Hopper device

Abstract

To make it easier to discharge accumulated materials without using driving power such as a motor.SOLUTION: A hopper device includes: a hopper body that is equipped with an opening / closing part for opening and closing a discharge outlet provided on the underside and stores accumulated materials; a wire member that has one end connected to the opening / closing part and moves at least in a vertical direction in conjunction with the opening and closing motion of the discharge outlet by the opening / closing part; and a compaction suppression member that is attached to the wire member and moves at least in the vertical direction together with the wire member in conjunction with the opening and closing motion of the discharge outlet by the opening / closing part, wherein the compaction suppression member is configured to be foldable so as to close downward from an open state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hopper device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, hopper devices for storing and discharging stored materials such as granular materials, powdered materials, or sludge have been known. The hopper device inputs and stores stored materials such as granular materials, powdered materials, or sludge from an upper inlet, and discharges the stored stored materials from a lower outlet. In general, the cross-sectional area of the hopper device becomes narrower from the inlet to the outlet. Therefore, as the stored material moves toward the outlet, the pressure increases, and the particles, powder, or sludge of the stored material may form an arch structure and block at the outlet, so-called bridging or consolidation may occur. When bridging or consolidation occurs, it may be difficult for the stored material to be discharged from the outlet. In that case, in order to discharge the stored material stored near the outlet, it is necessary for an operator to scrape off the stored material remaining in the hopper device using a rod or the like. However, in such work, there are work risks such as the stored material suddenly falling, and a significant increase in man-hours occurs due to the time required.

[0003] Therefore, a mechanism that installs a vibration motor on the side surface of the hopper device and drops the stored material by vibration is generally in circulation.

[0004] Further, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a wire is disposed in a hopper, and when the content falls in the hopper, the content is made to collide with the wire to decompose and pulverize it.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which a conical outflow restrictor is suspended in a hopper by a wire so as to be freely movable, and the outflow restrictor is swung by the stored material flowing toward the outlet to prevent a bridging phenomenon at the outlet.

[0006] Patent Document 3 discloses a technique in which a vibrating body is connected to an elevator via a cable so as to be movable up and down inside a hopper, and the vibrating body is vibrated.

[0007] Patent Document 4 discloses a technique for preventing the occurrence of a bridge by suspending a cylindrical body in a hopper so as to be freely movable by a wire and causing the cylindrical body to move freely by a powdery material passing between the inner wall of the hopper and the cylindrical body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] However, in those using a vibration motor or those disclosed in Patent Document 3, power is required, and there is a possibility that it may not easily fall depending on the degree of hardening of the stored material. Further, when the vibration motor is installed on the side surface of the hopper device, there is also a concern that adverse effects such as deterioration of the hopper device due to vibration may occur.

[0010] Further, in those disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the content is not decomposed or pulverized unless it falls in the first place, if the content is solidified, there may be a case where the content cannot be discharged.

[0011] Also, in the device disclosed in Patent Document 2, although the outflow restricting member is movable freely, since it will swing by the stored material flowing toward the outlet, if the stored material does not flow in the first place, the outflow restricting member will not swing and there may be cases where the stored material cannot be discharged.

[0012] Also, in the device disclosed in Patent Document 4, although the cylindrical body is movable freely, since the cylindrical body will be moved by the powder material passing between the inner wall of the hopper and the cylindrical body, if the powder material is solidified, there may be cases where the powder material cannot be discharged.

[0013] The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the conventional technologies as described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hopper device that can easily discharge stored material without using power such as a motor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0014] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a hopper body that stores stored material and has an opening / closing part that opens and closes a discharge port provided on the lower surface, a wire member having one end connected to the opening / closing part and being movable at least in the vertical direction in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the discharge port by the opening / closing part, and a compaction suppression member attached to the wire member and movable at least in the vertical direction together with the wire member in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the discharge port by the opening / closing part. The compaction suppression member is a hopper device configured to be foldable so as to close downward from an open state.

[0015] In the present invention configured as described above, bridging and compaction of the stored material in the hopper body are suppressed and the stored material is discharged from the discharge port. At that time, since the compaction suppression member is configured to be foldable so as to close downward from an open state, the compaction suppression member moves downward in a state of being closed downward due to the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing part, the weight of the stored material, etc. Thereby, it does not prevent the fall of the stored material, and further makes it easier for the stored material to be pushed downward.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, without using power such as a motor, it is possible to easily discharge the stored material.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] (First Embodiment) 〈Configuration of Hopper Device〉 FIG. 1 is a front perspective projection view of an embodiment of the hopper device of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side perspective projection view of the hopper device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a top projection view of the hopper device seen from line A - A shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a top projection view of the hopper device seen from line B - B shown in FIG. 1.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the hopper device 1 in the present embodiment includes a hopper main body 10, a movable wire 20, and a scraping ball 50.

[0021] The hopper main body 10 is provided with a discharge port 60 at its lower surface, through which the sludge stored in the hopper main body 10 is discharged. The discharge port 60 is provided with opening and closing gates 61a and 61b. The opening and closing gates 61a and 61b are an example of the opening and closing part in the present invention. The opening and closing gates 61a and 61b open and close the discharge port 60 by moving, for example, in the horizontal direction. Also, for example, they may open and close the discharge port 60 by spreading apart in a butterfly shape. Further, for example, in a cross-sectional view, the opening and closing gates 61a and 61b may have an arc shape and open and close the discharge port 60 by moving simultaneously in the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0022] Inside the hopper main body 10, a support member 40 is provided in a region at a predetermined height above the discharge port 60. The support member 40 is spanned between the opposing side walls of the hopper main body 10. In the present embodiment, four support members 40 are provided. Note that the support member 40 may be filled with material inside like a metal bar, or may have a space inside like a pipe.

[0023] The movable wire 20 is an example of the wire member in the present invention. The lower end of the movable wire 20 is connected to the opening and closing gates 61a and 61b at the lower joint 62, and the upper end is connected to the support member 40 at the upper joint 41 via a spring 30. In the present embodiment, one movable wire 20 is connected to each of the four support members 40. The lower ends of two of the four movable wires 20 are connected to the opening and closing gate 61a, and the lower ends of the remaining two movable wires 20 are connected to the opening and closing gate 61b. Thus, when the hopper device 1 is viewed from the side, the four movable wires 20 are arranged such that two of them cross each other.

[0024] The scraping ball 50 is an example of the consolidation suppression member in the present invention. The scraping ball 50 is attached to the movable wire 20. In the present embodiment, four scraping balls 50 are attached to one movable wire 20 at equal intervals.

[0025] <Configuration of the scraping ball> FIG. 5 is a top view of the scraping ball 50 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a side view of the scraping ball 50 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the scraping ball 50 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the scraping ball 50 shown in FIG. 1 in an open state. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the scraping ball 50 shown in FIG. 1 in a closed state.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 9, the scraping ball 50 shown in FIG. 1 has an upper suspension fitting 51, a scraping plate 52, a resin cover 53, scraping claws 54, a drive unit 55, and a lower suspension fitting 56.

[0027] The upper suspension fitting 51 is for attaching the scraping ball 50 to the movable wire 20 and is connected to the movable wire 20 at the upper part of the scraping ball 50. For example, the upper end of the upper suspension fitting 51 may have a loop-shaped attachment portion, and the movable wire 20 may be connected to this attachment portion. A stopper 57 is provided at the lower end of the upper suspension fitting 51. The stopper 57 is an example of a regulating member in the present invention. The stopper 57 is provided across two regions where the scraping plate 52 is folded on the upper surface of the scraping plate 52. Thereby, the stopper 57 can regulate the scraping plate 52 so as not to close upward from the open state in a disk shape.

[0028] The lower suspension fitting 56 is for attaching the scraping ball 50 to the movable wire 20 and is connected to the movable wire 20 at the lower part of the scraping ball 50. For example, the lower end of the lower suspension fitting 56 may have a loop-shaped attachment portion, and the movable wire 20 may be connected to this attachment portion.

[0029] The scraping plate 52 has a disc shape and is configured to be foldable so that the disc shape opened through a straight line passing through the center of the disc shape closes downward. Note that even when the scraping plate 52 is folded, the lower surface contacts the lower suspension fitting 56 so that a gap is formed between the opposing ends.

[0030] The resin cover 53 is an example of a cover member in the present invention. The resin cover 53 is attached to the upper surface of the scraping plate 52 so as to cover the entire scraping plate 52. The resin cover 53 is composed of an elastic member and curves so that the surface of the resin cover 53 covers the entire scraping plate 52 when the scraping plate 52 is folded. Further, since the resin cover 53 is attached to the upper surface of the scraping plate 52 so as to cover the entire scraping plate 52, the scraping plate 52 may be biased in the opening direction.

[0031] The scraping claws 54 are an example of protrusions in the present invention. The scraping claws 54 are provided in a plurality on the lower surface of the scraping plate 52 so as to protrude below the scraping ball 50. The scraping claws 54 may be, for example, cylindrical, conical, triangular pyramid-shaped, polygonal pyramid-shaped including quadrangular pyramid-shaped, or dome-shaped protrusions.

[0032] The drive unit 55 serves as a portion that becomes an axis when folding the scraping plate 52 from the opened disc shape to close downward.

[0033] <Operation of Hopper Device> Hereinafter, the operation of the hopper device 1 configured as described above will be described.

[0034] Figures 10 to 12 are diagrams showing the state in which sludge is discharged from the hopper device 1 shown in FIG. 1. In FIGS. 10 to 12, the scraping plate of the scraping ball 50 is folded so as to close downward, but the actual state of the scraping ball 50 will be described below. FIGS. 13 to 16 are diagrams showing the state of the scraping ball 50 when sludge is discharged from the hopper device 1 shown in FIG. 1.

[0035] In the hopper device 1 configured as described above, when there is no sludge stored in the hopper body 10, as shown in FIG. 13, the scraping plate 52 has a disk-like shape with an open state. At this time, if the scraping plate 52 is biased in the opening direction by the resin cover 53, the disk-like shape with the scraping plate 52 open is maintained.

[0036] When sludge, which is a stored material, starts to be stored in the hopper body 10 from this state, due to the disk-like shape of the scraping plate 52 being open, the sludge accumulates on the resin cover 53 of the scraping plate 52, and the scraping plate 52 is folded so as to close downward under the weight of the sludge. When the scraping plate 52 is folded, the surface of the resin cover 53 is curved. Therefore, the sludge easily falls downward.

[0037] As a result, when the hopper body 10 is filled with sludge 2 as shown in FIG. 10, as shown in FIG. 14, the scraping plate 52 is folded so as to close downward. At this time, even when the scraping plate 52 is folded, the lower surface contacts the lower suspension fitting 56, creating a gap D between the opposing ends. Thereby, even when the scraping plate 52 is folded, consolidation by the sludge 2 is suppressed around the lower part of the scraping ball 50. Also, at this time, as the sludge 2, which is a stored material, is stored in the hopper body 10, the movable wire 20 may bend.

[0038] After that, when the opening and closing gates 61a and 61b open to discharge the sludge 2 stored in the hopper body 10 from the discharge port 60, as shown in Fig. 11, the sludge 2 stored in the hopper body 10 is discharged from the discharge port 60. Also, the movable wire 20 connected to the opening and closing gates 61a and 61b is pulled downward and moves downward. At this time, as shown in Fig. 15, when the movable wire 20 is pulled downward, the spring 30 is in an extended state. Along with this, the scraping ball 50 attached to the movable wire 20 also moves downward. Also, the movable wire 20 may move slightly horizontally at this time.

[0039] Note that the opening and closing of the opening and closing gates 61a and 61b are exemplified as moving in the horizontal direction, but it is not limited to this. For example, the opening and closing gates 61a and 61b may open and close with the central part moving downward in a butterfly opening manner, or, for example, in a cross-sectional view, the opening and closing gates 61a and 61b may have an arc shape and be a combination of horizontal and vertical movements. Since the movable wire 20 is connected to the opening and closing gates, by increasing the vertical movement amount of the part where the movable wire 20 of the opening and closing gates 61a and 61b is connected, the movable wire 20 can be pulled downward more, so that the scraping ball 50 can be moved downward more.

[0040] At this time, since the scraping ball 50 does not restrict the fall of the sludge 2 because the scraping plate 52 is not in a disk shape but is in a state of being closed downward, the sludge 2 can move downward more easily. Also, when the sludge 2 is stored, since the scraping ball 50 restricts the disk shape from being easily stored downward for a certain period with respect to the fall of the sludge 2, the consolidation state is relaxed compared to the state without the scraping ball 50. As a result, the consolidation state of the sludge 2 in the hopper body 10 is suppressed and the sludge 2 is easily discharged from the discharge port 60.

[0041] In addition, a plurality of scraping claws 54 are provided on the lower surface of the scraping plate 52 so as to protrude below the scraping ball 50. Therefore, it is possible to promote the scraping of the sludge 2 by the scraping plate 52, and it is difficult for the sludge 2 to adhere to the lower surface of the scraping plate 52.

[0042] After that, as shown in FIG. 12, when all the sludge 2 stored in the hopper body 10 is discharged, as shown in FIG. 16, the scraping plate 52 returns to the open disk-shaped shape. This is based on the fact that the resin cover 53 is composed of an elastic member. As described above, since the scraping plate 52 is biased in the opening direction by the resin cover 53, when the sludge 2 deposited on the resin cover 53 is discharged, the scraping plate 52 operates to return to the open disk-shaped shape.

[0043] As described above, the stopper 57 is provided on the upper surface of the scraping plate 52 so as to straddle two regions where the scraping plate 52 is folded. Thereby, when the scraping plate 52 returns to the open disk-shaped shape, it is possible to prevent the scraping plate 52 from warping upward from the open disk-shaped state by the stopper 57. By returning the scraping plate 52 to the state before the sludge 2 is stored, the effect of suppressing the consolidation of the sludge to be stored next can be maintained, and it can be used repeatedly.

[0044] (Second Embodiment) As a second embodiment of the hopper device of the present invention, a locking mechanism for locking the state of the scraping plate 52 may be provided. The locking mechanism is an example of the holding means in the present invention.

[0045] <Configuration of the Locking Mechanism> Figs. 17 to 22 are diagrams showing an example of a locking mechanism for locking the state of the scraping plate 52. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view in the axial direction of the drive unit 55 in a state where the state of the scraping plate 52 is not locked, and Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view in a direction orthogonal to the direction shown in Fig. 17 in a state where the state of the scraping plate 52 is not locked. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view in the axial direction of the drive unit 55 in a state where the scraping plate 52 is locked in an open state, and Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view in a direction orthogonal to the direction shown in Fig. 19 in a state where the scraping plate 52 is locked in an open state. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view in the axial direction of the drive unit 55 in a state where the scraping plate 52 is locked in a closed state, and Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view in a direction orthogonal to the direction shown in Fig. 21 in a state where the scraping plate 52 is locked in a closed state. In Figs. 17, 19, and 21, the illustration of the scraping plate 52 is omitted. Also, in Figs. 18, 20, and 22, only one region that opens and closes via the drive unit 55 of the scraping plate 52 is shown.

[0046] As a locking mechanism for locking the state of the scraping plate 52, as shown in FIGS. 17 to 22, a locking mechanism having locking claws 71a and 71b, a locking cable 72, and springs 73, 74a, and 74b may be used. Further, around the drive shaft by the drive unit 55 of the scraping plate 52, locking grooves 52a and 52b serving as recesses are provided. Note that the shaft 55a is shown as enclosing the locking claw 71b as the drive shaft. However, since the locking claw 71b actually moves up and down, a space is provided in the shaft 55a to allow movement. Although not shown in the actual cross-section, note that the state in which the shaft 55a is arranged in the depth direction is deliberately shown in the drawing for the sake of explanation and understanding. As an example, one end of the locking cable 72 is connected to the support member 40 as a fixed end. However, the connection destination of the locking cable 72 is not limited to this. For example, it may be connected to a mechanism that pulls the locking cable 72 upward or returns it downward so as to be interlocked with the opening and closing operations of the opening and closing gates 61a and 61b. Also, although the state of being continuously connected to the plurality of scraping balls 50 is omitted in the drawing, for example, in the scraping ball 50 located above, the locking cable 72 may communicate with the scraping ball 50 and be connected to the lower scraping ball 50 so as to operate in the same manner.

[0047] The locking groove 52a has a shape in which the locking claw 71a serving as a claw portion can be inserted and removed, and is provided at a position facing the locking claw 71a when the locking cable 72 is operated with the scraping plate 52 open. The locking groove 52b has a shape in which the locking claw 71b serving as a claw portion can be inserted and removed, and is provided at a position facing the locking claw 71b when the locking cable 72 is operated with the scraping plate 52 closed.

[0048] The springs 73, 74a, and 74b are configured of a material harder than the springs 74a and 74b, and are arranged side by side such that the spring 73 is positioned between the springs 74a and 74b. Note that the hardness of the spring 73 is an example, and it is sufficient that the holding of the locking mechanism is not lost even when the locking cable 72 is pulled downward and stretched or bent due to the fall of the sludge 2, and its hardness may be arbitrary. In that case, even if the movable wire 20 together with the scraping ball 50 moves in the vertical or horizontal direction or is swung as the sludge 2 is stored or falls, the hardness of the spring 73 may be such that the holding of the locking mechanism is not lost. As another example, when the scraping ball 50 moves downward together with the movable wire 20 due to the fall or storage of the sludge 2, the spring 73 absorbs the force applied to the locking cable 72 and maintains a state of being fully extended beyond the force biased to the springs 74a and 74b when a predetermined force is applied, and may have a hardness such that the holding of the locking mechanism is released. As yet another example, it may have a hardness such that the holding of the locking mechanism is released when the scraping ball 50 moves downward together with the movable wire 20 due to the operation of the opening and closing gates 61a and 61b. Hereinafter, an example will be described in which, even if the movable wire 20 together with the scraping ball 50 moves in the vertical or horizontal direction or is swung due to the fall or storage of the sludge 2, the state of the scraping plate 52 changes depending on the force biased to the resin cover 53 by the elastic member and the state of storage of the sludge 2, and the locking mechanism is held and released by the operation of the opening and closing gates 61a and 61b. Note that the timing for releasing the holding of the locking mechanism is not limited to the example described below.

[0049] Incidentally, the lock mechanism described above was exemplified by those that hold in two states, namely, the state in which the scraping plate 52 is open and the state in which the scraping plate 52 is closed. However, when it is desired to hold only one state, it is possible to partially utilize the lock mechanism corresponding to one state as appropriate. The operation of the scraping ball 50 described below will be described by taking as an example one that holds one state, that is, holds and releases the state in which the scraping plate 52 is closed. That is, an example in which the lock groove 52a is not provided will be described. Incidentally, below, an example in which the state in which the scraping plate 52 is closed is held when the opening / closing gates 61a and 61b are opened and the state in which the scraping plate 52 is closed is released when the opening / closing gates 61a and 61b are closed will be described.

[0050] <Operation of Hopper Device 1 When Lock Mechanism is Provided> When the above-described lock mechanism is provided in the hopper device 1 shown in FIG. 1, in a state where no sludge is stored in the hopper body 10, the scraping plate 52 is not in a locked state and has an open disk shape as shown in FIG. 13.

[0051] When sludge to be stored is stored in the hopper body 10 from this state, due to the open disk shape of the scraping plate 52, the sludge accumulates on the resin cover 53 of the scraping plate 52. Then, since the scraping plate 52 is not in a locked state, the scraping plate 52 is folded downward to close by the weight of the sludge. Incidentally, when the scraping plate 52 is folded, the surface of the resin cover 53 is curved. Therefore, the sludge easily falls downward.

[0052] As a result, when the sludge 2 is completely filled in the hopper body 10 as shown in FIG. 10, as shown in FIG. 14, the scraping plate 52 is folded so as to close downward. At this time, even when the scraping plate 52 is folded, the lower surface contacts the lower suspension fitting 56, so that a gap D is generated between the opposite ends. Thereby, even when the scraping plate 52 is folded, consolidation is suppressed around the lower part of the scraping ball 50. Also at this time, as the sludge serving as the stored material accumulates in the hopper body 10, the movable wire 20 may bend.

[0053] After that, when the opening / closing gates 61a and 61b open to discharge the sludge 2 stored in the hopper body 10 from the discharge port 60, as shown in FIG. 11, the sludge 2 stored in the hopper body 10 is discharged from the discharge port 60. Further, the movable wire 20 connected to the opening / closing gates 61a and 61b is pulled downward and moves downward. At this time, as shown in FIG. 15, when the movable wire 20 is pulled downward, the spring 30 is in an extended state. Along with this, the scraping ball 50 attached to the movable wire 20 also moves downward. Also, the movable wire 20 may move slightly horizontally at this time.

[0054] At this time, since the scraping ball 50 does not restrict the fall of the sludge 2 because the scraping plate 52 is not in a disk shape but is closed downward, the sludge 2 easily moves downward. Also, when the sludge 2 is stored, the scraping ball 50 maintains a disk shape for a certain period against the fall of the sludge 2 and restricts the easy storage of the sludge 2 downward. Therefore, compared to the state without the scraping ball 50, the consolidation state is relaxed. As a result, the consolidation state of the sludge 2 in the hopper body 10 is suppressed, and the sludge 2 is easily discharged from the discharge port 60.

[0055] Here, since the resin cover 53 is composed of an elastic member, depending on the amount and weight of the sludge 2, when the scraping ball 50 moves downward, the scraping plate 52 may return to the open disk-like shape. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the opening / closing gates 61a, 61b open, the scraping plate 52 is locked in the closed state in conjunction with the operation. This can be done by using the force that moves the scraping ball 50 downward when the opening / closing gates 61a, 61b open and the force that pulls the locking cable 72 downward. When the locking cable 72 is stretched by a force that exceeds the force by which the spring 73 of the locking mechanism is biased by the springs 74a, 74b and is maintained in the stretched state, the locking claw 71b is inserted into the locking groove 52b. While the opening / closing gates 61a, 61b are open and the locking cable 72 is at least pulled downward, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the locking claw 71b is inserted into the locking groove 52b, and the scraping plate 52 is locked in the closed state.

[0056] As a result, when the scraping ball 50 moves downward, the scraping plate 52 will not return to the open disk-like shape. That is, while the scraping ball 50 is opening the opening / closing gates 61a, 61b to discharge the sludge 2, the scraping plate 52 is maintained in the closed state, and the discharge of the sludge 2 can be promoted without suppressing the discharge of the sludge 2.

[0057] After all the sludge 2 stored in the hopper body 10 is discharged as shown in FIG. 12, when the opening / closing gates 61a and 61b return to the closed state, the movable wire 20 together with the scraping ball 50 returns upward from the state of moving downward. Therefore, the force pulling the locking cable 72 downward is released, the force in the direction of stretching the spring 73 is relaxed, the locking claw 71b is pushed downward by the force biased by the springs 74a and 74b, the locking claw 71b is pulled out from the locking groove 52b, and the locking of the scraping plate 52 is released. By such an operation, as shown in FIG. 16, the scraping plate 52 returns to the opened disk-shaped configuration. This is based on the fact that the resin cover 53 is composed of an elastic member. As described above, since the scraping plate 52 is biased in the opening direction by the resin cover 53, the scraping plate 52 operates to return to the opened disk-shaped configuration in response to the discharge of the sludge 2 deposited on the resin cover 53. That is, by not using the locking groove 52a and the locking claw 71a in the locking mechanism, the same operation can be repeated if sludge is stored again after returning to the disk-shaped configuration. As described above, the release of the locking of the scraping plate 52 is performed by operating the locking cable 72 including the indirect mechanical action caused by the movement of the scraping ball 50.

[0058] So far, the operation of the scraping ball 50 has been described by taking as an example the one that holds one state, that is, holds the scraping plate 52 in the closed state and releases it. However, as described above, it is also possible to provide the locking claw 71a and the locking groove 52a to hold two states. In that case, the force applied by the hardness of the springs 73, 74a, and 74b, the deflection of the locking wire 70, the shape and opening / closing direction of the opening / closing gates 61a and 61b of the opening / closing gates, the position where the movable wire 20 is connected to the opening / closing gates 61a and 61b, etc. may be adjusted as appropriate. For example, when the opening / closing gates 61a and 61b open, the movable wire 20 moves downward to generate a force to pull the locking cable 72 downward. At the same time, the locking claw 71a is pulled out of the locking groove 52a to release the lock of the locking mechanism. When the opening / closing gates 61a and 61b are fully opened, the locking claw 71b is inserted into the locking groove 52b to hold the locked state by the locking mechanism. When the opening / closing gates 61a and 61b are closed again, the locking claw 71a may be inserted into the locking groove 52a again to hold the locked state by the locking mechanism.

[0059] Also, the timing for the locking mechanism to hold when the opening / closing gates 61a and 61b are fully opened or fully closed is not limited. It is also possible to change the timing by appropriately adjusting the conditions.

[0060] Furthermore, so far, the locking cable 72 has been exemplified as being connected to the support member 40 as a fixed end, but it is not limited to this. For example, a mechanism that pulls or returns the locking cable 72 at an appropriate timing in conjunction with the operation of the opening / closing gates 61a and 61b may be combined. Also, after appropriately adjusting the hardness of the springs 73, 74a, and 74b, the deflection of the locking cable 72, the shape and opening / closing direction of the opening / closing gates 61a and 61b of the opening / closing gates, the position where the movable wire 20 is connected to the opening / closing gates 61a and 61b, etc., for example, the locking mechanism can be held and released during the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing gates 61a and 61b.

[0061] Furthermore, although it has been described that the holding and release of the locking mechanism are triggered by the opening and closing operations of the opening and closing gates 61a and 61b, for example, the holding and release may be performed at the timing when the scraping ball 50 moves downward according to the state of the partial storage of the sludge 2. As an example, the holding of the locking mechanism may be released when the storage amount of the sludge 2 reaches a predetermined amount and the scraping ball 50 moves downward to a predetermined position.

[0062] Hereinafter, in other embodiments, the locking mechanism required for the operation is applied according to the above-described examples and appropriate combinations thereof. Also, even for operations other than those of the necessary locking mechanism described in other embodiments, it is possible to apply the above-described examples or apply them in combination.

[0063] (Third Embodiment) As the scraping ball, a metal cover made of a metal layer may be attached to the upper surface of the scraping plate.

[0064] Figs. 23 to 26 are views showing the state of the scraping ball 50 when sludge is being discharged in the hopper device 1 shown in Fig. 1, using a scraping ball having a metal cover attached to the upper surface of the scraping plate.

[0065] As shown in Figs. 23 to 26, a scraping ball 150 having a metal cover 153 attached to the upper surface of the scraping plate 52 may be used. In that case, the metal cover 153 is divided into two via the drive unit 55, and an elastic resin 159 may be provided above the drive unit 55 between the two metal covers 153. By adopting a configuration in which the metal cover 153 is attached to the upper surface of the scraping plate 52, the strength of the upper surface is ensured as compared with the configuration in which the resin cover 53 is attached to the upper surface of the scraping plate 52, enhancing the effect of regulating the sludge, and the durability of the scraping ball 150 can be improved.

[0066] Even in such a configuration, when there is no sludge stored in the hopper body 10, as shown in FIG. 23, the scraping plate 52 has an open disk-like shape. At this time, the scraping plate 52 may be locked in the open state by the above-described locking mechanism. In that case, when the locking cable 72 is operated, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the locking claw 71a is inserted into the locking groove 52a, and the scraping plate 52 is locked in the open state. Although it is considered unnecessary to explain again, if the scraping plate 52 can maintain the disk-like shape by the force biased by the elastic resin 159 even when the open state of the scraping plate 52 is not locked, the locking claw 71a and the locking groove 52a may not be provided.

[0067] From this state, first, the locking cable 72 is operated by utilizing the operation of the above-described locking mechanism. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the locking claw 71a is removed from the locking groove 52a, and the scraping plate 52 is in a state where the lock is released. Then, when sludge serving as a stored material is stored in the hopper body 10, due to the scraping plate 52 having an open disk-like shape, the sludge accumulates on the metal cover 153 of the scraping plate 52, and as shown in FIG. 24, the scraping plate 52 is folded downward to close by the weight of the sludge. At this time, since the metal cover 153 and the elastic resin 159 are inclined in an umbrella shape so that the surface height decreases from the central portion to the end portion of the scraping plate 52, the sludge accumulated on the metal cover 153 easily falls.

[0068] Thereafter, when the opening and closing gates 61a and 61b open to discharge the sludge 2 stored in the hopper body 10 from the discharge port 60, the sludge 2 stored in the hopper body 10 is discharged from the discharge port 60. Also, when the movable wire 20 is pulled downward and moves downward, the scraping ball 50 attached to the movable wire 20 also moves downward.

[0069] At this time, since the scraping ball 150 does not restrict the fall of the sludge 2 because the scraping plate 52 is not in a disk shape but is in a downward-closed state, the sludge 2 can easily move downward. Further, when the sludge 2 is stored, since the scraping ball 150 maintains a disk shape for a certain period against the fall of the sludge 2 and restricts the easy storage of the sludge 2 downward, the consolidation state is relaxed compared to the state without the scraping ball 150. As a result, the consolidation state of the sludge 2 in the hopper body 10 is suppressed, and the sludge 2 can be easily discharged from the discharge port 60. In this case as well, as shown in FIG. 25, the scraping plate 52 may be locked in a closed state. Thereby, when the scraping ball 150 moves downward, the scraping plate 52 will not return to the opened disk shape.

[0070] After that, when all the sludge 2 stored in the hopper body 10 is discharged, and as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, for example, in conjunction with the closing of the opening / closing gates 61a and 61b, the locking claw 71b is pulled out from the locking groove 52b and the locking of the scraping plate 52 is released. Since the elastic resin 159 is composed of an elastic member, as shown in FIG. 26, the scraping plate 52 returns to the opened disk shape.

[0071] In addition, when the weight of the entire scraping ball 50 increases by using the metal cover 153 and the force of the elastic resin 159 to return the scraping plate 52 to the disk shape is insufficient, a return mechanism of the drive part 55 for returning the scraping plate 52 from the folded state to the disk shape may be combined with the above-described locking mechanism.

[0072] FIG. 27 is a view showing an example of the return mechanism of the drive part 55 for returning the scraping plate 52 from the folded state to the disk shape, and is a cross-sectional view in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the drive part 55. In FIG. 27, only one region that opens and closes via the drive part 55 of the scraping plate 52 is shown.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 27, a return spring 58 may be incorporated in the drive unit 55. The return spring 58 is an example of the return means in the present invention, and the scraping plate 52 is biased by the return spring 58 from the closed state downward to the open state. Therefore, when the locking mechanism is released, the scraping plate 52 returns from the closed state downward to the open state.

[0074] When the scraping plate 52 returns to the disk-shaped open state, an elastic resin 159 is provided between the two divided metal covers 153, so that sludge is not caught between the two divided metal covers 153 when the scraping plate 52 is in the closed state downward.

[0075] (Other Embodiments) As another embodiment, a scraping ball in a state where the scraping plate is closed may be used.

[0076] FIGS. 28 and 29 are diagrams for explaining the operation when a scraping ball in a state where the scraping plate is closed is used.

[0077] In this embodiment, even when there is no sludge stored in the hopper body 10, as shown in FIG. 28, the scraping plate 52 is in a closed state downward. For example, by adjusting the elastic force of the elastic member of the resin cover 53 to weaken the biasing force to return to the disk shape, the scraping plate 52 can be in a closed state downward.

[0078] From that state, sludge as a stored material is stored in the hopper body 10, and then when the opening / closing gates 61a and 61b open to discharge the sludge 2 stored in the hopper body 10 from the discharge port 60, the sludge 2 stored in the hopper body 10 is discharged from the discharge port 60. Further, when the movable wire 20 is pulled downward and moves downward, the scraping ball 250 attached to the movable wire 20 also moves downward.

[0079] At this time, although the scraping ball 250 moves downward and is in a slightly open state as shown in FIG. 29, the sludge 2 can easily move downward because the scraping plate 52 is in a downward-closed state and does not restrict the fall of the sludge 2. Further, when the sludge 2 is stored, since the scraping ball 250 restricts the easy storage of at least the lower part of the scraping ball 250 with respect to the fall of the sludge 2, the consolidation state is relaxed compared to the state without the scraping ball 250. As a result, the consolidation state of the sludge 2 in the hopper body 10 is suppressed, and the sludge 2 is easily discharged from the discharge port 60. Further, since the scraping plate 52 is maintained in a closed state, the capacity of the sludge 2 stored in the hopper device 1 is not significantly reduced.

[0080] As another embodiment, when the scraping ball 50 moves downward, the scraping plate 52 may maintain a disk-like shape without closing downward. For example, by adjusting the elastic force of the elastic member of the resin cover 53 to increase the biasing force to return to the disk-like shape, the scraping plate 52 can maintain the disk-like shape. Even in that case, since a space is created below the scraping ball 50, the consolidation state is suppressed. As a result, the sludge 2 is more easily discharged from the discharge port 60. For example, the disk-like shape may be reliably maintained using the above-described lock mechanism. When using the lock mechanism, during the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing gate, the disk-like shape is maintained when the opening and closing gate is closed, and the lock mechanism may be released simultaneously with the opening operation of the opening and closing gate to operate the scraping plate 52 to close downward. A space in which the scraping plate 52 can close downward by maintaining the disk-like shape may exist even after storage due to the regulation of the fall during the storage of the sludge 2. Therefore, when the sludge is discharged due to the weight or fall of the sludge 2, the scraping plate 52 can close downward. While the sludge 2 is being discharged, it may automatically return to the disk-like shape as the sludge 2 is discharged, or the downwardly closed state may be maintained while the opening and closing gate is closed using the above-described lock mechanism. As the sludge 2 is discharged, or as the opening and closing gate is closed and the locked state is released, if the resin cover 53 is biased to return to the disk-like shape, it can also return to the state of maintaining the disk-like shape when the sludge 2 is discharged from the discharge port. Also, when the lock mechanism is adopted, during the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing gate, it can also be returned to the state of reliably maintaining the disk-like shape by the lock mechanism simultaneously with the closing operation of the opening and closing gate.

[0081] As another embodiment, instead of the one having the elastic resin 159 shown in FIGS. 23 to 26, one without the elastic resin 159 may be used.

[0082] FIGS. 30 and 31 are diagrams for explaining the operation when using a scraping ball whose upper surface is composed only of a metal cover.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, in this embodiment, for the scraping ball 350, only the metal cover 153 is attached to the upper surface of the scraping plate 52. By adopting the configuration in which the metal cover 153 is attached to the upper surface of the scraping plate 52, compared with the configuration in which the resin cover 53 is attached to the upper surface of the scraping plate 52, the strength of the upper surface is ensured, the effect of restricting sludge is enhanced, and the durability of the scraping ball 350 can be improved.

[0084] Even in such a form, when there is no sludge stored in the hopper body 10, as shown in FIG. 30, the scraping plate 52 has an open disk shape. In order to make the scraping plate 52 have an open disk shape, for example, a return mechanism such as the above-described return spring 58 may be combined.

[0085] From this state, when sludge serving as a stored material is stored in the hopper body 10, due to the fact that the scraping plate 52 has an open disk shape, the sludge accumulates on the metal cover 153 of the scraping plate 52. And since the metal cover 153 is divided into two regions via the drive part 55, as shown in FIG. 31, the scraping plate 52 is folded downward around the drive part 55 by the weight of the sludge. At this time, since the metal cover 153 is inclined in an umbrella shape so that the surface height decreases from the central part to the end of the scraping plate 52, the sludge deposited on the metal cover 153 easily falls off.

[0086] After that, when the opening and closing gates 61a and 61b open to discharge the sludge 2 stored in the hopper body 10 from the discharge port 60, the sludge 2 stored in the hopper body 10 is discharged from the discharge port 60. Also, when the movable wire 20 is pulled downward and moves downward, the scraping ball 350 attached to the movable wire 20 also moves downward.

[0087] At this time, since the scraping ball 350 does not restrict the fall of the sludge 2 because the scraping plate 52 is not in a disk shape but is in a downward-closed state, the sludge 2 can easily move downward. Also, when the sludge 2 is stored, since the scraping ball 350 maintains a disk shape for a certain period against the fall of the sludge 2 and restricts the easy storage of the sludge 2 downward, the consolidation state is relaxed compared to the state without the scraping ball 350. As a result, the consolidation state of the sludge 2 in the hopper body 10 is suppressed, and the sludge 2 can be easily discharged from the discharge port 60. In this case as well, as shown in Fig. 25, the scraping plate 52 may be locked in a closed state. Thereby, when the scraping ball 350 moves downward, the scraping plate 52 will not return to the opened disk shape.

[0088] Then, after all the sludge 2 stored in the hopper body 10 is discharged, by using a return spring 58 as shown in Fig. 27, the scraping ball 350 is returned to the state as shown in Fig. 30. As the return spring 58 in this case, it is folded to close the scraping plate 52 against the weight of the sludge stored on the scraping ball 350, but when there is no sludge stored on the scraping ball 350, it may have a restoring force that can return the scraping plate 52 to an opened state.

[0089] So far, various implementations have been described by taking the storage of the sludge 2 as an example, but the stored material is not limited to the sludge 2. For example, it can also be used for other granular materials, powdery materials, etc. Also, in addition to the same bridge and consolidation, for example, in the storage of containers, etc., that is, for the storage of materials having the same effects, the application is also possible. Depending on the stored material, by appropriately adjusting the size, shape, length, etc. of the scraping ball and various elements, a suitable embodiment can be achieved within the range not contrary to the above-described technical idea.

[0090] In addition, although the hopper device 1 having four movable wires 20 each attached with four scraping balls has been illustrated, it goes without saying that the scraping balls can be appropriately adjusted in terms of not only size, shape, and length but also the number thereof depending on the conditions of the stored material as described above. Within a range not contrary to the technical idea described above, a preferred embodiment can be adopted.

[0091] Furthermore, also in the locking mechanism, although configurations capable of holding or releasing two states and holding or releasing one state have been respectively illustrated, the number of states is not limited thereto, and for example, those capable of holding or releasing three or more states may be acceptable. Also, the structure of the locking mechanism is not limited to that described in the embodiment, and what is described in the embodiment is merely an example. Within a range not contrary to the technical idea described above, a preferred embodiment can be adopted.

[0092] Aspects of the present invention are as follows, for example.

[0093] (Appendix 1) A hopper main body that stores stored material and includes an opening / closing part that opens and closes a discharge port provided on the lower surface, A wire member having one end connected to the opening / closing part and movable at least in the vertical direction in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the discharge port by the opening / closing part, A consolidation suppression member attached to the wire member and movable at least in the vertical direction together with the wire member in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the discharge port by the opening / closing part, and The hopper device in which the consolidation suppression member is configured to be foldable so as to close downward from an open state.

[0094] (Appendix 2) The hopper device according to Appendix 1, having holding means for holding the consolidation suppression member in the open state or the state of being closed downward.

[0095] (Appendix 3) The holding means holds the consolidation suppression member in the opened state or the closed state downward in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the discharge port by the opening and closing portion, the hopper device according to appended note 2.

[0096] (Appended note 4) The holding means holds the consolidation suppression member in the opened state and the closed state downward in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the discharge port by the opening and closing portion, the hopper device according to appended note 2.

[0097] (Appended note 5) The holding means holds the opening and closing state of the consolidation suppression member by inserting and removing a claw portion into a recess provided in a shaft portion where the consolidation suppression member opens and closes, the hopper device according to appended note 2.

[0098] (Appended note 6) The holding means inserts and removes the claw portion into the recess as the consolidation suppression member moves in the vertical direction, the hopper device according to appended note 5.

[0099] (Appended note 7) One end of the claw portion is connected to the other end of a cable whose one end is connected to a fixed end, the hopper device according to appended note 5.

[0100] (Appended note 8) One end of the claw portion is connected to the other end of a cable whose one end is connected to a mechanism that operates in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the discharge port by the opening and closing portion, the hopper device according to appended note 5.

[0101] (Appended note 9) The consolidation suppression member has a return means for returning the consolidation suppression member from the closed state downward to the opened state, the hopper device according to appended note 1.

[0102] (Appended note 10) The consolidation suppression member has a regulating member for regulating so as not to close upward from the opened state, the hopper device according to appended note 1.

[0103] (Appended note 11) The hopper device according to appended note 1, wherein the consolidation suppression member is configured such that when it is folded to close downward from the open state, a gap is formed between the opposing end portions.

[0104] (Appended note 12) The hopper device according to appended note 1, wherein the consolidation suppression member is provided with protrusions on the lower surface.

[0105] (Appended note 13) The hopper device according to appended note 1, wherein the consolidation suppression member has, on the upper surface, a cover member whose surface is curved in the state of being closed downward.

[0106] (Appended note 14) The hopper device according to appended note 13, wherein the cover member is made of an elastic member.

[0107] (Appended note 15) The hopper device according to appended note 14, wherein the elastic member of the cover member has an elastic force that biases the consolidation suppression member to return from the state of being closed downward to the open state.

[0108] (Appended note 16) The hopper device according to appended note 1, wherein the consolidation suppression member is composed only of a metal layer whose upper surface side is inclined.

[0109] (Appended note 17) The hopper device according to appended note 1, wherein the upper surface side of the consolidation suppression member is composed of a metal layer and an elastic member.

[0110] (Appended note 18) The hopper device according to appended note 1, wherein the opening / closing part opens and closes the discharge port by moving in the horizontal direction.

[0111] (Appended note 19) The hopper device according to appended note 1, wherein the opening / closing part opens and closes in a butterfly shape with two opening / closing gates.

[0112] (Appended note 20) The opening and closing part is the hopper device according to Addendum 1, which opens and closes the discharge port by moving in the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0113] (Addendum 21) It has a support member provided above the discharge port in the hopper body, The wire member has the other end connected to the support member via a spring, which is the hopper device according to Addendum 1.

[0114] (Addendum 22) The consolidation suppression member is attached to a plurality of the wire members, which is the hopper device according to Addendum 1.

[0115] (Addendum 23) The hopper device according to Addendum 22, which has a plurality of the wire members.

[0116] (Addendum 24) The hopper device according to Addendum 23, in which the plurality of wire members are arranged so as to cross each other when the hopper device is viewed from the side.

Explanation of Reference Signs

[0117] 1 Hopper device 2 Sludge 10 Hopper body 20 Movable wire 30, 73, 74a, 74b Springs 40 Support member 41 Upper joint part 50, 150, 250, 350 Scraping balls 51 Upper suspension fitting 52 Scraping plate 52a, 52b Lock grooves 53 Resin cover 54 Scraping claws 55 Driving part 55a Shaft 56 Lower suspension fitting 57 Stopper 58 Return spring 60 outlets 61a, 61b opening / closing gates 71a, 71b locking claws 72 locking cable 62 lower joint 153 metal cover 159 elastic resin

Claims

1. A hopper device comprising a hopper body for storing a stored material, having an opening / closing part for opening and closing a discharge port provided below, a wire member having one end connected to the opening / closing part and being movable at least in the vertical direction in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the discharge port by the opening / closing part, and a consolidation suppression member attached to the wire member and movable at least in the vertical direction together with the wire member in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the discharge port by the opening / closing part. The consolidation suppression member is configured to be foldable so as to close downward from an open state.

2. The hopper device according to claim 1, further comprising holding means for holding the consolidation suppression member in the open state or the closed state downward.

3. The hopper device according to claim 2, wherein the holding means holds the consolidation suppression member in the open state or the closed state downward in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the discharge port by the opening / closing part.

4. The hopper device according to claim 1, wherein the consolidation suppression member has a return means for returning the consolidation suppression member from the closed state downward to the open state.

5. The hopper device according to claim 1, wherein the consolidation suppression member has a regulating member for regulating the upward closing from the open state.

6. The hopper device according to claim 1, wherein when the consolidation suppression member is folded so as to close downward from the open state, a gap is formed between opposing end portions.

7. The hopper device according to claim 1, wherein the consolidation suppression member is provided with protrusions on the lower surface.

8. The hopper device according to claim 1, wherein the consolidation suppression member has a cover member on the upper surface, the surface of which is curved in the closed state downward.

9. The hopper device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the consolidation suppression members are attached to one wire member.

10. The hopper device according to claim 9, having a plurality of wire members.

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