A material mixing prevention feed tank

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of anti-mixing material feed tank, including box, the bottom of box is equipped with negative pressure feed pipe, the top of box is equipped with the box door that can be opened and closed, locking assembly is equipped on the box, for locking box door after box door is closed;The bottom of box is equipped with material level monitoring module, material level monitoring module, locking assembly are connected with controller;Locking assembly is configured as: when material level monitoring module detects that material level is below set threshold, locking assembly triggers unlocking action.The utility model constructs a mandatory logic locking system by the linkage control of material level monitoring module, locking assembly and controller, the system can ensure that the box door of feed tank can only be unlocked and opened when the material in the box is completely consumed to safe material level.This fundamentally eliminates the mixing problem caused by random feeding by human, realizes the automation and intelligent management of feeding process, significantly improves product quality and production reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of industrial automation feeding technology, and in particular to an anti-mixing feeding box for alternating feeding of various plastic granules in the plastics processing industry. Background Technology

[0002] In the production of multi-variety, small-batch plastic products, the same feeder often needs to switch between different production tasks to deliver different types or colors of plastic granules. Traditional feeder inlets can usually be opened arbitrarily by operators, with feeding operations entirely dependent on manual management and self-discipline. This model carries a significant risk of material mixing: if a new batch of plastic granules is added before the previous batch is completely used up, plastics of different properties will mix directly within the feeder. This not only causes serious quality problems such as color differences and substandard performance in the entire batch, generating a large amount of waste, but also results in huge material waste and economic losses.

[0003] Currently, while common feeding boxes can use simple low-level alarms to indicate when to add material, the opening authority of their feeding ports is unrestricted, and there is no mandatory logical connection between the material adding behavior and the emptying status of the box. This makes it impossible to ensure the key principle that "new material can only be added after the box is empty," and thus cannot prevent the mixing problem caused by human error. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model proposes a feeding box to prevent material mixing, which solves the problem of material mixing caused by human error when switching materials in the existing feeding box.

[0005] The technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows: This utility model provides a feeding box for preventing material mixing, including a box body, a negative pressure feeding pipe at the bottom of the box body, an openable and closable door at the top of the box body, and a locking component on the box body for locking the door after it is closed; a material level monitoring module is provided at the bottom of the box body, and the material level monitoring module, the locking component, and a controller are connected; the locking component is configured such that when the material level monitoring module detects that the material level is lower than a set threshold, the locking component triggers an unlocking action.

[0006] Specifically, the locking assembly includes a telescopic component installed on the top side of the box body. The telescopic rod of the telescopic component is provided with a pin at its end. The outer edge of the box door is provided with a lock hole that matches the pin. The position of the pin is directly opposite the position of the lock hole when the box door is closed.

[0007] Preferably, a position sensor is provided on the top side of the enclosure to detect the position of the enclosure door, and the position sensor is connected to the controller.

[0008] Specifically, the cabinet door includes a fixed door and a sliding door, and the top of the cabinet is provided with a sliding groove, in which the sliding door is slidably installed.

[0009] Furthermore, the sliding door is equipped with a handle.

[0010] Furthermore, the sliding door is equipped with a transparent observation window.

[0011] Preferably, the material level monitoring module includes a first material level sensor and a second material level sensor, the first material level sensor is located above the second material level sensor, an alarm is provided on the top of the box, the first material level sensor is linked to the alarm for control, and the second material level sensor is linked to the locking assembly for control.

[0012] Specifically, the bottom of the box is provided with a conical hopper, and the feed pipe is installed at the bottom of the hopper.

[0013] Preferably, the bottom of the housing is provided with a support frame, and the bottom of the support frame is provided with a plurality of casters with self-locking components.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: (1) This utility model constructs a mandatory logic interlocking system by linking the material level monitoring module, locking component and controller. This system can ensure that the box door of the feeding box can only be unlocked and opened when the material in the box is completely consumed to the safe material level (i.e. below the set threshold). This fundamentally eliminates the problem of material mixing caused by arbitrary addition of materials by human, realizes the automation and intelligent management of the feeding process, and significantly improves product quality and production reliability; (2) By setting a position sensor, the controller can monitor the opening and closing status of the box door in real time. On the one hand, this can be linked with the locking component to ensure that the locking action is performed only after the box door is closed in place. On the other hand, the box door status information can be uploaded to the central control system, realizing real-time monitoring and traceability of the feeding operation process, and further improving the level of management refinement. (3) This utility model adopts a layered monitoring module composed of a first level sensor and a second level sensor, and is linked with an alarm and a locking component to realize a phased and intelligent management process. The alarm triggered by the first sensor can remind the operator to prepare for material replacement in advance, while the second sensor ultimately controls the unlocking, forcing the material to be emptied to the safety bottom line before it can be added. This design makes the entire anti-mixing process more rigorous and reliable, and provides sufficient buffer time for the production process. Attached Figure Description

[0015] 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 only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a feeding box for preventing material mixing according to this utility model.

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of part A in the middle.

[0018] Figure 3 This is another perspective view of a feeding box for preventing material mixing according to this utility model.

[0019] In the diagram: 1. Box body; 2. Feed pipe; 3. Telescopic component; 4. Pin; 5. Lock hole; 6. Position sensor; 7. Fixed door; 8. Sliding door; 9. Slide rail; 10. Handle; 11. Observation window; 12. First material level sensor; 13. Second material level sensor; 14. Collection hopper; 15. Support frame; 16. Casters. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solution of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to its embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and 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.

[0021] Reference Figures 1 to 3 This utility model provides a feeding box for preventing material mixing, including a box body 1. The bottom of the box body 1 is provided with a discharge port and is connected to an external negative pressure conveying system (not shown in the figure) through a negative pressure feeding pipe 2 to realize continuous material extraction and supply. The top of the box body 1 is provided with an openable and closable box door. The box body 1 is provided with a locking component for locking the box door after it is closed. The bottom of the box body 1 is provided with a material level monitoring module. The material level monitoring module, the locking component and the controller are connected. The locking component is configured to trigger an unlocking action when the material level monitoring module detects that the material level is lower than a set threshold.

[0022] This invention establishes a mandatory logic interlocking system by linking the material level monitoring module, locking components, and controller. This system ensures that the feed hopper door can only be unlocked when the material inside is completely consumed to a safe level (i.e., below a set threshold). This fundamentally eliminates the problem of material mixing caused by arbitrary human addition, automates and intelligently manages the feeding process, and significantly improves product quality and production reliability.

[0023] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the locking assembly includes a telescopic component 3 (preferably an electric push rod or a telescopic cylinder) installed on the top side of the box body 1. The telescopic rod end of the telescopic component 3 is provided with a pin 4. A locking hole 5, matching the pin 4, is provided along the outer edge of the box door. When the sliding door 8 is closed, the locking hole 5 is precisely aligned with the pin 4. The controller can control the telescopic component 3 to move, driving the pin 4 to insert or retract from the locking hole 5, thereby achieving automatic locking and unlocking of the box door. The locking assembly adopts a mechanical structure where the pin 4 driven by the telescopic component 3 engages with the locking hole 5. This structure is simple, robust, and reliable. The locking method of the pin 4 can withstand significant external impact, ensuring the stability of the box door in the locked state and effectively preventing unauthorized forced opening. Furthermore, its mechanical structure facilitates maintenance and replacement.

[0024] Preferably, such as Figure 2 As shown, to further ensure safety and control precision, a position sensor 6 (such as a proximity switch) is installed on the top side of the housing 1 to detect the position of the sliding door 8. The position sensor 6 is connected to the controller. By setting the position sensor 6, the controller can monitor the opening and closing status of the door in real time. This can be linked with the locking assembly to ensure that the locking action is performed only after the door is fully closed; on the other hand, the door status information can be uploaded to the central control system, realizing real-time monitoring and traceability of the feeding operation process, further improving the level of management precision.

[0025] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the box door includes a fixed door 7 and a sliding door 8. The top of the box body 1 is provided with a sliding groove 9, and the sliding door 8 is slidably installed within the sliding groove 9. The sliding door 8 opens and closes in the left and right directions through the sliding groove 9 to expose or close the feeding port. A handle 10 is installed on the sliding door 8. The box door adopts a sliding door design and is equipped with a handle 10. Its opening and closing method does not occupy the vertical space above and around the box, making it particularly suitable for use in workshops with compact equipment layouts. The sliding door 8 is easy and labor-saving to operate, improving the worker's operating experience and increasing the efficiency of feeding operations.

[0026] Furthermore, such as Figure 1As shown, the sliding door 8 is equipped with a transparent observation window 11, which allows the operator to directly observe the remaining material and flow in the box 1 without opening the box door. This not only facilitates daily inspection and confirmation before adding materials, but also effectively reduces the pollution or interference that may be introduced due to frequent opening of the box for inspection, taking into account both sealing and visibility.

[0027] Preferably, such as Figure 1 , 3 As shown, the material level monitoring module includes a first material level sensor 12 and a second material level sensor 13 (a rotary paddle level gauge can be used). The first material level sensor 12 is located above the second material level sensor 13. An alarm (such as an audible and visual alarm, not shown in the figure) is provided on the top of the housing 1. The first material level sensor 12 is linked to the alarm for control, and the second material level sensor 13 is linked to the locking assembly for control. This layered monitoring module, composed of the first and second material level sensors 13, and linked to the alarm and locking assembly respectively, realizes a phased and intelligent management process. The first sensor triggering the alarm can remind the operator to prepare for material replacement in advance, while the second sensor ultimately controls the unlocking, forcing the material to be emptied to the safety threshold before adding more material. This design makes the entire anti-mixing process more rigorous and reliable, and provides sufficient buffer time for the production process.

[0028] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the bottom of the box 1 is provided with a conical hopper 14, and the feeding pipe 2 is installed at the bottom of the hopper 14. The conical hopper 14 can naturally guide the material to converge towards the central discharge port. This structure utilizes the material's own gravity, supplemented by negative pressure suction, which can greatly reduce the residue and accumulation of material in the box 1, ensuring the smooth and complete discharge of the material, and providing structural guarantee for the material level monitoring module to accurately determine the "empty material level" status.

[0029] Preferably, such as Figure 1 , 3 As shown, the bottom of the housing 1 is provided with a support frame 15, and the bottom of the support frame 15 is provided with several casters 16 with self-locking components. The self-locking casters 16 at the bottom of the support frame 15 give the feeding box excellent flexibility and mobility. Operators can easily move the feeding box to different production lines or workstations to meet the needs of flexible production; while the self-locking components ensure that the feeding box remains in a fixed position when working at a fixed point, preventing safety problems or interruptions in feeding caused by accidental movement.

[0030] The working process of the feeding box of this utility model is as follows: When the feeding hopper is in normal operation, it contains Class A materials (such as a type of plastic granules). At this time, the sliding door 8 is closed, and the locking pin 4 of the locking assembly is inserted into the lock hole 5, firmly locking the door. The alarm is in a non-alarm state.

[0031] As material is continuously drawn away by the negative pressure feeding pipe 2 at the bottom, the material level gradually decreases. When the material level falls below the first material level sensor 12, the first material level sensor 12 sends a signal to the controller. Upon receiving this signal, the controller immediately triggers an alarm with both sound and light, reminding the operator that "material is about to run out, please prepare to replace the material." During this stage, although the material level is low, the locking assembly remains locked, preventing the operator from opening the box door and effectively preventing the accidental addition of new material before the old material is completely used up.

[0032] As material continues to be consumed, the material level drops below the second level sensor 13. At this point, the second level sensor 13 sends a critical signal to the controller indicating that "box 1 is empty". Only after confirming receipt of this signal will the controller issue an unlocking command to the telescopic part 3 of the locking assembly, driving the pin 4 to retract from the locking hole 5.

[0033] Only after the operator hears the alarm and sees the unlock indicator (or senses that the door is unlocked through handle 10) can the sliding door 8 be slid open. Since the container 1 has been confirmed to be empty, the operator can then add the B-type material required for the next production task into the container, thus eliminating the possibility of A and B-type materials mixing in the container.

[0034] After feeding is complete, the operator closes the sliding door 8; the position sensor 6 detects that the door is closed and sends this signal to the controller. The controller then commands the locking assembly to re-execute the locking action, and the pin 4 re-inserts into the lock hole 5 to lock the door. The system resets, the alarm stops, and the feeding box begins supplying Class B materials to the production line, entering a new work cycle.

[0035] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A feeder box for preventing material mixing, characterized in that, The device includes a housing (1), a negative pressure feeding pipe (2) at the bottom of the housing (1), an openable and closable door at the top of the housing (1), and a locking assembly on the housing (1) for locking the door after it is closed; a material level monitoring module is provided at the bottom of the housing (1), and the material level monitoring module, the locking assembly, and the controller are connected; the locking assembly is configured such that when the material level monitoring module detects that the material level is lower than a set threshold, the locking assembly triggers an unlocking action.

2. The feed box for preventing material mixing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The locking assembly includes a telescopic component (3) installed on the top side of the box body (1). The telescopic rod of the telescopic component (3) is provided with a pin (4). The outer edge of the box door is provided with a lock hole (5) that matches the pin (4). The position of the pin (4) is directly opposite to the position of the lock hole (5) when the box door is closed.

3. The feed box for preventing material mixing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top side of the enclosure (1) is equipped with a position sensor (6) for detecting the position of the enclosure door. The position sensor (6) is connected to the controller.

4. The feed box for preventing material mixing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The box door includes a fixed door (7) and a sliding door (8). The top of the box body (1) is provided with a groove (9), and the sliding door (8) is slidably installed in the groove (9).

5. A feeding box for preventing material mixing as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The sliding door (8) is equipped with a handle (10).

6. The feed box for preventing material mixing as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The sliding door (8) is provided with a transparent observation window (11).

7. A feeding box for preventing material mixing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The material level monitoring module includes a first material level sensor (12) and a second material level sensor (13). The first material level sensor (12) is located above the second material level sensor (13). An alarm is provided on the top of the box (1). The first material level sensor (12) is linked to the alarm for control. The second material level sensor (13) is linked to the locking assembly for control.

8. A feeding box for preventing material mixing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the box (1) is provided with a conical hopper (14), and the feeding pipe (2) is installed at the bottom of the hopper (14).

9. A feeding box for preventing material mixing as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the housing (1) is provided with a support frame (15), and the bottom of the support frame (15) is provided with several casters (16) with self-locking components.

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