Conversion bin filling device

Abstract

A conversion bin filling device comprises a furnace body, a plurality of material bins are arranged in the furnace body, the filling device is arranged above the furnace body and used for spreading materials to the material bins in the furnace body, the filling device comprises a material spreading mechanism, the material spreading mechanism comprises a material discharging bin, a discharging pipe and a material spreading auger, the material discharging bin is communicated with the material spreading auger through the discharging pipe, and the material spreading auger is communicated with the material discharging bin through the discharging pipe. The spreading auger is used for spreading materials in the stock bin; the bin body elevator is arranged on the working platform, the conversion bin is used for being communicated with the discharging bin and supplying materials to the discharging bin, is a hollow bin body and is fixed to the loading platform, the conversion bin replacing mechanism comprises a double-row switching chain conveyor, the double-row switching chain conveyor is arranged on the working platform and is divided into a channel section and an avoiding area, and the feeding end of the double-row switching chain conveyor is in butt joint with the bin body elevator and is used for transferring or temporarily storing the conversion bin; the butt joint chain conveyor is fixed to the loading platform, can be in butt joint with the double-row switching chain conveyor and is used for transferring the switching bin to the position below the discharging bin; and the telescopic butt joint is arranged at the top of the discharging bin, can vertically ascend and descend and is used for being in butt joint with the conversion bin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery manufacturing equipment technology, and more specifically to a conversion chamber filling device for square furnace filler of battery materials. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of battery manufacturing technology, the filling method of powder materials in square furnaces has evolved from multi-material, multi-level filling to fewer materials and larger single filling values. In traditional processes, in order to meet the requirements of layered stacking of multiple materials, the filling device needs to frequently change the hopper; however, when the number of material types decreases, the loading capacity of a single material increases significantly, and the weight of the switching hopper can reach several tons, making conventional hoisting methods difficult to adapt.

[0003] While gantry cranes can bear heavy loads, they significantly increase the required factory space and renovation costs, and are difficult to implement in some existing factory buildings. Furthermore, the powder filling process places higher demands on continuous feeding, stable material distribution, and efficient hopper changing. Existing technologies generally suffer from the following problems:

[0004] 1. The movement method of the heavy-duty compartment is insufficient to support high-frequency replacement;

[0005] 2. The material switching process is interrupted, making it difficult to achieve continuous material supply;

[0006] 3. Insufficient docking precision between the transfer bin and the discharge bin; docking deviation can easily cause material leakage.

[0007] 4. Dust is difficult to control effectively during the docking and discharge stages.

[0008] Therefore, a filling device is needed that can bear heavy materials, enable rapid switching of silos, and ensure high-precision docking. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Purpose of the invention: In order to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention provides a way to achieve efficient, safe transportation and accurate filling of heavy-duty materials without increasing the factory area and significantly increasing investment costs.

[0010] Technical Solution: This invention utilizes a dual-channel switching chain conveyor mechanism on the working platform, allowing two conversion chambers to be located in the working channel and a buffer zone, respectively. When one conversion chamber is in the discharge position performing a filling operation, the other conversion chamber can wait in the buffer zone. As the material in the first conversion chamber is about to be emptied, the device can move it to the buffer zone via the switching mechanism and automatically switch the second conversion chamber into the working channel, achieving seamless connection between the two conversion chambers. Throughout the entire process, the discharge operation does not need to be interrupted, ensuring the continuity of the filling process.

[0011] To avoid excessive weight affecting transmission and docking accuracy, this invention employs a split-type docking gate valve structure. The valve body is fixed to the bottom of the conversion chamber, while the actuator driving the gate's opening and closing is independently arranged on the loading platform where the discharge chamber is located. During docking, the actuator aligns with the valve body through lateral and longitudinal fine-tuning mechanisms, and a stable power coupling relationship is formed through the rigid fit between the pin and the positioning hole, enabling reliable opening and closing of the gate after docking and locking. Since the actuator does not move with the chamber, the moving mass is significantly reduced, improving the stability of the chamber's movement, while simultaneously enhancing the reliability and versatility of the actuator.

[0012] A concave frame is installed between the docking chain conveyor and the loading platform, so that when the transfer bin enters the docking position, the upper part of its loading platform is mechanically guided by the guide rail of the concave frame. The guide structure fine-tunes the bin body, gradually eliminating errors during the docking process, thereby making the docking position and attitude more stable.

[0013] Photoelectric sensors arranged inside the frame are used to detect whether the container has entered the docking area and reached its final position. The sensor signals are linked with the control system to provide reliable triggering conditions for the action of the actuator.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0015] By adopting the technical solution of the present invention, the following technical effects can be achieved:

[0016] High-efficiency heavy-duty transportation: The two-layer material conveying system can handle discharge bins weighing several tons, meeting the needs of large-volume filling in a single operation.

[0017] High space utilization: No need to use large gantry cranes, it can be implemented in existing factory buildings, saving factory space.

[0018] Low investment cost: Compared with installing a gantry crane system, the modification cost of this invention is significantly reduced, while improving equipment utilization.

[0019] Continuous Production: The double-row switching chain conveyor design enables rapid switching between transfer bins, ensuring continuous production. Precise Positioning: Multi-stage guiding and detection mechanisms ensure high-precision docking between the transfer bin and the discharge bin. High Adaptability: The telescopic joint design allows the system to adapt to different height requirements, increasing equipment flexibility. High Safety: The split-type docking gate valve design improves the sealing and safety of the material transfer process.

[0020] Through the aforementioned structure and control methods, this invention achieves the overall technical benefits of continuous supply, rapid switching between multiple compartments, precise docking, clean filling, and heavy-duty adaptability. This structure can improve production continuity, reduce dust pollution, and lower equipment maintenance costs without altering the existing furnace layout, making it suitable for powder filling scenarios such as those for battery materials. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 : Schematic diagram of the connection structure of each component of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 : A schematic diagram of the conversion chamber replacement structure of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 : Another structural schematic diagram of the conversion chamber replacement structure of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 : Another structural schematic diagram of the conversion chamber replacement structure of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 : A schematic diagram of the working platform of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 : A schematic diagram of the furnace body of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 : A schematic diagram of the structure of the split-type gate valve of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8 : Another structural schematic diagram of the slide gate valve of the present invention.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0030] 1-Furnace body

[0031] 2-Filling device, 21-Discharge bin, 22-Discharge pipe, 23-Material spreading auger,

[0032] 3-Transfer compartment replacement mechanism, 31-Compartment body lifting machine,

[0033] 32 - Double-row switching chain conveyor; 33 - Channel section; 34 - Clearance area; 35 - Dating chain conveyor; 36 - Track rail.

[0034] 4-Split-type gate valve, 41-Valve body, 411-Gate plate, 412-Valve housing, 413-Guide wheel,

[0035] 42-Drive cylinder, 421-Pin, 422-Pin actuator, 423-Pin linkage seat

[0036] 5-Telescopic connector, 6-Dust suction pipe, 7-Conversion chamber, 8-Loading platform, 9-Working platform, 10-Concave frame, 11-Guide rail, 12-Diffuse reflection photoelectric sensor, 13-Docking photoelectric sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0038] It should be noted that the descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., in this invention are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0039] Example 1

[0040] The device of this invention is typically arranged in the working area above the furnace body 1. For example... Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the core of the device consists of three parts: first, a vertical conveying system located between the ground and the working platform 9, used to lift the loaded material transfer chamber 7 to the filling work area; second, a switching conveying system distributed in the plane of the working platform 9, used to move, avoid, and dock the transfer chamber 7 during the filling process; and third, a material discharge and dust removal coordination system, responsible for stably and cleanly conveying the material from the transfer chamber 7 to each hopper of the furnace body 1.

[0041] After being loaded with materials, the transfer bin 7 on the ground floor enters the vertical lifting channel via a chain conveyor located on the ground level. The bin elevator 31 lifts the transfer bin 7 vertically to the height of the working platform 9 using a chain or hydraulic telescopic mechanism. Once the transfer bin 7 is lifted to the platform, its bottom is planarly connected to the switching chain conveyor of the working platform 9, allowing it to move horizontally along the platform in preparation for the subsequent bin-changing process.

[0042] Specifically, it includes:

[0043] Furnace body 1, with multiple material bins inside, and filling device 2 located above furnace body 1 for filling the material bins inside furnace body 1.

[0044] The filling device 2 includes

[0045] The material spreading mechanism includes a discharge bin 21, a discharge pipe 22, and a material spreading auger 23. The discharge bin 21 is connected to the material spreading auger 23 through the discharge pipe 22. The material spreading auger 23 is used to spread the material in the bin.

[0046] The conversion chamber 7, configured as a hollow chamber, is used to connect with and supply materials to the discharge chamber 21, and is fixed to the loading platform 8.

[0047] Loading platform 8 is used to carry conversion compartment 7 and is located on working platform 9.

[0048] A working platform 9 is provided, which has a working channel for carrying and moving the conversion chamber 7. The working channel is equipped with a conversion chamber 7 changing mechanism 3 that drives the conversion chamber 7. This mechanism includes...

[0049] The double-row switching chain conveyor 32 is set on the working platform 9 and is divided into a channel section 33 and a clearance area 34. The feed end is connected to the bin body elevator 31 and is used for transfer or temporary storage of the conversion bin 7.

[0050] The hopper elevator 31 is used to lift the conversion hopper 7 from the ground to the work platform 9.

[0051] The docking chain conveyor 35 is fixed to the loading platform 8 and docks with the double-row switching chain conveyor 32 to drive the conversion bin 7 to move and transfer the conversion bin 7 to below the discharge bin 21;

[0052] Telescopic connector 5 is located on the top of the discharge hopper 21 and can be raised and lowered vertically for docking with the conversion hopper 7.

[0053] The telescopic connector 5 is located at the top of the discharge hopper 21 and can be raised and lowered vertically for docking with the conversion hopper 7. Its design increases the system's flexibility, allowing it to adapt to different height requirements. Simultaneously, a dust suction pipe 6 is arranged outside the discharge pipe and linked to it. A mechanical linkage ensures that the dust suction port is always close to the discharge port, maintaining a stable local negative pressure environment in the material falling area and effectively controlling dust.

[0054] Once the transfer bin 7 reaches the working platform 9, its movement no longer relies on the vertical system but is taken over by the double-row switching chain conveyor 32 arranged on the platform. This mechanism has two parallel channels: one serves as the working channel, directly pointing to the docking position of the discharge bin 21; the other serves as a buffer zone 34, used for temporarily storing spare transfer bins 7. The switching of the transfer bin 7 between the two channels is achieved through a switching and steering device on the chain conveyor. This dual-channel setup allows one transfer bin 7 to complete its position preparation in the buffer zone 34 while one transfer bin 7 is performing a filling task, without waiting for the previous transfer bin 7 to completely exit before entering the next cycle.

[0055] The essence of the switching process is that, just before the material in the switching bin 7, which is currently in the working channel, is about to be emptied, the control system will initiate the switching action in advance based on the material level signal. The switching action first moves the working bin backward along the working channel, and during the withdrawal process, the working bin gradually enters the avoidance zone 34;

[0056] Meanwhile, the next conversion bin 7, which had been waiting in the avoidance zone 34, turns along the switching path and enters the working channel. During the relative movement of the two conversion bins 7, the guiding structure of the chain conveyor mechanism keeps the bins in a stable position, ensuring a smooth switching process. This dual-row parallel structure ensures that there is always a material bin above the discharge bin 21 throughout the entire process, preventing downtime and waiting.

[0057] The chain conveyor inside the elevator is used to receive the transfer bin 7 on the ground and transfer it to the bin body elevator 31; the feed end of the bin body elevator 31 is connected to the chain conveyor inside the elevator, and is used to vertically lift the transfer bin 7 to the working platform 9.

[0058] The silo hoist 31 is hydraulically driven and can smoothly and vertically lift the conversion silo 7, weighing several tons, to the height of the working platform 9. The hydraulic system is equipped with precision pressure sensors and position feedback devices, and closed-loop control ensures the smoothness and accuracy of the lifting process.

[0059] A split-type docking gate valve 4 is provided, including a valve body 41 fixed to the bottom of the conversion chamber 7, a docking drive 42, and a pin 421 connecting mechanism. The valve body 41 closes the conversion chamber 7 above and docks with the telescopic docking joint 5 below, which is used to connect the conversion chamber 7 with the discharge chamber 21.

[0060] The valve body 41 includes a slide plate 411 and a valve housing 412. The valve housing 412 is matched with the outlet of the conversion chamber 7. The slide plate 411 is connected and fixed with the pin 421 connection mechanism. The docking drive 42 drives the pin 421 connection mechanism to move, thereby moving the slide plate 411, thereby opening or closing the valve body 41.

[0061] The pin 421 connection mechanism includes a pin 421, a pin driver 422, and a pin linkage seat 423. The pin 421 corresponds to the positioning hole provided on the insertion plate 411. The pin driver 422 drives the pin 421 to move up and down, inserting into or disengaging from the positioning hole. The pin linkage seat 423 is connected to the docking drive 42 mechanism.

[0062] After the conversion chamber 7 reaches the docking position, the core operation of the filling system begins. Unlike traditional integrated structures, this invention separates the valve body 41 from the actuator, so that only the valve body 41 remains at the bottom of the conversion chamber 7. The valve body 41 includes a slide plate 411, a valve housing 412, and guide wheels 413, etc., to ensure the smooth sliding of the slide plate 411 within the valve body 41. The actuator corresponding to the valve body 41 is arranged on the loading platform 8 and forms a movable structure through guide rods, fixed seats, and drive cylinders.

[0063] To achieve stable power transmission, this invention incorporates a mating structure between a pin 421 and a positioning hole between the valve body 41 and the actuator. At the start of the docking operation, the actuator first moves its actuating end to a coaxial position with the valve body 41 via a lateral and longitudinal adjustment mechanism. Subsequently, the pin 421, driven by the actuator, extends into the positioning hole on the valve body 41's insert plate 411. After the pin 421 enters the positioning hole, a rigid connection is formed between the valve body 41 and the actuator, allowing the actuator's pushing force to directly act on the insert plate 411, thus achieving stable opening of the insert plate 411.

[0064] After the gate plate 411 is opened, the material inside the conversion chamber 7 flows into the discharge chamber 21 through the opening at the bottom of the valve body 41. Since the actuator does not move with the conversion chamber 7, its overall structural mass is greatly reduced, and the load-bearing and movement of the chamber are thus more stable.

[0065] The docking drive mechanism includes a drive cylinder 42, a guide rod, and a fixed seat. The drive cylinder 42 drives the fixed seat to move along the guide rod. The fixed seat is fixed to the pin linkage seat 423. The pin linkage seat 423 moves along the guide rod. The pin linkage seat 423 is located between two guide rods. The two guide rods are distributed and connected to the two drive cylinders 42 and the two fixed seats.

[0066] The conversion chamber 7 and the replacement mechanism 3 also include a concave frame 10. The docking chain conveyor 35 includes two parallel conveyor chain plates. The sprocket drives the conveyor chain plates to move. A support rail 36 is provided below the conveyor chain plates and contacts the conveyor chain plates. When the loading platform 8 is conveyed to the two conveyor chain plates by the double-row switching chain conveyor 32, the conveyor chain plates will convey the loading platform 8 to the concave frame 10.

[0067] The concave frame 10 is provided with guide rails 11 located above the conveyor chain plate and in contact with the upper part of the loading platform 8 to guide the loading platform 8.

[0068] Once the backup conversion bin 7 is switched to the working channel, it needs to move further to the docking position below the discharge bin 21. At this time, its movement is taken over by the docking chain conveyor 35. The docking chain conveyor 35 adopts a structure of two parallel chain plates, and a load-bearing rail 36 is set below the chain plates to ensure that the load-bearing platform can still operate smoothly under heavy load.

[0069] A concave frame 10 structure is provided at the end of the docking chain conveyor 35. This frame, in its geometry, encloses the bin platform. After the transfer bin 7 enters the concave frame 10, its upper frame contacts the upper part of the bin platform, creating a mechanical guiding effect and automatically correcting minor deviations in the bin during transport. As the bin approaches its final position, photoelectric sensors located inside the frame detect the bin's sidewalls or light-shielding plates. These sensors send a signal back to the control system, confirming that the bin has reached the docking position and triggering subsequent docking actions. This multi-stage guidance and detection ensures high repeatability of the final posture and position of the transfer bin 7, creating conditions for precise meshing of the docking structure.

[0070] An inlet detection sensor is also provided, which is a diffuse reflection photoelectric sensor 12, located inside the inlet section of the concave frame 10, to detect the sensing plate on the side of the loading platform 8.

[0071] It is also equipped with a docking position sensor, which is a through-beam photoelectric sensor 13, located inside the concave frame 10. A light shield is provided at the tail of the loading platform 8. When the loading platform 8 is in position, it completely blocks the beam of the through-beam photoelectric sensor and triggers locking.

[0072] After the material enters the discharge hopper 21, it needs to be further conveyed to different hoppers inside the furnace body 1 through the discharge mechanism. This invention, by setting a retractable discharge pipe structure, allows the discharge port to adapt to different heights and positions inside the furnace body 1. When the discharge pipe extends into the furnace body 1, the externally installed dust suction pipe 6 moves synchronously with the discharge pipe through a linkage structure, ensuring that the dust suction port is always close to the discharge port. The dust suction port remains synchronized during the extension, retraction, or height change of the discharge pipe, effectively collecting the dust generated during discharge.

[0073] The dust collection system uses negative pressure to draw dust into the dust removal unit. The entire dust collection process is interlocked with the material discharge action, ensuring that the dust collection function is activated only during material flow, thereby improving dust collection efficiency and reducing energy consumption. This coordinated action of material discharge and dust removal significantly reduces the risk of dust escape during the changing and docking stages.

[0074] The coordinated operation of the aforementioned structures relies on the timing management and logical judgment of the control system. The control system acquires data and performs logical control of the elevator, chain conveyor, actuators, discharge pipe, dust collection structure, and sensors. Interlocking between these mechanisms ensures that actions such as chamber switching, docking, discharge, and dust removal are executed sequentially under safe conditions. For example, the discharge mechanism will not start until docking is fully completed, the dust collection structure will establish negative pressure before discharge begins, and chamber switching can only begin after the previous switching chamber 7 has completely exited the working channel. Through these methods, the entire filling system exhibits a continuous, stable, safe, and highly reliable operating state.

[0075] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A conversion chamber filling device, comprising a furnace body with a material level, characterized in that, include: A filling mechanism for feeding material into the furnace body includes a feeding mechanism, which comprises a discharge bin, a discharge pipe, and a feeding auger. The discharge bin is connected to the feeding auger via the discharge pipe, and the feeding auger is used to level the material in the bin. A transfer bin, configured as a hollow bin, is used to connect to the discharge bin and supply material to it. A working platform is set up, which has a working channel for carrying and moving the conversion bins. The working channel includes a channel section and a clearance area. The clearance area is used to temporarily store the conversion bins, and the channel section is used to transport the conversion bins. The silo lift is used to lift the transfer silo from the ground to the work platform. The double-row switching chain conveyor connects to the silo elevator at the inlet end, and has one outlet end located at the avoidance end and the other end located in the passage section connecting to the docking chain conveyor. The docking chain conveyor is connected to the double-row switching chain conveyor to transfer the conversion bin to below the discharge bin; A telescopic connector, located on the top of the discharge hopper, can be vertically raised and lowered for docking with the conversion hopper and the discharge hopper; A split-type slide gate valve includes: a docking drive mechanism for driving the valve body, a valve body fixed to the bottom of the switching chamber, and a pin connection structure for forming a detachable rigid connection between the drive mechanism and the valve body. When one conversion chamber is located in the working channel and connected to the discharge chamber for filling, another conversion chamber is located in the avoidance area to stand by, so as to achieve continuous chamber switching and filling.

2. The conversion chamber filling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The double-row switching chain conveyor includes a reversing drive component, which switches the filled conversion bin from the working area to the avoidance area, and at the same time switches the standby conversion bin to the working channel.

3. The conversion chamber filling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body includes a slide plate and a valve housing. The valve housing is matched with the outlet of the conversion chamber and the inlet of the discharge chamber. One end of the slide plate is detachably rigidly connected to the pin connection mechanism, and the other end is inserted into the valve housing to close or open the valve housing. The docking drive drives the slide plate to move horizontally to open or close the valve body.

4. The conversion chamber filling device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pin connection mechanism includes a pin, a pin driver, and a pin linkage seat. The pin corresponds to a positioning hole provided on the insertion plate. The pin driver drives the pin to move up and down, inserting into or disengaging from the positioning hole. The pin linkage seat is connected to the docking drive mechanism.

5. The conversion chamber filling device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The docking drive includes a drive cylinder, a guide rod, and a fixed seat. The drive cylinder drives the fixed seat to move along the guide rod. The fixed seat is fixed to the pin linkage seat. The pin linkage seat moves along the guide rod and is located between two guide rods. The two guide rods are distributed and connected to two drive cylinders and two fixed seats.

6. The conversion chamber filling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conversion bin replacement mechanism also includes a concave frame. The docking chain conveyor includes two parallel conveyor chain plates. The sprocket drives the conveyor chain plates to move. A support rail is provided below the conveyor chain plates and contacts them. When the loading platform is transported to the two conveyor chain plates by the double-row switching chain conveyor, the conveyor chain plates transport the loading platform to the concave frame. The concave frame is equipped with guide rails located above the conveyor chain plate, which contact the upper part of the loading platform to guide the loading platform.

7. The conversion chamber filling device according to claim 6, characterized in that, An entrance detection sensor is also provided. It is a diffuse reflection photoelectric sensor located inside the entrance section of the concave frame to detect the sensing plate on the side of the loading platform.

8. The conversion chamber filling device according to claim 6, characterized in that, It is also equipped with a docking position sensor, which is a through-beam photoelectric sensor located inside the concave frame. A light-shielding plate is set at the rear of the loading platform. When the loading platform is in position, it completely blocks the beam of the through-beam photoelectric sensor, triggering locking.

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