JP2000142992A - Powder feeder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To convey and supply minute powder smoothly without 2 blocking phenomenon. SOLUTION: A powder feeder makes a powder 10 flow out from a designated slit 9 by applying ultrasonic vibration generated by a horn 4 of an ultrasonic motor 3 to the powder 10 freely flowing out from an outlet 2a of a hopper 2 by gravity. The hopper 2 is attached to the horn 4 by connecting the outlet 2a on the horn 4. The slit 9 is arranged on the overlap portion of the outlet 2a of the hopper 2 and the horn 4. The slit 9 is formed toward the horizontal direction on the outer edge 2a of the hopper 2. The size of the slit 9 is set up in a range to control free flow of the cross-linked powder and to allow free flow of the powder relieved from the cross-linked condition. Accordingly, ultrasonic vibration is applied on the hopper 2 and the slit 9 by the horn 4 and the powder 10 freely flowing out from the outlet 2a of the hopper 2 is sprinkled on the silt 9. The powder 10 relieved from the cross-linked condition by ultrasonic vibration can freely out of the slit 9 in this way.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a powder feeder applied to transport and supply various powders such as powder cement, powder paint or metal powder in various manufacturing plants. And a powder feeder suitable for transportation and supply of fine powder.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a powder feeder of this kind, there is a powder feeder which transports and supplies powder using, for example, ultrasonic vibration. JP-A-7-33228 and JP-A-10-108
JP 174469 discloses an example of this type of powder feeder.

FIG. 14 shows a configuration of a powder feeder 41 of the same kind. The powder feeder 41 includes a hopper 42, an ultrasonic motor 43, a supply pipe 44, and a tube 45.
The hopper 42 and the ultrasonic motor 43 are supported by a machine base 48 via a bracket 46 and a load cell 47. The powder is stored in the hopper 42. A tube 45 is connected to the outlet 42 a of the hopper 42, and a supply pipe 44 is connected to the tube 45. The supply pipe 44 is attached at right angles to the axial direction of a horn 49 that is a vibrator of the ultrasonic motor 43.

Therefore, according to the powder feeder 41,
When the ultrasonic motor 43 is driven and the horn 49 applies vibration to the supply pipe 44, vibration is applied to the powder in the pipe 44. With this vibration, the powder is transported through the supply pipe 44 and the outlet 44
Flows freely from a. The supply pipe 44 has a hopper 42
The powder derived from the outlet 42a of the is freely fed down the tube 45 by gravity by gravity. The advantage of powder transport by ultrasonic vibration is that friction between the horn 49 and the powder is small, and it is difficult for the powder to be transported to form lumps. In addition, the powder transportation can be started instantly with the start of the ultrasonic motor 43, and the powder transportation can be stopped instantly with the stop of the motor 43.

[0005]

However, according to the conventional powder feeder 41, the powder having good fluidity can flow freely down the tube 45 and the supply pipe 44, but the cohesiveness and the adhesion High powder or powder having low slipperiness and flowability has a high static friction force, easily causes a clogging phenomenon (crosslinking phenomenon or friction with the pipe wall) in the tube 45 and the supply pipe 44, and may cause clogging. . The plugging phenomenon occurs when the powder forms a so-called bridge (bridge) and prevents free outflow by gravity.
For example, if this phenomenon occurs in a process of a manufacturing plant, the powder is not transported and supplied as intended, which causes a product defect. It is said that most of the causes of the clogging phenomenon are caused by powder physical properties. Even for non-adhesive powder that normally flows due to gravity, the diameter of the outlet hole is 4 to 5 times the particle diameter.
It is said that when it is about twice or less, crosslinking is formed. This is said to be caused by powder pressure from above due to entanglement between particles and friction with the passage wall surface. As the relevant factors, powder physical properties such as a particle diameter, a particle shape, and an outflow pore diameter can be considered. On the other hand, fine powder (200
In the case of mesh or less, it is said that the occlusion limit size and the particle size ratio are large and do not follow the particle size standard of about 4 to 5 times or less. Therefore, it is desired to realize a powder feeder capable of smoothly transporting and supplying various powders including fine powders regardless of the adhesiveness, that is, the ease with which a crosslink is formed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fine powder which easily forms a bridge (bridge) without causing a clogging phenomenon (such as a crosslinking phenomenon). An object of the present invention is to provide a powder feeder that can be transported and supplied.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a vibrator of a vibration generating means applies vibration to a powder that freely flows out of the outlet of a hopper by gravity. A powder feeder that causes the powder to flow out of a predetermined outflow hole, wherein the outflow hole is provided for the vibrator, the outlet of the hopper is brought close to the outflow hole, and the outflow hole is cross-linked. The purpose of the present invention is to regulate the free outflow of the formed powder and to set the size to such a degree as to allow the free outflow of the decrosslinked powder.

According to the configuration of the invention described above, by vibrating the vibrator, the vibrator applies vibration to the powder freely flowing out from the outlet of the hopper by operating the vibration generating means. Will be spilled from. Here, the powder, especially the fine powder having high adhesiveness, has a strong tendency to form a cross-linking phenomenon by forming a crosslink, and the outflow of the fine powder is easily hindered. However, in the present invention, since the outflow hole is provided for the vibrator, vibration is also applied to the outflow hole. Further, since the outlet of the hopper is close to the outlet hole, the powder that has freely flowed out of the outlet of the hopper directly falls on the outlet hole. Furthermore, the size of the outflow holes regulates the free outflow of the crosslinked powder,
Since the cross-linked powder is set to such an extent that the free-flow of the cross-linked powder is permitted, the cross-linking of the powder by the external force due to vibration is released, whereby the powder can be freely discharged from the outlet hole. Therefore, when the vibration generating means is not operated, the free outflow of the powder from the outflow holes is stopped by the crosslinking, and when the vibration generating means is operated, the crosslinking is released by the vibrations applied to the outflow holes and the powder, respectively. Free flow of powder from the holes is promoted. The same applies to fine powders that easily form crosslinks.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 2 is to apply a vibration to a powder freely flowing out of the outlet of the hopper by gravity by a vibrator of a vibration generating means to thereby make the powder a predetermined amount. The powder feeder is designed to flow out from the outlet hole of the hopper, and the vibration is applied to the hopper.

According to the structure of the present invention, by vibrating the vibrator, the vibrator applies vibration to the powder that flows freely by gravity from the outlet of the hopper, and the powder is supplied to the predetermined outlet hole. Will be spilled from. Here, the powder, especially the fine powder having high adhesiveness, has a strong tendency to form a cross-linking phenomenon by forming a crosslink, and the outflow of the fine powder is easily hindered. This is the same also in a hopper, and there is a tendency that the outflow of the powder from the outlet of the hopper is hindered by the cross-linking of the powder and the formation of a clogging phenomenon. However, according to the present invention, since vibration is also applied to the hopper, the bridging of the powder, which had been causing the clogging phenomenon in the hopper, is released with the vibration of the hopper, and the free movement of the powder from the outlet of the hopper is performed. Spills are promoted. Therefore, the friction at the interface between the wall surface of the hopper and the powder is changed to dynamic friction by vibration and is minimized, and the free outflow of the powder from the outlet hole is promoted. The same applies to a fine powder in which the powder easily forms crosslinks.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 3 is to apply a vibration to the powder that freely flows out from the outlet of the hopper by gravity by means of a vibrator of a vibration generating means to thereby make the powder a predetermined amount. A powder feeder that is allowed to flow out of the outlet hole of the hopper, by attaching an outlet of the hopper to the vibrator, attaching the hopper to the vibrator, and forming an outflow hole in an overlapping portion between the outlet of the hopper and the vibrator. The purpose is to arrange and to set the outflow hole to a size that restricts the free outflow of the crosslinked powder and allows the free outflow of the decrosslinked powder. And

According to the above invention, since the outlet of the hopper is joined to the vibrator and the hopper is attached to the vibrator, vibration is also applied to the hopper with the vibration of the vibrator. In addition, since the outflow hole is arranged at the overlapping portion between the outlet of the hopper and the vibrator, vibration is also applied to the outflow hole, and the powder freely flowing out of the outlet of the hopper directly falls on the outflow hole. Will be. Furthermore, since the size of the outflow holes is set to such an extent that the free flow of the crosslinked powder is regulated and the free flow of the decrosslinked powder is allowed, the crosslinkage of the powder by external force is prevented. By being solved,
Free flow of the powder at the outflow hole becomes possible. Therefore,
When the vibration generating means is not operated, the free outflow of the powder from the outlet and the outlet of the hopper is stopped by the bridging,
When the vibration generating means is operated, the bridge is released by the vibrations respectively applied to the hopper, the outflow hole and the powder, and the free outflow of the powder from the outlet and the outflow hole of the hopper is promoted. The same applies to a fine powder in which the powder easily forms crosslinks.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a powder feeder according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the outlet hole is provided at an outlet of the hopper. It is intended that the slit is formed in the outer peripheral edge toward the horizontal direction.

According to the above invention, in addition to the function of any one of the first to third aspects, a slit as an outflow hole is formed in the outer peripheral edge of the outlet of the hopper in a horizontal direction. Therefore, the powder freely flows out of the slit in the horizontal direction, and the outflow is promoted.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a powder feeder according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the outflow hole is perpendicular to the vibrator. It is intended that the mesh is provided for the through hole formed in the direction.

According to the above invention, in addition to the function of any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, a mesh as an outflow hole is provided for a through hole formed in a vertical direction of the vibrator. Since the powder is provided, the powder freely flows through the mesh through the through hole in the vertical direction, and the flow is promoted.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a powder feeder according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the outlet hole is provided at an outlet of the hopper. Including a slit formed in the outer peripheral edge in the horizontal direction and a mesh provided for a through hole formed in the vibrator in a vertical direction, and powder that is disposed outside the slit and flows out of the slit It is intended that a receiving member for receiving the lump is provided.

According to the above invention, in addition to the function of any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, the slit is formed in the outer peripheral edge of the outlet of the hopper in the horizontal direction. Some of the powder that flows freely from the outlet will flow freely from the slit in the horizontal direction,
Its outflow is promoted. Here, the powder mass having a large particle freely flowing out of the slit is separated from other powder by being received by the receiving member. In addition, since the mesh is provided for the through hole formed in the vertical direction of the vibrator, most of the powder freely flows through the through hole in the vertical direction through the mesh. Is promoted.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a powder feeder according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the vibration generating means comprises a vibrator. It is intended to be an ultrasonic vibration device for applying ultrasonic vibration of an elliptical locus to a vibrated body.

According to the above invention, in addition to the function of any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, an ultrasonic wave having an elliptical locus is applied to a vibrated body, that is, a powder, an outflow hole or a hopper by a vibrator. Vibration will be applied. Therefore, by matching the flowing direction of the powder from the outflow hole with the direction of the elliptical locus of the ultrasonic vibration, the application of vibration to the powder, the outflow hole or the hopper, and the directivity of the flow of the powder are both secured. And the free outflow of powder is promoted.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which the powder feeder of the present invention (claims 1 to 4, 7) is embodied as a slit type powder feeder will be described. This will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the structure of the powder feeder 1 and its control device, FIGS. 2 and 3 show the structure of the ultrasonic motor 3, and FIGS.
The operation of the powder feeder 1 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the powder feeder 1 applies the ultrasonic vibration to the powder freely flowing out from the outlet 2 a of the hopper 2 by gravity by the horn 4 of the ultrasonic motor 3, and It flows out from a predetermined outlet. The hopper 2 is attached to a horn 4 of the ultrasonic motor 3. The ultrasonic motor 3 is attached to a machine base 7 via a cylinder case 5 and a load cell 6. As a result, the hopper 2 and the ultrasonic motor 3 are integrally supported by the machine base 7 via the load cell 6.

The ultrasonic motor 3 corresponds to the vibration generating means and the ultrasonic generator of the present invention, and the horn 4 corresponds to the vibrator of the present invention. The ultrasonic motor 3 is mounted on a bottomed cylinder case 5 and the case 5 is mounted on a load cell 6.
Fixed to The base of the ultrasonic motor 3 is supported by the case 5 by a plurality of point contacts while being inserted into the cylinder case 5.

The ultrasonic motor 3 applies an ultrasonic vibration of an elliptical locus to powder or the like on the upper surface 4a of the horn 4. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the ultrasonic motor 3 includes distal and proximal metal blocks 31 and 32, a piezoelectric element 33 sandwiched between the blocks 31 and 32, and a divided electrode 3.
4, a piezoelectric element 35, an electrode 36 and a bolt 37 are provided. The metal block 31 at the tip has a substantially columnar shape having a prismatic horn 4 at the tip. Each of the piezoelectric elements 33 and 35 and the electrode 36 has a ring shape, and each of the divided electrodes 34 has a ring shape. The bolt 37 has external threads 37a at both ends. With the piezoelectric element 33, the split electrode 34, the piezoelectric element 35, and the electrode 36 inserted through the bolt 37, the two male screws 37a are tightened to the female screws 31a, 32a formed on the metal blocks 31, 32, respectively. The above members 33 to 37 are two metal blocks 3
1 and 32. In this state, the two metal blocks 31, 32, the electrode 36, and the bolt 37 are electrically connected to each other. A drive signal is supplied to the divided electrodes 34 and the electrodes 36. When this drive signal is supplied to each of the divided electrodes 34, the thickness of both piezoelectric elements 33 and 35 is partially increased or decreased, and the horn 4 is simultaneously subjected to longitudinal vibration (longitudinal vibration of the horn 4) and bending vibration. As a result, an ultrasonic vibration of an elliptical locus (indicated by an arrow in FIGS. 1 and 2) is generated in the horn 4.

As shown in FIG. 4, various powders 10 are stored in the hopper 2. Here, the powder 10 is, for example, powder cement, powder paint, metal powder, or the like used in various manufacturing plants, and includes a fine powder of about 10 to 200 μm. FIG. 7 shows the measurement results of the particle size distribution of an epoxy resin powder coating as the fine powder used in the powder feeder 1. This measurement is performed in “0.69 to 704.
The measurement was performed for “30 seconds” using a measurement range of “00 μm”. The hopper 2 has a flange 2b at its lower end.
Are fixed via bolts 8 to the upper surface 4a of the horn 4 arranged horizontally. The flange 2b has the outlet 2 described above.
a is formed. Therefore, the hopper 2 is attached to the horn 4 by joining the outlet 2 a of the hopper 2 to the upper surface 4 a of the horn 4.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the outlet 2 of the hopper 2
The horizontal slit 9 as the above-mentioned outflow hole is provided in the overlapping portion between the upper surface 4a of the horn 4 and the flange 2b. The slit 9 is formed in the outer peripheral edge of the outlet 2a of the hopper 2 in the horizontal direction (the front in FIGS. 1 and 4). The directional direction of the slit 9 coincides with the horizontal direction of the ultrasonic vibration of the elliptical locus generated by the horn 4. Here, the slit 9 is set to a size that regulates the free outflow of the crosslinked powder 10 and allows the free outflow of the crosslinked powder 10. That is,
As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the slit 9 is specified by the dimensions of the depth d, the height h, and the width w. In this embodiment, the depth d is “4 mm” and the height h is “2 m”.
m ”and the width w are set to“ 10 mm ”. These dimensions are determined according to the characteristics of the powder 10 used. In particular, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the depth d and the height h of the slit 2 are determined by the angle of repose θ1 of the powder 10. This angle of repose θ1
Means the maximum inclination angle at which the slope can maintain stability when the non-adhesive powder 10 is lightly raised without compaction. Theoretically, the internal friction angle of the powder 10 under a low constraint pressure is Matches.

The load cell 6 is a load sensor for detecting the weight of the ultrasonic motor 3, the hopper 2, and the like. When the powder 10 freely flows out of the slit 9, the supply amount of the powder 10 from the powder feeder 1 can be calculated based on the weight change rate detected by the load cell 6.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic motor 3 and the load cell 6 are each electrically connected to a controller 21. The controller 21 controls the ultrasonic motor 3 in order to control the powder supply amount of the powder feeder 1. The controller 21 includes an A / D converter, a computer, a drive circuit, and the like. Controller 2
1 has a start switch 22, a stop switch 23, and an adjustment knob 24 which is operated to arbitrarily set the powder supply amount on its operation surface.

The outline of the powder supply amount control performed by the controller 21 is as follows. That is, the controller 21
By applying a high-frequency drive signal (voltage) intermittently to the ultrasonic motor 3, the ratio (duty ratio) of the drive signal per cycle is changed. Thereby, the controller 21 changes the output to the ultrasonic motor 3 and controls the powder supply amount. For example, the controller 21 calculates the AND of the resonance frequency oscillated by the oscillation circuit and the duty ratio changed by the clock generation circuit, amplifies the output, and applies it to the divided electrode 34 and the electrode 36. The controller 21 further executes feedback control to improve the control accuracy of the powder supply amount.
That is, the controller 21 calculates the amount of powder flowing out of the slit 9 based on the weight change rate measured by the load cell 6, and calculates the optimum duty ratio based on the calculated amount of powder flowing out. The controller 21 drives the drive circuit based on the calculated duty ratio clock signal to apply a high-frequency drive signal of 30 to 40 kHz to the divided electrode 34 and the electrode 36 of the ultrasonic motor 3, and 3 is activated. Here, by operating the adjustment knob 24, the frequency of the drive signal supplied to the ultrasonic motor 3 is adjusted, and the amount of powder supplied from the powder feeder 1 is adjusted.

According to the above-described powder feeder 1 of the present embodiment, when the ultrasonic motor 3 is operated by the controller 21, the horn 4 causes the horn 4 to move the elliptical trajectory to the powder 10 which flows freely by gravity from the outlet 2a of the hopper 2. Is applied, and the powder 10 flows out of the slit 9 freely.

Here, the powder 10, especially the fine powder having high adhesiveness, has a strong tendency to form a cross-linking phenomenon (cross-linking phenomenon, etc.), and the free flow of the fine powder is easily hindered. However, in this embodiment, since the outlet 2a of the hopper 2 is joined to the upper surface 4a of the horn 4 and the hopper 2 is attached to the horn 4, the hopper 4 is also provided with the ultrasonic vibration of the elliptical locus by the horn 4. Ultrasonic vibration of an elliptical locus will be applied. Also, outlet 2 of hopper 2
a and the horn 4 are provided with the slits 9, so that the slits 9 are also provided with ultrasonic vibrations of an elliptical locus, and the powders 10 that have flowed out of the outlet 2 a freely.
Is directly applied to the slit 9. Further, since the size of the slit 9 is set to such a degree as to regulate the free outflow of the crosslinked powder 10 and to allow the free outflow of the crosslinked powder 10, the external force due to the ultrasonic vibration is reduced. The cross-linking of the powder 10 is released by the
Of the powder 10 can be freely discharged. Here, the crosslinking of the powder 10 is released because the ultrasonic vibration of the elliptical locus is applied, the state of the powder 10 shifts from static friction to dynamic friction, and the particles of the powder 10 slide. This is due to the improvement in performance.

Therefore, according to the powder feeder 1, when the ultrasonic motor 3 is not operated, the free flow of the powder 10 from the outlet 2a of the hopper 2 and the slit 9 is stopped by bridging. On the other hand, when the ultrasonic motor 3 is operated, the bridge is released by the ultrasonic vibration applied to the hopper 2, the slit 9 and the powder 10, and the free passage of the powder 10 from the outlet 2 a of the hopper 2 and the slit 9. Spills will be promoted. Thereby, even if the powder 10 is a fine powder that easily forms a crosslink, the free outflow and the stop of the fine powder from the slit 9 can be controlled according to the operation / stop of the ultrasonic motor 3. . As a result, even fine powders can be transported smoothly without causing clogging inside.
Will be able to supply.

By the way, the components of the powder feeder 1 having the above-described functions and effects can be divided into the following two. One of them is to provide a slit 9 with respect to the horn 4, and to connect the outlet 2a of the
, And the slit 9 is made to cross-link the powder 1
That is, the size of the powder 10 is set to such a degree that the free outflow is restricted and the free outflow of the decrosslinked powder 10 is allowed. According to this configuration, since the slit 9 is provided for the horn 4, vibration is also applied to the slit 9. Further, since the outlet 2a of the hopper 2 is close to the slit 9, the powder
Is directly applied to the slit 9. This is a difference from the operation of the conventional powder feeder in that a tube is provided between the outlet of the hopper and the horn. Therefore, when the ultrasonic motor 3 is operated, the bridge is released by the ultrasonic vibrations applied to the slit 9 and the powder 10, respectively.
Zero free flow will be promoted. It is considered that this makes it possible to smoothly transport and supply fine powders that easily form crosslinks without causing a clogging phenomenon. Second, ultrasonic vibration is applied to the hopper 2. According to this configuration, since the ultrasonic vibration is also applied to the hopper 2, the bridging of the powder 10 that has caused the clogging phenomenon in the hopper 2 is prevented.
Of the powder 10 from the outlet 2a is promoted. Then, the friction at the interface between the wall surface of the hopper 2 and the powder 10 shifts to dynamic friction due to the ultrasonic vibration and is minimized, and the free outflow of the powder 10 from the slit 9 is promoted. It is considered that this also enables fine powders that can easily form crosslinks to be smoothly transported and supplied without causing a clogging phenomenon. That is, according to the powder feeder 1 of this embodiment, the clogging phenomenon, which has been a problem in the conventional powder feeder, due to the synergistic and additive effects of the actions and effects achieved by the above two constituent features. This makes it possible to smoothly transport and supply the fine powder.

According to the powder feeder 1 of this embodiment, since the slit 9 is formed in the outer peripheral edge of the outlet 2a of the hopper 2 in the horizontal direction, the powder 10 is
The water will flow freely forward and outward, and the flow will be promoted. Moreover, since the slit 9 has the predetermined width w, the powder 10 is supplied to the supply surface with the predetermined width. As a result, the powder 10 can be supplied to the supply surface with directivity, and by moving the powder feeder 1 while supplying the powder 10, the powder 1 can be supplied.
0 can be supplied in a band with a predetermined width.

According to the powder feeder 1 of this embodiment, the horn 4 causes the powder 10, the slit 9 and the hopper 2
To the ultrasonic vibration of the elliptical locus. Here, since the outflow direction of the powder 10 from the slit 9 is matched with the horizontal component direction of the elliptical locus of the ultrasonic vibration, the application of the ultrasonic vibration to the powder 10, the slit 9 and the hopper 2 In addition, the directivity of the flow of the powder 10 is secured, and the free outflow of the powder 10 from the slit 9 is promoted. Also in this sense, the transportation and supply of the fine powder can be most effectively facilitated without causing a clogging phenomenon inside.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment in which the powder feeder of the present invention (claims 1 to 3, 5 and 7) is embodied as a shaking type powder feeder will be described with reference to the drawings. This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In the following embodiments including this embodiment, the same members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.
The following mainly describes the differences.

FIG. 8 shows the structure and operation of the powder feeder 11 of the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the hopper 2, and FIG. 10 is a side view of the powder feeder 11. The powder feeder 11 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the outflow holes. That is, in the first embodiment, the slit 9 as the outflow hole is formed in the outer peripheral edge of the outlet 2a of the hopper 2 in the horizontal direction. On the other hand, in the powder feeder 11 of the present embodiment, the horn 4 has a through hole 12 having a circular cross section in the vertical direction.
Are formed, and the mesh 13 provided for the through hole 12 corresponds to the outflow hole. The mesh 13 has a horn 4
Are sandwiched between the upper surface 4a of the hopper 2 and the flange 2b of the hopper 2 over the entire joint surface. This allows
Both the outlet 2a of the hopper 2 and the inlet of the through hole 12 are covered with the mesh 13. As is well known, mesh 13
Has a plurality of stitches, and in this embodiment, the size of the stitches, that is, the standard of the mesh 13 is set according to the characteristics of the fine powder. Also in this embodiment,
The size of the stitches of the mesh 13 is set to such an extent that the free flow of the crosslinked powder 10 is restricted and the free flow of the crosslinked powder 10 is allowed. For example, in this embodiment, on the assumption that the epoxy resin powder paint described in the first embodiment is used as fine powder,
A “0.5 mm square” mesh 13 is used in accordance with the particle size distribution of the fine powder.

According to the powder feeder 11 of the present embodiment described above, the outlet 2a of the hopper 2 is connected to the upper surface 4 of the horn 4.
Since the hopper 2 is attached to the horn 4 and is joined to the horn 4, the ultrasonic vibration of the elliptical locus is also applied to the hopper 2 with the ultrasonic vibration of the elliptical locus of the horn 4. Further, since the mesh 13 is disposed at the overlapping portion between the outlet 2a of the hopper 2 and the horn 4, the mesh 1
3 is also applied with ultrasonic vibration of an elliptical trajectory, and the powder 10 which has freely flowed out of the outlet 2a is directly
Will be hung. Furthermore, the size of the mesh 13 is
Since the free outflow of the crosslinked powder 10 is restricted and the free outflow of the crosslinked powder 10 is allowed, the crosslink of the powder 10 is released by the external force due to the ultrasonic vibration. This allows the powder 10 to freely flow out of the mesh 13.

Therefore, according to the powder feeder 11,
When the ultrasonic motor 3 is not operated, the free outflow of the powder 10 from the outlet 2a of the hopper 2 and the mesh 13 is stopped by bridging. On the other hand, when the ultrasonic motor 3 is operated, the bridge is released by the ultrasonic vibration applied to the hopper 2, the mesh 13 and the powder 10, respectively, and the free flow of the powder 10 from the outlet 2a and the mesh 13 is prevented. It is accelerated and flows out through the through hole 12. Thus, even if the powder 10 is a fine powder that easily forms a crosslink, the mesh 1
The free outflow of the fine powder from 3 and its stop can be controlled. For this reason, even fine powder can be smoothly transported / supplied without causing a clogging phenomenon inside.

According to the powder feeder 11 of this embodiment, since the mesh 13 is provided for the through-hole 12 formed perpendicular to the horn 4, the powder 10 passes below the through-hole 12 through the mesh 13. The spill is free and is facilitated. In addition, since the mesh 13 is provided in conformity with the circular shape of the through-hole 12 and the through-hole 12 is directed directly below, the powder 10 falls directly below with a circular cross-sectional shape and is supplied to the supply target. become. As a result, the powder 10 can be supplied to the supply surface with directivity, and the powder 10 can be supplied with a certain bulk.

In the powder feeder 11 of this embodiment,
The horn 4 applies ultrasonic vibrations of an elliptical locus to the powder 10, the mesh 13 and the hopper 2. Here, since the outflow direction of the powder 10 from the mesh 13 is aligned with the vertical direction of the elliptical locus of the ultrasonic vibration, the ultrasonic vibration is applied to the powder 10, the mesh 13 and the hopper 2; Directivity of the flow of the powder 10 is secured together,
Free outflow and falling of the powder 10 from the mesh 13 are promoted. In this sense, the fine powder can be smoothly transported and supplied without causing a clogging phenomenon inside. Moreover, even with this powder feeder 11,
Since the aggregate of the powders 10 is atomized by the mesh 13 by the ultrasonic vibration, it is possible to realize the transportation of the powders 10 in which the powder lumps are hardly formed.

In addition, in this embodiment,
In view of the fact that the constituent requirements of the powder feeder 11 contributing to the effect can be divided into two, the first
The same operation and effect as those of the embodiment can be obtained.

[Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment in which the powder feeder of the present invention (claims 1-3, 6, and 7) is embodied as a slit and mesh type powder feeder. Will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 11 shows the powder feeder 15 of the present embodiment.
The configuration and operation of the device will be described. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the hopper 2 and the like, and FIG. 13 is a side view of the powder feeder 15. The powder feeder 15 of this embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in the configuration of the outflow holes. That is, in the first embodiment, the slit 9 as the outflow hole is used.
Are formed in the outer peripheral edge of the outlet 2a of the hopper 2 in the horizontal direction, and in the second embodiment, the mesh 13 as the outflow hole is formed in the through hole 12 formed in the horn 4 in the vertical direction. Provided for On the other hand, in this embodiment, the slit 9 and the mesh 13
An outlet hole is constituted by the above. In addition, mesh 13
Is partially sandwiched between the upper surface 4a of the horn 4 and the flange 2b of the hopper 2 between the two surfaces 4a and 2b, and the other portion extends horizontally outward and forward of the slit 9. I have. The projecting portion constitutes the receiving member 16 for receiving the powder lump 10a and the foreign matter of the present invention. The type of fine powder, the size of the slit 9 and the standard of the mesh 13 used in this embodiment are the same as those of the first and second embodiments.

Therefore, according to the powder feeder 15,
When the ultrasonic motor 3 is not operated, bridging stops the free outflow of the powder 10 from the outlet 2 a of the hopper 2, the slit 9 and the mesh 13. On the other hand, the ultrasonic motor 3
Is activated, the ultrasonic vibration applied to the hopper 2, the slit 9, the mesh 13 and the powder 10 breaks the bridge, and the free flow of the powder 10 from the outlet 2a, the slit 9 and the mesh 13 is prevented. Will be promoted. Thereby, even if the powder 10 is a fine powder that easily forms a cross-link,
The free outflow and the stop of the fine powder from the slit 9 and the mesh 13 can be controlled. For this reason, the fine powder can be transported smoothly without causing a clogging phenomenon inside.
Will be able to supply.

According to the powder feeder 15 of this embodiment, since the slit 9 and the mesh 13 are combined as the outflow holes, the operation of the powder feeders 1 and 11 of the first and second embodiments can be improved. It will have both effects. That is, a part of the powder 10 that freely flows out from the outlet 2 a of the hopper 2 freely flows downward through the through hole 12 through the mesh 13, and a part of the powder 10
Through the receiving member 16 and falls through the mesh. That is, the total of the powder 10 that freely flows out through the mesh 13 and the through hole 12 and the powder 10 that freely flows through the slit 9 and the receiving member 16 is the amount of powder supplied by the powder feeder 15. In this sense, according to the powder feeder 15, the aforementioned 2
As compared with the powder feeders 1 and 11 of the type, the powder supply amount can be increased for the same level of drive signal.

According to the powder feeder 16 of this embodiment, a large powder mass 10 a
The foreign matter and the like are separated from the other powder 10 by being received by the receiving member 16. As a result, the powder lump 10a
The powder 10 can be transported / supplied after removing particles and foreign substances in advance.

In addition, in this embodiment,
In view of the fact that the constituent requirements of the powder feeder 15 contributing to the effect can be divided into two, the first
The same operation and effect as those of the second embodiment can be obtained.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but may be carried out as follows, for example, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

(1) In each of the above embodiments, the hopper 2 is attached to the horn 4 of the ultrasonic motor 3. On the other hand, the hopper can be arranged so as to be separated from the horn while bringing the outlet of the hopper close to the horn, and not to give vibration to the hopper.

(2) In each of the above embodiments, the hopper 2 is attached to the horn 4 of the ultrasonic motor 3 so that the hopper 2 is also subjected to ultrasonic vibration. On the other hand, the outlet of the hopper may be arranged so as to be separated from the horn while approaching the horn, and vibration may be applied to the hopper by another vibration generating means.

(3) In the first and third embodiments, the slit 9 is specified to have a horizontally long cross section. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A plurality may be provided.

(4) In the first and second embodiments, the outflow hole is constituted by the mesh 13 and the through hole 12. However, the invention is not limited to this. One or a plurality of slits, micro holes, or the like may be used as outflow holes. In this case, the shape of the slit or the fine hole is not particularly limited, and the size is
Any material may be used as long as it regulates the free outflow of the crosslinked powder and allows the free outflow of the decrosslinked powder.

(5) In the third embodiment, the receiving member 16 made of a mesh is disposed outside and forward of the slit 9. However, the receiving member may be made of a plate material other than the mesh, or the receiving member may be made of a material other than the mesh. It may be omitted.

(6) In each of the above embodiments, the ultrasonic motor 3, which is one of the ultrasonic vibration devices, is provided as the vibration generating means, and the horn 4 causes the most effective elliptical locus on the powder 10, the hopper 2, and the like. Of ultrasonic vibration.
On the other hand, depending on the conditions of the powder used and the outflow holes, vibration other than the elliptical locus can be applied by vibration generating means other than the ultrasonic motor.

[0056]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the outflow hole is provided in the vibrator, the outlet of the hopper is brought close to the outflow hole, and the size of the outflow hole is adjusted so that the crosslinked powder can be freely discharged. Is set to such an extent that free flow of the decrosslinked powder is allowed. Therefore, vibration is also applied to the outflow hole, and the powder flowing out of the outlet of the hopper is applied to the outflow hole, and the cross-linking of the powder is released by the external force due to the vibration. Outflow is possible. Thereby, when the vibration generating means is not operating, the free flowing of the powder from the outlet hole is stopped by the crosslinking, and when the vibration generating means is operating, the crosslinking is released by the vibration and the free flowing of the powder from the outlet hole is prevented. Promoted. As a result, there is an effect that even fine powders that easily form crosslinks can be smoothly transported and supplied without causing a clogging phenomenon.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, vibration is applied to the hopper. Therefore, the bridging of the powder, which had caused the clogging phenomenon in the hopper, is released with the vibration of the hopper, and the friction at the interface between the wall of the hopper and the powder shifts to dynamic friction due to the vibration, and is minimized. Free flow of powder from is promoted. As a result, there is an effect that even fine powders that easily form crosslinks can be smoothly transported and supplied without causing a clogging phenomenon.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the outlet of the hopper is joined to the vibrator, the hopper is attached to the vibrator, and the outflow hole is arranged at a portion where the outlet of the hopper and the vibrator overlap.
The size of the outflow hole is set to such an extent that the free flow of the crosslinked powder is regulated and the free flow of the decrosslinked powder is allowed. Therefore, vibration is applied to the hopper and the outflow hole by the vibration of the vibrator, and the powder that has flowed freely from the outlet of the hopper is hung on the outflow hole. Powder can be freely discharged. Thereby, when the vibration generating means is not operated, the free flowing of the powder from the outlet hole is stopped by the bridging, and when the vibration generating means is operated, the bridge is released by the vibration and the powder is discharged from the outlet of the hopper and the outlet hole. Free runoff is promoted. As a result, there is an effect that even fine powders that easily form crosslinks can be smoothly transported and supplied without causing a clogging phenomenon.

According to the invention described in claim 4, claim 1 is provided.
In the invention according to any one of the third to third aspects, a slit formed in the outer peripheral edge of the outlet of the hopper in the horizontal direction is an outflow hole. Therefore, in addition to the operation and effect of any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, the powder freely flows out from the slit in the horizontal direction, and the outflow is promoted.
For this reason, there is an effect that the powder can be supplied to the supply surface with directivity.

According to the invention described in claim 5, according to claim 1
In any one of the third to third aspects of the present invention, the mesh provided in the through hole formed perpendicular to the vibrator is the outflow hole. Therefore, in addition to the function and effect of any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, the powder freely flows vertically through the through hole through the mesh, and the outflow is promoted. For this reason, there is an effect that the powder can be supplied to the supply surface with directivity.

According to the invention of claim 6, according to claim 1,
A slit formed in the outer peripheral edge of the outlet of the hopper in a horizontal direction,
A mesh provided in a through hole formed perpendicular to the vibrator is used as an outflow hole, and a receiving member for receiving a powder mass is provided outside the slit. Therefore, in addition to the operation and effect of any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, a part of the powder freely flows out of the mesh and the through hole, and a part of the powder freely flows out of the slit. The large lumps in the powder are received by the receiving member and separated from other powders. As a result, the transport / supply amount of the powder can be relatively increased, and the effect that the powder can be transported / supplied smoothly after removing the powder lumps in advance is exhibited.

According to the invention of claim 7, according to claim 1,
In any one of the above-described inventions, the vibration generating means may be an ultrasonic vibration device that applies ultrasonic vibration of an elliptical trajectory to the vibrator by the vibrator. Therefore, in addition to the operation and effect of any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, by adjusting the outflow direction of the powder from the outflow hole to the elliptical locus direction of the ultrasonic vibration, the powder, the outflow hole or Both the application of vibration to the hopper and the directivity of the flow of the powder are ensured, and the free outflow of the powder is promoted. As a result, for the fine powder,
It is possible to achieve the effect that the transportation and the supply can be carried out most effectively without causing the clogging phenomenon, and the transportation and the supply of the powder in which the powder is hardly formed can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a powder feeder and a control device thereof according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the structure of the ultrasonic motor.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the ultrasonic motor.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the structure and operation of the powder feeder.

FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged sectional view showing a slit.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing the operation of the powder feeder.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing the results of measuring the particle size distribution of the fine powder.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure and operation of a powder feeder according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the hopper.

FIG. 10 is a side view showing the operation of the powder feeder.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure and an operation of a powder feeder according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a hopper and the like.

FIG. 13 is a side view showing the operation of the powder feeder.

FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a conventional powder feeder.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 powder feeder 2 hopper 2a outlet 3 ultrasonic motor (vibration generating means and ultrasonic generating device) 4 horn (vibrator) 9 slit (outflow hole) 10 powder 10a lump 11 powder feeder 12 through hole 13 mesh ( Outflow hole) 15 Powder feeder 16 Receiving part

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 3F037 AA07 AA09 BA03 CA14 CB06 CC05 3F075 AA08 BA01 BB01 CA02 CA09 CB01 CB04 CB06 CB12 CB14 CB15 CC07 CD07 5D107 AA07 BB06 CC03 CC10 FF07 FF10

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A powder feeder which vibrates a powder freely flowing out of an outlet of a hopper by gravity by a vibrator of a vibration generating means so that the powder flows out of a predetermined outlet hole. Providing the outflow hole with respect to the vibrator, bringing the outlet of the hopper close to the outflow hole, and controlling the free outflow of the crosslinked powder by forming the outflow hole so that the crosslink is released. And setting the size of the powder so as to allow the free outflow of the powder. 2. A powder feeder in which vibration is applied by a vibrator of a vibration generating means to powder freely flowing out by gravity from an outlet of a hopper, so that the powder flows out of a predetermined outflow hole. A powder feeder, wherein vibration is applied to the hopper. 3. A powder feeder in which a vibrator of a vibration generating means applies vibration to a powder which flows out freely from an outlet of a hopper by gravity, so that the powder flows out of a predetermined outflow hole. Attaching the hopper to the vibrator by joining an outlet of the hopper to the vibrator; arranging the outflow hole at an overlapping portion between the outlet of the hopper and the vibrator; Controlling the free outflow of the crosslinked powder, and setting the size of the crosslinked powder to such an extent as to allow the free outflow of the decrosslinked powder. feeder. 4. The powder feeder according to claim 1, wherein the outlet is a slit formed in an outer peripheral edge of an outlet of the hopper in a horizontal direction. A powder feeder characterized in that: 5. The powder feeder according to claim 1, wherein the outflow hole is provided for a through hole formed in a direction perpendicular to the vibrator. A powder feeder characterized in that the powder feeder is a mesh. 6. The powder feeder according to claim 1, wherein the outlet hole has a slit formed in an outer peripheral edge of an outlet of the hopper in a horizontal direction. A mesh provided for a through hole formed in the vibrator in a vertical direction, and a receiving member arranged outside the slit to receive the powder mass flowing out of the slit. Powder feeder characterized in that: 7. The powder feeder according to claim 1, wherein said vibration generating means applies an ultrasonic vibration of an elliptical locus to said vibrator by said vibrator. Powder feeder characterized by being an ultrasonic vibrating device.