A hopper capable of automatically adjusting the flow of material

Abstract

The utility model belongs to material hopper equipment technical field relates to a kind of material hoppers with automatic flow adjustment, including hopper main body, the hopper main body top is equipped with feed inlet, the hopper main body bottom is equipped with at least two branch discharge port, the number of turnover door assembly corresponds with branch discharge port, each turnover door assembly includes a horizontal setting pivot and a piece fixed on the pivot flap, flap is located above corresponding branch discharge port, drive device is installed on the outer wall of hopper main body, material level detection device is respectively installed in the sidewall position corresponding to each branch discharge port above in hopper main body, and drive device and material level detection device are electrically connected to controller. The utility model automatically adjusts the size of corresponding channel of hopper according to the running state of packaging machine and material accumulation, realizes the dynamic balance distribution of material flow, effectively prevents material accumulation, automatically isolates fault station and optimizes outlet feed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of material hopper equipment, specifically relating to a hopper that can automatically adjust the material flow. Background Technology

[0002] In powder, granular, or mixed material packaging production lines, commonly used distribution hoppers are mostly located between upstream equipment such as mixers and conveyors and downstream packaging machines. They distribute materials after they arrive at each packaging station, achieving continuous packaging. Common distribution hoppers are fixed, with multiple discharge channels separated by partitions, or manually controlled using simple mechanical gates. Because the packaging speeds of downstream packaging machines vary, or because of dynamic changes in material characteristics and equipment status during operation, fixed channels or manual gates cannot accurately control the material flow to each outlet in real time. This results in accumulation or even blockage at slower packaging speed outlets, preventing continuous feeding, while faster packaging speed outlets experience insufficient feeding.

[0003] When a packaging machine malfunctions and needs to be shut down for maintenance, the conventional distribution hopper cannot automatically cut off the material supply to the faulty station, causing material to accumulate or overflow, resulting in waste and requiring manual intervention to clean up, thus affecting the efficiency of the overall production line. When it is necessary to change the type of material, it is necessary to wait for the slowest packaging machine to finish packaging all the material in its hopper before stopping it to empty it, keeping the production rhythm in a slow phase, resulting in poor flexibility and low equipment utilization.

[0004] There is an urgent need for a hopper device that can sense the status of each discharge port in real time and automatically adjust the flow rate of each channel to achieve efficient, stable and flexible material distribution. Therefore, a hopper that can automatically adjust the material flow is proposed. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a hopper that can automatically adjust the material flow, with the function of independently and in real time adjusting the material flow of each outlet, thus solving the problems of uneven material distribution, easy blockage, frequent manual intervention, and low overall packaging efficiency caused by the different speeds or malfunctions of downstream packaging machines in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a hopper with automatically adjustable material flow, comprising a hopper body, a tilting door assembly, a drive device, a material level detection device, and a controller. The top of the hopper body is provided with a feed inlet, and the bottom of the hopper body is provided with at least two branch discharge outlets. The number of tilting door assemblies corresponds to the number of branch discharge outlets. Each tilting door assembly includes a horizontally arranged rotating shaft and a flap fixed on the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is rotatably installed inside the hopper body, and both ends of the rotating shaft are supported by bearings installed on the side walls of the hopper body. The flap is located above the corresponding branch discharge outlet. The drive device is installed on the outer wall of the hopper body, and each drive device is driven and connected to one end of the rotating shaft of a tilting door assembly. The material level detection devices are respectively installed on the side wall positions inside the hopper body corresponding to the positions above each branch discharge outlet. Each drive device and each material level detection device are electrically connected to the controller.

[0007] Preferably, the flap is a rectangular plate, and one side of the flap is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft along its entire axial length.

[0008] Preferably, the driving device is a servo motor, and the output shaft of the servo motor is coaxially and fixedly connected to one end of the rotating shaft through a coupling.

[0009] Preferably, the material level detection device is an ultrasonic material level sensor.

[0010] Preferably, each of the branch discharge ports is arranged sequentially along the axis of rotation at the bottom of the hopper body.

[0011] Preferably, the pivots of each of the aforementioned flip-door assemblies are arranged parallel to each other.

[0012] Preferably, the controller is located outside the hopper body, and the controller is a programmable logic controller.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0014] 1. This utility model automatically adjusts the size of the corresponding channel of the hopper according to the operating status of the packaging machine and the material accumulation situation, so as to realize the dynamic balance distribution of material flow, effectively prevent material accumulation, automatically isolate faulty workstations, and optimize the outlet material supply.

[0015] 2. This utility model has the function of independently and in real time adjusting the material flow rate of each outlet, which solves the problems of uneven material distribution, easy blockage, frequent manual intervention and low overall packaging efficiency caused by the different speeds or malfunctions of downstream packaging machines in the prior art. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments 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.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a formal structural diagram of a hopper capable of automatically adjusting material flow, according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a side view of a hopper with automatically adjustable material flow according to one embodiment.

[0019] In the above figures, 1 is the hopper body, 2 is the tilting door assembly, 3 is the drive device, 4 is the bearing, 5 is the material level detection device, 6 is the controller, 21 is the rotating shaft, and 22 is the tilting plate. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model, the present utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0021] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the following specification.

[0022] Example 1, such as Figure 1-2 As shown, an automatically adjustable hopper includes a hopper body 1, a tilting door assembly 2, a drive device 3, a material level detection device 5, and a controller 6. The hopper body 1 has a feed inlet at the top and at least two branch discharge outlets at the bottom. The hopper body 1 is the core container; the feed inlet receives materials from upstream equipment such as mixers and conveyors, and the branch discharge outlets are respectively connected to the feed inlets of downstream packaging machines. The internal cavity of the hopper body 1 is designed to be smooth and can be lined with a wear-resistant or non-stick coating to reduce material adhesion and ensure flowability.

[0023] The number of tilting door assemblies 2 corresponds to the number of branch outlets. Each tilting door assembly 2 includes a horizontally arranged rotating shaft 21 and a flap 22 fixed on the rotating shaft 21. The rotating shaft 21 is rotatably installed inside the hopper body 1, and both ends of the rotating shaft 21 are supported by bearings 4 installed on the side walls of the hopper body 1. The flap 22 is located above the corresponding branch outlet. The tilting door assembly 2 is the actuator for flow regulation, and its number corresponds one-to-one with the branch outlets. The rotating shaft 21 is rotatably supported on the side walls of the hopper body 1 by the bearings 4 at both ends, thus penetrating the interior of the hopper. The branch outlets are preferably arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 21, resulting in a compact structure that is easy to match with the production line layout.

[0024] The drive unit 3 is installed on the outer wall of the hopper body 1. Each drive unit 3 is driven to one end of the rotating shaft 21 of a flip door assembly 2. The drive unit 3 is used to provide rotational power for each flip door assembly 2, drive the rotating shaft 21 and the flap 22 to rotate, thereby realizing the adjustment of the flow opening.

[0025] Material level detection devices 5 are installed inside the hopper body 1 on the side walls corresponding to the locations above each branch discharge port. Each drive device 3 and each material level detection device 5 are electrically connected to the controller 6. The material level detection device 5 is a sensing unit used to monitor the material accumulation status in each area of ​​the hopper in real time. The material level detection device 5 converts the detected height signal into an electrical signal and transmits it to the controller 6 in real time. The controller 6 acts as the control center. The input terminal of the controller 6 is connected to all material level detection devices 5 via signal cables to receive real-time material level data from each point; the output terminal is connected to the drive device 3 via a drive circuit. The controller 6 has preset control logic and algorithms that can continuously compare the material level data above each discharge port with the set value.

[0026] When a material accumulation is detected at a certain outlet due to the slow speed of the downstream packaging machine, the controller 6 immediately sends a command to the corresponding drive device 3 to drive the flap 22 to rotate a certain angle in the closing direction, reducing the channel opening and thus reducing the amount of material entering the machine. Conversely, if the material level at a certain outlet is too low, the controller controls the flap 22 to open wider. If a packaging machine malfunctions and stops, the controller 6 can receive this signal or determine based on the corresponding material level being continuously too high. In this case, the controller controls the flap 22 at that outlet to close completely, cutting off the material supply. At the same time, the controller recalculates and adjusts the opening of the flaps 22 at the remaining normal outlets, ensuring that the material is evenly and reasonably distributed to other outlets, maintaining the overall balance of the production line.

[0027] The specific design of the aforementioned key components will be discussed in detail below:

[0028] The flap 22 is a rectangular plate, with one side of it fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 21 along its entire axial length. The flap 22 is designed as a rectangular plate, with one long side rigidly fixed to the rotating shaft 21 along its entire axial length via welding, keying, or integral casting. The flap 22 possesses sufficient structural strength and overall rigidity to withstand the impact and pressure of materials during rotation, preventing deformation. The width of the flap 22 is slightly larger than the width of the corresponding discharge port. In the closed position, its rotation trajectory completely covers and seals the discharge port channel. In the adjusted position, it creates a linear or near-linear opening change, achieving linear and predictable flow rate adjustment.

[0029] The drive device 3 is a servo motor, and the output shaft of the servo motor is coaxially and fixedly connected to one end of the rotating shaft 21 via a coupling. Due to its characteristics of closed-loop control, precise positioning, and fast response, the drive device 3 is preferably a servo motor. The output shaft of the servo motor is coaxially and fixedly connected to one end of the rotating shaft 21 via a rigid diaphragm coupling or a perforated coupling, compensating for minor installation alignment errors, transmitting large torque without backlash. The servo motor is fixed to the outer wall of the hopper body 1 via a flange and bracket for easy maintenance and heat dissipation.

[0030] The material level detection device 5 is an ultrasonic level sensor. The probe of the ultrasonic level sensor is installed on the inner wall of the hopper, directly above each branch outlet and avoiding the area where material directly impacts the material. The sensor's emitting surface is flush with or slightly concave with the inner wall of the hopper to prevent material accumulation from affecting the measurement. The ultrasonic sensor measures the distance to the material surface in a non-contact manner, has strong resistance to dust interference, and is suitable for various materials. Each outlet area is independently equipped with an ultrasonic level sensor, providing the controller 6 with accurate material level feedback for that local area.

[0031] Each of the branch discharge ports is arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 21 at the bottom of the hopper body 1. The branch discharge ports are arranged in a straight line at equal intervals along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 21 at the bottom of the hopper body 1, corresponding spatially to the parallel rotating shaft 21 and the flip plate 22 assembly. The regular structure facilitates docking with the packaging machine interface below.

[0032] The rotating shafts 21 of each of the aforementioned tilting door components 2 are arranged parallel to each other. The rotating shafts 21 of each tilting door component 2 are all arranged parallel to each other and at the same horizontal height, or are distributed in a stepped parallel pattern according to the internal shape of the hopper. The axes of all rotating shafts 21 are parallel to the same direction of the hopper. The drive device 3 can be uniformly installed on the same outer wall of the hopper, resulting in neat wiring and simplifying the processing and installation of the bearing seats 4, thus achieving consistent movement of the tilting plate 22.

[0033] The controller 6 is located outside the hopper body 1 and is a programmable logic controller (PLC). Specifically, the controller 6 is an industrial-grade PLC, installed in a waterproof and dustproof electrical control cabinet separate from the hopper body 1, placed near the production line for easy operation and maintenance. The PLC receives 4-20mA current signals representing the material level from various ultrasonic sensors via a multi-channel analog input module, and sends precise position commands to each servo motor driver via a multi-channel pulse output module or communication bus. The PLC has a built-in control program capable of PID adjustment based on material level deviations at various points, fault diagnosis, and interlocking communication with other production line equipment.

[0034] All standard parts used in this utility model can be purchased from the market, and irregular parts can be customized according to the description and drawings. The specific connection methods of each part adopt conventional methods such as bolts, rivets, and welding that are mature in the prior art. The machinery, parts and equipment adopt conventional models in the prior art. In addition, the circuit connection adopts conventional connection methods in the prior art, which will not be described in detail here. The contents not described in detail in this specification belong to the prior art known to those skilled in the art.

[0035] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any other way. Any person skilled in the art may make changes or modifications to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments for application in other fields. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model without departing from the technical solution of the present utility model shall still fall within the protection scope of the technical solution of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A hopper with automatically adjustable material flow, comprising a hopper body, a tilting door assembly, a drive device, a material level detection device, and a controller, characterized in that, The hopper body has a feed inlet at the top and at least two branch discharge outlets at the bottom. The number of flip-door assemblies corresponds to the number of branch discharge outlets. Each flip-door assembly includes a horizontally arranged rotating shaft and a flap fixed on the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft is rotatably installed inside the hopper body, and both ends of the rotating shaft are supported by bearings installed on the side walls of the hopper body. The flap is located above the corresponding branch discharge outlet. The drive device is installed on the outer wall of the hopper body. Each drive device is driven and connected to one end of the rotating shaft of a flip-door assembly. The material level detection device is installed on the side wall inside the hopper body corresponding to the position above each branch discharge outlet. Each drive device and each material level detection device are electrically connected to the controller.

2. The hopper with automatically adjustable material flow according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flap is a rectangular plate, and one side of the flap is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft along its entire axial length.

3. The hopper with automatically adjustable material flow according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving device is a servo motor, and the output shaft of the servo motor is coaxially and fixedly connected to one end of the rotating shaft through a coupling.

4. A hopper with automatically adjustable material flow according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material level detection device is an ultrasonic material level sensor.

5. A hopper with automatically adjustable material flow according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Each of the branch discharge ports is arranged sequentially along the axis of rotation at the bottom of the hopper body.

6. A hopper with automatically adjustable material flow according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The pivots of each of the aforementioned flip-door components are arranged parallel to each other.

7. A hopper with automatically adjustable material flow according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The controller is located outside the hopper body and is a programmable logic controller.

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