JP6957111B2 - Asphalt mixture silo and its operation control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an asphalt mixture silo in which an asphalt mixture manufactured in a plant body of an asphalt plant is transported to an adjacent mixture silo body and stored, and an operation control method thereof.

Conventionally, asphalt mixture manufactured in the plant body of an asphalt plant is transferred to the adjacent mixture silo body by sequentially connecting each transfer bucket of the horizontal trolley and the skip elevator, which are the transfer means, and temporarily stored. I am preparing for shipping. In the skip elevator, which is the transport means, for example, a guide rail is erected from the ground surface below the transport end of the horizontal trolley to the mixture input gate in the upper part of the composite silo main body, and the guide rail is conveyed along the guide rail. The bucket is arranged so as to be able to move up and down, and the transport bucket is raised and lowered by winding up and feeding out the lifting rail connected to the transport bucket by rotating the winch in the forward and reverse directions.

Then, when the transport bucket loaded with the asphalt mixture at the mixture loading position on the ground side reaches the upper part of the mixture input gate at the upper part of the mixture silo body, the discharge gate at the lower part of the transfer bucket is opened together with the mixture input gate. After discharging the asphalt mixture from the discharge port at the bottom of the transport bucket and putting it into the lower mixture silo body, the discharge gate is closed and returned to the above-ground side of the mixture loading position. I am trying to prepare for loading asphalt mixture.

Since the asphalt mixture is relatively viscous and requires a little time to be discharged, a sufficient time, for example, about 10 seconds, is set in advance in the timed timer to finish discharging all the asphalt mixture loaded in the transport bucket. When the transport bucket reaches the upper part of the composite material silo main body and opens the discharge gate, it is closed after waiting for the time set in the timed timer to elapse, and then returned to the mixture loading position. I have to.

Further, by spraying oil on the inner wall surface of the bucket each time the transport bucket returns to the loading position of the mixture, the asphalt mixture in the transfer bucket can be smoothly discharged, and the discharge is completed within the set time. It has also been proposed to do so (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-247444

However, for example, when the asphalt mixture manufactured in the first morning or in the cold season is transported and put into the composite silo body, the transport bucket itself is cold and the asphalt mixture temperature is slightly lower than in normal times. However, since the fluidity is inferior, even if oil is sprayed on the inner wall surface of the bucket, it may be difficult to finish discharging all the asphalt mixture from the transport bucket within the set time, and as a result, the inside of the transport bucket The asphalt mixture remaining in the asphalt mixture may adhere and grow, and in some cases, the outlet may be blocked. If the asphalt mixture is further loaded in that state, it may overflow or be overloaded, which not only increases the load on the winch and the cord, but also causes the cord to become heavy. If it breaks unbearably and the transport bucket falls, it may lead to a serious accident, and there is room for improvement in terms of safety.

Further, the cycle time of the transfer bucket (after the transfer bucket loads the asphalt mixture at the mixture loading position, the transfer bucket moves to the discharge position to complete the discharge of the asphalt mixture, and then returns to the mixture loading position again. Even if you try to adjust the set time of the timed timer, that is, the opening time of the discharge gate at the bottom of the transport bucket in order to shorten the time required to arrive, if the opening time is shortened indiscriminately, the asphalt mixture will be discharged in time. Since there is a risk that it will remain in the transport bucket without it, it is necessary to set the time with some allowance.

In view of the above points, it is an object of the present invention to make it possible to detect whether or not the asphalt mixture in the transport bucket has been discharged, and to provide an asphalt mixture silo suitable for safety and operation and an operation control method thereof. And.

In order to solve the above problems, in the asphalt mixture silo according to claim 1 of the present invention, the asphalt mixture manufactured in the plant body of the asphalt plant is adjacent to each other by sequentially connecting the horizontal trolley and the skip elevator transport buckets. A detection means for detecting the presence or absence of asphalt mixture at the discharge port at the bottom of the transport bucket that has been transported to the main body of the asphalt mixture and stored in the asphalt mixture silo, and the discharge. A timed timer that sets the opening time of the discharge gate for opening and closing the outlet, and the detection means detects that there is no asphalt mixture at the discharge port between the time the discharge gate is opened and the time expires. When it is An image discrimination sensor including an alarm issuing means for issuing an alarm when it is determined to be abnormal, and the detecting means including a camera unit for photographing the discharge port at the lower part of the transport bucket that has moved to the mixture discharge position. Therefore, the image captured and stored in advance by the camera unit without the asphalt mixture at the outlet is compared with the real-time image, and the asphalt at the outlet is determined by whether or not both images match. It is characterized by detecting the presence or absence of a mixture.

Further, in the operation control method of the asphalt mixture silo according to claim 2, the asphalt mixture manufactured in the plant body of the asphalt plant is sequentially connected to the transfer buckets of the horizontal trolley and the skip elevator to the adjacent mixture silo body. An operation control method for an asphalt mixture silo that is transported, charged, and stored, and is a detection means for detecting the presence or absence of asphalt mixture at the discharge port at the bottom of the transport bucket that has moved to the mixture discharge position, and opening / closing of the discharge port. It is equipped with a timed timer that sets the opening time of the discharge gate for use, and the timed timer is set to a predetermined time required for discharging the asphalt mixture, and the discharge gate is opened to discharge the asphalt mixture. At the same time as the start, the timed timer is started, and when the detection means detects that there is no asphalt mixture at the discharge port by the time the timed timer expires, it is determined that the discharge of the asphalt mixture has been completed normally. Then, immediately after the determination or after waiting for the time-up of the timed timer, the discharge gate is closed, the transport bucket is moved to the mixed material loading position, and the next batch loading process is performed, and the timed timer is set. When it is detected that there is asphalt mixture in the discharge port until the time is up, it is judged as abnormal, the operation of the transfer bucket is stopped, an alarm is issued, and the asphalt mixture remains in the transfer bucket to the operator. The feature is that it is made to confirm whether it is done.

Further, in the operation control method of the asphalt mixture silo according to claim 3 , the time counting timer for measuring the elapsed time from the opening time of the discharge gate is provided, and the time counting timer is started at the same time as the discharge gate is opened. When the detection means detects that there is no asphalt mixture in the discharge port by the time the timed timer expires, the elapsed time of the time counting timer is stored, and the stored elapsed time and the set time of the timed timer are used. It is characterized in that the set time of the timed timer is corrected automatically or manually based on the above.

According to the asphalt mixture silo according to claim 1 of the present invention, a detection means for detecting the presence or absence of asphalt mixture at the discharge port at the lower part of the transport bucket that has moved to the mixture discharge position, and discharge for opening and closing the discharge port. A timed timer that sets the opening time of the gate, and an asphalt mixture when the detection means detects that there is no asphalt mixture at the outlet between the opening of the discharge gate and the time-up of the timed timer. When it is determined that the discharge of the asphalt has been completed normally and it is detected that there is asphalt mixture in the discharge port until the time-out timer expires, it is determined that the asphalt mixture is abnormal, and the determination means determines that the asphalt mixture is abnormal. An image discrimination sensor including an alarm issuing means for occasionally issuing an alarm , and the detecting means including a camera unit for photographing the discharge port at the lower part of the transport bucket that has moved to the mixture discharge position. The camera unit compares the image captured and stored in advance with no asphalt mixture at the outlet and the real-time image, and determines the presence or absence of asphalt mixture at the outlet depending on whether the two images match. Since it is detected, it is possible to determine whether or not the asphalt mixture in the transport bucket has been discharged, and if the asphalt mixture is not discharged and the discharge port is about to be blocked, an alarm is issued to notify the operator of overflow or excess. It is possible to prevent problems such as loading. In addition, since the timing of completion of discharge of asphalt mixture will be clarified, if adjustments are made to shorten the opening time of the discharge gate set in the timed timer based on this, the cycle time of the transport bucket can be shortened, which is a safety aspect. It will be suitable in terms of operation.

Also, since adopting the image discriminating sensor as before Symbol detection means, together with the detection of the presence or absence of asphalt mixture obtained image data of the outlet at the discharge port, the plant operator more appropriate with reference to the image data Maintenance support can be performed.

Further , according to the operation control method of the asphalt mixture silo according to claim 2, a detection means for detecting the presence or absence of asphalt mixture at the discharge port at the lower part of the transport bucket moved to the mixture discharge position, and for opening / closing the discharge port. It is equipped with a timed timer that sets the opening time of the discharge gate, and the timed timer is set to a predetermined time required for discharging the asphalt mixture, and the discharge gate is opened to start discharging the asphalt mixture. At the same time, the timed timer is started, and when the detection means detects that there is no asphalt mixture at the discharge port by the time the timed timer expires, it is determined that the asphalt mixture has been discharged normally. Immediately after the determination or after waiting for the time-up of the timed timer, the discharge gate is closed, the transport bucket is moved to the asphalt loading position, and the next batch loading process is proceeded, and the timed timer is timed. When it is detected that there is asphalt mixture in the discharge port until it is up, it is judged as abnormal and the operation of the transfer bucket is stopped, an alarm is issued, and the asphalt mixture remains in the transfer bucket to the operator. Since the asphalt mixture at the bottom of the transport bucket is left and is about to be blocked, the operation is stopped and an alarm is issued to let the plant operator check for overflow or overloading. It is possible to prevent problems such as. In addition, the timing of completion of discharge of asphalt mixture is clarified by detecting that there is no asphalt mixture at the discharge port. , The cycle time of the transport bucket can be shortened, which is suitable in terms of safety and operation.

Further , according to the operation control method of the asphalt mixture silo according to the third aspect, the timing timer for measuring the elapsed time from the opening time of the discharge gate is provided, and the timing timer is started at the same time as the discharge gate is opened. When the detection means detects that there is no asphalt mixture in the discharge port by the time the timed timer expires, the elapsed time of the timed timer is stored, and the stored elapsed time and the timed timer are set. Since the set time of the timed timer is automatically or manually corrected based on the time, how much time can be left from the completion of discharging the asphalt mixture from the time difference between the elapsed time of the timed timer and the set time of the timed timer. It is possible to accurately grasp whether or not there is, and based on this, it is possible to adjust the opening time of the discharge gate more appropriately.

It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows one Example of the asphalt mixture silo which concerns on this invention. It is an enlarged view of the main part scraping of FIG. It is a figure which shows the monitor screen which displayed the actual measurement data of the set time of the timed timer and the elapsed time of the timed timer at the time of discharging asphalt mixture from a transport bucket. It is the flowchart 1 which shows the operation control procedure of the asphalt mixture silo which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart 2 which shows the operation control procedure of the asphalt mixture silo which concerns on this invention.

In the asphalt mixture silo according to the present invention, the asphalt mixture manufactured in the plant body of the asphalt plant is sequentially transferred to each transport bucket of the horizontal trolley and the skip elevator, and is transported / charged into the adjacent mixture silo body. It is configured to be stored.

Further, the transfer is performed to the mixture discharge position, for example, in the case of a horizontal trolley, the connection portion with the skip elevator at the transfer end, and in the case of the skip elevator, the transfer to each of the transfer buckets moved to the upper part of the input gate of the upper part of the mixture silo body. A detection means for detecting the presence or absence of asphalt mixture at the discharge port at the bottom of the bucket, a timed timer for setting the opening time of the discharge gate for opening and closing the discharge port, and the time-up timer after opening the discharge gate. When the detection means detects that there is no asphalt mixture in the discharge port, it is determined that the discharge of the asphalt mixture has been completed normally, and the asphalt mixture is in the discharge port until the time is up. It is provided with a determination means for determining an abnormality when it is detected that the material is present, and an alarm issuing means for issuing an alarm when the determination means determines that there is an abnormality.

The detection means includes, for example, a pair of light emitting units and light receiving units arranged at upper and lower positions of the transport bucket so that the optical axis passes through the discharge port of the lower portion of the transport bucket that has moved to the mixture discharge position. A photoelectric sensor is adopted, and the presence or absence of an asphalt mixture at the discharge port is detected depending on whether or not the light receiving unit receives the light projected from the light projecting unit.

The photoelectric sensor is not limited to the transmissive photoelectric sensor in which the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit are arranged to face each other as described above, but the reflective photoelectric sensor is formed by integrally arranging the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit in parallel. A sensor may be adopted. Further, a laser sensor type photoelectric sensor that uses highly directional laser light may be adopted. In that case, for example, if the optical axis is installed along the vicinity of the inner wall surface of the transport bucket, the asphalt mixture is used. It is also preferable that it is possible to detect the residue / adhesion of the laser at an early stage.

Further, as the detection means, an image discrimination sensor provided with a camera unit for photographing the discharge port of the lower part of the transport bucket that has moved to the mixture discharge position is adopted, and the asphalt mixture is previously provided at the discharge port by the camera unit. The image taken and stored in the absence of the image may be compared with the real-time image, and the presence or absence of the asphalt mixture at the discharge port may be detected depending on whether or not both images match.

As a criterion for determining whether or not the stored image and the real-time image match, for example, a light source when a light source such as a floodlight arranged at an opposite position across the discharge port is photographed by the camera unit. It is advisable to use the detected area of. For example, through a test or the like, the detection area of the light source in the image taken without the asphalt mixture at the discharge port is stored, and the detection area of the light source in the real-time image is compared with the detected area of the stored light source. Is more than a predetermined ratio, for example, about 70 to 90% or more, it is good to judge that they match.

Further, when the image discrimination sensor is adopted as the detection means, the image data of the discharge port can be acquired together with the detection of the presence or absence of the asphalt mixture at the discharge port. For example, the plant operator refers to the image data or the like. As a result, it is possible to grasp the actual residual / adhered state of the asphalt mixture and perform more appropriate maintenance measures.

As the opening time of the discharge gate set in the timed timer, for example, it is preferable to set the time required to discharge at least all the asphalt mixture in the transport bucket through a test, actual plant operation, or the like. .. Further, it is preferable that the set time of the timed timer can be easily corrected on the monitor screen, for example.

Then, when the asphalt mixture manufactured in the plant body is transported / charged to the adjacent mixture silo body via the horizontal trolley and the skip elevator and stored, the transport bucket loaded with the asphalt mixture is at the mixture discharge position. For example, in the case of a horizontal trolley, when it reaches the connection part with the skip elevator at the transport end, and in the case of a skip elevator, when it reaches the upper part of the input gate at the upper part of the composite silo body, the discharge gate at the lower part of the transport bucket is opened and the asphalt is opened from the discharge port. The timed timer is started at the same time as the discharge of the mixture is started.

Then, when the detection means detects that there is no asphalt mixture in the discharge port at the bottom of the transport bucket by the time the time-time timer expires, it is determined that the asphalt mixture has been discharged normally, and the above-mentioned Immediately after the determination or after waiting for the time-up of the timed timer, the discharge gate is closed and the transport bucket is returned to the mixing material loading position to prepare for loading the asphalt mixture in the next batch.

Further, when it is detected that there is asphalt mixture in the discharge port until the time is up, that is, when the discharge of the asphalt mixture is not completed within the set time of the time timer, it is determined as abnormal. The operation of the transport bucket is stopped, an alarm is issued, and the plant operator or the like is urged to confirm whether or not asphalt mixture remains in the transport bucket.

Further, preferably, a time counting timer for measuring the elapsed time from the opening time of the discharge gate is provided, and the time counting timer is started at the same time as the discharge gate is opened to start discharging the asphalt mixture from the discharge port. When the detection means detects that there is no asphalt mixture in the discharge port by the time the timed timer expires, the elapsed time of the time counting timer is stored, and the stored elapsed time and the set time of the timed timer are used. The set time of the timed timer may be corrected automatically or manually based on the above.

As a result, it is possible to accurately grasp how much time is available or not after the completion of discharge of the asphalt mixture, and based on this, the opening time of the discharge gate set in the timed timer can be adjusted more appropriately. Is possible.

As described above, according to the asphalt mixture silo of the present invention and the operation control method thereof, the horizontal trolley and the skip elevator have a relatively simple device configuration by combining the timed timer and the detection means for detecting the asphalt mixture. It is possible to determine whether or not the discharge port at the bottom of each transport bucket is blocked by the asphalt mixture that has adhered and remains, and when the discharge port is about to be blocked, an alarm is issued to notify the operator for quick maintenance by the operator. It is possible to take measures and prevent problems such as overflow and overloading.

In addition, the timing at which the discharge of the asphalt mixture in the transport bucket is completed is clarified, and the opening time of the discharge gate at the lower part of the transport bucket can be appropriately adjusted based on the timing. If the opening time of the discharge gate can be shortened, the cycle time of the transport bucket can be shortened by that amount, thereby reducing the waiting time for discharging the asphalt mixture in the mixer or the like to manufacture the asphalt mixture. The shipping capacity can be improved, which is also suitable in terms of operation.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Reference numeral 1 in the figure is a plant body of an asphalt plant, in which an elevated base 3 having a plurality of floors 2a to 2c is erected, and bones heated by a dryer (not shown) are provided on each of the floors 2a to 2c. Weigh the vibrating sieve 4 that sifts the material according to the particle size, the aggregate storage bin 5 that stores the aggregate sifted by the vibrating sieve 4 according to the particle size, and the aggregate stored in the aggregate storage bin 5. The aggregate measuring tank 6 to be used, the aggregate of each particle size measured in the aggregate measuring tank 6, and the separately measured stone powder and molten asphalt are mixed and adjusted in predetermined amounts to produce an asphalt mixture having a desired composition. The mixer 7 and the mixer 7 are mounted in a layered manner.

Reference numeral 8 in the figure is an asphalt mixture silo which is an asphalt mixture storage facility installed on the side of the plant body 1, and the asphalt mixture manufactured in the plant body 1 is classified by composition (type). In this embodiment, three mixed material silo bodies 10a to 10c are arranged in series at predetermined intervals so that they can be stored in the frame 9, and the mixed material silo bodies 10a to 10c are arranged side by side. The upper part is provided with an input port 11 and an input gate 12 for opening and closing the input port 11, and the lower part is provided with a discharge port 13 and an discharge gate 14 for opening and closing the discharge port 13.

As shown in FIG. 2, the charging gate 12 is connected to the tip of the piston rod 16 of the cylinder 15 via a link material 17, and the charging gate 12 responds to the expansion and contraction operation of the piston rod 16 of the cylinder 15. Is slid to open and close.

Reference numerals 18 and 19 in the figure are a horizontal trolley and a skip elevator, which are transport means for transporting and charging the asphalt mixture produced in the plant body 1 to the mixture silo bodies 10a to 10c. The horizontal trolley 18 is composed of a traveling rail 20 horizontally passed below the mixer 7 at the lower part of the plant main body 1 and a transport bucket 21 provided so as to travel along the traveling rail 20, and is discharged from the mixer 7. The asphalt mixture is once loaded from the upper loading port 22 of the transport bucket 21, the transport bucket 21 is moved along the traveling rail 20 to the transport end, and then the discharge gate 23 at the bottom of the transport bucket 21 is opened. By discharging the material from the discharge port 24, the material can be transferred to the transport bucket 25 of the skip elevator 19 that stands by at the lower mixture loading position.

The skip elevator 19 has a guide rail 26 and a support frame 27 for supporting the guide rail 26 erected from the ground surface at which the mixture is loaded to the upper part of each of the mixture silo bodies 10a to 10c. The transport bucket 25 is provided so as to be able to move up and down along the guide rail 26. Further, one end of the elevating rope 28 is connected to the transport bucket 25, and the elevating rail 28 is rotatably supported on the support frame 27 via a plurality of pulleys 29 on the gantry 9. The transport bucket 25 is wound along the guide rail 26 by winding the lifting pulley 28 in the winch 30 installed in the winch 30 and rotating the drive motor 31 of the winch 30 in the forward and reverse directions. It is configured to be raised and lowered. Further, the outer peripheral portion of the guide rail 26 is covered with the cover body 32.

Further, an asphalt mixture input port 33 is provided in the upper part of the transport bucket 25 of the skip elevator 19, and a discharge port 34 is provided in the lower part, and the discharge port 34 has a double-door structure discharge gate 35a. It has 35b that can be opened and closed. Further, the upper ends of the discharge gates 35a and 35b are connected by a link member 36, and the link members 36 can open and close the discharge gates 35a and 35b in opposite directions.

Reference numeral 37 in the drawing is a hydraulic damper that presses the discharge gate 35a in the closing direction, and the tip of the piston rod 38 of the hydraulic damper 37 is pivotally attached to the protrusion 39 of the discharge gate 35a. Further, when the gate rollers 40 are rotatably attached to both sides of the lower end portion of the discharge gate 35a and the transport bucket 25 moves to the upper part of the input port 11 on the upper part of the mixed material silo main body 10a to 10c, As shown in FIG. 2, the gate roller 40 is guided by a substantially mountain-shaped guide rail 42 fixed to a flat plate 41 provided above the inlet 11, and the gate roller 40 is lifted upward to lift one discharge gate 35a to the flood control. It is rotated in the opening direction against the damper 37, and at the same time, the other discharge gate 35b is also rotated in the opposite opening direction via the link member 36 to open the discharge port 34.

Further, a part of the input port 33 at the upper part of the transport bucket 25 is closed with a plate body 43, and when the transport bucket 25 temporarily takes a tipping posture while moving up and down the vertical portion of the guide rail 26, the inside of the bucket Asphalt mixture is prevented from spilling.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the presence or absence of asphalt mixture at the discharge port 34 at the lower part of the transfer bucket 25 is displayed above each of the mixture silo bodies 10a to 10c, which is the mixture discharge position of the transfer bucket 25. A photoelectric sensor 44 is provided as a detection means for detection. The photoelectric sensor 44 is a transmissive photoelectric sensor including a pair of light emitting units 45 and a light receiving unit 46, and is fixed to a cover body 32 above the input port 33 at the top of the transport bucket 25 that has moved to the mixture discharge position. While the light emitting portion 45 is fixed via the piece 47, the light receiving portion 46 is fixed to the upper part of the mixed material silo main body 10a to 10c below the discharge port 34, and the light receiving portion 46 is fixed from the light emitting portion 45. The optical axis A of the light projected toward the 46 is adjusted so as to pass through the substantially central portion of the discharge port 34 at the lower part of the transport bucket 25. Then, when the discharge gates 35a and 35b are opened, the presence or absence of the asphalt mixture in the discharge port 34 is detected depending on whether or not the light projected from the light emitting unit 45 is received by the light receiving unit 46. ..

The arrangement of the light emitting unit 45 and the light receiving unit 46 may be upside down. Further, in this embodiment, the optical axis A is passed through the substantially central portion of the discharge port 34. For example, the optical axis A is intentionally removed from the central portion of the discharge port 34 and is near the inner wall surface of the transport bucket 25 (preferably). May be passed through (near the inner wall surface where the asphalt mixture is relatively likely to remain and adhere), thereby to the inner wall surface of the asphalt mixture transport bucket 25, which is the initial stage of closing the discharge port 34. Residue / adhesion can be detected at an early stage. In that case, a part of the projected light may be reflected on the inner wall surface to cause erroneous detection. Therefore, for example, a laser sensor type photoelectric sensor having high directivity may be adopted. Further, if a plurality of photoelectric sensors are provided and the optical axis of each photoelectric sensor is passed near each inner wall surface around the discharge port 34, even if the asphalt mixture starts to remain or adhere from any inner wall surface, it is early. Can be detected.

Further, as the detection means, an image discrimination sensor (for example, manufactured by KEYENCE CORPORATION) provided with a camera unit for photographing the discharge port 34 at the lower part of the transport bucket 25 moved to the mixture discharge position instead of the photoelectric sensor 44. The image discrimination sensor "IV series") may be adopted. In that case, for example, the camera unit is installed above the inlet 33 (the position where the floodlight 45 is installed in the present embodiment), while the light source such as a floodlight is installed below the outlet 34 (the light receiving unit 46 of the present embodiment is installed). Position). Then, through a test or the like, the detection area of the light source in the image taken by the camera unit without the asphalt mixture in the discharge port 34 is stored, and the detected area of the stored light source is real-time. If the detected area of the light source in the image is equal to or larger than a predetermined ratio, for example, about 70 to 90% or more, it is judged that they match, that is, it is judged that there is no asphalt mixture in the discharge port 34.

Further, on the operation panel (not shown) of the plant main body 1, a time timer for setting the opening time of the discharge gates 35a and 35b of the transport bucket 25 and the elapsed time from the opening time of the discharge gates 35a and 35b are displayed. It is provided with a timekeeping timer for measuring time, and a storage means for storing the elapsed time measured by the timekeeping timer, the maximum value thereof, and the like. Further, when the photoelectric sensor 44 detects that there is no asphalt mixture in the discharge port 34 between the opening of the discharge gates 35a and 35b and the time-up of the timed timer, the discharge of the asphalt mixture is normal. When it is determined that the process has been completed and it is detected that there is (remains) asphalt mixture in the discharge port 34 until the time-out timer expires, a determination means for determining an abnormality such as blockage and the determination means. It is equipped with an alarm issuing means for issuing an alarm such as a warning sound or an error message when it is determined to be abnormal.

The opening time of the discharge gates 35a and 35b set in the timed timer is required to finish discharging at least all the asphalt mixture in the transport bucket 25 through, for example, a test or an actual plant operation. It is good to set the time.

48 in FIG. 3 is a monitor screen of the operation panel serving as a display means, and the main window 48a on the left side of the monitor screen 48 shows the opening times of the discharge gates 35a and 35b (start time of the time counting timer) and asphalt mixture. The discharge cycle time (time from the previous opening time of the discharge gates 35a and 35b to the current opening time), the set time of the timed timer, and the elapsed time of the timed timer are displayed in chronological order for each batch, while the monitor. The sub window 48b on the right side of the screen 48 displays the maximum value of the elapsed time of the time counting timer and the set time of the timed timer. The set time of the timed timer can be directly corrected by the plant operator on the screen of the sub-window 48b.

Next, based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5, an operation control procedure for transporting and storing the asphalt mixture manufactured in the plant main body 1 to the adjacent asphalt mixture silo 8 will be described. Note that S1, S2, ... In the figure represent each step.

First, as an initial setting, it is confirmed whether, for example, the opening time of the discharge gates 35a and 35b of the transport bucket 25 of the skip elevator 19 is set in the timed timer provided in the operation panel or the like (S1), and if it is not set. As the opening time of the discharge gates 35a and 35b, a predetermined time required to discharge all the asphalt mixture in the transport bucket 25 is set (S2), and it is determined whether the setting is completed (S3). Finish the setting. Further, in step S1, when the opening time is set in the timed timer, it is confirmed whether or not to correct the set time of the timed timer (S4), and when it is corrected, the discharge gates 35a and 35b The elapsed time of the time counting timer that measures the time from the opening time to the completion of the discharge of the asphalt mixture in the transport bucket 25 is read out from the storage means, and as shown in FIG. It is displayed on the screen 48 (S5). Then, from the time difference between the elapsed time of the timekeeping timer displayed on the monitor screen 48 and the maximum value thereof, and the set time of the timed timer, etc., there is a margin in time from the completion of discharging the asphalt mixture of the transport bucket 25. After determining whether or not there is, and automatically or manually correcting the set time of the timed timer (S6), it is determined whether or not the correction is completed (S7), and if this is the case, the setting is completed.

As a method of correcting the set time in step S6, for example, in the sub window 48b of the monitor screen 48 of FIG. 3, the maximum value of the elapsed time of the timekeeping timer is 5.4 seconds, and the main Refer to the list of elapsed time of the timekeeping timer in window 48a, and after confirming that the maximum value is not an abnormal value (detection error, etc.), the time difference (2.6) from the time difference of 8 seconds, which is the set time of the timed timer. Seconds) is calculated. Then, after judging that the time difference is a time margin from the completion of discharging the asphalt mixture, it is shortened by about 1 to 2 seconds in view of safety of about 1 second, and the set time is automatically or manually set to 6 to 7 seconds. Adjust with.

Next, when controlling the operation of the asphalt mixture silo 8, first, the asphalt mixture discharged from the transfer bucket 21 of the horizontal trolley 18 is loaded into the transfer bucket 25 of the skip elevator 19 waiting at the mixture loading position (S8). The transport bucket 25 is raised along the guide rail 26 and moved to the upper part of the input gate 12 at the upper part of any of the mixed material silo bodies 10a to 10c according to the composition (type) of the loaded asphalt mixture ( S9). Then, after the input gate 12 is opened (S10), the discharge gates 35a and 35b at the lower part of the transport bucket 25 are opened to start discharging the asphalt mixture from the discharge port 34 (S11), and at the same time, the discharge gate 35a is started. , The timed timer set with the opening time of 35b is started (S12), and the time counting timer for measuring the elapsed time until the light receiving unit 46 of the photoelectric sensor 44 receives the light projected from the light emitting unit 45 is started. (S13).

Then, it is determined whether or not the timed timer has timed up (S14), and if the time has not been timed up, the light receiving unit 46 of the photoelectric sensor 44 is transmitted from the light emitting unit 45 by the determination means provided on the operation panel. It is confirmed that there is no asphalt mixture in the discharge port 34 at the lower part of the transfer bucket 25, that is, whether the asphalt mixture has been discharged from the transfer bucket 25, depending on whether or not the light is received from the transfer bucket 25. S15).

Then, when it is confirmed that the asphalt mixture has been discharged, the elapsed time of the timekeeping timer at that moment is stored in the storage means of the operation panel (S16), and if necessary, after waiting until the time-up of the timed timer is completed (S17). ), The discharge gates 35a and 35b at the lower part of the transport bucket 25 are closed (S18), and the input gate 12 at the upper part of the mixed material silo main body 10a to 10c is closed (S19). Then, after moving the transport bucket 25 to the ground-side mixture loading position again (S20), it is determined whether or not the asphalt mixture of the next batch is loaded (S21), and if so, the process returns to step S8. If not, the operation is stopped and ended (S22).

Further, when the time-out timer is timed up in step S14 before confirming the completion of discharging the asphalt mixture in step S15, it is determined that there is an abnormality and the operation of the transport bucket 25 is stopped (S23). An alarm such as a warning sound or an error message is issued (S24). Upon receiving the alarm, the plant operator confirms whether or not asphalt mixture remains or adheres to the transport bucket 25 (S25), and manually moves the transport bucket 25 to the ground side as necessary. It is moved (S26), the asphalt mixture remaining / adhering to the transport bucket 25 is removed by chipping (S27), and when the chipping work is completed, the process returns to step 8 to continue the operation.

As in step S17, when the light receiving unit 46 of the photoelectric sensor 44 receives the light projected from the light projecting unit 45 before the time timer expires, that is, the asphalt mixture is discharged from the transport bucket 25. When the time is completed, the discharge gates 35a and 35b are closed after uniformly waiting until the time-time timer expires (for example, if the preset opening time is 8 seconds, 8 seconds elapse). However, for example, if the asphalt mixture does not remain after the actual plant operation, the light receiving part 46 of the photoelectric sensor 44 is emitted from the light emitting part 45 without waiting for the time-up of the timed timer. Immediately after receiving the light projection, or after waiting for about 1 to 2 seconds, the discharge gates 35a and 35b may be closed, and the transport bucket 25 may be returned to the ground-side mixture loading position again (in this case). , Step S17 surrounded by a two-point chain line will be omitted). In that case, the cycle time of the transport bucket 25 of the skip elevator 19 can be shortened without modifying the set time of the timed timer.

Further, although the present invention can be adopted when there is only one mixture silo main body, it is particularly preferable to adopt it when a plurality of mixture silo bodies are arranged side by side as in the present embodiment. When a plurality of mixed material silo main bodies (particularly in series as in this embodiment) are arranged side by side, the mixed material silo main body 10a installed near the plant main body 1 and the mixed material silo main body 10b and 10c installed far away may be used. There is a difference in the cycle time of the transport bucket 25 of the skip elevator 19. Therefore, when transporting and storing the asphalt mixture to the mixture silo bodies 10b and 10c installed far away, the mixer 7 is obliged to wait for the asphalt mixture to be discharged, but the cycle time is as in this embodiment. If it can be shortened, the discharge waiting time in the mixer 7 can be reduced, and the manufacturing / shipping capacity of the asphalt mixture can be improved.

Further, in this embodiment, the presence or absence of asphalt mixture is detected in the discharge port 34 at the lower part of the transport bucket 25 of the skip elevator 19, but the discharge port 24 at the lower part of the transport bucket 21 of the horizontal trolley 18 is detected. Or both of them may be detected, and when the detection is performed by both the horizontal trolley 18 and the skip elevator 19, the cycle time can be shortened more effectively. It will be possible.

The present invention can be widely used in asphalt mixture silos, which are storage facilities for storing asphalt mixture produced in the plant body of an asphalt plant.

1 ... Plant body 8 ... Asphalt mixture silo 10a, 10b, 10c ... Mixture silo body 18 ... Horizontal trolley 19 ... Skip elevator 21, 25 ... Transfer bucket 22, 33 ... Input port (transport bucket)
23, 35a, 35b ... Discharge gate (conveyance bucket)
24, 34 ... Discharge port (transport bucket)
44 ... Photoelectric sensor (detection means) 45 ... Light projecting unit (photoelectric sensor)
46 ... Light receiving part (photoelectric sensor) A ... Optical axis

Claims (3)

An asphalt mixture silo that transfers and stores asphalt mixture manufactured in the plant body of an asphalt plant to the adjacent mixture silo body by sequentially connecting each transfer bucket of the horizontal trolley and skip elevator. A detection means for detecting the presence or absence of asphalt mixture at the discharge port at the bottom of the transport bucket that has moved to the discharge position, a timed timer for setting the opening time of the discharge gate for opening and closing the discharge port, and opening the discharge gate. When the detection means detects that there is no asphalt mixture in the discharge port by the time the timed timer expires, it is determined that the asphalt mixture has been discharged normally, and the timed timer times out. wherein comprising determination means that an abnormality when it is detected that the asphalt mixture is in the discharge port, and a warning onset report means for alarm an alarm when it is determined that the abnormality by the determination means to the said detecting means Is an image discrimination sensor provided with a camera unit for photographing the discharge port at the lower part of the transport bucket that has been moved to the mixture discharge position, and is photographed by the camera unit in advance without asphalt mixture at the discharge port. An asphalt mixture silo characterized by comparing the stored image with a real-time image and detecting the presence or absence of asphalt mixture at the outlet depending on whether or not both images match. It is an operation control method for asphalt mixture silos that transfers and stores asphalt mixture manufactured in the plant body of the asphalt plant to the adjacent mixture silo body by sequentially connecting each transfer bucket of the horizontal trolley and skip elevator. A detection means for detecting the presence or absence of asphalt mixture at the discharge port at the lower part of the transport bucket that has moved to the mixture discharge position, and a timed timer for setting the opening time of the discharge gate for opening and closing the discharge port are provided. A predetermined time required for discharging the asphalt mixture is set in the timed timer, the discharge gate is opened to start discharging the asphalt mixture, and at the same time, the timed timer is started and the timed timer is timed up. When the detection means detects that there is no asphalt mixture at the discharge port, it is determined that the asphalt mixture has been discharged normally, and immediately after the determination or after the time-up of the timed timer is waited. The discharge gate was closed, the transport bucket was moved to the compound material loading position, and the process proceeded to the next batch loading process, and it was detected that there was asphalt mixture at the discharge port until the timed timer timed up. The asphalt mixture is sometimes determined to be abnormal, the operation of the transfer bucket is stopped, an alarm is issued, and the operator is made to confirm whether or not the asphalt mixture remains in the transfer bucket. How to control the operation of the silo. A time counting timer for measuring the elapsed time from the opening time of the discharge gate is provided, the time counting timer is started at the same time as the discharge gate is opened, and the detection means is used to reach the discharge port by the time the timed timer is up. When it is detected that there is no asphalt mixture, the elapsed time of the timed timer is stored, and the set time of the timed timer is automatically or manually corrected based on the stored elapsed time and the set time of the timed timer. The operation control method for an asphalt mixture silo according to claim 2 , wherein the asphalt mixture silo is characterized in that.

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