ES2369105T3 - METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A DUST SUPPLY SYSTEM. - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for supplying powder paint, comprising: (a) at least one feed tube (32); (b) a flexible bag (10) containing powder paint and having an upper part configured to receive at least one feed tube (32); (c) an electrostatic finishing apparatus operatively connected to at least one feeding tube; (d) a support apparatus having at least one support member capable of keeping the flexible bag in an upright position; (e) at least one holding member (20) operatively connected to the bag (10) and adapted and configured to secure the support member; (f) a vacuum source operatively connected to at least one feed tube (32); (g) a tube guide (30) positioned near the open top of the bag (10), the tube guide (30) being configured and arranged to guide at least one feed tube (32) into the bag (10); and (h) an accessory support (50, 60, 70, 80) having a receiving member on which the bag (10) is positioned, the accessory support (50, 60, 70, 80) being formed to adapt the bag at a lower cross section at a lower level, the accessory support (50, 60, 70, 80) being a vibratory accessory support, where the powder paint is freely flowing, where the receiving member, when it is being used The apparatus for vacuuming powder paint, positions at least the lower portion of the bag (10), and where the apparatus facilitates the supply of powder paint by aspiration through the at least one feeding tube (32) towards the apparatus electrostatically finished, characterized in that the support apparatus has at least one support member comprising a vertical frame (45) with a movable assembly from which support arms (47) extend in a generally horizontal direction.

Description

Method and apparatus for a powder supply system.

Background of the invention

one.

Field of the Invention

This invention is directed to a method and an apparatus for supplying powder paint through a feed conduit using a flexible bag.

2.

Description of the prior art

Powder paint is used in electrostatic finishes. The powder is normally received in containers of the type of drums, each being 30 gallons. Such drums are rigid, quite heavy and will typically weigh between 200-300 pounds each when they are full. Dust from the drum must be transferred to a hopper for a spray booth. This is typically done by vacuuming the dust that is in the drum to the hopper in the spray booth. In U.S. Patent No. 4,505,623 an apparatus of this class is shown.

Drums typically arrive on a pallet. Next, it is necessary that the drums are typically rotated outward from the pallet, where the drums descend 3-4 inches to the floor. The drums are then moved to a suitable apparatus for transferring the powder, such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,505,623. Such a method and apparatus is difficult to use ergonomically. In addition, hard side drums then pose a waste disposal problem. The present invention addresses the problems associated with the method and apparatus of the prior art.

JP-A-5030286 refers to a filter of fine solids suction device in a container bag, wherein the container bag is placed on a funnel-shaped frame table with the bottom part configured in a shape narrowed, the upper part of the bag being elastically suspended from a support column. JP-A-5030286 does not define the aforementioned fine solids material nor does it mention powder paint or electrostatic finishing apparatus.

Document GB-A-2 150 538 describes an equipment for unloading bulk material containers such as large multi-recirculated bags, comprising a hopper and a frame that can be connected to the upper end of a large bag when it is moved from the hopper. .

EP-A-0 962 258, which describes the features of the preamble of claim 1 of the present invention, describes an apparatus for emptying dust from a container, such as an original transport box, including a positively pressurized fluidization unit to locally fluidize the powder and the inlet of a collection tube.

EP-A-1 580 133 describes a method and apparatus for unloading bulk materials, including a suction device that is agitated by compressed air while the bulk material is hollowed out by means of pressurized air.

Summary of the invention

In one embodiment, the invention is an apparatus having at least one feeding tube. A flexible bag has an upper part configured to receive the at least one feeding tube. A support apparatus has at least one support member comprising a vertical beater with a movable assembly from which support arms extend in a generally horizontal direction, the support member being able to keep the flexible bag in an upright position. An accessory support has a receiving member on which the bag is positioned, where the receiving member, when the apparatus is being used to deliver powder paint, positions at least the lower portion of the bag and where the apparatus facilitates the supply of powder paint by aspiration through the at least one feeding tube.

An accessory support having a housing is also contemplated. The housing has an entrance sized and configured to receive at least an inner portion of a flexible bag containing a powder paint and a side that configures a shape that, when in its operating position, has a decreasing cross-section, measured at along a vertical axis towards the ground. When the bag, which contains a powder paint, is placed in the housing, a lower portion of the bag is generally adapted to the shape configured on the side. When the bag is placed in the housing and a feed tube is inserted through the top of the bag to vacuum the powder paint, the feed tube is directed towards the lower portion of the bag on the side. A base is operatively connected to the housing, the base supporting the housing outside a floor surface.

In another embodiment, the invention is a method according to claim 9, which includes providing a flexible bag containing a powder paint. The bag is positioned adjacent to an accessory support sized and configured to receive at least a lower portion of the flexible bag and which has a side that forms a shape, when in its operating position, with a smaller, decreasing cross-section, measured along a vertical axis towards the ground. An aspiration feed tube is positioned in the bag and the powder paint is aspirated through the tube, where, as the level of powder paint decreases, the tube is allowed to move to a lower position in the bag and head towards the lower portion of the bag on the side.

The terms "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may offer certain benefits in certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred in the same or in other circumstances. In addition, the enumeration of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful and are not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

The foregoing summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each embodiment or each disclosed implementation of the present invention. The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and in the subsequent description. Other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings and from the claims.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an elevator and a flexible bag, generally taken from the side;

Figure 2 is a perspective view, generally taken from the front, of the flexible bag in position on an accessory support;

Figure 3 is a more detailed view of the accessory support shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the accessory support shown in Figure 3, generally taken along lines 4-4;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a guide;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the guide in position in the opening of the flexible bag;

Figure 7 is another embodiment of an accessory support for use with the present invention;

Figure 8a is a cross-sectional view of the accessory support shown in Figure 7, generally taken along lines 8a-8a;

Figure 8b is a cross-sectional view of the accessory support shown in Figure 7, generally taken along lines 8b-8b;

Figure 9 is a top plan view of another embodiment of the accessory holder;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the accessory support shown in Figure 9, with a base;

Figure 11 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of an accessory support; Y

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the accessory support shown in Figure 11, generally taken along lines 12-12.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

Referring to the drawings, in which equal reference numbers represent identical parts in all the various views, a flexible bag is generally illustrated in 10. The bag 10 is preferably a two-part bag, comprising an inner layer 10a which is made of a suitable plastic, such as polyethylene. An outer layer 10b is made of a suitable material such as what is called a fabric bag building material, such as woven polyethylene or woven polypropylene. The inner bag 10a is preferably closed with a tie wrap, and the same occurs with the outer bag 10b. The bag 10 has an opening 11 through which a powder paint is dispensed. The bag can be of any suitable size, such as a size equivalent to a 30 or 53 gallon drum (113-208 liters). The weight of a bag 10 filled with a powder paint would typically be between 200-300 pounds (91-136 kg). The bags can then be placed on a pallet and a contractile wrap can be applied to hold multiple bags on a pallet. The outer bag 10b may have an appropriate construction such as a base 12 (Figure 4) that is circular and is stapled or sewn to a side panel 13 to form the bag 10b. Another suitable construction or combination may be used to result in the flexible bag 10. A fastener member 20 is operatively connected to the bag 10. An example of a fastener member 20 is shown as a strap section 21 which is operatively connected by suitable means, such as sewing, to the outer layer 10b of the bag 10. The webbing extends over the top of the bag 10 and forms a loop. One way of constructing a loop 21a is to use a strap section and secure both ends to the bag 10, thus leaving a loop 21a that can be used in handling the bag 10. Of course, it is understood that other members of suitable fastening 20. Some examples of them are the use of Velcro®, eyelets, tubes or sleeves.

As seen in Figure 5, a tube guide 30 is shown. The tube guide 30 has a generally flat upper part 31 in which three openings 31a are formed. Three cylindrical members 31b are suitably held close to the openings 31a and generally extend downwardly from the flat top 31, although it is understood that they could also extend upward. In addition, it is recognized that the tubes are optional since only the openings 31a provide some guidance to the feed tubes 32. The cylindrical members 31b have holes 31c that are sized to receive feed tubes 32. The feed tubes 32 are connected to a suitable apparatus, well known in the art, that provides aspiration of the powder paint contained in the bag 10. The flat top 31 has four clamping openings 33 that are used to position the tube guide over the opening 11. A chain 34 has hooks 35 at each end of the chain and the hooks 35 fit into the fastening openings 33. The chains 34 form a loop on a device, to be described more fully below, to support the guide of tube 30 in position. It is understood that other suitable methods can be used to support the tube guide 30.

A material elevator 40 is shown in Figures 1 and 2. The material elevator 40 may be any suitable elevator, such as a Genie® elevator supplied by Genie® United States, Redmond, Washington. The material elevator 40 includes a base that has two extensions 41 on which wheels 42 are mounted at its front ends. Rear wheels 43 are mounted on a suitable axle 44. A movable assembly 46 is mounted on the vertical frame 45. The support arms 47 generally extend horizontally from the movable assembly 46. In each support arm 47 a hook 48. The movable assembly 46 is moved up and down by a hand crank 49 using suitable sprockets and pulleys, as is well known in the art. Although a manually mobile material elevator is shown in both horizontal and vertical orientations, it is understood that mechanized versions can also be used, as well as other material elevators.

A first embodiment of an accessory support 50 is shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4. The accessory support 50 includes a base 51 that includes a first side plate 52 and a second side plate 53. A housing 54 includes a connected front plate 55 operatively to a rear plate 56. The lower portion of the ends of the plates 55 and 56 are operatively connected to the side panels 52 and 53. The housing 54 configures a V-shape that is adapted and configured to receive a bag 10. As it can be seen, the cross section of the housing 54 decreases when measured along a vertical axis towards the ground. An air driven vibrating motor 57 is operatively connected to the housing 54. The operation of such an engine 57 is well known in the art. The motor 57 vibrates the housing and, therefore, the powder paint inside the bag 10, thus helping to dispense the powder paint. Figure 4 shows a bag 10 that has been positioned on the accessory support 50. As can be seen, the lower portion of the bag is deformed and generally adapts to the shape of the housing 54.

Another embodiment is an accessory support 60, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. The accessory support 60 has a base 61 that includes a first side plate 62 and a second side plate 63. A housing 64 has an open upper part adapted and configured to receive the bag 10. In addition, the housing 64 has an open bottom part through which the bag 10 can extend. The front and rear plates 65 and 66 form a generally inward angle, and so do the side plates 67 and 68. The plates 65 to 68 are all operatively connected and generally form an inverted truncated pyramid. Again, the housing 54 has a smaller decreasing cross-section when measured along a vertical axis towards the ground. As can be seen in Figure 8a, the bag 10 will generally be adapted to the shape of the housing 64 and will also have a generally decreasing cross section when measured along a vertical axis towards the ground.

A third embodiment shows an accessory support 70 in Figures 9 and 10. The accessory support 70 is generally conical and has a base 71. The base 71 is generally rectangular and has an opening that is sized and configured to receive the conical shape configured by housing 74. Housing 74 includes a side plate 75, which is tapered, and has an opening 74a at the top that is adapted and configured to receive the bag 10, and may optionally also have an opening 74b at the bottom of through which the bag 10 can be extended. Again, the housing 54 has a smaller decreasing cross-section when measured along a vertical axis towards the ground and, therefore, when the bag 10 is positioned in the housing 74, the bag will generally adapt to the shape of the housing 74 and the bag will also have a decreasing cross-section when measured along a vertical axis towards e l ground.

Referring to Figures 11 and 12, another embodiment shows an accessory support 80. The accessory support 80 includes a semicircular wall 85 operatively connected to a generally flat base 86. The accessory support 80 can then be tilted from the horizontal at a suitable angle, such as 45º. When it is in this operating position and a bag 10 is positioned in the accessory support 80, the accessory support will have a decreasing cross section when measured along a vertical axis towards the ground, and the same will happen with the bag 10 , and that this generally adapts again to the shape of the wall 85. A suitable mechanism can be used to tilt the accessory support 80, similar to that used in US Pat. No. 4,505,623, such mechanisms being known in the art. Furthermore, it is understood that the accessory support 60, 70 and 80 may also incorporate an air driven vibrating motor similar to the motor 57.

In an operative embodiment, the material elevator 40 moves towards a location where full bags are kept 10. Typically, the full bags are transported on a pallet. The inner bag 10a is filled with a powder paint. The extensions 41 move below the pallet and the hooks 48 are positioned on the loops 21a. The loops 21a are raised and then placed on the hooks 48. Next, the movable assembly 46 is raised, thereby raising the bag 10 out of a pallet or other storage member. The material elevator 40 and the bag 10 are then moved to a position close to the feeding tubes 32 that are used in the electrostatic finish. The feed tubes 32 are connected to suitable vacuum sources that allow the suction of powder paint into a hopper of a suitable electrostatic finishing apparatus, such apparatus being well known in the art. Prior to operation, a tube guide 30 can be supported on the opening 11 of the bag 10. As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the tube guide 30 can be supported by chains 34 that are connected to the support arms 47 The tube guide allows proper positioning of the feeding tubes 32. If desired, the chains could be supported in other ways. For example, it may be desirable that it is able to position the tube guide 30 above the hooks 48, while removing the bag

10. A rod could be secured to one of the arms 47 and the rod would extend up and then over to approach the center line and form a hook. The chains 34 would then have to be longer, but could be supported by that hook. Then, when it is desired to add or remove a bag 10, the chains could be removed from the hook and then reconnected, thus shortening the chains and bringing the tube guide 30 to a position above the hooks 48. For accessory brackets 50 and 60, the extensions 41 move to a position within the base 51 and 61 to properly position the bag 10 on the accessory supports 50, 60. The mobile assembly 46 is then lowered, so that the bag 10 descends to the interior of the housing 54, 64. The bag 10 then adapts to the shape of the diminishing cross-section of the housing 54, 64, but is also still supported by the support arms 47 through the hooks 48. As has been discussed above, other ways of supporting the bag 10 can also be used. With the feed tubes 32 now in position, the powder paint is now ready to be sucked into the hopper of the equipment. For electrostatic finishing or other suitable end use. As the powder paint is dispensed, the tubes 32 move down, by gravity, to the bottom of the bag 10. The smaller decreasing cross-section allows the dispensing of more powder paint and, therefore, less waste . The smaller cross section provides a more localized area into which the feed tubes 32 enter to thus aspirate more quantity of the remaining powder paint.

The operation using the accessory support 70 is similar, except that the extensions 41 are positioned outside the base 71.

By using the accessory supports shown in Figures 11 and 12, the bag 10 can be moved analogously by the use of the material lifter 40 from the pallet area to the position close to the feed tubes 32. However, the wall 85 provides support to the bag 10 and, therefore, it is not necessary to use the material elevator 40 for support purposes during the aspiration of the powder paint. The bag 10 may be placed in the accessory support 80 when the accessory support is vertical or inclined, as shown in Figure 11. If the bag is placed in the accessory support 80 while it is vertical, then the accessory support typically tilts after The bag is in position. Alternatively, the accessory supports could already be tilted before the bag 10 is placed in position. The inclined accessory support 80 again provides a smaller decreasing cross section when measured along the vertical axis towards the ground. Since the bag is flexible and generally adapts to the shape of the accessory support, the bag will have a similar decreasing cross section when measured along the vertical axis towards the ground. The tube guide 30, if used, would then have to be supported on another structure, such as on the wall 85, if the material elevator 40 is not used. However, it is understood that the material elevator 40 could still remain in position, even if it is not necessary to support the bag 10.

In embodiments using accessory supports 50, 60 and 70, the material elevator 40 is used to keep the flexible bag 10 in an upright position during aspiration. This is optional when the accessory holder 80 is used. When the accessory brackets 50, 60 and 70 are used, the accessory brackets support at least a lower portion of the flexible bag 10 and is the housing of the accessory brackets 50, 60 and 70 which configures a shape to which a lower portion of the bag 10 adapts. The accessory support 80 does not substantially change the shape of the bag 10. However, when said accessory support is in an inclined position, the bag 10 still has a smaller cross section decreasing when measured along a vertical axis towards the ground. The accessory supports 50, 60 and 70 are supported by the floor, although it is understood that other intermediate structures can be placed between the floor and the accessory supports. Although the accessory support 80 can be positioned in a single position and placed on the ground in a manner similar to the accessory supports 50, 60 and 70, typically the accessory support 80 will be positioned in another device that allows the accessory support 80 to tilt from a vertical position to the position shown in figure 11.

With respect to the accessory supports 50, 60, 70 and 80, the shape of the housing, which has a cross section

5 smaller as one approaches the end of the bag, will guide and direct the feeding tubes 32 towards the minor cross section, thus helping to empty the flexible bag more completely 10. It is understood that when the lower portion of the bag 10 it is generally adapted to the shape of the decreasing cross section of the accessory support, this is not necessarily the lowest portion. For example, with respect to the accessory supports 60 and 70, the lower portion of the bag 10 can actually extend below the walls of the support

10 accessory, as shown in figure 8.

In addition, if the accessory brackets 50, 60 and 70 have a vibrational characteristic, it may be advantageous to provide a stabilizing force to prevent the accessory brackets 50, 60 and 70 from moving out from under the center of the bag 10. One way to do this would be to have straps through the extensions 41. As seen in Figure 10, a belt would be in front of the accessory support 70 in a position immediately adjacent to the

15 wheels 42 and the other would be behind the accessory support 70 and would still extend between the extensions 41. This would prevent movement in a direction parallel to the extensions 41. The extensions 41 prevent significant movement in the opposite direction. The belts or confinement feature will protect the base from movement and keep the base further below the center of the bag 10, thus helping to aspirate the supply of the finely divided particulate material out of the bag.

The memory, the examples and the above data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the scope thereof, the invention resides in the appended claims below.

Claims (10)

1. Apparatus for supplying powder paint, comprising:

(to)

at least one feeding tube (32);

(b)

a flexible bag (10) containing powder paint and having an upper part configured to receive at least one feed tube (32);

(C)

an electrostatic finishing apparatus operatively connected to at least one feeding tube;

(d)

a support apparatus having at least one support member capable of keeping the flexible bag in an upright position;

(and)

at least one holding member (20) operatively connected to the bag (10) and adapted and configured to secure the support member;

(F)

a vacuum source operatively connected to at least one feed tube (32);

(g)

a tube guide (30) positioned near the open top of the bag (10), the tube guide (30) being configured and arranged to guide at least one feed tube (32) into the bag (10 ); Y

(h)

an accessory support (50, 60, 70, 80) having a receiving member on which the bag (10) is positioned, the accessory support (50, 60, 70, 80) being formed to adapt the bag to a section transverse lower to a lower level, the accessory support (50, 60, 70, 80) being a vibratory accessory support, where the powder paint is freely flowing, where the receiving member, when the vacuum apparatus is being used powder paint, positions at least the lower portion of the bag (10), and where the apparatus facilitates the supply of powder paint by aspiration through the at least one feed tube (32) to the electrostatic finishing apparatus,

characterized in that the support apparatus has at least one support member comprising a vertical frame (45) with a movable assembly from which support arms (47) extend in a generally horizontal direction.

2.

Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the accessory support (50, 60, 70, 80) is conical in shape.

3.

Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the accessory support (50, 60, 70, 80) has one or more sides generally angled downwards and inwards.

Four.

Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the accessory support (50, 60, 70, 80) is generally V-shaped.

5.

Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the particularity that the support apparatus is horizontally mobile.

6.

Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the particularity that the support member is vertically mobile.

7.

Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bag (10) has an inner layer and an outer layer.

8.

Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inner layer (10a) is a plastic layer and the outer layer (10b) is woven.

9.

Method comprising:

(to)

provide a flexible bag (10) containing powder paint;

(b)

supporting the bag (10), which has at least one clamping member (20) operatively connected to the bag (10), using a mobile lifting device that has a support member for attachment to the bag

(10) by the clamping member (20), the support member comprising a vertical frame (45) with a movable assembly from which support arms (47) extend in a generally horizontal direction;

(C)

raise the support member, thereby raising the bag (10);

(d)

move the lifting apparatus and the bag (10) from a storage area to near the feeding tube (32);

(and)

lower the bag (10) until it is left on top of an accessory support (50, 60, 70, 80);

(F)

position the bag (10) adjacent to an accessory support (50, 60, 70, 80) sized and configured to receive at least a lower portion of the flexible bag (10) and which has a side that configures a shape, when in its operating position, which has a smaller decreasing cross section when measured along a vertical axis towards the ground;

(g)

position a suction feed tube in the bag (10);

(h)

aspirate the powder paint through the tube to an electrostatic finishing apparatus, where, as the level of powder paint decreases, the tube is allowed to move to a lower position in the bag and head towards the portion lower of the bag on the side;

(i)

vibrate the accessory support (50, 60, 70, 80), where the powder paint is helped to move towards a lower portion of the bag (10); Y

(j)

enable a tube guide (30) positioned near the open top of the bag, the tube guide (30) being configured and arranged to guide the suction feed tube into the bag (10).

10.

Method according to claim 9, further comprising:

(to)

support the bag (10) during aspiration with the support member; Y

(b)

move the lifting device and the bag (10) out of the feed tube (32).

 REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION The list of references cited by the applicant is solely for the convenience of the reader. It is not part of the European patent document. While great care has been taken in compiling references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO declines all responsibility in this regard. Patent documents cited in the description