Special-shaped stock bin

By designing a developable curved surface structure for irregularly shaped silos, the problems of high manufacturing difficulty and large welding workload were solved, achieving smooth material feeding and low-stress connection, and improving the flow performance and service life of the silos.

CN223920132UActive Publication Date: 2026-02-17ZHEJIANG PHARMA COLLEGE
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520427729.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-12
Publication Date
2026-02-17
Estimated Expiration
2035-03-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing technologies, irregularly shaped silos are difficult to manufacture, especially those with multiple outlets, which involve a large amount of welding work and are prone to jamming.

Method used

The first cylinder has a circular cross-section. The second cylinder and the third cylinder are connected by a circular cross-section and a square cross-section. The second and third cylinders are designed with a developable curved surface structure. The second and third cylinders are made of four flat plates and four curved plates arranged in an alternating manner and welded to each other. The pyramidal setting optimizes the transition, avoids material jamming and reduces the amount of welding work.

Benefits of technology

This enables smooth material feeding from the silo, reduces residual welding stress, lowers manufacturing difficulty, improves the silo's flow performance and service life, and reduces maintenance costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to a special-shaped stock bin, which comprises a first cylinder body with a circular cross section, and is characterized in that the lower end of the first cylinder body is connected with second cylinder bodies with circular tops and square bottoms, the bottom of each second cylinder body is divided into at least two rectangular areas, and each rectangular area is correspondingly provided with a third cylinder body with a square top and a circular bottom; the lower end of the third barrel is connected with a connecting pipe, the cross section of the connecting pipe is round, an outlet of the special-shaped stock bin is formed in the connecting pipe, and the second barrel and the third barrel are each formed by sequentially arranging and welding four flat plates and four curved plates in a staggered mode. The second cylinder body is round in the top and square in the bottom, the third cylinder body is square in the top and round in the bottom, the cylinder structures are formed by connecting expandable curved surfaces, and each of the second cylinder body and the third cylinder body is formed by sequentially arranging and mutually welding four flat plates and four curved plates in a staggered mode, so that the structure is simple, complex metal plate unfolding is avoided, the welding workload is small, and the welding residual stress is small; and the blanking is very convenient.
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to a stock bin, in particular to a special-shaped stock bin. BACKGROUND

[0002] The traditional stock bin is generally structured as a cylindrical or square upper part and a conical or square conical lower part. However, with the increasing complexity of process requirements and the limitation of equipment site layout, more and more special-shaped stock bins with multiple outlets are required. It is relatively easy to realize multiple square outlets on a square stock bin, and the square stock bin is also more commonly used in engineering. However, it is relatively difficult to design and calculate multiple circular outlets on a cylindrical stock bin, and it is also difficult to manufacture the cylindrical stock bin by sheet metal blanking and welding.

[0003] As shown in the stock bin structure of Figures 7-9 , the upper part is a cylindrical barrel 1', and the lower part is two funnel-shaped barrels 2'. The outer side of the funnel-shaped barrel 2' is a slanting conical surface 21', and the inner side is a flat surface 22'. Although this structure seems not complex, in actual engineering application, the slanting conical surface 21' is a non-developable surface, which needs to be approximated by a computer program to generate multiple small developable surfaces. Not only is the sheet metal unfolding relatively complex, but also the actual manufacturing needs to be spliced by multiple small metal plates, which will affect the shape if the metal plates are divided into too few blocks. However, if the metal plates are divided into too many blocks, it will lead to a large amount of welding, large deformation and residual stress, and great manufacturing difficulty.

[0004] For example, the Chinese patent application No. CN201110009308.9 (publication No. CN102173902A) discloses a high-tower compound fertilizer vibration fluidization out-tower device with cooling function. The collecting hopper is a structure of a round earth square separation type with a downward shrinkage, which is similar to the structure in the above Figures 7-9 , and also has the above problems. UTILITY MODEL CONTENTS

[0005] The utility model solves the technical problem of the prior art, and provides a special-shaped stock bin which is easy to blank and has small welding work.

[0006] The utility model adopts the technical scheme to solve the first technical problem: a special-shaped stock bin, which comprises a first barrel with a circular cross section. The lower end of the first barrel is connected with a second barrel with a round earth square structure. The bottom of each second barrel is divided into at least two rectangular areas. A third barrel with a square earth round structure is arranged in each rectangular area. The lower end of the third barrel is connected with a connecting pipe with a circular cross section. The connecting pipe forms an outlet of the special-shaped stock bin. The second barrel and the third barrel are formed by four flat plates and four curved plates which are arranged alternately and welded to each other.

[0007] Preferably, a pyramid with a larger top and a smaller bottom is provided between the second and third cylinders, and the pyramid has a square cross-section. The pyramid arrangement makes the structural transition between the second and third cylinders better, and the stress distribution is also better than if the second and third cylinders were directly connected.

[0008] Preferably, the pyramid is formed by four flat plates arranged sequentially in the circumferential direction and welded together. Thus, each face of the pyramid is also a developable surface, and it can be formed by welding four pieces together. This not only makes the material preparation easier, but also reduces the amount of welding work and the welding stress.

[0009] To prevent material jamming, the inner wall surfaces at the connection between the pyramid and the second cylinder are on the same plane, and the inner wall surfaces at the connection between the pyramid and the third cylinder are on the same plane. This ensures a smooth transition at the connection between the pyramid and the second and third cylinders, with the connection being almost flat, thus preventing material jamming.

[0010] Alternatively, the second and third cylinders can be directly connected. To prevent material jamming, the inner wall surfaces at the connection between the second and third cylinders are on the same plane. This makes the connection between the two almost planar, ensuring a smooth transition and preventing material jamming.

[0011] Preferably, the cross-section of the connecting pipe is circular and has the same diameter as the lower end of the third cylinder, so that the transition between the two is smooth, easy to unload, and also convenient to weld the two together.

[0012] To ensure the overall strength of the silo, reinforcing ribs are provided on the outer wall surfaces of the first cylinder and / or the second cylinder and / or the third cylinder.

[0013] In the above scheme, there are two third cylinders arranged symmetrically. Of course, multiple third cylinders can also be provided, which can be achieved by dividing the bottom of the second cylinder into multiple rectangular regions.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are as follows: The cross-section of the first cylinder of this invention is circular, that is, the first cylinder is a cylindrical cylinder. Since the circular outlet has many advantages, in order to connect the cylindrical cylinder with multiple circular outlets, this utility model sets a second cylinder and a third cylinder between the first cylinder and the connecting pipe for transition connection. The second cylinder is round at the top and square at the bottom, and the third cylinder is square at the top and round at the bottom. Both the round-top-square-bottom and square-bottom-round cylinder structures are connected by developable curved surfaces, which makes material cutting very convenient. Moreover, the second cylinder and the third cylinder are both made of four flat plates and four curved plates arranged alternately and welded to each other. This structure is simple, avoids complex sheet metal development, and has less welding work, low welding residual stress, and is relatively simple to manufacture.

[0015] The advantages of designing the outlet of a silo in a circular shape are as follows:

[0016] 1. Better flow performance: The circular outlet can reduce the blockage and accumulation of materials at the outlet. Because the circular structure has no sharp corners, the materials can flow more smoothly. Especially when the material flow is poor, the circular design can effectively reduce the "bridging" phenomenon (the material forms an arch structure at the outlet, which hinders the flow).

[0017] 2. Uniform stress distribution: When subjected to pressure, the circular structure has a more uniform stress distribution and is less prone to local stress concentration, thereby extending the service life of the silo.

[0018] 3. Reduce dead corners: Square outlets are prone to forming dead corners, leading to material accumulation, while round outlets have no dead corners, which can effectively prevent materials from accumulating at the outlet.

[0019] 4. It is easier to connect with downstream equipment such as valves and unloading devices, and the maintenance cost is also lower.

[0020] 5. Reduce material wear: The smooth curve of the circular outlet can reduce the friction between the material and the outlet wall, thereby reducing material wear. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 1 of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure from another direction;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure from another direction;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure from another direction;

[0026] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure from another direction;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a conventional material silo.

[0028] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure from another direction;

[0029] Figure 9 for Figure 7 A structural diagram from another direction. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more, and the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0032] In the description of this utility model patent, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an adhesive connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model patent based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the irregularly shaped silo of this preferred embodiment includes a first cylindrical body 1 with a circular cross-section. The lower end of the first cylindrical body 1 is connected to a second cylindrical body 2 with a round top and a square bottom. The bottom of each second cylindrical body 2 is divided into at least two rectangular regions, and each rectangular region is provided with a third cylindrical body 3 with a round top and a square bottom. The lower end of the third cylindrical body 3 is connected to a connecting pipe 4 with a circular cross-section. The outlet of the irregularly shaped silo is formed inside the connecting pipe 4. Both the second cylindrical body 2 and the third cylindrical body 3 are formed by sequentially and alternately arranging and welding four flat plates 21 and four curved plates 22. In this embodiment, the flat plates 21 are triangular. Both the round top and square bottom and round top and square bottom cylindrical body structures can be manufactured using existing methods.

[0035] In this embodiment, the second cylinder 2 and the third cylinder 3 are directly connected, and the inner wall surfaces of the connection between the second cylinder 2 and the third cylinder 3 are on the same plane. In this way, the connection between the two is almost planar, which makes the connection between the second cylinder 2 and the third cylinder 3 smooth and prevents material jamming.

[0036] In addition, the cross-section of the connecting pipe 4 is circular and has the same diameter as the lower end of the third cylinder 3. Preferably, the inner diameter and the outer diameter are the same, so that the transition between the two is smooth, easy to unload, and also convenient to weld the two together.

[0037] To ensure the overall strength of the silo, reinforcing ribs (not shown in the figure) are provided on the outer wall surfaces of the first cylinder 1 and / or the second cylinder 2 and / or the third cylinder 3. The structure of the reinforcing ribs can adopt existing technology.

[0038] In this embodiment, there are two third cylinders 3 arranged symmetrically. Of course, multiple third cylinders 3 can also be provided, which can be achieved by dividing the bottom of the second cylinder 2 into multiple rectangular regions.

[0039] Welding is performed between the first cylinder 1 and the second cylinder 2, and between the second cylinder 2 and the third cylinder 3.

[0040] As can be seen from the above, in this embodiment, the first cylinder 1 and the connecting pipe 4 are connected by the second cylinder 2 and the third cylinder 3. The second cylinder 2 is round at the top and square at the bottom, while the third cylinder 3 is square at the top and round at the bottom. Both the round-top-square-bottom and square-top-round-bottom cylinder structures are made of developable curved surfaces, which makes material cutting very convenient. Furthermore, the second cylinder 2 and the third cylinder 3 are both made of four flat plates and four curved plates arranged alternately and welded together. This structure is simple, avoids complex sheet metal unfolding, and has less welding work and low welding residual stress, making actual manufacturing relatively simple.

[0041] In summary, all the plates of the hopper in this embodiment are developable surfaces, which makes it very easy to cut materials, requires less welding work, has low residual welding stress, and is relatively simple to manufacture.

[0042] The silo of this embodiment can be used in industrial production (such as chemical plants and pharmaceutical factories), agricultural storage and logistics transportation, etc. As a container for storing bulk materials (such as granules, powders, etc.), it can realize the functions of centralized storage, buffering and transfer of materials, and effectively manage and control the flow of materials.

[0043] Example 2

[0044] like Figures 4-6 As shown, the difference between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 is that a pyramid 5, which is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom, is provided between the second cylinder 2 and the third cylinder 3. The cross-section of the pyramid 5 is square. The arrangement of the pyramid 5 makes the structural transition between the second cylinder 2 and the third cylinder 3 better, and the stress distribution is also better than if the second cylinder 2 and the third cylinder 3 were directly connected.

[0045] In this embodiment, the pyramid 5 is formed by four flat plates 51 arranged sequentially in the circumferential direction and welded together. Each flat plate 51 is trapezoidal. It can be seen that each surface of the pyramid 5 is also a developable surface. Moreover, only four pieces need to be welded together, which not only makes the material preparation better, but also reduces the amount of welding work and the welding stress.

[0046] In addition, the inner wall surfaces at the connection between the pyramid 5 and the second cylinder 2 are on the same plane, and the inner wall surfaces at the connection between the pyramid 5 and the third cylinder 3 are on the same plane. This makes the connection between the pyramid 5 and the second cylinder 2 and the third cylinder 3 smooth, and the connection is almost flat, so there will be no material jamming.

[0047] Welding is performed between the first cylinder 1 and the second cylinder 2, between the second cylinder 2 and the pyramid 5, and between the pyramid 5 and the third cylinder 3.

[0048] Explanation of relevant technical terms in this embodiment:

[0049] 1. Developable Surface: A developable surface is a surface whose Gaussian curvature is zero at every point. A general theorem states that a surface with constant Gaussian curvature can be bent (without stretching, shrinking, wrinkling, or tearing) into any surface with the same constant Gaussian curvature. Since a plane is a special surface with constant zero Gaussian curvature at every point, any surface with zero curvature at every point can be bent and unfolded into a plane.

[0050] In other words, a developable surface is a special type of surface that can be unfolded into a plane without stretching, compressing, or tearing. Intuitively, it's as if the surface is formed from a flat material through bending or other operations, and can be easily transformed back into a flat surface.

[0051] For example, common cylindrical and conical surfaces are developable surfaces, and planes are the simplest developable surfaces.

[0052] 2. Non-developable surfaces: These are surfaces that cannot be unfolded into a plane without stretching, compression, or tearing, as opposed to developable surfaces. These surfaces have complex geometry, and their inherent curvature makes them impossible to represent using simple planar unfolding operations. For example, a sphere is a typical non-developable surface.

[0053] 3. Round Heaven and Square Earth: This is a special geometric combination. Intuitively, it has a circular upper part and a square lower part. In the fields of mathematics and engineering drawing, it represents a three-dimensional structure or graphic that gradually transitions from a circular cross-section to a square cross-section. For example, this shape appears in the connection parts of some ventilation duct systems or industrial equipment to achieve a transition between circular and square pipes.

[0054] 4. **Square at the Top, Round at the Bottom:** This geometric combination corresponds to the traditional Chinese concept of a round sky and a square earth. Its main characteristic is a square upper part and a circular lower part. It's a geometric shape used to connect pipes of different shapes or as a special structural design. In engineering, it also represents a three-dimensional structure that transitions from a square cross-section to a circular cross-section. For example, in the ventilation systems of some industrial plants, when a square branch pipe needs to connect to the main circular pipe, a "square at the top, round at the bottom" fitting might be used.

Claims

1. An irregularly shaped silo, comprising a first cylindrical body (1) with a circular cross-section, characterized in that, The lower end of the first cylinder (1) is connected to a second cylinder (2) with a square top and a round bottom. The bottom of each second cylinder (2) is divided into at least two rectangular areas. Each rectangular area is provided with a third cylinder (3) with a square top and a round bottom. The lower end of the third cylinder (3) is connected to a pipe (4). The cross-section of the pipe (4) is circular. The outlet of the irregular hopper is formed inside the pipe (4). The second cylinder (2) and the third cylinder (3) are both made of four flat plates and four curved plates arranged alternately and welded together.

2. The irregularly shaped silo according to claim 1, characterized in that: A pyramid (5) with a larger top and a smaller bottom is provided between the second cylinder (2) and the third cylinder (3), and the cross-section of the pyramid (5) is square.

3. The irregularly shaped silo according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner wall surfaces at the connection between the pyramid (5) and the second cylinder (2) are in the same plane, and the inner wall surfaces at the connection between the pyramid (5) and the third cylinder (3) are in the same plane.

4. The irregularly shaped silo according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pyramid (5) is formed by four flat plates arranged in sequence in the circumferential direction and welded together.

5. The irregularly shaped silo according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second cylinder (2) and the third cylinder (3) are directly connected.

6. The irregularly shaped silo according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner wall surfaces at the connection between the second cylinder (2) and the third cylinder (3) are on the same plane.

7. The irregularly shaped silo according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The lower end of the connecting pipe (4) has the same diameter as the lower end of the third cylinder (3).

8. The irregularly shaped silo according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The outer wall surfaces of the first cylinder (1) and / or the second cylinder (2) and / or the third cylinder (3) are provided with reinforcing ribs.

9. The irregularly shaped silo according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The third cylinder (3) has two symmetrical arrangements.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Hightower composite fertilizer vibrating, fluidizing and discharging device with cooling function

    CN102173902A