A non-powered buffer device and dynamic control system for grain storage

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the field of grain storage technology, specifically disclosing a non-powered buffer device and dynamic control system for grain entering a warehouse. It includes four rectangular steel plates, which are movably assembled into a cylindrical structure. Four buffer plates are movably connected to the bottom of each of the four rectangular steel plates, and each buffer plate is equipped with an adjustable counterweight. The top of the rectangular steel plates is movably connected to the roof of the warehouse. This utility model can automatically adjust the height of the buffer device based on the real-time measured distance between the bottom of the buffer trough and the ground or grain surface. This not only slows down the grain during its descent, effectively reducing grain breakage upon entering the warehouse, but also prevents grain from remaining in the buffer device, facilitating maintenance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of grain storage technology, specifically relating to a non-powered buffer device and dynamic control system for grain entering the warehouse. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, tall silos such as shallow round silos and vertical silos have gradually replaced room-type silos and become the mainstream silo type in my country's grain storage industry. Because of their height, grain enters the silo through the grain inlet at the top and falls freely into the silo. Due to the long falling distance, the grain is severely broken, reducing its processing quality and increasing the difficulty of storage during static storage.

[0003] Currently, various devices are being developed to reduce grain breakage during storage, primarily chutes. Grain is transported smoothly and evenly from the top of the silo to the inside through chutes, reducing breakage. However, chutes are often fixedly installed inside the silo, extending from the top to the bottom, limiting their flexibility. After grain is stored, they are buried under the grain, making the grain in contact with them prone to insect and mold growth and heat generation, and hindering the deployment of grain temperature monitoring pipelines. They also significantly occupy storage space, affecting the silo layout; impede the subsequent deployment of temperature and humidity monitoring pipelines within the grain pile; and become blind spots for ventilation and cooling during storage. Furthermore, after long-term use, the chutes may experience wear or blockage, and installation or maintenance can only be performed when the silo is empty, making maintenance difficult.

[0004] To address the limitations of flexibility and inconvenience in the existing chute buffer structure, improvements to the buffer device structure are needed to resolve the current technical issues. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a non-powered buffer device and dynamic control system for grain entering the warehouse. It can automatically adjust the height of the buffer device according to the real-time measured distance between the bottom of the buffer trough and the ground or grain surface. This not only slows down the grain during its fall, effectively reducing grain breakage during entry into the warehouse, but also prevents the buffer device from being stuck in the grain, which would make maintenance inconvenient.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a non-powered buffer device for grain storage, comprising four rectangular steel plates, which are movably assembled into a cylindrical structure. The bottom of each of the four rectangular steel plates is movably connected to four buffer plates, and each of the four buffer plates is provided with an adjustable counterweight. The top of each rectangular steel plate is movably connected to the top plate of the storage room.

[0007] To better realize this utility model, the buffer plate is an isosceles trapezoidal steel plate structure, and the long base of the buffer plate is rotatably connected to the bottom end of the rectangular steel plate by a hinge.

[0008] To better realize this utility model, the adjustable counterweight includes a steel ball, a threaded steel tube and a nut-shaped clamping component. The buffer plate is provided with a through hole for the threaded steel tube to pass through. After the threaded steel tube passes through the through hole, it can be detachably fixed by the nut-shaped clamping component.

[0009] The threaded end of the steel pipe away from the buffer plate is threaded through the steel ball.

[0010] To better realize this utility model, all four rectangular steel plates are connected to springs, and the other end of the four springs is connected to the same conical component. The conical component is hollow and bottomless, and the tip of the conical component faces upward.

[0011] To better realize this utility model, the side wall of the tapered member is provided with multiple connecting holes, and the spring is provided with a hook that engages with the connecting holes.

[0012] To better realize this utility model, a dynamic control system for a grain storage non-powered buffer device is further disclosed, including a microcontroller, a relay, a stepper motor, and a Bluetooth remote controller. The stepper motor is electrically connected to the relay, the relay is electrically connected to the microcontroller, and the Bluetooth remote controller is communicatively connected to the microcontroller. The stepper motor is fixedly installed on the top plate of the storage room. A cable is connected to the output end of the stepper motor, and a rectangular frame is fixedly connected to the other end of the cable. The inner wall of the storage room is provided with multiple guide rings for the cable to pass through. The top of the rectangular steel plate is provided with multiple hooks, and the rectangular steel plate is rotatably connected to the rectangular frame through the multiple hooks.

[0013] To better realize this utility model, it also includes an ultrasonic ranging sensor, which is embedded in the bottom end of the buffer plate and electrically connected to the relay.

[0014] Beneficial effects:

[0015] 1. The buffer device requires no additional power. It relies on the lever principle to brake the falling grain and buffer it, slowing it down during its fall and effectively reducing the chance of the grain breaking upon entering the warehouse.

[0016] 2. The steel ball can move along the threaded rod, thereby changing the lever's center of gravity. When the incoming grain density is predicted to be high or the grain flow rate is fast, the impact force on the four buffer plates at the bottom is strong. The steel ball can be manually adjusted in advance to be positioned away from the through-hole end of the buffer plate on the threaded rod. Conversely, when the incoming grain density is predicted to be low or the grain flow rate is slow, the impact force on the four buffer plates at the bottom is weak. The steel ball can be manually adjusted in advance to be closer to the through-hole end of the buffer plate on the threaded rod. The force on the buffer plates is adjusted by pre-setting the position of the steel ball on the threaded rod.

[0017] 3. Because the bottom of the buffer device is not sealed, it ensures that the last part of the grain entering the warehouse falls into the rectangular steel plate. Although it lacks the pushing force of the subsequent falling grain, it can still fall smoothly from the unsealed bottom of the buffer plate, avoiding the accumulation of residual grain inside the buffer device. There is no need for manpower to clean the residual grain later. If the residual grain is left in the buffer device for a long time, it may cause insect and rodent damage or mold.

[0018] 4. The four rectangular steel plates of the buffer device and the open bottom movable structure can effectively prevent the grain from becoming blocked in the buffer device when the flow rate of falling grain suddenly increases, causing the grain flow rate to be much greater than the grain outflow rate.

[0019] 5. The bottom of the buffer plate is equipped with an ultrasonic ranging module, which is linked with a relay and a stepper motor. This ensures that the stepper motor can be automatically started or stopped based on the real-time measured distance between the bottom of the buffer plate and the ground or grain surface, without the need for constant monitoring by a dedicated person. This maintains a certain distance between the buffer device and the ground or grain surface.

[0020] 6. The device system can be connected to a mobile phone via Bluetooth to control the system, making operation more convenient. Workers do not need to go to the specific location of the switch to operate the equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the device layout of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the buffer device of this utility model after it is stretched open by grain.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the buffer device of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the tapered component of this utility model.

[0025] In the diagram: 1. Rectangular steel plate; 2. Buffer plate; 201. Through hole; 3. Adjustable counterweight; 301. Steel ball; 302. Threaded steel pipe; 303. Nut-shaped clamping component; 4. Warehouse; 401. Guide ring; 5. Hinge; 6. Spring; 601. Hook; 7. Conical component; 701. Connecting hole; 8. Stepper motor; 9. Cable; 10. Rectangular frame; 11. Hook; 12. Ultrasonic ranging sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0027] Example

[0028] like Figures 1-4 As shown, a non-powered buffer device for grain entering a warehouse includes four rectangular steel plates 1, which are movably assembled into a cylindrical structure. The grain entering the warehouse passes through the cylindrical structure formed by the four rectangular steel plates 1. The bottom of each of the four rectangular steel plates 1 is movably connected to four buffer plates 2. The buffer plates 2 are isosceles trapezoidal steel plate structures, and the long bottom edge of the buffer plates 2 is rotatably connected to the bottom end of the rectangular steel plates 1 by hinges 5.

[0029] Each of the four buffer plates 2 is equipped with an adjustable counterweight 3, which includes a steel ball 301, a threaded steel tube 302, and a nut-shaped clamping component 303. Each buffer plate 2 has a through hole 201 for the threaded steel tube 302 to pass through. After passing through the through hole 201, the threaded steel tube 302 is detachably fixed by the nut-shaped clamping component 303. The end of the threaded steel tube 302 away from the buffer plate 2 is threaded onto the steel ball 301. The relative position of the steel ball 301 to the threaded steel tube 302 can be adjusted by a screw. Because the steel ball 301 and the threaded steel tube 302 form a lever, the trapezoidal steel plate structure of the buffer plate 2 is pressed along the hinge 5 towards the central axis of the device through the lever principle. The closer the steel ball 301 is to the end of the threaded steel pipe 302, that is, the farther away from the nut-shaped clamping part 303 of the threaded steel pipe 302, the greater the force exerted on the trapezoidal steel plate along the hinge 5 towards the central axis of the device due to the lever principle. The greater the restraining force exerted by the four buffer plates 2 against the lateral pressure applied to the buffer plates 2 by the grain inside the buffer device to prevent it from being ejected from the buffer device. Conversely, the smaller the force exerted at the opposite distance.

[0030] Grain falls from the top of warehouse 4 into the middle of the warehouse. It first falls into the buffer device. Although the bottom of the buffer device is not sealed, due to the large flow of grain, some of the grain that initially flows into the buffer device continues to fall directly from the unsealed opening at the buffer plate 2. The falling speed of some grain decreases and it is temporarily retained in the rectangular steel plate 1. As the subsequent grain falls, this part of the grain is pressed to the unsealed opening at the buffer plate 2, thus detaching from the buffer device and continuing to fall into the warehouse.

[0031] Therefore, overall, when grain falls from the grain inlet at the top of the silo to the buffer device, its speed decreases significantly. It pauses briefly inside the buffer device and continues to fall from the unsealed opening at the bottom of the buffer device.

[0032] Because the bottom of the buffer device is not sealed, it ensures that the last portion of grain entering the warehouse falls into the buffer device. Although it lacks the pushing force of the subsequent falling grain, it can still fall smoothly through the unsealed opening at the bottom of the buffer device, i.e., at buffer plate 2. This avoids the accumulation of leftover grain inside the buffer device, eliminating the need for manual cleaning of leftover grain later. Leftover grain left in the buffer device for a long time may lead to insect and rodent infestation or mold.

[0033] Because the grain entering the storage area is not constant, it can sometimes suddenly increase. The bottom of the buffer device is not closed, which effectively prevents the grain from becoming much faster than the grain from flowing out when the grain flow rate suddenly increases, thus preventing grain from clogging the buffer device. When the grain flow rate suddenly increases, the amount of grain buffered in the buffer device suddenly increases. The four rectangular steel plates 1 will be laterally stretched at a certain angle due to the lateral pressure of the grain in the trough, and the four trapezoidal steel plate buffer plates 2 will also be stretched open and rotate outward along the hinge 5. This will increase the speed at which the grain is discharged from the buffer device, thereby preventing the grain from becoming stuck in the buffer device.

[0034] Each of the four rectangular steel plates 1 is connected to a spring 6. The other end of each spring 6 is connected to the same conical component 7. The conical component 7 is hollow and bottomless, and its side wall has multiple connecting holes 701. The spring 6 has hooks 601 that engage with the connecting holes 701. The tip of the conical component 7 faces upward, thus cushioning the falling grain. The springs 6 can be removed from the rectangular steel plates 1, and the conical component 7 can be removed from the cushioning device. In actual operation, workers can decide whether to install the conical component 7 in the cushioning device based on the cushioning effect.

[0035] The four springs 6 connected to the tapered member 7 provide a certain degree of positional constraint on the rectangular steel plate 1. Workers can attach strong magnets to the rectangular steel plate 1 themselves, or further restrict its position, as needed.

[0036] A dynamic control system for a grain storage non-powered buffer device includes an ESP32 microcontroller, an ultrasonic ranging sensor 12, a relay, a stepper motor 8, and a Bluetooth remote controller. The microcontroller, relay, and Bluetooth remote controller are not shown in the accompanying drawings because those skilled in the art can configure them in suitable locations based on the circuit layout. The stepper motor 8 is electrically connected to the relay, the relay is electrically connected to the microcontroller, and the Bluetooth remote controller is communicatively connected to the microcontroller. The stepper motor 8 is fixedly installed on the top plate of the storage room 4. A steel wire cable 9 is connected to the output end of the stepper motor 8, and a rectangular frame 10 is fixedly connected to the other end of the cable 9. Multiple guide rings 401 for the cable 9 to pass through are provided on the inner wall of the storage room 4. Multiple hooks 11 are provided at the top of the rectangular steel plate 1, and the rectangular steel plate 1 is rotatably connected to the rectangular frame 10 through the multiple hooks 11.

[0037] An ultrasonic ranging sensor 12 is embedded at the bottom of the buffer plate 2 and electrically connected to a relay. It monitors the distance between the lower end of the buffer device and the grain surface or bottom surface in real time. When the distance between the lower end of the buffer device and the grain surface measured by the ultrasonic ranging sensor 12 gradually decreases to a certain threshold distance, the high-voltage terminal of the ultrasonic ranging sensor 12 is activated, thereby starting the stepper motor 8 connected to the high-voltage terminal of the relay. The rotor of the stepper motor 8 rotates, retracting the connected steel wire cable 9, thereby raising the suspension position of the buffer device.

[0038] As the position of the buffer device is raised, when the distance between the lower end of the buffer trough and the grain surface measured by the ultrasonic ranging sensor 12 gradually increases to a certain threshold distance, the high voltage terminal of the ultrasonic ranging sensor 12 linkage relay is disconnected, and the stepper motor 8 connected to the high voltage terminal of the relay is de-energized and stops working, thereby ensuring that the buffer device and the grain surface are dynamically maintained within a certain distance range.

[0039] Once the grain loading is complete, the ESP32 microcontroller is connected via Bluetooth remote control to activate the high-voltage terminal of the relay, causing the stepper motor 8 to run. This retracts the cable 9 and raises the buffer device to the top of the silo, ensuring a significant distance between it and the grain surface as it transitions to static storage. This prevents the device from interfering with the grain custodian's work on the grain surface.

[0040] When the grain silo is empty, or when the grain enters a static storage period, the ESP32 microcontroller is connected via Bluetooth remote control to control the high voltage terminal of the relay to connect, the stepper motor 8 rotates in reverse, the cable 9 is released, and the buffer device is lowered to the bottom of the silo or the grain surface, making it convenient for maintenance personnel to inspect and repair it.

[0041] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A non-powered buffer device for grain storage, characterized in that, It includes four rectangular steel plates (1), which are movably assembled into a cylindrical structure. The bottom of each of the four rectangular steel plates is movably connected to four buffer plates (2), and each of the four buffer plates (2) is equipped with an adjustable counterweight (3). The top of each rectangular steel plate (1) is movably connected to the top plate of the warehouse (4).

2. The grain storage buffer device without power according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buffer plate (2) is an isosceles trapezoidal steel plate structure, and the long base of the buffer plate (2) is rotatably connected to the bottom of the rectangular steel plate (1) by a hinge (5).

3. The grain storage buffer device without power according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustable counterweight (3) includes a steel ball (301), a threaded steel pipe (302), and a nut-shaped clamping component (303). The buffer plate (2) is provided with a through hole (201) for the threaded steel pipe (302) to pass through. After the threaded steel pipe (302) passes through the through hole (201), it can be detachably fixed by the nut-shaped clamping component (303). The threaded steel pipe (302) is threaded at one end away from the buffer plate (2) and connected to the steel ball (301).

4. The grain storage buffer device without power according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the four rectangular steel plates (1) is connected to a spring (6), and the other end of the four springs (6) is connected to the same conical member (7). The conical member (7) is hollow and bottomless, and the tip of the conical member (7) is facing upward.

5. A grain storage buffer device without power according to claim 4, characterized in that, The tapered member (7) has multiple connecting holes (701) on its side wall, and the spring (6) has a hook (601) that engages with the connecting hole (701).

6. A dynamic control system for a grain storage non-powered buffer device, characterized in that, The device includes a microcontroller, a relay, a stepper motor (8), a Bluetooth remote controller, and a grain storage buffer device according to any one of claims 1-5. The stepper motor (8) is electrically connected to the relay, the relay is electrically connected to the microcontroller, and the Bluetooth remote controller is communicatively connected to the microcontroller. The stepper motor (8) is fixedly installed on the top plate of the storage room (4). The output end of the stepper motor (8) is connected to a cable (9), and the other end of the cable (9) is fixedly connected to a rectangular frame (10). The inner wall of the storage room (4) is provided with multiple guide rings (401) for the cable (9) to pass through. The top of the rectangular steel plate (1) is provided with multiple hooks (11), and the rectangular steel plate (1) is rotatably connected to the rectangular frame (10) through the multiple hooks (11).

7. The dynamic control system for a grain storage non-powered buffer device according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes an ultrasonic ranging sensor (12), which is embedded in the bottom end of the buffer plate (2) and electrically connected to the relay.

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