Wood chip storage silos and their material discharge methods

Abstract

This invention discloses a wood chip storage silo and its storage and discharge method. Wood chips are stored in a storage area, with a conveyor belt and track arranged around the storage area. A discharge screw spans the storage area. When the discharge screw rotates, it pushes the wood chips at the bottom edge of the storage area towards the conveyor belt. Both ends of the discharge screw are rotatably connected to corresponding overhead cranes, which are adapted to travel along the track, allowing the discharge screw to adjust its position and feed along the storage area. Compared with existing technologies, the discharge screw continuously and steadily supplies wood chips to the conveyor belt, facilitating continuous and steady feeding of wood chips to equipment such as wood chippers. This reduces the investment costs of forklifts and workers, reduces the labor intensity of workers, and avoids collisions between people and vehicles in the storage area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to wood chip processing, and more particularly to a wood chip storage silo and its storage and discharge method. Background Technology

[0002] Timber is a precious resource for people's lives, and its rational utilization is a key focus for the nation and wood-based panel manufacturers. Specifically, in timber processing enterprises, after cutting straight, large logs, the remaining timber and the resulting wood chips are considered waste. This remaining timber is then further broken down into wood chips. Therefore, it is wasteful for timber processing enterprises to directly discard or use these wood chips as firewood; however, by rationally utilizing these wood chips, particleboard manufacturers can maximize the utilization of timber resources.

[0003] Particleboard manufacturers purchase wood chips and store them in storage warehouses. The warehouses then use conveyor belts to transport the wood chips to particleboard machines. These storage warehouses are typically larger than 10 meters in length and width, and are large-scale storage facilities.

[0004] Existing technologies primarily employ a forklift method, where the forklift scoops up wood chips from the stockpile and then transfers them to a conveyor belt. In this method, when using a single forklift, the scooping, transfer, and dumping are three asynchronous processes, resulting in intermittent wood chip transport, which is detrimental to the continuous operation of the wood chipper. When using at least two forklifts, there is a risk of collisions between the forklifts during their movement, and the fuel costs for vehicles and personnel are relatively high, while the dumping rate of the forklifts is also relatively unstable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the aforementioned technical problems by providing a wood chip storage facility that enables continuous and steady output of wood chips, reducing personnel involvement and associated risks, and lowering costs.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A wood chip storage facility includes a storage area, a conveyor belt, a track, and a discharge screw. The storage area is suitable for storing wood chips. The conveyor belt and the track are arranged in relation to the storage area. The discharge screw spans the storage area and is adapted to push wood chips from the bottom edge of the wood chip pile towards the conveyor belt when rotated. Both ends of the discharge screw are rotatably connected to corresponding gantry frames. At least one gantry frame has a gantry motor drivingly connected to its wheels. The gantry frame is adapted to travel along the track, thereby adjusting the position of the discharge screw along the storage area.

[0008] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application include: the discharge screw continuously and steadily feeds wood chips to the conveyor belt, which facilitates the continuous and steady feeding of wood chips to equipment such as wood chippers by the conveyor belt, reduces the input costs of forklifts and workers, reduces the labor intensity of workers, and avoids collisions between people and vehicles in the stacking area.

[0009] As an improvement to the above technical solution, the discharge screw is rotatably connected to a baffle, which is adapted to be flipped to the front or rear side of the discharge screw. The baffle is used together with the wood chip stack to define a discharge channel suitable for the rotation of the discharge screw.

[0010] As an improvement to the above technical solution, the discharge screw drive is connected to a torque sensor, and both the gantry motor and the torque sensor are electrically connected to a central processing unit. The central processing unit is adapted to control the gantry motor to perform feed when the feedback value of the torque sensor is lower than a threshold value, and the central processing unit is adapted to control the gantry motor to pause when the feedback value of the torque sensor is higher than a limit value.

[0011] As an improvement to the above technical solution, the traveling frame is equipped with a forward proximity switch suitable for detecting when the traveling frame travels to the front limit of the stack area, and a rear proximity switch suitable for detecting when the traveling frame travels to the rear limit of the stack area. The forward proximity switch, the rear proximity switch, and the traveling motor are all electrically connected to the central processing unit. The central processing unit is adapted to control the traveling motor to adjust backward as the feed direction based on the detection of the forward proximity switch, and the central processing unit is adapted to control the traveling motor to adjust forward as the feed direction based on the detection of the rear proximity switch.

[0012] As an improvement to the above technical solution, walls are set at both ends of the stacking area, and multiple baffles are arranged axially on both sides of the stacking area. Adjacent baffles are spliced ​​together, and limiting trenches and limiting skylights are set on both sides of the stacking area. The limiting trenches are suitable for accommodating the lower ends of the corresponding multiple baffles, and the limiting skylights are suitable for the baffles to move up and down. The discharge screw is rotatably connected to a top frame at one end near the conveyor belt, and to a top block at the other end. The top frame and the top block are both triangular or trapezoidal, and the base is suitable for accommodating the limiting trenches. The two sides are suitable for the baffles to climb or slide down. The ventral holes of the top frame are suitable for discharging wood chips.

[0013] As an improvement to the above technical solution, the top frame is trapezoidal, and a second recess is provided on the top edge of the top frame. The second recess is provided with a follower screw extending along the top edge. The follower screw is rotatably connected to the top frame, and a baffle on any side of the top frame is adapted to transition to the other side via the follower screw.

[0014] As an improvement to the above technical solution, multiple feed belts are distributed axially at intervals above the stack area.

[0015] A method for discharging materials from a wood chip stack, the implementation of which includes the following steps:

[0016] The wood chips are dumped into the stockpile area, forming a wood chip pile.

[0017] As the feed screw advances, it pushes the wood chips into the pile, creating a gap in the screw thread that holds the first batch of wood chips.

[0018] Discharge: The discharge screw rotates, and the threaded blades of the discharge screw drive the first piece of wood to move along the axial direction of the discharge screw, scraping the first piece of wood towards the conveyor belt;

[0019] The material is discharged as the conveyor belt rotates in a cycle, and the wood chips in the stockpile are output to the outside via the conveyor belt.

[0020] When the discharge screw rotates, it continuously or intermittently squeezes the wood chips into the pile, so that the thread gap of the discharge screw contains one or more layers of first-stage wood chips, and the conveyor belt continuously rotates in a cycle.

[0021] As an improvement to the above technical solution, in the feeding step, the barrier is flipped to the front or rear side of the discharge screw, and the discharge screw drags the barrier to squeeze together towards the wood chip pile. The barrier and the wood chip pile together define a discharge channel suitable for the rotation of the discharge screw.

[0022] As an improvement to the above technical solution, in the feed step, the gantry crane drives the discharge screw to move forward or backward to adjust its position, and the discharge screw drives the top frame and top block to move, so that the top frame and top block are both raised by the corresponding baffle on one side and slid down by the corresponding baffle on the other side. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the wood chip storage structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial sectional view of the wood chip stack from the rear view is shown;

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A partial structural diagram of the wood chip storage facility is shown;

[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the structure of the wood chip warehouse after some components are hidden;

[0028] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partial structural diagram of the wood chip storage facility is shown. Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A partial structural diagram of the wood chip storage facility is shown. Figure 2 ;

[0030] Figure 7 for Figure 1 This diagram shows a partial structural view of the wood chip warehouse from another three-dimensional perspective.

[0031] Figure 8 for Figure 7 An exploded view of the structure with its components hidden is shown.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the trapezoidal top frame structure of the wood chip storage warehouse according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] The accompanying drawings are only one specific embodiment of the present invention, and the form and structure of this specific embodiment should not limit the extension of other embodiments.

[0034] Stacking area 100, limiting trench 110, limiting plate 120, limiting and guide bar 130.

[0035] 200 conveyor belt

[0036] Track 310, crane frame 320, crane wheel 321, second driven sprocket 322.

[0037] Discharge screw 400, first driven sprocket 410;

[0038] The fencing is 500mm, the first mounting ear is 510mm, and the second mounting ear is 520mm.

[0039] 610mm fencing, 620mm baffle plate.

[0040] Top frame 710, second recess 711, follower screw 712, top block 720, cover plate 721.

[0041] Feed belt 800,

[0042] Then build up the fence to 900 meters higher. Detailed Implementation

[0043] 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 a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0044] Reference Figures 1 to 3This invention provides a wood chip storage and retrieval device, comprising a stacking area 100, a conveyor belt 200, a track 310, and a discharge screw 400. The stacking area 100 is suitable for storing wood chips. The conveyor belt 200 and the track 310 are arranged in the stacking area 100. The discharge screw 400 spans the stacking area 100. When the discharge screw 400 rotates, it is adapted to push the wood chips at the bottom edge of the wood chip stack in the stacking area 100 toward the conveyor belt 200. The two ends of the discharge screw 400 are respectively rotatably connected to corresponding gantry frames 320. At least one gantry frame 320 has a gantry wheel 321 that is driven by a gantry motor. The gantry frame 320 is adapted to travel along the track 310, so that the discharge screw 400 is adjusted along the stacking area 100.

[0045] It is understood that the conveyor belt 200 includes a belt, pulleys and a conveying motor. The two ends of the belt are distributed and wound around the corresponding pulleys, that is, there are at least two pulleys, and at least one pulley is connected to the conveying motor.

[0046] On the other hand, the traveling frame 320 has n rows of traveling wheels 321, and the track 310 includes n parallel rails; preferably, the traveling frame 320 is provided with 2 rows of traveling wheels 321, and the track 310 is provided with 2 parallel rails. (Refer to...) Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The traveling motor drives the traveling wheel 321 via a chain. The axle of the traveling wheel 321 is equipped with a second driven sprocket 322. The traveling frame 320 in the figure conceals the traveling motor and the second driving sprocket on it. The second driven sprocket 322 is connected to the traveling motor via a second chain and the second driving sprocket. The traveling motor can also drive the traveling wheel 321 via a gear system, belt, or other means.

[0047] It is understandable that the discharge screw 400 is connected to a discharge motor. (Refer to...) Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The discharge motor drives the discharge screw 400 via a chain. The discharge screw 400 is equipped with a first driven sprocket 410. The overhead crane 320 in the figure conceals the discharge motor and the first driving sprocket on it. The first driven sprocket 410 is connected to the discharge motor via a first chain and the first driving sprocket. The discharge motor can also drive the discharge screw 400 via a gear system, belt, or other means.

[0048] Electric motors (electric motors), pneumatic motors, and hydraulic motors all belong to the category of motors.

[0049] A method for unloading wood chip stockpiles includes the following steps:

[0050] Storage materials, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the directions shown, V1 and V2, the wood chips are poured into the pile area 100, forming a wood chip pile in the pile area 100;

[0051] As the feed screw 400 is inserted, it pushes the wood chips into the pile, so that the thread gap of the feed screw 400 contains the first batch of wood chips.

[0052] Material arrangement, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the V3 direction shown, the discharge screw 400 rotates, and the threaded plate of the discharge screw 400 drives the first wood chip to move along the axial direction of the discharge screw 400, scraping the first wood chip towards the conveyor belt 200.

[0053] Discharge, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the V4 direction shown, the conveyor belt 200 rotates in a cycle, and the wood chips in the stack area 100 are output to the outside via the conveyor belt 200;

[0054] When the discharge screw 400 rotates, it continuously or intermittently pushes against the wood chip pile, burying its lower end in one or more layers of wood chips. This results in one or more layers of wood chips remaining in the threaded gap of the discharge screw 400, while the conveyor belt 200 continuously rotates in a cycle. The discharge screw 400 engages one side of the wood chip pile, rather than a single point, ensuring a relatively stable and orderly collapse of the wood chip pile.

[0055] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The discharge screw 400 rotates to continuously scrape wood chips onto the conveyor belt 200, which continuously rotates to supply wood chips to the wood chipper and other equipment.

[0056] Understandably, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 3 Depending on whether the conveyor belt 200 is located at the left or right end of the discharge screw 400, the discharge screw 400 rotates in the corresponding direction, scraping the wood chips onto the conveyor belt 200. Regardless of whether the overhead crane 320 adjusts the discharge screw 400 forward or backward, the conveyor belt 200 remains at the left or right end of the discharge screw 400, and the discharge screw 400 always scrapes and discharges the wood chips in the corresponding direction. On the other hand, it can be understood that, based on the pile shape and collapse characteristics, referring to... Figure 1 and Figure 3 The 400 discharge screw scrapes the material at the bottom edge of the material pile.

[0057] In some designs, the discharge screw 400 is not surrounded by a retaining wall 500. When the front, rear, sides, and lower end of the discharge screw 400 are buried by wood chips, the discharge screw 400 rotates and begins to effectively push the wood chips out, causing them to be discharged onto the conveyor belt 200. (Refer to...) Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 6There is a pile of wood chips to be discharged on the front side of the discharge screw 400. The traveling frame 320 is adapted to drive the discharge screw 400 forward to squeeze into the pile of wood chips, so that the front side of the discharge screw 400 is buried first. The discharge screw 400 then rotates for a certain period of time, so that the rear side of the discharge screw 400 is buried with one or more layers of other wood chips. The thread gap of the discharge screw 400 contains one or more layers of the first batch of wood chips to be discharged. That is, a discharge channel is defined between the layer of other wood chips and the pile of wood chips. The first batch of wood chips exists in the discharge channel. The discharge screw 400 continues to rotate and scrapes the first batch of wood chips towards the conveyor belt 200. Therefore, in this method, the discharge screw 400 and the wood chips complement each other. One or more layers of other wood chips must always remain on the front and rear sides of the discharge screw 400. The stacking area 100 needs to retain some other wood chips that are difficult for the discharge screw 400 to discharge. It is understandable that when the discharge screw 400 wants to simultaneously discharge multiple layers of wood chips (in order to increase the discharge rate of the wood chip pile), the discharge screw 400 needs to squeeze deeper into the wood chip pile (i.e., increase the cutting depth), and multiple layers of other wood chips need to remain behind the discharge screw 400; similarly, when the discharge screw 400 only has one layer of other wood chips, the discharge efficiency of the wood chip pile is low.

[0058] To ensure sufficient material discharge in the stockpile area, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 In some embodiments of the present invention, a conduit 500 is rotatably connected to the discharge screw 400. During the feeding step, the conduit 500 is adapted to flip to the front or rear side of the discharge screw 400, and the discharge screw 400 drags the conduit 500 to jointly extrude it into the wood chip pile. The conduit 500, together with the wood chip pile, defines a discharge channel suitable for the rotation of the discharge screw 400. (See reference...) Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 6 The discharge screw 400 first moves the front pile of wood chips, and the enclosure 500 first flips to the rear of the discharge screw 400; specifically, the gantry 320 drives the discharge screw 400 forward at a low speed (i.e., the discharge screw 400 becomes a forward-moving cutter), such as 2mm / s, and the discharge screw 400 squeezes against the pile of wood chips, so that the lower end of the discharge screw 400 is continuously buried with one or more layers of wood chips, and the enclosure... The barrier 500 defines a discharge channel between itself and the wood chip pile. The discharge screw 400 rotates, and the threaded blades of the discharge screw 400 scrape the first batch of wood chips onto the conveyor belt 200. After the wood chip pile in front of the discharge screw 400 is discharged, the barrier 500 is flipped so that it flips to the front of the discharge screw 400. The gantry crane 320 drives the discharge screw 400 to move backward, and the discharge screw 400 pushes the new wood chip pile behind it.

[0059] Understandably, referring to Figure 1The overhead crane 320 drives the discharge screw 400 to push the wood chip pile in front. When the discharge screw 400 discharges the wood chip pile in front of it, a new wood chip pile can be piled up behind the discharge screw 400.

[0060] The length and width of the storage area 100 should be at least 10 meters. To address the replaceability and ease of dismantling of the fencing 500, refer to... Figure 8 One end of the enclosure 500 is detachably connected to a first mounting ear 510, and the other end is integrally formed or detachably connected to a second mounting ear 520. The enclosure 500 is rotatably connected to the discharge screw 400 through the first mounting ear 510 and the second mounting ear 520, so that the enclosure 500 can rotate around the shaft of the discharge screw 400, and the enclosure 500 can be flipped to the front or rear side of the discharge screw 400.

[0061] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application include: the discharge screw 400 continuously and steadily feeds wood chips to the conveyor belt 200, which facilitates the continuous and steady feeding of wood chips to equipment such as wood chippers by the conveyor belt 200, reduces the input cost of forklifts and workers, reduces the labor intensity of workers, and avoids collisions between people and vehicles in the stacking area.

[0062] The cable routing problem for the gantry motor and the discharge motor has not been resolved. A bridge extending along its axis is installed above the track 310. Multiple pulleys are arranged on the bridge, and the pulleys are suitable for traveling along the bridge. The cables are connected to the spindles of the corresponding pulleys at certain intervals. Therefore, when the gantry frame 320 drives the discharge screw 400 to adjust its position back and forth, the cables extend or become redundantly suspended.

[0063] In some designs, the traveling frame 320 and the discharge screw 400 move / feed at a constant speed based on the discharge speed of the discharge screw 400. During the feeding step, the traveling frame 320 drives the discharge screw 400 to feed at a constant speed. In some designs, the traveling frame 320 is equipped with a workbench and control buttons, and the traveling motor is electrically connected to the corresponding control buttons. When the worker on the workbench finds that the discharge screw 400 has a small cutting depth (i.e., the discharge screw 400 is shallowly inserted into the pile of wood chips, and the discharge screw 400 has buried fewer wood chips), the worker controls the traveling frame 320 to move forward through the control buttons, so that the discharge screw 400 can bury more wood chips.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present invention, the discharge screw 400 is driven by a torque sensor, such as a torque detection module integrated into some motors, an encoder, or a motor dynamometer. Both the gantry motor and the torque sensor are electrically connected to a central processing unit (CPU). The CPU is adapted to control the gantry motor to perform feed when the feedback value from the torque sensor is below a threshold, and to pause the gantry motor when the feedback value from the torque sensor is above a limit. It is understood that some motors are electrically connected to the CPU via motor drivers, and the torque detection module of the motor driver is electrically connected to the CPU via the motor driver. Alternatively, the CPU can be a common ECU, such as a PLC or microcontroller, or a CPU. During the feed step, when the torque of the discharge screw 400 is less than the threshold, the gantry 320 drives the discharge screw 400 to push the wood chips into the pile; when the torque of the discharge screw 400 is greater than the limit, the gantry 320 and the discharge screw 400 pause the feed.

[0065] In some designs, the gantry 320 is equipped with a control switch (knob or button, etc.) to determine whether the gantry 320 is moving forward or backward as the travel / feed direction. The control switch is electrically connected to the central processing unit, and / or the gantry motor is connected to the gantry wheels 321 through a gear train. The gantry 320 is equipped with a lever to control whether the gear train performs forward or reverse transmission. When the worker sees that the discharge screw 400 is about to reach the front or rear end of the stacking area 100, the worker executes the control switch or the lever to make the gantry 320 and the discharge screw 400 reverse their positions.

[0066] In some embodiments of the present invention, the gantry crane 320 is equipped with a forward proximity switch suitable for detecting when the gantry crane 320 travels to the front limit of the stack area 100, and a rear proximity switch suitable for detecting when the gantry crane 320 travels to the rear limit of the stack area 100. The forward proximity switch, the rear proximity switch, and the gantry motor are all electrically connected to the central processing unit. The central processing unit is adapted to control the gantry motor to move backward as the feed direction based on the detection of the forward proximity switch, and the central processing unit is adapted to control the gantry motor to move forward as the feed direction based on the detection of the rear proximity switch. Its control principle is similar to the forward and reverse drive control of a three-phase asynchronous motor. The two limit switches are connected in series with the coils of the corresponding relays, and the first normally open contacts of the relays are connected in parallel. The first normally open contacts of the relays are connected in series with the coils of the corresponding contactors, that is, the contactors are forward / reverse adjustment contactors. The first normally open contacts of the contactors associated with the two limit switches are used to control the on / off of the operating power supply of the gantry motor.

[0067] It is understandable that both the proximity switch before and after the limit can be a sensor or a mechanical switch (i.e., a contact switch with a contact rod).

[0068] Reference Figures 1 to 8 In some embodiments of the present invention, the stacking area 100 is provided with walls 610 at both ends, and multiple baffles 620 are arranged axially on both sides of the stacking area 100. Adjacent baffles 620 are spliced ​​together, and the stacking area 100 is provided with limiting trenches 110 and limiting skylights on both sides. The limiting trenches 110 are suitable for accommodating the lower ends of the corresponding multiple baffles 620, and the limiting skylights are suitable for the baffles 620 to move up and down. The discharge screw 400 is rotatably connected to a top frame 710 at one end near the conveyor belt 200, and to a top block 720 at the other end. The top frame 710 and the top block 720 are both triangular or trapezoidal, and the bottom edge is suitable for accommodating the limiting trench 110. The two sides are suitable for the baffles 620 to climb or slide down. The ventral opening of the top frame 710 is suitable for discharging wood chips. During the feed step, the traveling frame 320 moves the discharge screw 400 forward or backward to adjust its position. The discharge screw 400 moves the top frame 710 and the top block 720, causing the top frame 710 and the top block 720 to be raised on one side by the corresponding baffle 620 and lowered on the other side by the corresponding baffle 620. When the discharge screw 400 rotates, the top frame 710 and the top block 720 are both restrained by their two bottom corners, keeping their bottom edges contained within the limiting groove 110.

[0069] Regarding the "climbing or sliding of the baffle plate 620", it can be understood that it is a relative motion. In practice, both the top frame 710 and the top block 720 use the bottom corner to lift the baffle plate 620 during movement, and then use one of the corresponding waists to support the baffle plate 620, while the other waist allows the baffle plate 620 to slide down during movement.

[0070] This invention employs a triangular or trapezoidal sliding top, which solves the problem that the discharge screw 400 can be pushed up by the baffle 620 approaching the discharge screw 400 whether it moves forward or backward, thus preventing the baffle 620 from affecting the rotation of the discharge screw 400 and allowing the discharge screw 400 to move freely and discharge material unimpeded. It also solves the technical problem of stably enclosing and stacking wood chips in the stacking area 100; that is, the stacking area 100 can be flexibly opened and closed at any position. The top frame 710 and the top block 720 are mutually limited by two corners to prevent the top frame 710 and the top block 720 from flipping (forward or backward). The top frame 710 and the top block 720 both allow the discharge screw 400 to rotate and can be adjusted forward and backward with the discharge screw 400 so that the baffle 620 can climb or slide down.

[0071] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 Two limiting plates 120 are installed on both the left and right sides of the stacking area 100, which define the limiting openings. (Refer to...) Figure 1 , Figure 4 , Figures 6 to 8 The lower end of the baffle 620 is chamfered or rounded to improve the ease with which the baffle 620 can be lifted.

[0072] On the other hand, the lower end of the baffle 620 can be fixed by the limiting groove 110, and the bottom edge and corners of both the top frame 710 and the top block 720 are suitable for effectively lifting the baffle 620 and removing any wood chips that may be stuck in the limiting groove 110. The baffle 620 can be easily and quickly disassembled by simply inserting or removing it. The top frame 710 and the top block 720 are triangular or trapezoidal, and they are relatively balanced in terms of force distribution.

[0073] In addition, only the baffles 620 that approach the discharge screw 400 are raised and lowered, while the baffles 620 in other areas remain stationary to surround the wood chips. The area approaching the discharge screw 400 is also the area where the material pile is relatively shallow, so the baffles 620 that need to be raised and lowered can be raised and lowered flexibly.

[0074] In some configurations, the two ends of the discharge screw 400 are rotatably connected to corresponding sliders. The sliders are connected to the perimeter wall of the stacking area 100 via telescopic plates. The telescopic plates are similar to the commonly used machine tool reinforcing ribs (used to cover the screw and nut assembly). Compared to the baffle plate 620 method mentioned above, the telescopic plate needs to both surround and extend the wood chips, so the telescopic plate's extension and retraction power is more energy-intensive. Inside the telescopic plate, the overall shape of the telescopic plate is maintained by the interlocking of sub-plates. Therefore, each sub-plate is a weak point of the telescopic plate, resulting in lower overall strength. To ensure telescopic flexibility, the sub-plates require high precision and resistance to deformation.

[0075] Reference Figures 5 to 9 On the other hand, in order to ensure that the baffle 620 rises and falls relatively smoothly, the two sides of the top frame 710 are relatively flat, and there is a certain distance between the bottom corner of the top frame 710 and the discharge screw 400. The ventral hole of the top frame 710 in this distance area is suitable for naturally discharging some wood chips in advance. Compared with the discharge screw 400, no power source is required.

[0076] In some embodiments of the present invention, rollers are accommodated in the limiting groove 110, as shown in the reference. Figure 8 , Figure 9 Both the top frame 710 and the top block 720 have multiple first recesses on their bottom edges suitable for straddling corresponding rollers. Both the top frame 710 and the top block 720 are adapted to ride on the rollers and move along the limiting groove 110. In this invention, the top frame 710 and the top block 720 can move smoothly with the discharge screw 400, reducing the resistance of the traveling frame 320 driving the top frame 710 and the top block 720. The top frame 710 and the top block 720 can more effectively scoop up the baffle 620 and wood chips within the limiting groove 110.

[0077] Reference Figure 8In some embodiments of the present invention, a cover plate 721 is connected to the inner side of the top block 720. The cover plate 721 is adapted to isolate the lower end of the baffle 620, which has been lifted by the top block 720, from the wooden piece. The cover plate 721 is also adapted to isolate the section of the limiting groove 110 that has been pulled out of the baffle 620 from the wooden piece. On the other hand, the body of the top block 720 can be a frame, which is lighter, and the cover plate 721 is thin and adapted to cover the ventral opening of the top block 720. The body of the top block 720 can also be a closed plate, with the cover plate 721 serving as a shield for the top block body. The cover plate 721 is preferably integrally formed with the top block body.

[0078] Reference Figure 9 In some embodiments of the present invention, the top frame 710 is trapezoidal, and a second recess 711 is provided on the top edge of the top frame 710. The second recess 711 is provided with a follower screw 712 extending along the top edge. The follower screw 712 is rotatably connected to the top frame 710. A baffle 620 on one side of the top frame 710 is adapted to transition to the other side via the follower screw 712. When a piece of wood is caught between the climbing baffle 620 and the top frame 710, the caught piece of wood will climb onto the follower screw 712 and then move axially along the follower screw 712. At the same time, it also drives the follower screw 712 to rotate, and the follower screw 712 pushes the caught piece of wood to both sides of the top frame 710, so that the piece of wood is released from the clamp.

[0079] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 In some embodiments of the present invention, a notch is provided on the discharge side of the stacking area 100 and a limiting and guiding strip 130 is connected thereto. The discharge side of the stacking area 100 and the limiting and guiding strip 130 together limit the notch to the corresponding limiting groove 110. The limiting and guiding strip 130 is provided with an inclined eave suitable for guiding wood chips to the conveyor belt 200.

[0080] Reference Figure 1 In some embodiments of the present invention, multiple feed belts 800 are distributed axially at intervals above the stacking area 100. These multiple feed belts 800 can be for the same type of wood or for different types of wood. Correspondingly, multiple discharge screws 400 can be provided, each discharge screw 400 being rotatably connected to a different overhead crane 320; each discharge screw 400 can be used to scrape and discharge the same type of wood or to scrape and discharge different types of wood.

[0081] On the other hand, one end of the feed belt 800 allows wood chips to flow into the stockpile 100, while the other end can receive wood from the feed hopper, which is suitable for receiving wood chips dumped by vehicles. The other end of the feed belt 800 can also receive wood chips produced by a chipper. Wood chips obtained by the chipper from crushing wood, branches, etc., are stored in the stockpile 100 via the feed belt 800. The feed belt 800 is generally inclined, with the lower end suitable for vehicles or chippers to drop wood chips into it.

[0082] In some embodiments of the present invention, the stacking area 100 is provided with a re-stacking enclosure 900 that is higher than the perimeter wall 610 and the baffle 620. The re-stacking enclosure 900 is located in the center of the stacking area 100, and the feed belt 800 is adapted to drop wood chips into the re-stacking enclosure 900. According to the characteristics of the material stack, the enclosure is set at the center of the stacking area 100, which can further increase the stackable height of the wood chip stack.

[0083] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit them. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wood chip storage warehouse, characterized in that, include: The storage area is suitable for storing wood chips; Conveyor belts are arranged in conjunction with the stacking area; The tracks are arranged in relation to the stack area; A discharge screw spans the stacking area. When the discharge screw rotates, it pushes the wood chips at the bottom edge of the wood chip stack in the stacking area toward the conveyor belt. The two ends of the discharge screw are respectively rotatably connected to corresponding trolley frames. At least one of the trolley frames has a trolley motor driven by its wheel. The trolley frame is adapted to travel along the track, so that the discharge screw is adjusted along the stacking area. The discharge screw is rotatably connected to a baffle, which is adapted to be flipped to the front or rear side of the discharge screw. The baffle, together with the wood chip stack, defines a discharge channel suitable for the rotation of the discharge screw. The stacking area is surrounded by walls at both ends. Multiple baffles are arranged axially on both sides of the stacking area. Adjacent baffles are spliced ​​together. Limiting trenches and limiting skylights are provided on both sides of the stacking area. The limiting trenches are adapted to accommodate the lower ends of the corresponding multiple baffles. The limiting skylights are adapted to allow the baffles to move up and down. The discharge screw is rotatably connected to a top frame at one end near the conveyor belt and to a top block at the other end. Both the top frame and the top block are triangular or trapezoidal, with the base adapted to be accommodated in the limiting trench and the two sides adapted to allow the baffles to climb or slide. The ventral opening of the top frame is adapted to discharge wood chips. The top frame is trapezoidal, and a second recess is provided on the top edge of the top frame. A follower screw extending along the top edge is provided in the second recess. The follower screw is rotatably connected to the top frame, and a baffle on any side of the top frame is adapted to transition to the other side via the follower screw.

2. The wood chip storage warehouse according to claim 1, characterized in that, The discharge screw is connected to a torque sensor. Both the gantry motor and the torque sensor are electrically connected to a central processing unit. The central processing unit is adapted to control the gantry motor to perform feed when the feedback value of the torque sensor is lower than a threshold, and to control the gantry motor to pause when the feedback value of the torque sensor is higher than a threshold.

3. The wood chip storage warehouse according to claim 1, characterized in that, The traveling frame is equipped with a forward proximity switch for detecting when the traveling frame reaches the front limit of the stack area, and a rear proximity switch for detecting when the traveling frame reaches the rear limit of the stack area. The forward proximity switch, the rear proximity switch, and the traveling motor are all electrically connected to a central processing unit. The central processing unit is adapted to control the traveling motor to adjust backward as the feed direction based on the detection of the forward proximity switch, and the central processing unit is adapted to control the traveling motor to adjust forward as the feed direction based on the detection of the rear proximity switch.

4. The wood chip storage warehouse according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple feed belts are distributed axially at intervals above the stack area.

5. A method for discharging wood chip stockpiles, characterized in that, The implementation of the wood chip storage facility according to any one of claims 1 to 4 includes the following steps: The wood chips are dumped into the stockpile area, forming a wood chip pile. As the feed screw advances, it pushes the wood chips into the pile, creating a gap in the screw thread that holds the first batch of wood chips. Discharge: The discharge screw rotates, and the threaded blades of the discharge screw drive the first piece of wood to move along the axial direction of the discharge screw, scraping the first piece of wood towards the conveyor belt; The material is discharged as the conveyor belt rotates in a cycle, and the wood chips in the stockpile are output to the outside via the conveyor belt. When the discharge screw rotates, it continuously or intermittently squeezes the wood chips into the pile, so that the thread gap of the discharge screw contains one or more layers of first-stage wood chips, and the conveyor belt continuously rotates in a cycle.

6. The method for discharging wood chip stockpiles according to claim 5, characterized in that, During the feeding step, the barrier flips to the front or rear side of the discharge screw, and the discharge screw drags the barrier to squeeze together towards the wood chip pile. The barrier and the wood chip pile together define a discharge channel suitable for the rotation of the discharge screw.

7. The method for discharging wood chip stockpiles according to claim 5, characterized in that, During the feed step, the gantry crane moves the discharge screw forward or backward to adjust its position. The discharge screw moves the top frame and the top block, so that the top frame and the top block are raised by the corresponding baffle on one side and slid down by the corresponding baffle on the other side.

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