Hopper mechanism

Abstract

To provide a hopper mechanism that can effectively remove material accumulated in the chute. [Solution] The hopper mechanism 1 comprises an input port 2 into which the conveyed material C is fed from above, an output port 3 that discharges the conveyed material C fed from the input port 2 to a conveying path R2 located below, and a chute section 4 provided between the input port 2 and the output port 3 to guide the conveyed material C from the input port 2 to the output port 3, wherein the chute section 4 includes a rotating body 42 whose opposing surface 422a facing the input port 2 is movable from the input port 2 side to the output port 3 side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hopper mechanism used in a conveyance path for earth and sand or the like.

Background Art

[0002] In a conveyance path for conveying a conveyance object such as earth and sand (hereinafter also referred to as a "conveyed material"), various conveyance means such as a belt conveyor are used. And at a location where the conveyed material is transferred from the upper conveyance means to the lower conveyance means, a hopper mechanism is used to accumulate the conveyed material falling from the upper conveyance means onto the lower conveyance means.

[0003] Such a hopper mechanism includes a wide input port into which the conveyed material formed above is input, a narrow discharge port formed below through which the conveyed material is discharged, and a chute portion which is an inclined surface formed between the input port and the discharge port. And the conveyed material input from the input port is accumulated while descending along the inclined surface, and is discharged from the discharge port, so that the conveyed material can be prevented from overflowing and the transfer of the conveyed material can be carried out.

[0004] By the way, when the conveyed material is highly viscous such as earth and sand with a large amount of moisture, in a conventional hopper mechanism, the conveyed material may adhere to and accumulate on the chute portion, and there is a risk of blocking the discharge port. Therefore, various means for removing the conveyed material adhering to the chute portion have been developed.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a hopper mechanism provided with a rotating plate that performs a rotational movement within a plane parallel to the surface on the surface of the chute portion. In this hopper mechanism, the rotating plate swirls like a propeller on the surface of the chute portion, thereby pushing out the earth and sand from the center of rotation to the outside and removing the conveyed material adhering to the chute portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

[0007] However, in the hopper mechanism described in Patent Document 1, the conveyed material adhering to the chute is not necessarily pushed downwards, but can also be pushed to the sides and upwards of the chute, making it unavoidable that the conveyed material would accumulate to the sides and upwards. Furthermore, there was a risk that the conveyed material accumulated to the sides and upwards would suddenly collapse and block the discharge port. Therefore, a hopper mechanism that could more effectively prevent the adhesion of accumulated material was desired.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a hopper mechanism that can solve the above problems and effectively remove conveyed material accumulated in the chute. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The hopper mechanism of the present invention comprises an input port into which a material is fed from above, an output port for discharging the material fed from the input port to a transport path located below, and a chute section provided between the input port and the output port for guiding the material from the input port to the output port, wherein the chute section is provided with a moving means on which the opposing surface facing the input port is movable from the input port side to the output port side.

[0010] Furthermore, in the hopper mechanism of the present invention, the conveyed material is conveyed by an upper conveying path and fed into the input port, and discharged from the discharge port to the lower conveying path, and the moving means is a rotating body rotated by a rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft may be provided so as to be parallel to the upper conveying path.

[0011] Furthermore, in the hopper mechanism of the present invention, the conveyed material is conveyed by an upper conveying path and fed into the input port, and discharged from the discharge port to the lower conveying path, and the moving means is a rotating body rotated by a rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft may be provided so as to be non-parallel to the upper conveying path.

[0012] Furthermore, in the hopper mechanism of the present invention, the rotating shaft may be provided so as to be perpendicular to the upper conveying path.

[0013] Furthermore, in the hopper mechanism of the present invention, the moving means may include an endless belt.

[0014] Furthermore, in the hopper mechanism of the present invention, the moving means may be a roller.

[0015] Furthermore, the hopper mechanism of the present invention may include a cleaner that is in contact with the opposing surface or positioned at a predetermined distance from it. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, the moving means provided in the chute section can move in one direction from the inlet side to the discharge side with the opposite surface facing the inlet, thereby effectively removing the transported material accumulated in the chute section. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a hopper mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the hopper mechanism from a side view. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a hopper mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the side. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a hopper mechanism according to the third embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the side. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Next, embodiments for implementing the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as "embodiments") will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] <First Embodiment> First, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the hopper mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention from the front.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the hopper mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment includes an inlet 2 into which the conveyed material C conveyed by the upper conveyance path R1 is introduced, an outlet 3 for discharging the conveyed material C introduced from the inlet 2 to the lower conveyance path R2, and a chute portion 4 provided between the inlet 2 and the outlet 3 for guiding the conveyed material C from the inlet 2 to the outlet 3. Here, in this embodiment, the conveyed material C is assumed to be earth and sand containing moisture and having viscosity. Also, the upper conveyance path R1 and the lower conveyance path R2 are provided in parallel, and the lower conveyance path R2 is provided directly below the upper conveyance path R1.

[0021] The inlet 2 is a part for introducing the conveyed material C that is conveyed by the upper conveyance path R1 such as a belt conveyor and falls from the upper conveyance path R1 into the hopper mechanism 1. Since the width of the inlet 2 is wider than the width of the upper conveyance path R1, the conveyed material C can be introduced into the hopper mechanism 1 from the upper conveyance path R1 while preventing the conveyed material C from spilling out of the hopper mechanism 1.

[0022] The outlet 3 is a part for discharging the conveyed material C introduced into the hopper mechanism 1 from the inlet 2 to the lower conveyance path R2. Since the width of the outlet 3 is narrower than that of the inlet 2 and further narrower than the width of the lower conveyance path R2, the conveyed material C can be discharged onto the lower conveyance path R2 while preventing the conveyed material C from spilling out of the lower conveyance path R2.

[0023] In the first embodiment, the width of the input port 2, the discharge port 3, the upper transport path R1, the lower transport path R2, and the chute section 4, which will be described in detail below, refers to the length in the left-right direction on the page of Figure 1.

[0024] The chute section 4 is located between the input port 2 and the discharge port 3 and guides the conveyed material C from the input port 2 to the discharge port 3. The chute section 4 comprises a pair of inclined chute bodies 41, a rotating body 42 as a means of movement provided on each chute body 41, and a cleaner 43 that contacts each rotating body 42. Note that in Figure 1, only the main components of the chute section 4 are shown, and other components (such as other walls and partition members) are omitted from the illustration.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the chute body 41 is a pair of steel plates arranged to sandwich the upper transport path R1 from both sides when viewed from the front, and is inclined so that the distance between the chute bodies 41 gradually narrows from the input port 2 side to the discharge port 3 side.

[0026] A guard plate 411 extending vertically is provided continuously with the chute body 41 at the lower end of each chute body 41. The presence of the guard plate 411 prevents the conveyed material C that falls through the chute section 4 and is discharged into the lower conveying path R2 from spilling out of the lower conveying path R2, thereby effectively accumulating the conveyed material C on the lower conveying path R2.

[0027] The rotating body 42 is a specific example of a moving means that guides the conveyed material C introduced from the input port 2 to the discharge port 3 by moving its opposing surface 422a facing the input port 2 from the input port 2 side to the discharge port 3 side, and in this embodiment it is a belt conveyor. The rotating body 42 comprises a rotating shaft 421 that is rotationally driven by a driving means (not shown) and a conveyor belt 422 that rotates in accordance with the rotational movement of the rotating shaft 421.

[0028] The rotating shafts 421 are arranged parallel to the upper transport path R1, with two shafts each positioned above and below a single chute body 41, aligned with the chute. The distance between the upper rotating shafts 421 is greater than the distance between the lower rotating shafts 421.

[0029] The conveyor belt 422 rotates by being driven by two rotating shafts 421. The conveyor belt 422 rotates so that the opposing surface 422a facing the input port 2 moves from the input port 2 side towards the discharge port 3 side, that is, it moves from the top side to the diagonally downward side. This allows the conveyed material C falling from the upper conveying path R1 to be guided to the discharge port 3 more smoothly compared to the case where only the chute body 41 is provided.

[0030] Furthermore, even if the conveyed object C adheres to the opposing surface 422a of the conveyor belt 422, the adhered conveyed object C (adhered object A) can be pushed downward. Then, the adhered object A, biased diagonally downward by the opposing surface 422a, is pulled away from the conveyor belt 422 by centrifugal force at the lower rotation axis 421, that is, at the point where the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 422 changes to the opposite direction, and falls in the direction of the lower conveying path R2. In this way, even if the conveyed object C adheres to the conveyor belt 422, it can be effectively removed.

[0031] The cleaner 43 is an elastically deformable resin plate-shaped member that protrudes from the guard plate 411 so as to contact the lower part of the conveyor belt 422. With the cleaner 43 in place, even if the deposit A ​​adhering to the conveyor belt 422 cannot be completely removed at the lower rotating shaft 421, any remaining deposit A ​​can be removed.

[0032] The cleaner 43 may be positioned at a predetermined distance (for example, 1 mm to 5 mm) from the conveyor belt 422 without contacting it. This also allows for the removal of any remaining deposits A on the conveyor belt 422 to the extent that it does not cause blockage within the hopper mechanism 1.

[0033] Next, the preferred width of the conveyor belt 422 in the hopper mechanism 1 having the above-described configuration will be explained. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the hopper mechanism 1 shown in Figure 1 from the side. The width of the conveyor belt 422 refers to the length of the conveyor belt 422 in the left-right direction as shown in Figure 2.

[0034] In Figure 2, v represents the transport speed of the upper transport path R1 (m / s), h represents the height from the top surface of the upper transport path R1 to the top surface of the lower transport path R2 (m), s represents the maximum thickness of the transported object C in the upper transport path R1 (m), and d represents the gliding distance of the transported object C as it falls from the upper transport path R1 onto the lower transport path R2 (m). Note that s is determined from the flow rate of the transported object C and the cross-sectional shape of the upper transport path R1, which are determined during the design of the upper transport path R1.

[0035] The maximum drop height of the transported object C corresponds to the distance from the upper end of the transported object C on the upper transport path R1 to the upper surface of the lower transport path R2, and is h+s(m).

[0036] The free fall time t of the transported object C falling from the upper transport path R1 is given by h + s = 1 / 2gt 2 Therefore, it can be shown as shown in the following equation 1.

[0037]

number

[0038] Then, assuming that the transported object C is released from the upper transport path R1 with the same initial velocity as the transport speed v (m / s) of the upper transport path R1, the gliding distance d (m) until the transported object C falls to the upper surface of the lower transport path R2 is given by the following equation 2, neglecting air resistance.

[0039]

number

[0040] Based on the formula shown in equation 2, it is preferable to make the width of the conveyor belt 422 of the hopper mechanism 1 d (m) or more, as this prevents the conveyed material C from adhering to the entire chute section 4.

[0041] According to the hopper mechanism 1 of the first embodiment described above, the rotating body 42 provided in the chute section 4 rotates, and the opposing surface 422a facing the input port 2 can move in one direction from the input port 2 side to the discharge port 3 side, thereby effectively removing the conveyed material C accumulated in the chute section 4.

[0042] In the hopper mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment, the rotating body 42 was provided in two locations so as to sandwich the upper transport path R1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the rotating body 42 may be provided only on either the left or right chute body 41 shown in Figure 1. This also allows for the effective removal of transported material accumulated in the chute section 4.

[0043] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the hopper mechanism 1B according to the second embodiment of the present invention from a side view. In Figure 3, components similar to those of the hopper mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment (see Figure 1) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations of these components are omitted. Also, in the hopper mechanism 1B shown in Figure 3, only the main components of the chute section 4 are shown, and other components are omitted from the illustration.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, the hopper mechanism 1B according to the second embodiment also includes an input port 2, an output port 3, and a chute section 4, similar to the hopper mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment as well, the conveyed material C is assumed to be soil containing moisture and having viscosity.

[0045] Furthermore, the hopper mechanism 1B according to this embodiment also includes a chute body 41, a rotating body 42 as a means of movement, a guard plate 411, and a cleaner 43. In this embodiment as well, the rotating body 42 is a belt conveyor and includes a rotating shaft 421 and a conveyor belt 422 that rotates in accordance with the rotational movement of the rotating shaft 421.

[0046] On the other hand, in the hopper mechanism 1B according to the second embodiment, unlike the hopper mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment, the upper transport path R1 and the lower transport path R2 are provided perpendicular to each other, and in order to transport the transported material C between them, the rotating body 42 of the hopper mechanism 1B is provided on the upstream side (left side of the paper in Figure 3) in the transport direction of the upper transport path R1, and the rotating shaft 421 is provided perpendicular to the upper transport path R1.

[0047] Furthermore, a partition plate 44 is provided above the rotating body 42 to prevent the conveyed material C, which is discharged from the upper conveying path R1 toward the rotating body 42, from overflowing onto the rotating body 42 and spilling out of the hopper mechanism 1B.

[0048] The transported material C released from the upper transport path R1 is then fed into the hopper mechanism 1B through the input port 2. However, upon contact with the rotating body 42 of the chute section 4 located in the input direction, it is pushed downward by the rotating body 42 and accumulates on the lower transport path R2, which is provided perpendicular to the upper transport path R1.

[0049] Furthermore, even if the conveyed object C adheres to the opposing surface 422a of the conveyor belt 422, the adhered conveyed object C (adhered object A) is biased diagonally downward, and in the section where the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 422 changes to the opposite direction, it is pulled off the conveyor belt 422 by centrifugal force and falls in the direction of the lower conveying path R2. This makes it possible to effectively remove the conveyed object C even if it adheres to the conveyor belt 422.

[0050] Furthermore, since a cleaner 43 is provided, similar to the hopper mechanism 1 in the first embodiment, it is possible to effectively remove deposits A that could not be completely removed by centrifugal force alone.

[0051] According to the hopper mechanism 1B of the second embodiment described above, even when the upper transport path R1 and the lower transport path R2 are arranged orthogonally and the transport direction of the transported material C changes between the upper transport path R1 and the lower transport path R2, the transported material C can be accumulated on the lower transport path R2 while the transported material C accumulated in the chute section 4 can be effectively removed.

[0052] In the hopper mechanism 1B according to the second embodiment, the rotating shaft 421 was positioned perpendicular to the upper transport path R1 as shown in Figure 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the rotating shaft 421 may be positioned in a non-parallel positional relationship with respect to the upper transport path R1 that is not perpendicular. This allows the upper transport path R1 and the lower transport path R2 to be in a non-parallel positional relationship other than perpendicular, and even when the transport direction of the transported material C changes between the upper transport path R1 and the lower transport path R2, the transported material C can be accumulated on the lower transport path R2 while the transported material C accumulated in the chute section 4 can be removed in a downward manner.

[0053] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the hopper mechanism 1C according to the third embodiment of the present invention from a side view.

[0054] The hopper mechanism 1C according to the third embodiment, like the hopper mechanism 1B according to the second embodiment, is configured such that the rotation axis 421C of the rotating body 42C, which serves as a means of transport, is not parallel to the upper transport path R1. In the example shown in Figure 3, the rotation axis 421 is configured to be perpendicular to the upper transport path R1. In this embodiment as well, the transported material C is assumed to be soil containing moisture and having viscosity. The upper transport path R1 and the lower transport path R2 are configured perpendicular to each other, and the lower transport path R2 is located below the upper transport path R1.

[0055] In this embodiment as well, the chute section 4C comprises a chute body 41, a rotating body 42C, a guard plate 411, and a cleaner 43.

[0056] Furthermore, similar to the hopper mechanism 1B according to the second embodiment, a partition plate 44 is provided above the rotating body 42C to prevent the conveyed material C from overflowing onto the rotating body 42C and spilling out of the hopper mechanism 1C.

[0057] On the other hand, the hopper mechanism 1C according to the third embodiment differs from the hopper mechanism 1B according to the second embodiment in that the rotating body 42C is a roller and includes a rotating shaft 421C that is rotationally driven by a driving means (not shown) and a roller surface 422C that rotates in accordance with the rotational movement of the rotating shaft 421.

[0058] The transported material C released from the upper transport path R1 is fed into the hopper mechanism 1C through the input port 2. However, upon contact with the rotating body 42C of the chute section 4C located in the input direction, it is pushed downward by the rotating body 42C and accumulates on the lower transport path R2, which is provided perpendicular to the upper transport path R1.

[0059] Furthermore, even if the conveyed material C adheres to the surface 422a of the roller surface 422C facing the input port 2, the adhered conveyed material C (adhered material A) is pulled away from the opposing surface 422a by centrifugal force diagonally downward from the rotating body 42C (downward right direction in Figure 4) and falls in the direction of the lower conveying path R2. This effectively removes the conveyed material C even if it adheres to the opposing surface 422a.

[0060] Furthermore, the presence of the cleaner 43 allows for the effective removal of deposits A that could not be completely removed by centrifugal force alone.

[0061] Even with the hopper mechanism 1C according to the third embodiment described above, where the upper transport path R1 and the lower transport path R2 are arranged orthogonally, and the transport direction of the transported material C changes between the upper transport path R1 and the lower transport path R2, it is possible to accumulate the transported material C on the lower transport path R2 while stably continuing the removal operation of the transported material C accumulated in the chute section 4C.

[0062] In addition, in the hopper mechanism 1C according to the third embodiment, the rotating shaft 421C was provided so as to be perpendicular to the upper transport path R1 as shown in Figure 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the rotating shaft 421C may be provided so as to be in a non-parallel positional relationship with respect to the upper transport path R1 that is not perpendicular. This makes it possible to effectively remove the transported material C accumulated in the chute section 4C while accumulating the transported material C on the lower transport path R2, even when the upper transport path R1 and the lower transport path R2 are in a non-parallel positional relationship other than perpendicular, and the transport direction of the transported material C changes between the upper transport path R1 and the lower transport path R2.

[0063] The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. These embodiments are illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of these components, and that such modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0064] For example, in the hopper mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment, the rotating body 42 was a belt conveyor, but it may be replaced with rollers, as in the hopper mechanism 1C according to the third embodiment. This also provides the same effects as described above.

[0065] Furthermore, while the conveyed material C in the above-described embodiment was viscous soil, the present invention is not limited to this, and various materials such as recycled waste paper and plastic, finely shredded rubber, hay, and wood chips can be used as the conveyed material C.

[0066] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, rotating bodies 42 and 42C were given as specific examples of moving means that guide the conveyed material C introduced from the input port 2 to the discharge port 3 by making the opposing surface 422a facing the input port 2 movable from the input port 2 side to the discharge port 3 side. However, in the present invention, the moving means is not limited to rotating bodies 42 and 42C.

[0067] For example, in the present invention, a sheet may be used as a means of movement. This sheet is periodically supplied and placed on the chute body 41, fixed by a predetermined fixing means, and periodically released from its fixing so that it slides down the chute body 41 toward the discharge port 3. In this configuration, the opposite surface facing the input port 2 can be moved in one direction from the input port 2 side toward the discharge port 3 side, and the transported material C accumulated in the chute section 4 can be effectively removed. In this case, the sheet may be disposable, but it is preferable from the viewpoint of environmental impact, etc., if it can be recovered from the lower transport path R2 and reused.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the hopper mechanisms 1, 1B, and 1C were applied to the transfer section from the upper transport path R1 to the lower transport path R2. However, the hopper mechanism according to the present invention is not limited to this usage, and may be used, for example, when a backhoe is used to directly feed the transported material C onto the transport path. In this case, the transported material C scooped up by the backhoe is fed into the hopper mechanisms 1, 1B, and 1C, and discharged onto the transport path located below via the hopper mechanisms 1, 1B, and 1C. This effectively accumulates the transported material C on the transport path while effectively removing the transported material C accumulated in the chute section 4.

[0069] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, an example was given in which the rotating bodies 42 and 42C are driven by a driving means. However, an endless belt (endless belt) without a driving means such as a motor may be used as the rotating body. In this case, the relationship between the viscosity of the soil and the inclination of the belt is such that the belt rotates due to the weight of the attached soil. That is, if the endless belt moves due to the weight of the soil due to the attachment of highly viscous soil, it is not necessary to drive the endless belt with a motor or the like. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 1, 1B, 1C Hopper mechanism 2 Inlet 3 outlet 4, 4C Shooting Club 41 Shoot body 42, 42C Solids of revolution 43 Cleaner 44 partition plates 411 Guard plate 421, 421C Rotation axis 422 Conveyor Belt 422a Opposing surface 422C Roller surface A. Attached substances C. Transported items R1 Upper transport path R2 Lower transport path

Claims

1. A hopper mechanism comprising an input port into which conveyed material is fed from above, an output port for discharging the conveyed material fed from the input port to a conveying path located below, and a chute provided between the input port and the output port for guiding the conveyed material from the input port to the output port, The hopper mechanism is characterized in that the chute section has a moving means that allows the opposing surface facing the input port to move from the input port side toward the discharge port side.

2. The conveyed material is transported along the upper conveying path and fed into the input port, and discharged from the discharge port to the lower conveying path. The hopper mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the moving means is a rotating body driven by a rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft is provided so as to be parallel to the upper transport path.

3. The conveyed material is transported along the upper conveying path and fed into the input port, and discharged from the discharge port to the lower conveying path. The hopper mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the moving means is a rotating body driven by a rotating shaft, and the rotating shaft is provided so as to be non-parallel to the upper transport path.

4. The hopper mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that the rotating shaft is provided so as to be perpendicular to the upper transport path.

5. The hopper mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the moving means comprises an endless belt.

6. The hopper mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the moving means is a roller.

7. The hopper mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by comprising a cleaner arranged in contact with the opposing surface or at a predetermined distance from it.

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