right sides of the movable plate (31) along the sliding direction of the vibrating clamp plate (3), and springs (7) are connected between the movable plate (31) and the fixed plates (61) on both sides; An adjustment platform (6) is provided on the main body of the device, and two fixing plates (61) are provided on the adjustment platform (6). The adjustment platform (6) is used to synchronously adjust the distance between the two fixing plates (61).
2. The rapping ash removal facility for sulfuric acid production equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: A double-ended screw (62) is rotatably installed inside the adjusting platform (6). The axis of the double-ended screw (62) is parallel to the spacing direction of the two fixed plates (61). A screw block (63) is rotatably installed at one end of the adjusting platform (6). The screw block (63) is coaxially and fixedly connected to the double-ended screw (62). Two sliders (64) are slidably installed on the adjusting platform (6). The sliding direction of the two sliders (64) is parallel to the spacing direction of the two fixed plates (61). The two fixed plates (61) are respectively fixedly connected to the two sliders (64). The threads at both ends of the double-ended screw (62) are opposite in direction. The two sliders (64) are slidably connected to the two ends of the double-ended screw (62).
3. The rapping ash removal facility for sulfuric acid production equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: Both of the fixed plates (61) are connected to limit posts (82), and the two limit posts (82) are respectively inserted into the two springs (7).
4. The rapping ash removal facility for sulfuric acid production equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that: Two mounting blocks (81) are fixedly installed on the main body of the device. The two mounting blocks (81) are located on the outside of the two fixing plates (61) respectively. The far ends of the two limiting posts (82) are fixedly connected to the inside of the two mounting blocks (81) respectively. The proximal ends of the two limiting posts (82) pass through the two fixing plates (61) respectively.
5. The rapping ash removal facility for sulfuric acid production equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: Pressure sensors (83) are provided at the proximal ends of the two limiting posts (82).
6. The rapping ash removal facility for sulfuric acid production equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that: A guide platform (9) is fixedly installed on the main body of the equipment. A guide hole is opened between the two ends of the guide platform (9). The direction of the guide hole is parallel to the sliding direction of the vibrating clamp (3). The vibrating rod (2) passes through the guide hole of the guide platform (9). The inner wall of the guide hole is provided with a control groove (91), the length direction of the control groove (91) is parallel to the length direction of the guide hole, a first magnetic block (911) is fixedly provided at one end of the control groove (91) near the vibrating hammer (1), a second magnetic block (912) is fixedly connected to the side wall of the vibrating rod (2) and the second magnetic block (912) is located in the control groove (91), and the first magnetic block (911) and the second magnetic block (912) are in an attractive state.
7. An emergency method for a malfunction of the rapping ash removal facility in a sulfuric acid production equipment, applied to the rapping ash removal facility in a sulfuric acid production equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that: When the spring (7) weakens and causes a poor vibration effect, the adjustment table (6) is used to control the two fixed plates (61) to move closer to each other.