JP2004284620A

JP2004284620A - Method and apparatus for packing powder

Info

Publication number: JP2004284620A
Application number: JP2003077641A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Yoshiaki Kato; 由章加藤
Original assignee: Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2003-03-20
Filing date: 2003-03-20
Publication date: 2004-10-14
Anticipated expiration: 2023-03-20
Also published as: JP3740497B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and an apparatus for packing a powder capable of improving working efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: The packing method includes: a step of discharging the powder W stored in a tank 2; a step of automatically switching flow paths 9<SB>1</SB>, 9<SB>2</SB>-9<SB>n</SB>of the powder flowing down by its own weight for automatically and individually filling with the powder a plurality of containers C<SB>1</SB>, C<SB>2</SB>-C<SB>n</SB>placed at predetermined positions below the tank; a step of automatically stopping discharging the powder after all of the containers are filled with the powder; and a step of closing all of the containers for carrying them out and carrying a plurality of new containers to the predetermined positions, wherein the above steps are repeated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、トナー等の粉体を広口瓶やコンテナー等の容器にパッキングする粉体のパッキング方法及び装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、この種の粉体のパッキング装置としては、図４に示すトナーのパッキング装置が知られている。
図中３１は図示しないトナー製造装置から空気輸送路３２を介して送給されるトナーＷを貯留するタンクで、このタンク１は、ロードセル３３によってその中に貯留されたトナーＷの重量が秤量されるように設けられている一方、トナーＷと共に送給された空気を排出する脱気フィルタ３４が上部に設けられ、又、トナーＷを払い出すロータリバルブ等の容量可変形の払出し機３５及びトナーＷの払出しを円滑にするエアノッカ３６が下部に設けられている。
タンク３１下方の所定位置には、広口瓶等の容器Ｃを載置して秤量する１台の台秤３７が設置されている。
そして、払出し機３５には、自重により流下するトナーＷを台秤３７上の容器Ｃに供給する供給路３８の上端が接続されており、この供給路３８には、トナーＷ中の凝集体を篩い分ける篩分機３９が介装されている。
【０００３】
上述したトナーのパッキング装置によるトナーＷのパッキング作業は、作業者Ｍが空の容器Ｃを台秤３７上に載置した後、払出し用機器である篩分機３９、払出し機３５及びエアノッカ３６の作動をこの順に作業者Ｍが起動し、台秤３７が容器Ｃの充填状態を秤量した時に、作業者Ｍがエアノッカ３６、払出し機３５及び篩分機３９の作動をこの順に停止し、しかる後に、容器Ｃを閉蓋して搬出する作業を繰り返して行われている。
このように、１つの容器ＣへのトナーＷのパッキング作業毎に、払出し用機器の作動の起動、停止を繰り返すのは、トナーＷは、流動性の高い粉体であり、かつ、高価であることもあって、トナーＷが充填された容器Ｃを閉蓋して搬出し、新たな空の容器Ｃを台秤３７上に載置したりするのに、容器ＣへのトナーＷの充填及び払出し用機器の作動の起動、停止に要する時間（例えば、容量５００ｇの容器で１分程度）と同等以上の時間がかかるからである。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかし、従来の粉体のパッキング方法及び装置では、１つの容器への粉体のパッキング作業毎に、払い出し用機器の作動の起動、停止操作による粉体の払出し工程と払出し停止工程を繰り返しているため、パッキングの作業効率が低い不具合がある。
【０００５】
そこで、本発明は、作業効率を高め得る粉体のパッキング方法及び装置の提供を課題とする。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記課題を解決するため、本発明の第１の粉体のパッキング方法は、タンクに貯留した粉体を払い出す工程と、自重により流下する粉体の流路を順次自動的に切り替えてタンク下方の所定位置に配置した複数の容器に粉体を自動的に個別に充填する工程と、全容器への粉体の充填後に粉体の払出しを自動的に停止する工程と、全容器を閉蓋して搬出し、新たな複数の容器を前記所定位置に搬入する工程とを繰り返すことを特徴とする。
【０００７】
第２の粉体のパッキング方法は、タンクに貯留した粉体を払い出す工程の後、自重により流下する粉体の流路を自動的に切り替えてタンク下方の所定位置に配置した容器に粉体を自動的に充填する工程と、容器への粉体の充填後に流路を自動的に切り替えてタンクに粉体を返送する工程と、容器を閉蓋して搬出し、新たな容器を前記所定位置に搬入する工程とを繰り返すことを特徴とする。
【０００８】
又、第３の粉体のパッキング方法は、タンクに貯留した粉体を払い出す工程の後、自重により流下する粉体の流路を順次自動的に切り替えてタンク下方の所定位置に配置した複数の容器に粉体を自動的に個別に充填する工程と、全容器への粉体の充填後に流路を自動的に切り替えてタンクに粉体を返送する工程と、全容器を閉蓋して搬出し、新たな複数の容器を前記所定位置に搬入する工程とを繰り返すことを特徴とする。
【０００９】
一方、第１の粉体のパッキング装置は、粉体を貯留するタンクと、タンクの底部から粉体を払い出す払出し機と、タンク下方の所定位置に設置され、容器を個別に載置して秤量する複数の台秤と、払出し機に流路切替機を介在して接続され、自重により流下する粉体を各台秤上の容器に個別に供給する複数の分岐路を有する供給路と、払出し機起動後のその作動を継続する一方、台秤が容器の充填状態を秤量した時に供給路の分岐路を順次切り替えるべく流路切替機を切り替えると共に、全台秤が各容器の充填状態を秤量した時に払出し機の作動を停止し、かつ、流路切替機を原位置に復帰させるように制御する制御手段とを備えることを特徴とする。
【００１０】
第２の粉体のパッキング装置は、粉体を貯留するタンクと、タンクの底部から粉体を払い出す払出し機と、タンク下方の所定位置に設置され、容器を載置して秤量する台秤及び粉体を貯留する戻し用ホッパと、払出し機に流路切替機を介在して接続され、自重により流下する粉体を容器に供給する容器用分岐路及び戻し用ホッパに供給するホッパ用分岐路を有する供給路と、戻し用ホッパから粉体をタンクに返送する返送手段と、払出し機及び返送手段起動後のそれらの作動を継続する一方、台秤が容器の空状態を秤量した時に粉体を容器用分岐路に流すべく流路切替機を切り替えると共に、台秤が容器の充填状態を秤量した時に粉体をホッパ用分岐路に流すべく流路切替機を切り替えるように制御する制御手段とを備えることを特徴とする。
【００１１】
又、第３の粉体のパッキング装置は、粉体を貯留するタンクと、タンクの下部から粉体を払い出す払出し機と、タンク下方の所定位置に設置され、容器を個別に載置して秤量する複数の台秤及び粉体を貯留する戻し用ホッパと、払出し機に流路切替機を介在して接続され、自重により流下する粉体を各台秤上の容器に個別に供給する複数の容器用分岐路及び戻し用ホッパに供給するホッパ用分岐路を有する供給路と、戻し用ホッパから粉体をタンクに返送する返送手段と、払出し機及び返送手段起動後のそれらの作動を継続する一方、全台秤が各容器の空状態を秤量した時に粉体を容器用分岐路に流すべく流路切替機を切り替えると共に、台秤が容器の充填状態を秤量した時に容器用分岐路を順次切り替えるべく流路切替機を切り替え、かつ、全台秤が各容器の充填状態を秤量した時に粉体をホッパ用分岐路に流すべく流路切替機を切り替えるように制御する制御手段とを備えることを特徴とする。
【００１２】
【作用】
本発明の第１の粉体のパッキング方法及び装置においては、払出し機の作動の停止操作による粉体の払出し停止工程が不要となり、かつ、１サイクルで複数の容器への粉体のパッキングが行われる。
【００１３】
第２の粉体のパッキング方法及び装置においては、払出し機及び返送手段の起動による払出し工程と返送工程の開始後、それらの作動の停止操作による粉体の払出し、返送停止工程が、何サイクルにも亘るパッキング作業の継続中不要となる。
【００１４】
又、第３の粉体のパッキング方法及び装置においては、払出し機及び返送手段の起動による払出し工程と返送工程の開始後、それらの作動の停止操作による粉体の払出し、返送停止工程が、何サイクルにも亘るパッキング作業の継続中不要となり、かつ、１サイクルで複数の容器への粉体のパッキングが行われる。
【００１５】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施の形態について図面を参照して説明する。
図１は本発明に係る粉体のパッキング装置の第１の実施の形態を示す概略構成図である。
【００１６】
このパッキング装置は、粉体としてのトナーを広口瓶やコンテナー等の容器にパッキングするためのもので、図示しないトナー製造装置から空気輸送路１を介して送給されるトナーＷを貯留するタンク２を備えている。
タンク２は、その中に貯留されたトナーＷの重量を秤量すべく、ロードセル３によって重量を秤量されており、ロードセル３によって秤量された計測信号は、後述する制御手段に出力されるものである。
タンク２の上部には、トナーＷと共に送給された空気を排出する脱気フィルタ４が設けられている一方、タンク２の下部には、トナーＷを払い出すロータリバルブ等の容量可変形の払出し機５及びトナーＷの払出しを円滑にするエアノッカ６が設けられている。
【００１７】
タンク２下方の所定位置には、複数の容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎを個別に載置して秤量する複数の台秤７_１，７_２，…，７_ｎが設置されている一方、前記払出し機５には、自重により流下するトナーＷを各台秤７_１，７_２，…，７_ｎ上の容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎに個別に供給すべく、切替ダンパ等の流路切替機８を介在して下端部を可撓性の複数本の分岐路９_１，９_２，…，９_ｎに分岐させた供給路９の上端が接続されており、この供給路９における流路切替機８の上流には、トナーＷ中の凝集体を篩い分ける篩分機１０が介装されている。
上記各台秤７_１，７_２，…，７_ｎによって秤量された別個の又は全ての容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎのトナーＷの充填状態の信号は、後述する制御手段に出力されるものである。
【００１８】
制御手段１１は、図示しない操作盤の起動ボタンを作業者Ｍが操作することによって、払出し用機器としての篩分機１０、払出し機５及びエアノッカ６の作動をこの順に起動し、かつ、それらの作動を継続する一方、各台秤７_１，７_２，…，７_ｎによって秤量された別個の容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎのトナーＷの充填状態の信号が入力された時に、供給路９の分岐路９_１，９_２，…，９_ｎを順に切り替えるべく流路切替機８を制御すると共に、各台秤７_１，７_２，…，７_ｎによって秤量された全ての容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎのトナーＷの充填状態の信号が入力された時に、払出し用機器の作動を起動時とは逆に停止し、かつ、流路切替機８を原位置に復帰させるように制御するものであり、加えて、タンク２内のトナーＷが所定重量になったとのロードセル３からの計測信号や作業者Ｍの停止ボタンの操作による操作盤からの停止信号によって、払出し用機器の作動を上述した場合と同様の順序で停止するように制御するものである。
【００１９】
上述したトナーのパッキング装置によりトナーＷのパッキングを行うには、先ず、作業者Ｍが、各台秤７_１，７_２，…，７_ｎ上に容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_３を個別に載置した後、操作盤の起動ボタンを操作すると、制御手段１１によって、払出し用機器の篩分機１０、払出し機５及びエアノッカ６がこの順に起動され、かつ、それらの作動が継続される一方、タンク２からトナーＷが払い出され、自重により流下するトナーＷが供給路９の上端部から篩分機１０を経て凝集体を篩い分けられると共に、流路切替機８及び１本目の分岐路９_１を経て１台目の台秤７_１上の容器Ｃ_１に投入される。
そして、１台目の台秤７_１によって秤量されたその上の容器Ｃ_１のトナーＷの充填状態の信号が制御手段１１へ出力されると、制御手段１１から流路切替機８へ信号が出力されて供給路９が２本目の分岐路９_２に切り替えられ、以下、各容器Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎへのトナーＷの個別の充填と流路切替機８による分岐路９_３，９_４，…，９_ｎへの自動的な切替えが順次行われる。
次に、各台秤７_１，７_２，…，７_ｎによって秤量された全ての容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎのトナーＷの充填状態の信号が制御手段１１へ出力されると、制御手段１１からエアノッカ６、払出し機５及び篩分機１０へ信号が出力されてそれらがその順に作動を停止し、かつ、制御手段１１から流路切替機８へ信号が出力されて流路切替機８が原位置に復帰させられる。
【００２０】
次いで、作業者Ｍが、全台秤７_１，７_２，…，７_３上の各容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎを閉蓋して搬出した後、新たな複数の容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_３を搬入して各台秤７_１，７_２，…，７_ｎ上に載置する。
以下、トナーＷを払い出す工程と、複数の容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎにトナーＷを自動的に順次充填する工程と、トナーＷの払出しを自動的に停止する工程と、全容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎを閉蓋して搬出し、新たな複数の容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎを所定位置に搬入する工程とを繰り返す。
上述したトナーＷのパッキング中に、タンク２内のトナーＷが所定重量になったとのロードセル３からの計測信号や作業者Ｍの停止ボタンの操作による操作盤からの停止信号が制御手段１１へ出力されると、制御手段１１から払出し用機器のエアノッカ６、払出し機５及び篩分機１０へ信号が出力されてそれらの作動がその順に停止する。
【００２１】
図２は本発明に係る粉体のパッキング装置の第２の実施の形態を示す概略構成図である。
なお、以下の説明において、図１のものと同一の機能を奏する構成部材等には、同一の符号を付してその説明を省略する。
【００２２】
このパッキング装置は、第１の実施の形態のものと同様に粉体としてのトナーを広口瓶やコンテナー等の容器にパッキングするためのものであり、第１の実施の形態のものが、１サイクル毎に払出し用機器である篩分機１０、払出し機５及びエアノッカ６の作動の起動操作を必要としているのに対し、一旦、払出し用機器の作動の起動操作を行った後は、何サイクルに亘っても起動操作を不要としたものである。
すなわち、タンク２下方の所定位置には、１つの容器Ｃを載置して秤量する１台の台秤７及びトナーＷを貯留する戻し用ホッパ１２が設置されている一方、払出し機５には、トナーＷを台秤７上の容器Ｃ又は戻し用ホッパ１２に供給すべく、切替ダンパ等の流路切替機１３を介在して下端部を可撓性の１本の容器用分岐路１４_ｃ及び剛性の１本のホッパ用分岐路１４_ｈに分岐させた供給路１４の上端が接続されている。
上記台秤７によって秤量された容器ＣのトナーＷの空状態及び充填状態の信号は、後述する制御手段に出力されるものである。
【００２３】
一方、戻し用ホッパ１２に貯留されたトナーＷは、返送手段１５を介してタンク２に返送されるように設けられている。
返送手段１５は、戻し用ホッパ１２に貯留されたトナーＷを空気輸送すべく一端に吸気フィルタ１６を取り付けた返送路１７、返送路１７の他端に接続されたバグフィルタ１８、バグフィルタ１８から脱気する風量調整可能な排気ブロワ１９、バグフィルタ１８の下部に設けられ、トナーＷを払い出すロータリバルブ等の払出し機２０及びトナーＷの払出しを円滑にするエアノッカ２１、並びに払出し機２０に接続されてトナーＷをタンク２へ流下させる流下路２２からなる。
【００２４】
制御手段２３は、図示しない操作盤の起動ボタンを作業者Ｍが操作することによって、返送手段１５の排気ブロワ１９、払出し機２０及びエアノッカ２１の作動並びに払出し用機器の篩分機１０、払出し機５及びエアノッカ６の作動をこの順に起動し、かつ、それらの作動を継続する一方、台秤７によって秤量された容器ＣのトナーＷの空状態の信号が入力された時に、供給路１４の下端を容器用分岐路１４_ｃへ切り替えるべく流路切替機１３を制御すると共に、台秤７によって秤量された容器ＣのトナーＷの充填状態の信号が入力された時に、供給路１４の下端をホッパ用分岐路１４_ｈへ切り替えるべく流路切替機１３を制御するものであり、加えて、タンク２内のトナーＷが所定重量になったとのロードセル３からの計測信号や作業者Ｍの停止ボタンの操作による操作盤からの停止信号によって、返送手段１５並びに払出し用機器の作動を起動時とは全く逆の順に停止するように制御するものである。
【００２５】
上述したトナーのパッキング装置によりトナーＷのパッキングを行うには、先ず、作業者Ｍが、台秤７上に容器Ｃを載置した後、操作盤の起動ボタンを操作すると、制御手段２３によって、返送手段１５の排気ブロワ１９、払出し機２０及びエアノッカ２１がこの順に起動され、かつ、それらの作動が継続される一方、台秤７によって秤量されたその上の容器ＣのトナーＷの空状態の信号が制御手段２３へ出力され、かつ、制御手段２３から流路切替機１３へ信号が出力されて供給路１４が容器分岐路１４_ｃに切り替えられる。
次に、制御手段２３によって、払出し用機器の篩分機１０、払出し機５及びエアノッカ６がこの順に起動され、かつ、それらの作動が制御手段２３によって継続される一方、タンク２からトナーＷが払い出され、自重により流下するトナーＷが供給路１４の上端部から篩分機１０を経て凝集体を篩い分けられると共に、流路切替機１３及び容器用分岐路１４_ｃを経て容器Ｃに投入される。
そして、台秤７によって秤量されたその上の容器ＣのトナーＷの充填状態の信号が制御手段２３へ出力されると、制御手段２３から流路切替機１３へ信号が出力されて供給路１４がホッパ用分岐路１４_ｈに切り替えられ、ホッパ用分岐路１４_ｈを流下して戻し用ホッパ１２に貯留されたトナーＷは、返送手段１５の返送路１７を空気輸送されてバグフィルタ１８に流入し、空気と分離された後、払出し機２０から流下路２２を経てタンク２に返送される。
【００２６】
次いで、作業者Ｍが、台秤７上の容器Ｃを閉蓋して搬出した後、新たな容器Ｃを搬入して台秤７上に載置する。
以下、供給路１４を自動的に切り替えて容器ＣにトナーＷを自動的に充填する工程と、容器ＣへのトナーＷの充填後に供給路１４を自動的に切り替えてタンク２にトナーＷを返送する工程と、容器Ｃを閉蓋して搬出し、新たな容器Ｃを台秤７上に搬入する工程とを繰り返す。
上述したトナーＷのパッキング中に、タンク２内のトナーＷが所定重量になったとのロードセル３からの計測信号や作業者Ｍの停止ボタンの操作による操作盤からの停止信号が制御手段２３へ出力されると、制御手段２３から払出し用機器のエアノッカ６、払出し機５及び篩分機１０へ信号が出力されてそれらの作動がその順に停止された後、制御手段２３から返送手段１５のエアノッカ２１、払出し機２０及び排気ブロワ１９へ信号が出力されてそれらの作動がその順に停止する。
【００２７】
図３は本発明に係る粉体のパッキング装置の第３の実施の形態を示す概略構成図である。
なお、以下の説明において、図１、図２のものと同一の機能を奏する構成部材等には同一の符号を付してその説明を省略する。
【００２８】
このパッキング装置は、第１、第２の実施の形態のものと同様に粉体としてのトナーを広口瓶やコンテナー等の容器にパッキングするためのものであり、第２の実施の形態のものが、１サイクル毎に１つの容器にパッキングするのに対し、１サイクル毎に複数の容器にパッキングするようにしたものである。
すなわち、タンク２下方の所定位置には、複数の容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎを個別に載置して秤量する複数の台秤７_１，７_２，…，７_ｎ及びトナーＷを貯留する戻し用ホッパ１２が設置されている一方、払出し機５には、自重により流下するトナーＷを各台秤７_１，７_２，…，７_ｎ上の容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎ及び戻し用ホッパ１２に個別に供給すべく、切替ダンパ等の流路切替機２４を介在して下端部を可撓性の複数本の容器用分岐路２５_ｃ１，２５_ｃ２，…，２５_ｃｎ及び剛性の１本のホッパ用分岐路２５_ｈに分岐させた供給路２５の上端が接続されている。
上記台秤７_１，７_２，…，７_ｎによって秤量された容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎのトナーＷの空状態及び充填状態の信号は、後述する制御手段に出力されるものである。
【００２９】
制御手段２６は、図示しない操作盤の起動ボタンを作業者Ｍが操作することによって、返送手段１５の排気ブロワ１９、払出し機２０及びエアノッカ２１の作動並びに払出し用機器の篩分機１０、払出し機５及びエアノッカ６の作動をこの順に起動し、かつ、それらの作動を継続する一方、台秤７_１，７_２，…，７_ｎによって秤量された容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎのトナーＷの空状態の信号が入力された時に、供給路２５の下端を容器用分岐路２５_ｃ１，２５_ｃ２，…，２５_ｃｎへ切り替えるべく流路切替機２４を制御すると共に、各台秤７_１，７_２，…，７_ｎによって秤量された別個の容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎのトナーＷの充填状態の信号が入力された時に、供給路２５の下端の容器用分岐路２５_ｃ１，２５_ｃ２，…，２５_ｃｎを順に切り替えるべく流路切替機２４を制御し、かつ、各台秤７_１，７_２，…，７_ｎによって秤量された全ての容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎのトナーＷの充填状態の信号が入力された時に、供給路２５の下端をホッパ用分岐路２５_ｈへ切り替えるべく流路切替機２４を制御するものであり、加えて、タンク２内のトナーＷが所定重量になったとのロードセル３からの計測信号や作業者Ｍの停止ボタンの操作による操作盤からの停止信号によって、返送手段１５の機器並びに払出し用機器の作動を起動時とは全く逆の順序で停止するように制御するものである。
【００３０】
上述したトナーのパッキング装置によりトナーＷのパッキングを行うには、先ず、作業者Ｍが、台秤７_１，７_２，…，７_ｎ上に容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎを個別に載置した後、操作盤の起動ボタンを操作すると、制御手段２６によって、返送手段１５の排気ブロワ１９、払出し機２０及びエアノッカ２１がこの順に起動され、かつ、それらの作動が継続される一方、全ての台秤７_１，７_２，…，７_３によって秤量されたそれらの上の容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎのトナーＷの空状態の信号が制御手段２６へ出力され、かつ、制御手段２６から流路切替機２４へ信号が出力されて供給路２５の下端が１本目の容器分岐路２５_ｃ１に切り替えられる。
次に、制御手段２６によって、払出し用機器の篩分機１０、払出し機５及びエアノッカ６がこの順に起動され、かつ、それらの作動が継続される一方、タンク２からトナーＷが払い出され、自重により流下するトナーＷが供給路２５の上端部から篩分機１０を経て凝集体を篩い分けられると共に、流路切替機２４及び１本目の容器用分岐路２５_ｃ１を経て１番目の台秤７_１上の容器Ｃ_１に投入される。
そして、１台目の台秤７_１によって秤量されたその上の容器Ｃ_１のトナーＷの充填状態の信号が制御手段２６へ出力されると、制御手段２６から流路切替機２４へ信号が出力されて供給路２５が２本目の容器用分岐路２５_ｃ２に切り替えられ、以下、各容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎへのトナーＷの充填と流路切替機２４による容器用分岐路２５_ｃ３，２５_ｃ４，…，２５_ｃｎへの自動的な切替えが順次行われる。
次いで、各台秤７_１，７_２，…，７_ｎによって秤量された全ての容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎのトナーＷの充填状態の信号が制御手段２６へ出力されると、制御手段２６から流路切替機２４へ信号が出力されて供給路２５の下端がホッパ用分岐路２５_ｈに切り替えられ、ホッパ用分岐路２５_ｈを流下して戻し用ホッパ１２に貯留されたトナーＷは、返送手段１５の返送路１７を空気輸送されてバグフィルタ１８に流入し、空気と分離された後、払出し機２０から流下路２２を経てタンク２２に返送される。
【００３１】
次に、作業者Ｍが、全台秤７_１，７_２，…，７_ｎ上の各容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎを閉蓋して搬出した後、新たな複数の容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎを搬入して各台秤７_１，７_２，…，７_ｎ上に載置する。
以下、供給路２５の容器用分岐路２５_ｃ１，２５_ｃ２，…，２５_ｃｎを自動的に切り替えて複数の容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎにトナーＷを自動的に個別に充填する工程と、全容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎへのトナーＷの充填後に供給路２５をホッパ用分岐路２５_ｈへ自動的に切り替えてタンク２にトナーＷを返送する工程と、全容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎを閉蓋して搬出し、新たな複数の容器Ｃ_１，Ｃ_２，…，Ｃ_ｎを台秤７_１，７_２，…，７_ｎ上に搬入する工程とを繰り返す。
上述したトナーＷのパッキング中に、タンク２内のトナーＷが所定重量になったとのロードセル３からの計測信号や作業者Ｍの停止ボタンの操作による操作盤からの停止信号が制御手段２６へ出力されると、制御手段２６から払出し用機器のエアノッカ６、払出し機５及び篩分機１０へ信号が出力されてそれらの作動がその順に停止された後、制御手段２６から返送手段１５のエアノッカ２１、払出し機２０及び排気ブロワ１９へ信号が出力されてそれらの作動がその順に停止する。
【００３２】
なお、前述した各実施の形態においては、粉体としてトナーを挙げて説明したが、これに限定されるものではなく、各種の粉体のパッキングに適用できるのは勿論である。
又、払出し用機器として、払出し機の他にエアノッカ及び篩分機を用いる場合について説明したが、払出し機のみを用いるようにしてもよい。
【００３３】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明の第１の粉体のパッキング方法及び装置によれば、払出し機の作動の停止操作による粉体の払出し停止工程が不要となり、かつ、１サイクルで複数の容器への粉体のパッキングが行われるので、従来に比べて作業効率を高めることができる。
【００３４】
第２の粉体のパッキング方法及び装置によれば、払出し機及び返送手段の起動による払出し工程と返送工程の開始後、それらの作動の停止操作による粉体の払出し、返送停止工程が、何サイクルにも亘るパッキング作業の継続中不要となるので、従来に比べて作業効率を高めることができる。
【００３５】
又、第３の粉体のパッキング方法及び装置によれば、払出し機及び返送手段の起動による払出し工程と返送工程の開始後、そられの作動の停止操作による粉体の払出し、返送停止工程が、何サイクルにも亘るパッキング作業の継続中不要となり、かつ、１サイクルで複数の容器への粉体のパッキングが行われるので、従来に比べて大幅に作業効率を高めることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係る粉体のパッキング装置の第１の実施の形態を示す概略構成図である。
【図２】本発明に係る粉体のパッキング装置の第２の実施の形態を示す概略構成図である。
【図３】本発明に係る粉体のパッキング装置の第３の実施の形態を示す概略構成図である。
【図４】従来の粉体のパッキング装置を示す概略構成図である。
【符号の説明】
２タンク
３ロードセル
５払出し機
７台秤
７_１，…，７_ｎ台秤
８流路切替機
９供給路
９_１，…，９_ｎ分岐路
１１制御手段
１２戻し用ホッパ
１３流路切替機
１４供給路
１４_ｃ容器用分岐路
１４_ｈホッパ用分岐路
１５返送手段
１７返送路
１８バグフィルタ
１９排気ブロワ
２０払出し機
２２流下路
２３制御手段
２４流路切替機
２５供給路
２５_ｃ１，…，２５_ｃｎ容器用分岐路
２５_ｈホッパ用分岐路
２６制御手段
Ｗトナー（粉体）
Ｃ容器
Ｃ_１，…，Ｃ_ｎ容器
Ｍ作業者[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for packing powder such as toner in a container such as a jar or a container.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a toner packing device shown in FIG. 4 has been known as this type of powder packing device.
In the drawing, reference numeral 31 denotes a tank for storing the toner W sent from a toner manufacturing apparatus (not shown) via an air transport path 32. The tank 1 has a load cell 33 in which the weight of the toner W stored therein is weighed. A deaeration filter 34 for discharging air supplied with the toner W is provided at the top, and a variable-volume dispenser 35 such as a rotary valve for discharging the toner W and a toner An air knocker 36 for facilitating the payout of W is provided at a lower portion.
At a predetermined position below the tank 31, one platform scale 37 for placing and weighing a container C such as a wide-mouth bottle is installed.
An upper end of a supply path 38 that supplies the toner W flowing down by its own weight to the container C on the platform scale 37 is connected to the dispenser 35, and the supply path 38 sieves aggregates in the toner W. A separating sieve 39 is provided.
[0003]
In the packing operation of the toner W by the toner packing device described above, after the worker M places the empty container C on the platform scale 37, the operation of the sieving machine 39, the dispensing device 35, and the air knocker 36, which are dispensing devices, is performed. When the worker M starts in this order and the platform scale 37 weighs the filling state of the container C, the worker M stops the operation of the air knocker 36, the dispenser 35, and the sieving machine 39 in this order, and then removes the container C. The work of closing and carrying out is repeatedly performed.
As described above, the start and stop of the operation of the dispensing device are repeated every time the toner W is packed into one container C because the toner W is a powder having high fluidity and is expensive. In some cases, the container C filled with the toner W is closed and carried out, and a new empty container C is placed on the platform scale 37. This is because it takes time equal to or longer than the time required to start and stop the operation of the device (for example, about 1 minute in a container having a capacity of 500 g).
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional method and apparatus for packing powder, every time the powder is packed into one container, the steps of starting and stopping the operation of the dispensing device and dispensing the powder and stopping the dispensing are repeated. Therefore, there is a problem that the packing work efficiency is low.
[0005]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for packing powder that can enhance the working efficiency.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first powder packing method of the present invention includes a step of dispensing powder stored in a tank and a step of automatically switching a flow path of powder flowing down by its own weight in order to automatically lower the tank. Automatically and individually filling powder into a plurality of containers arranged at predetermined positions, automatically stopping the dispensing of powder after filling all the containers, and closing all containers. And carrying out a new plurality of containers to the predetermined position.
[0007]
The second method of packing the powder is as follows. After the step of discharging the powder stored in the tank, the flow path of the powder flowing down by its own weight is automatically switched and the powder is placed in a container arranged at a predetermined position below the tank. Automatically returning the powder to the container, returning the powder to the tank by automatically switching the flow path after filling the powder into the container, closing the container, carrying out the container, and placing a new container in the predetermined condition. And the step of carrying it into the position is repeated.
[0008]
The third method of packing the powder is such that, after the step of discharging the powder stored in the tank, the flow path of the powder flowing down by its own weight is automatically switched in sequence to arrange a plurality of powder at a predetermined position below the tank. Automatically and individually filling the powder into the container, and after automatically filling the powder in all the containers, automatically switching the flow path and returning the powder to the tank; And carrying out a plurality of new containers to the predetermined position.
[0009]
On the other hand, the first powder packing device is provided with a tank for storing powder, a dispenser for discharging powder from the bottom of the tank, and a predetermined position below the tank. A plurality of platform scales for weighing, a supply path connected to the dispensing machine via a flow path switching device, and a plurality of branch paths for individually supplying powder flowing down by its own weight to the containers on the respective platform scales; While the operation is continued after the start-up, while the platform scale weighs the filling state of the container, the flow path switcher is switched so as to sequentially switch the branch path of the supply path, and when all the platform scales weigh the filling state of each container, the payout is performed. Control means for stopping the operation of the machine and controlling the flow path switching machine to return to the original position.
[0010]
The second powder packing device includes a tank for storing the powder, a dispenser that discharges the powder from the bottom of the tank, a platform weigher that is installed at a predetermined position below the tank, and mounts and weighs a container. A return hopper for storing the powder, a branch path for the container, which is connected to the dispenser via a flow path switching device, and supplies the powder flowing down by its own weight to the container, and a branch path for the hopper, which supplies the powder to the return hopper. Supply path, and a return means for returning the powder from the return hopper to the tank, and while the dispenser and the return means are operated after their activation, the base weighs the powder when the empty state of the container is weighed. Control means for switching the flow path switching device to flow to the container branch path, and controlling the flow path switching apparatus to flow the powder to the hopper branch path when the platform weighs the filled state of the container. Characterized by
[0011]
The third powder packing device is a tank for storing powder, a dispenser for discharging powder from the lower part of the tank, and a predetermined position below the tank. A plurality of scales for weighing and a return hopper for storing the powder, and a plurality of containers connected to the dispenser via a flow path switching device and individually supplying the powder flowing down by its own weight to the containers on each scale. Supply path having a hopper branch path for supplying to the return branch and return hopper, return means for returning the powder from the return hopper to the tank, and operation of the dispenser and the return means after the start of the return means. When the whole scale weighs the empty state of each container, the flow path switching device is switched so that the powder flows into the container branch path. Switch the road switcher, and Characterized in that it comprises a control means for the entire platform balance is controlled to switch the flow path switching unit to flow into the hopper for the branch path powder when weighed filling state of each container.
[0012]
[Action]
In the first method and the apparatus for packing powder according to the present invention, the step of stopping the dispensing of the powder by stopping the operation of the dispensing machine becomes unnecessary, and the packing of the powder into a plurality of containers can be performed in one cycle. Is
[0013]
In the second method and the apparatus for packing powder, after the start of the dispensing step and the returning step by starting the dispensing machine and the returning means, the discharging and returning stop steps of the powder by stopping the operation are performed in several cycles. Is unnecessary during the continuous packing operation.
[0014]
Further, in the third method and the apparatus for packing powder, after the start of the dispensing step and the returning step by starting the dispensing machine and the returning means, the discharging and returning stop steps of the powder by stopping the operation of the steps are performed. It becomes unnecessary during the continuation of the packing operation over the cycle, and the packing of the powder into a plurality of containers is performed in one cycle.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of a powder packing device according to the present invention.
[0016]
This packing device is for packing the toner as a powder into a container such as a wide-mouthed bottle or a container, and has a tank 2 for storing the toner W sent from the toner manufacturing device (not shown) via the air transport path 1. It has.
The weight of the tank 2 is measured by the load cell 3 in order to measure the weight of the toner W stored therein, and the measurement signal weighed by the load cell 3 is output to control means described later. .
A degassing filter 4 for discharging air supplied with the toner W is provided at an upper portion of the tank 2, and a variable-volume dispensing device such as a rotary valve for dispensing the toner W is provided at a lower portion of the tank 2. The apparatus 5 and an air knocker 6 for facilitating the dispensing of the toner W are provided.
[0017]
At a predetermined position below the tank 2, a plurality of containers C ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n A plurality of platform scales 7 for placing and weighing individually ₁ , 7 ₂ , ..., 7 _n Is installed in the dispenser 5, and the toner W flowing down by its own weight is weighed by each of the units 7. ₁ , 7 ₂ , ..., 7 _n Upper container C ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n In order to individually supply a plurality of branch paths 9 having flexible lower ends through flow path switching devices 8 such as switching dampers. ₁ , 9 ₂ ,…, 9 _n The upper end of the supply path 9 is connected, and a sieving machine 10 for sifting aggregates in the toner W is provided upstream of the flow path switching device 8 in the supply path 9.
Each platform scale 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ , ..., 7 _n Or all containers C weighed by ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n The signal of the filling state of the toner W is output to the control unit described later.
[0018]
The control means 11 activates the operations of the sieving machine 10, the dispensing machine 5 and the air knocker 6 as dispensing devices in this order by the operator M operating a start button of an operation panel (not shown). While the balance 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ , ..., 7 _n Separate container C weighed by ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n When the signal of the toner W filling state is input, the branch path 9 of the supply path 9 is ₁ , 9 ₂ ,…, 9 _n Are controlled in order to sequentially switch the flow paths, ₁ , 7 ₂ , ..., 7 _n All containers C weighed by ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n When the signal of the filling state of the toner W is input, the operation of the dispensing device is stopped in the reverse of the activation, and the flow switching device 8 is controlled to return to the original position. In addition, the operation of the dispensing device is described above by the measurement signal from the load cell 3 indicating that the toner W in the tank 2 has reached the predetermined weight or the stop signal from the operation panel by the operation of the stop button by the worker M. Control is performed so as to stop in the same order.
[0019]
In order to pack the toner W with the toner packing device described above, first, the worker M ₁ , 7 ₂ , ..., 7 _n Container C on top ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C ₃ When the start button of the operation panel is operated after individually placing the sieves, the sieving machine 10, the dispensing machine 5, and the air knocker 6 of the dispensing device are activated in this order by the control means 11, and their operations are continued. On the other hand, the toner W is discharged from the tank 2, the toner W flowing down by its own weight is sieved from the upper end of the supply path 9 through the sieving machine 10, and the flow path switching device 8 and the first branch Road 9 ₁ And the first scale 7 ₁ Upper container C ₁ It is thrown into.
And the first scale 7 ₁ Container C on it weighed by ₁ Is output to the control means 11, a signal is output from the control means 11 to the flow path switching device 8, and the supply path 9 is connected to the second branch path 9. ₂ Is switched to ₂ , ..., C _n Filling of the toner W into the branch and the branch path 9 by the flow path switching device 8 ₃ , 9 ₄ ,…, 9 _n Automatic switching to is performed sequentially.
Next, each scale 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ , ..., 7 _n All containers C weighed by ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n Is output to the control means 11, a signal is output from the control means 11 to the air knocker 6, the dispenser 5, and the sieving machine 10, which stop operating in that order and perform control. A signal is output from the means 11 to the flow switching device 8, and the flow switching device 8 is returned to the original position.
[0020]
Next, the worker M moves the entire scale 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ , ..., 7 ₃ Upper container C ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n After closing the container and carrying it out, new containers C ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C ₃ Is loaded and each unit is weighed 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ , ..., 7 _n Place on top.
Hereinafter, a process of dispensing the toner W and a plurality of containers C ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n Automatically and sequentially filling the toner W, a step of automatically stopping the dispensing of the toner W, ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n Is closed and carried out, and a plurality of containers C ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n And the step of transporting to a predetermined position.
During the above-described packing of the toner W, a measurement signal from the load cell 3 indicating that the toner W in the tank 2 has reached a predetermined weight and a stop signal from the operation panel due to the operation of the stop button by the worker M are output to the control unit 11. Then, a signal is output from the control means 11 to the air knocker 6, the dispensing machine 5, and the sieving machine 10 of the dispensing device, and the operation thereof is stopped in that order.
[0021]
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a second embodiment of the powder packing device according to the present invention.
In the following description, components and the like having the same functions as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
[0022]
This packing device is for packing toner as a powder in a container such as a jar or a container as in the case of the first embodiment. Each time it is necessary to start the operation of the sieving machine 10, the dispensing machine 5, and the air knocker 6, which are the dispensing devices, whereas once the starting operation of the dispensing device is performed, it takes several cycles. However, the startup operation is not required.
That is, at a predetermined position below the tank 2, one platform scale 7 for placing and weighing one container C and a return hopper 12 for storing the toner W are installed. In order to supply the toner W to the container C on the platform scale 7 or the return hopper 12, the lower end portion is provided with a single flexible container branch path 14 via a flow path switching device 13 such as a switching damper. _c And one rigid hopper branch path 14 _h The upper end of the supply path 14 is connected.
The signals indicating the empty state and the filled state of the toner W in the container C weighed by the platform weigher 7 are output to control means described later.
[0023]
On the other hand, the toner W stored in the return hopper 12 is provided so as to be returned to the tank 2 via the return means 15.
The return means 15 includes a return path 17 having an intake filter 16 attached to one end for transporting the toner W stored in the return hopper 12 by air, a bag filter 18 connected to the other end of the return path 17, and a bag filter 18. An exhaust blower 19 capable of adjusting the amount of air to be deaerated, a discharge device 20 such as a rotary valve for discharging the toner W, which is provided below the bag filter 18, an air knocker 21 for facilitating the discharge of the toner W, and a discharge device 20. The flow path 22 is configured to flow down the toner W to the tank 2.
[0024]
The control means 23 operates the exhaust blower 19 of the return means 15, the dispenser 20 and the air knocker 21, and operates the sieve 10 and dispenser 5 of the dispensing device by operating the start button of the operation panel (not shown) by the operator M. When the signal of the empty state of the toner W in the container C weighed by the platform weigher 7 is inputted, the lower end of the supply path 14 Branch 14 _c When the signal of the filling state of the toner W in the container C weighed by the platform weigher 7 is input, the lower end of the supply path 14 is connected to the hopper branch path 14. _h In addition, the flow control unit 13 controls the flow path switching device 13 so as to switch to the measurement signal from the load cell 3 indicating that the toner W in the tank 2 has reached the predetermined weight or from the operation panel by operating the stop button of the worker M. Is controlled so that the operation of the return means 15 and the dispensing device is stopped in the reverse order of the activation.
[0025]
In order to pack the toner W by the above-described toner packing device, first, the worker M places the container C on the platform scale 7 and then operates the start button of the operation panel. The exhaust blower 19, the dispenser 20 and the air knocker 21 of the means 15 are activated in this order and their operation is continued, while the empty signal of the toner W of the container C weighed by the platform scale 7 is output. A signal is output to the control means 23 and a signal is output from the control means 23 to the flow path switching device 13 so that the supply path 14 _c Can be switched to
Next, the sieving machine 10, the dispensing machine 5 and the air knocker 6 of the dispensing device are started in this order by the control means 23, and their operations are continued by the control means 23 while the toner W is dispensed from the tank 2. The toner W that is discharged and flows down by its own weight is sieved from the upper end of the supply path 14 through the sieving machine 10 through the agglomerate, and the flow path switching device 13 and the container branch path 14 _c Through the container C.
Then, when a signal indicating the filling state of the toner W in the container C thereon weighed by the platform weigher 7 is output to the control means 23, a signal is output from the control means 23 to the flow path switching device 13 and the supply path 14 is Hopper branch 14 _h And the hopper branch path 14 _h The toner W stored in the return hopper 12 is transported by air through the return path 17 of the return means 15 and flows into the bag filter 18 to be separated from the air. After that, it is returned to the tank 2.
[0026]
Next, the worker M closes the container C on the platform scale 7 and carries it out, and then carries in a new vessel C and places it on the platform scale 7.
Hereinafter, a step of automatically switching the supply path 14 to automatically fill the container C with the toner W, and a step of automatically switching the supply path 14 after filling the container C with the toner W, and returning the toner W to the tank 2. And a step of closing and carrying out the container C and carrying in a new container C onto the platform scale 7 are repeated.
During the above-described packing of the toner W, a measurement signal from the load cell 3 indicating that the toner W in the tank 2 has reached a predetermined weight and a stop signal from the operation panel due to the operation of the stop button by the worker M are output to the control unit 23. Then, a signal is output from the control means 23 to the air knocker 6, the dispensing machine 5, and the sieving machine 10 of the dispensing device, and their operations are stopped in that order. A signal is output to the dispenser 20 and the exhaust blower 19, and their operations stop in that order.
[0027]
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a third embodiment of the powder packing device according to the present invention.
In the following description, components and the like having the same functions as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.
[0028]
This packing device is for packing toner as a powder in a container such as a jar or a container as in the first and second embodiments. In contrast to packing in one container every cycle, packing is performed in a plurality of containers every cycle.
That is, a plurality of containers C ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n A plurality of platform scales 7 for placing and weighing individually ₁ , 7 ₂ , ..., 7 _n And a return hopper 12 for storing the toner W and the dispenser 5, the toner W flowing down by its own weight is weighed by each platform 7. ₁ , 7 ₂ , ..., 7 _n Upper container C ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n And a plurality of container branch paths 25 having flexible lower ends through a flow path switching device 24 such as a switching damper so as to be supplied individually to the return hopper 12. _c1 , 25 _c2 , ..., 25 _cn And one rigid hopper branch path 25 _h Is connected to the upper end of the supply path 25 which is branched.
The platform scale 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ , ..., 7 _n C weighed by ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n The signals of the empty state and the filled state of the toner W are output to the control means described later.
[0029]
The control means 26 operates the exhaust blower 19 of the return means 15, the dispenser 20 and the air knocker 21 as well as the sieve 10 and the dispenser 5 of the dispensing device by operating the start button of the operation panel (not shown) by the operator M. And the operation of the air knocker 6 are started in this order, and the operation is continued. ₁ , 7 ₂ , ..., 7 _n C weighed by ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n When the empty signal of the toner W is input, the lower end of the supply path 25 is connected to the container branch path 25. _c1 , 25 _c2 , ..., 25 _cn To control the flow path switching device 24 to switch to ₁ , 7 ₂ , ..., 7 _n Separate container C weighed by ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n When the signal of the toner W filling state is input, the container branch path 25 at the lower end of the supply path 25 is supplied. _c1 , 25 _c2 , ..., 25 _cn Are controlled in order to switch the order sequentially, and the balance 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ , ..., 7 _n All containers C weighed by ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n When the signal of the toner W filling state is input, the lower end of the supply path 25 is connected to the hopper branch path 25. _h In addition, the flow control unit 24 controls the flow path switching unit 24 to switch to the measurement signal from the load cell 3 indicating that the toner W in the tank 2 has reached the predetermined weight, or from the operation panel by operating the stop button of the worker M. Is controlled to stop the operation of the device of the return means 15 and the operation of the dispensing device in the completely opposite order to the activation.
[0030]
To pack the toner W with the above-described toner packing device, first, the worker M ₁ , 7 ₂ , ..., 7 _n Container C on top ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n When the start button of the operation panel is operated after individually placing, the exhaust blower 19, the dispenser 20 and the air knocker 21 of the return means 15 are started in this order by the control means 26, and their operations are continued. On the other hand, all platform scales 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ , ..., 7 ₃ Containers C on them weighed by ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n Is output to the control means 26, and a signal is output from the control means 26 to the flow path switch 24 so that the lower end of the supply path 25 is in the first container branch path 25. _c1 Can be switched to
Next, the sieving machine 10, the dispensing machine 5, and the air knocker 6 of the dispensing device are started in this order by the control means 26, and their operations are continued, while the toner W is dispensed from the tank 2 and the self-weight. The toner W flowing down from the supply path 25 is sieved from the upper end of the supply path 25 through the sieving machine 10, and the flow path switching device 24 and the first container branch path 25 _c1 The first platform scale 7 ₁ Upper container C ₁ It is thrown into.
And the first scale 7 ₁ Container C on it weighed by ₁ Is output to the control means 26, a signal is output from the control means 26 to the flow path switch 24, and the supply path 25 is connected to the second container branch path 25. _c2 Is switched to ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n Of toner W into the container and the branch path 25 for the container by the flow path switcher 24 _c3 , 25 _c4 , ..., 25 _cn Automatic switching to is performed sequentially.
Next, each platform scale 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ , ..., 7 _n All containers C weighed by ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n Is output to the control means 26, a signal is output from the control means 26 to the flow path switching unit 24, and the lower end of the supply path 25 is connected to the hopper branch path 25. _h To the hopper branch path 25 _h The toner W stored in the return hopper 12 is transported by air through the return path 17 of the return means 15 and flows into the bag filter 18 to be separated from the air. After that, it is returned to the tank 22.
[0031]
Next, the worker M moves the entire scale 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ , ..., 7 _n Upper container C ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n After closing the container and carrying it out, new containers C ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n Is loaded and each unit is weighed 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ , ..., 7 _n Place on top.
Hereinafter, the container branch channel 25 of the supply channel 25. _c1 , 25 _c2 , ..., 25 _cn Automatically switch to multiple containers C ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n Automatically and individually filling the toner W into the entire container C ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n After filling the toner W into the supply passage 25, the hopper branch passage 25 _h Automatically returning to the tank 2 and returning the toner W to the tank 2; ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n Is closed and carried out, and a plurality of containers C ₁ , C ₂ , ..., C _n Platform scale 7 ₁ , 7 ₂ , ..., 7 _n And the step of loading the wafer to the upper side are repeated.
During the above-described packing of the toner W, a measurement signal from the load cell 3 indicating that the toner W in the tank 2 has reached a predetermined weight and a stop signal from the operation panel due to the operation of the stop button by the worker M are output to the control unit 26. Then, a signal is output from the control means 26 to the air knocker 6, the dispensing machine 5, and the sieving machine 10 of the dispensing device, and the operation thereof is stopped in that order. A signal is output to the dispenser 20 and the exhaust blower 19, and their operations stop in that order.
[0032]
In each of the embodiments described above, the toner is described as the powder. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to packing of various powders.
Further, the case has been described in which an air knocker and a sieving machine are used as the dispensing device in addition to the dispensing machine, but only the dispensing machine may be used.
[0033]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first method and the apparatus for packing powder of the present invention, the step of stopping the dispensing of the powder by the operation of stopping the operation of the dispensing machine becomes unnecessary, and the plurality of containers can be stored in one cycle. Since the packing of the powder is performed, the working efficiency can be improved as compared with the conventional case.
[0034]
According to the second method and the apparatus for packing powder, after the start of the dispensing step and the returning step by starting the dispensing machine and the returning means, the number of cycles of the discharging and returning stop steps of the powder by stopping the operation of the steps. This operation is not required during the continuation of the packing operation, so that the operation efficiency can be improved as compared with the related art.
[0035]
Further, according to the third method and the apparatus for packing powder, after the start of the dispensing step and the returning step by starting the dispensing machine and the returning means, the discharging and returning stop steps of the powder by stopping the operation thereof are performed. This is unnecessary during the continuation of the packing operation for many cycles, and since the packing of the powder into a plurality of containers is performed in one cycle, the operation efficiency can be greatly improved as compared with the conventional case.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of a powder packing device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a second embodiment of the powder packing device according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a third embodiment of the powder packing device according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a conventional powder packing device.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 tanks
3 Load cell
5 Dispenser
7 scales
7 ₁ , ..., 7 _n Platform scale
8 Channel switching machine
9 Supply channel
9 ₁ ,…, 9 _n Fork
11 control means
12. Return hopper
13 Channel switching machine
14 Supply path
14 _c Fork for container
14 _h Hopper fork
15 Return means
17 Return route
18 Bag Filter
19 Exhaust blower
20 Dispensing machine
22 Downstream
23 control means
24 Channel switching machine
25 Supply channel
25 _c1 , ..., 25 _cn Fork for container
25 _h Hopper fork
26 control means
W Toner (powder)
C container
C ₁ , ..., C _n container
M worker

Claims

The process of dispensing the powder stored in the tank and automatically switching the flow path of the powder flowing down by its own weight to automatically fill the powder into a plurality of containers arranged at predetermined positions below the tank. A step of automatically stopping the dispensing of the powder after filling the powder into all the containers, and a step of closing all the containers and carrying them out and carrying a plurality of new containers into the predetermined position. A powder packing method characterized by repeating.

After the step of dispensing the powder stored in the tank, a step of automatically switching the flow path of the powder flowing down by its own weight and automatically filling the powder disposed in a predetermined position below the tank with the powder, Repeating the steps of automatically switching the flow path after the filling of the powder into the tank and returning the powder to the tank, closing the container and carrying out the container, and carrying the new container into the predetermined position. Characteristic powder packing method.

After the process of dispensing the powder stored in the tank, the flow path of the powder flowing down by its own weight is automatically switched sequentially, and the powder is automatically and individually filled into a plurality of containers arranged at predetermined positions below the tank A step of automatically switching the flow path after all the containers are filled with the powder and returning the powder to the tank, closing all the containers and carrying them out, and placing a plurality of new containers at the predetermined position. And a step of transporting the powder to a container.

A tank for storing the powder, a dispenser for dispensing the powder from the bottom of the tank, a plurality of platform scales installed at predetermined positions below the tank for individually placing and weighing containers, and a flow path for the dispenser. A supply path having a plurality of branch paths, which are connected via a switching machine and individually supply the powder flowing down by its own weight to the containers on the respective scales, and while continuing its operation after the dispenser is started, the scales are When the filling state of the container is weighed, the flow path switching device is switched so as to sequentially switch the branch path of the supply path, and when all the scales weigh the filling state of each container, the operation of the dispenser is stopped, and the flow path is switched. Control means for controlling the machine to return to its original position.

A tank for storing the powder, a dispensing machine for discharging the powder from the bottom of the tank, and a return hopper for storing the powder and a platform weigher for placing and weighing the container, which is installed at a predetermined position below the tank, A supply path, which is connected to the dispensing machine via a flow path switching device and has a container branch path for supplying powder flowing down by its own weight to the container and a hopper branch path for supplying a return hopper, and a return hopper. The return means for returning the powder to the tank, and the dispenser and the operation thereof after the return means are started, while the flow path is switched so that the powder flows to the container branch path when the platform weighs the empty state of the container. And a control means for switching the flow path switching device so as to flow the powder to the hopper branch when the platform weighs the filling state of the container while switching the machine. .

A tank for storing the powder, a dispenser for discharging the powder from the lower part of the tank, a plurality of platform scales which are installed at predetermined positions below the tank and individually place and weigh the containers, and a return for storing the powder. Hopper and a plurality of branch paths for containers that are connected to a dispensing machine via a flow path switching device and that individually supply powder flowing down by their own weight to containers on each weighing scale, and a hopper for supplying to a return hopper A supply path having a branch path, a return means for returning the powder from the return hopper to the tank, and a dispenser and the operation thereof after the return means were started, while the entire scale weighed the empty state of each container. At the same time, the flow path switching device is switched to flow the powder into the container branch path, and when the platform scale weighs the filling state of the container, the flow path switching machine is switched to switch the container branch path sequentially, and Weigh the filling state of the container Sometimes powder powder packing apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a control means for controlling to switch the flow path switching unit to flow into the hopper for the branch path.