Foam stock bin structure
By designing the foam silo structure, including components such as the material cage frame, foam storage bin, and material level sensor, the problems of high labor intensity and automation caused by EPS foam bag storage were solved, realizing automated storage and discharge of foam raw materials and improving production efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-31
AI Technical Summary
The existing bagged storage of EPS foam results in high labor intensity and low work efficiency for operators, and is not conducive to the automated transportation and production of foam.
A foam silo structure was designed, including a material cage frame, a foam storage bin, a material level sensor, a feeding pipe, an infeed switch control device, and an outlet valve, to realize automatic feeding and discharging of foam raw materials. The material level sensor monitors the storage volume and controls the feeding and discharging process.
It enables automated storage, feeding, and discharging of foam raw materials, improving production efficiency and supporting automated foam conveying and production.
Smart Images

Figure CN224061691U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of foam production equipment technology, and more specifically, to a foam silo structure. Background Technology
[0002] EPS foam, also known as polystyrene foam, has advantages such as light weight, good thermal insulation, and high toughness. It is often used as a filler material in industrial manufacturing. However, existing EPS foam is generally stored in individual bags, requiring operators to frequently handle the foam, resulting in high labor intensity and low work efficiency. Moreover, bagged EPS foam is not conducive to automated foam transportation and automated production. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned defects in the prior art and provide a foam silo structure.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a foam silo structure, including a cage frame, a foam storage silo, a level sensor, a feed pipe, an inlet pipe, an inlet switch control device, an outlet pipe, and an outlet valve. The foam storage silo is longitudinally fixed inside the cage frame. The top of the foam storage silo has a foam silo inlet, and the bottom of the foam storage silo has a foam silo outlet. The level sensor is installed inside the foam storage silo or at the foam silo inlet. The inlet switch control device is connected between the feed pipe and the inlet pipe and is used to control the connection and disconnection of the feed pipe and the inlet pipe. The outlet end of the inlet pipe extends into the foam storage silo or at the foam silo inlet. The upper end of the outlet pipe is connected to the foam silo outlet, and the lower end of the outlet pipe is connected to the outlet valve inlet.
[0005] Preferably, the feed switch control device includes a dual-interface plate, a switching drive cylinder, and a movable interface plate. The dual-interface plate has a first interface and a second interface that are horizontally penetrating the dual-interface plate, respectively. The second interface is located below the first interface, and the first interface is connected to the inlet end of the feed pipe. The movable interface plate is vertically mounted on the front of the dual-interface plate. The movable interface plate has a third interface that is horizontally penetrating the movable interface plate and is connected to the feed pipe. The switching drive cylinder is mounted on the top of the dual-interface plate and is drivenly connected to the movable interface plate. The switching drive cylinder can drive the movable interface plate to move up and down, thereby enabling the third interface on the movable interface plate to switch and dock with the first and second interfaces on the dual-interface plate.
[0006] Preferably, the cage frame is a steel cage frame.
[0007] Preferably, the feed pipe is configured as a wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant feed pipe, and the inlet pipe is configured as a wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant inlet pipe.
[0008] Preferably, the feed tube is configured as a corrugated tube that can extend and bend.
[0009] Preferably, the foam storage chamber is configured as a chamber body made of metal, wood or material bags.
[0010] Preferably, the material bag is a wear-resistant and flexible material bag.
[0011] Preferably, the lower part of the foam storage chamber is configured as a funnel-shaped structure.
[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0013] This invention features a reasonable structural design. The foam storage chamber can store a large amount of foam raw materials. The level sensor can monitor the height or quantity of foam raw materials in the storage chamber in real time. When the foam raw materials reach the preset high level, feeding stops. When the foam raw materials drop to the low level, it reminds the user to replenish the foam raw materials in time. When discharge is required, the discharge valve is opened, and the discharge speed and quantity of foam raw materials can be controlled. This invention can realize the storage, automatic feeding, and automatic discharge of foam raw materials, which is conducive to the automated conveying and automated production of foam, and greatly improves production efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the foam silo structure provided in this embodiment of the utility model;
[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the feeding switch part of the foam hopper structure provided in this embodiment of the utility model;
[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a silo module composed of multiple foam silo structures provided in this embodiment of the utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0019] Please refer to Figure 1 The present invention provides a foam silo structure, including a material cage frame 1, a foam storage bin 2, a material level sensor 3, a material supply pipe 4, an inlet pipe 5, an inlet switch control device 6, an outlet pipe 7, and an outlet valve 8, etc. The components of this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0020] In this embodiment, the material cage frame 1 can preferably be a steel material cage frame. The material cage frame 1 is the supporting structure of the foam storage bin 2, and can be welded or assembled from sturdy steel. It has good stability and load-bearing capacity, and can withstand the weight of the foam raw materials in the foam storage bin 2 as well as various forces generated during equipment operation.
[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the foam storage bin 2 is longitudinally fixed inside the material cage frame 1. The top of the foam storage bin 2 has a foam bin inlet, and the bottom of the foam storage bin 2 has a foam bin outlet. In this embodiment, the foam storage bin 2 can preferably be configured as a bin body made of a material bag. The material bag can be a wear-resistant and flexible material bag, and its lower end can be configured as a funnel-shaped structure. Its material has a certain degree of flexibility and wear resistance, which can prevent the foam raw material from leaking and facilitate unloading.
[0022] Of course, in other embodiments, the foam storage chamber 2 may also be made of metal, wood or other materials, not limited to this embodiment.
[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the material level sensor 3 is installed at the foam hopper entrance of the foam storage hopper 2 (or it can be installed inside the foam storage hopper). The material level sensor 3 can be a photoelectric sensor used for detecting height, which can monitor the height or quantity of raw materials in the foam storage hopper 2 in real time.
[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the feed switch control device 6 is connected between the feed pipe 4 and the feed pipe 5. The feed switch control device 6 is used to control the connection and disconnection of the feed pipe 4 and the feed pipe 5, control the inflow of raw materials, and facilitate the cutting off of the raw material flow when the equipment is maintained, the raw materials are replaced, or the feeding is stopped.
[0025] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the feed switch control device 6 may include a dual-interface plate 61, a switching drive cylinder 62, and a movable interface plate 63. The dual-interface plate 61 is provided with a first interface 64 and a second interface 65 that are respectively transversely penetrating the dual-interface plate 61. The second interface 65 is located below the first interface 64. The first interface 64 is connected to the inlet end of the feed pipe 5. The movable interface plate 63 is flexibly mounted on the front of the dual-interface plate 61. The back of the movable interface plate 63 is abutted against the front of the dual-interface plate 61. The movable interface plate 63 is provided with a third interface 66 that is transversely penetrating the movable interface plate 63. The third interface 66 is connected to the feed pipe 4. The switching drive cylinder 62 is mounted on the top of the dual-interface plate 61 and is connected to the movable interface plate 63 in a transmission connection.
[0026] The switching drive cylinder 62 can drive the moving interface plate 63 to move up and down, thereby enabling the third interface 66 on the moving interface plate 63 to switch with the first interface 64 and the second interface 65 on the dual interface plate 61. For example, when the switching drive cylinder 62 drives the moving interface plate 63 to move upward, the feed pipe 4 is connected to the feed pipe 5 through the third interface 66 and the first interface 64. When the switching drive cylinder 62 drives the moving interface plate 63 to move downward, the feed pipe 4 is connected to the second interface 65 through the third interface 66. The second interface 65 can be connected to the feed pipe of another set of foam silo structures, or it can be connected to other machines or pipes.
[0027] Preferably, the feed pipe 4 can be configured as a wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant feed pipe, and the inlet pipe 5 can be configured as a wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant inlet pipe. As pipes for the raw materials to enter the foam storage chamber 2, the feed pipe 4 and the inlet pipe 5 can be made of wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant materials to ensure that the foam raw materials can flow in smoothly.
[0028] To facilitate the lifting and lowering movement of the feed pipe 4 following the moving interface plate 63, the feed pipe 4 can be configured as a corrugated pipe that can extend, retract, and bend.
[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the outlet end of the feed pipe 5 extends into the interior of the foam storage chamber 2 or into the foam storage chamber 2 entrance.
[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the upper end of the discharge pipe 7 is connected to the outlet of the foam storage chamber 2, and the lower end of the discharge pipe 7 is connected to the inlet of the discharge valve 8. In practice, the discharge valve 8 can be any commercially available electric or pneumatic valve that can control the opening degree. By opening or closing the discharge valve 8, the discharge speed and discharge volume can be adjusted to meet the needs of subsequent production processes.
[0031] As a further improvement to this embodiment, preferably, such as Figure 3As shown, the foam silo structure can be provided in multiple ways and combined to form a large silo module. The feed pipe 4 of the later foam silo structure can be connected to the second interface 65 of the feed switch control device 6 of the earlier foam silo structure.
[0032] The usage process of this utility model is as follows:
[0033] I. Feeding Operation
[0034] 1. Confirm that the material cage frame is stable and that the bag-type foam storage bin is installed correctly and without damage. Check that the feed switch control device is in the off position and connect the feed pipe to the foam feeding equipment (various foam feeding or loading equipment are available on the market and can be purchased externally).
[0035] 2. Turn on the foam feeding equipment and slowly open the feed switch control device to allow the foam raw material to enter the foam storage silo through the feed pipe. During this process, closely monitor the display of the material level sensor.
[0036] 3. When the material level sensor shows that the material has reached a suitable height (close to the high position setting value), turn off the feed switch control device to stop feeding.
[0037] II. Material Storage and Monitoring
[0038] 1. During the storage of foam raw materials, the level sensor operates continuously, providing real-time feedback on the storage volume of raw materials in the foam storage silo. Operators can view this information through the accompanying display device or control system (such as a touch screen, computer, etc.).
[0039] 2. Regularly check the structural integrity of the material cage frame, and check for deformation, loosening, etc.; check the material bags for damage or leakage.
[0040] III. Discharge Operation
[0041] 1. After confirming that the subsequent production processes are ready, slowly open the discharge valve and adjust the valve opening according to production needs to control the discharge speed and quantity of raw materials.
[0042] 2. During the discharge process, pay attention to the changes in the material level sensor. When the raw material storage drops to the low set value, prepare to replenish the raw material in time.
[0043] 3. After the material discharge is completed, close the discharge valve to prepare for the next feeding.
[0044] IV. Precautions
[0045] 1. During operation, strictly follow the prescribed sequence to open and close valves to avoid raw material leakage or equipment failure due to misoperation.
[0046] 2. Regularly calibrate and maintain the level sensor to ensure accurate sensing.
[0047] 3. If any structural damage or broken material bags are found in the material cage frame, use should be stopped immediately for repair or replacement to ensure equipment safety and normal production.
[0048] In summary, the present invention has a reasonable structural design, which can realize the storage, automatic feeding and automatic discharging of foam raw materials, which is conducive to the automated conveying and automated production of foam and greatly improves production efficiency.
[0049] The above embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present utility model, but the embodiments of the present utility model are not limited to the above embodiments. Any changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, or simplifications made without departing from the spirit and principle of the present utility model shall be considered equivalent substitutions and shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A foam bin structure, characterized by: The foam storage bin is longitudinally fixedly installed inside the material cage, the top of the foam storage bin is provided with a foam bin inlet, the bottom of the foam storage bin is provided with a foam bin outlet, the material level sensor is installed inside the foam storage bin or at the foam bin inlet of the foam storage bin, the feeding switch control device is connected between the feeding pipe and the feeding pipe, the feeding switch control device is used for controlling the on and off of the feeding pipe and the feeding pipe, the outlet end of the feeding pipe extends to the inside of the foam storage bin or the foam bin inlet of the foam storage bin, the upper end of the discharging pipe is connected with the foam bin outlet of the foam storage bin, and the lower end of the discharging pipe is connected with the inlet of the discharging valve.
2. A foam bin structure according to claim 1, wherein: The feeding switch control device includes a double interface plate, a switching drive cylinder and a movable interface plate, the double interface plate is provided with a first interface and a second interface which respectively transversely penetrate the double interface plate, the second interface is located below the first interface, the first interface is connected with the inlet end of the feeding pipe, the movable interface plate is installed on the front of the double interface plate in a lifting manner, the movable interface plate is provided with a third interface which transversely penetrates the movable interface plate, the third interface is connected with the feeding pipe, the switching drive cylinder is installed on the top of the double interface plate and is in transmission connection with the movable interface plate, the switching drive cylinder can drive the movable interface plate to move up and down, so that the third interface on the movable interface plate is switched to be in butt joint with the first interface and the second interface on the double interface plate.
3. A foam bin structure according to claim 1, wherein: The material cage is a steel material cage.
4. A foam bin structure according to claim 1, wherein: The feeding pipe is a wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant feeding pipe, and the feeding pipe is a wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant feeding pipe.
5. A foam bin structure according to claim 1 or 4, wherein: The feeding pipe is a corrugated pipe which can be stretched and bent.
6. A foam bin structure according to claim 1, wherein: The foam storage bin is a bin body made of metal, wood or a material bag.
7. A foam bin structure according to claim 6, wherein: The material bag is a wear-resistant and flexible material bag.
8. A foam bin structure according to claim 1, wherein: The lower end of the foam storage bin is in a funnel-shaped structure.