JP2005131548A - Catalyst coating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To remove a slurry for a catalyst adhering to the working part of the catalyst coating apparatus and simultaneously stabilize the solute concentration of the slurry for a catalyst stored in a slurry storage container. <P>SOLUTION: A liquid to be a solvent of the slurry for a catalyst is sprayed from a liquid spraying nozzle 37 and an air nozzle 25 to wash out the slurry for a catalyst adhering to the working part 4 composed of a catalyst application mechanism 2 and an excess slurry blowing mechanism 3. Simultaneously, the slurry used for the washing is recovered by a slurry storage container 5 so as to supplement the liquid evaporated from the slurry for a catalyst and stabilize the solute concentration in the slurry for a catalyst. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention is an improvement of a catalyst coating apparatus, in particular, removal of a slurry for catalyst that may adhere to a working part of the apparatus and cause deterioration such as high viscosity or solidification, and for a catalyst stored in a slurry storage container. The present invention relates to an improvement for stabilizing the solute concentration of a slurry.

  2. Description of the Related Art Catalytic converters that purify exhaust gas discharged from automobile engines and the like are known. This type of catalytic converter includes a catalyst carrier made of ceramics, a stainless steel thin plate, or the like, a porous inorganic substance applied to the inner peripheral surface of many tubular passages formed through the catalyst carrier, and the inorganic It is comprised by the catalyst component carry | supported by the substance.

  As for the production method, a catalyst slurry in which a powder of an inorganic material carrying a catalyst component is dispersed is applied to the inner peripheral surface of the tubular passage of the catalyst carrier and dried and fired. There is a method in which the dispersed catalyst slurry is applied to the inner peripheral surface of the tubular passage of the catalyst carrier, dried and calcined, and then impregnated with the calcined inorganic substance again to carry the catalyst component. This is also the same in that the slurry for catalyst is applied to the inner peripheral surfaces of many tubular passages formed on the catalyst carrier.

  In recent years, automobile exhaust gas regulations have become more stringent for environmental protection, and in particular, improvement in purification performance of catalytic converters is desired.

  In order to improve the purification performance of the catalytic converter, it is necessary to increase the effective area of the catalyst carrier to which the catalyst component can be applied, that is, the total inner peripheral area of the tubular passage in the catalyst carrier. The number of tubular passages per unit cross-sectional area also tends to increase.

  However, as the number of tubular passages increases, the diameter of the individual tubular passages decreases, so that a viscous catalyst slurry can be evenly applied to the inner peripheral surface of the tubular passages, and excessive clogging causing clogging can occur. It has become difficult to reliably discharge the catalyst slurry from the tubular passage.

In order to eliminate such problems, after applying the catalyst slurry to the tubular passage of the catalyst carrier by the catalyst application mechanism, the catalyst carrier is moved to the excess slurry blowing mechanism, and the air provided in the excess slurry blowing mechanism For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a catalyst coating apparatus in which air is ejected from a nozzle to blow off excess catalyst slurry.
However, when high-pressure air is ejected from the air nozzle, excess catalyst slurry adhering to the catalyst carrier is scattered to the surroundings, and the solvent is evaporated by the ejection of air, resulting in increased viscosity or solidification. The catalyst slurry that has deteriorated clogs the piping of each part of the catalyst coating device, and further, the catalyst slurry that has become highly viscous or solidified is sandwiched between moving parts such as the catalyst coating mechanism and surplus slurry blowing mechanism. There was a possibility of causing harmful effects such as obstructing the operation.

As a technique for stabilizing the solute concentration of the catalyst slurry by replenishing the solvent lost by evaporation or the like from the catalyst slurry stored in the slurry storage container, a solvent supply pipe is connected to the slurry storage container. For example, Patent Document 2 proposes a structure that replenishes the solvent.
However, since this is provided by connecting a dedicated supply pipe functioning as a solvent supply means to the slurry storage container, there is a drawback in that the hardware of the apparatus and the control system become complicated.

JP 2002-242669 (paragraph number 0042, FIG. 1) JP 2000-176297 (paragraph number 0024, FIG. 1)

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to improve the drawbacks of the prior art, remove catalyst slurry that may adhere to the working part of the apparatus and cause deterioration such as increase in viscosity or solidification, and piping in each part of the apparatus. And a catalyst coating apparatus capable of stabilizing the solute concentration of the slurry for the catalyst stored in the slurry storage container without providing a dedicated pipe. There is.

To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a catalyst coating mechanism for coating a catalyst slurry on a catalyst carrier and an excess slurry blowing mechanism for removing excess catalyst slurry adhering to the catalyst carrier by blowing air from an air nozzle. In a catalyst coating apparatus comprising a working unit having a slurry storage container for storing a catalyst slurry to be supplied to a catalyst coating mechanism,
A slurry cleaning mechanism for cleaning the catalyst slurry adhering to the working unit using a liquid serving as a solvent for the catalyst slurry; and at least the liquid discharged for cleaning from the slurry cleaning mechanism in the slurry storage container And a cleaning liquid recovery mechanism for recovery.

Since the catalyst slurry adhering to the working part is washed using the liquid serving as the solvent for the catalyst slurry, it can be reliably removed from the working part before the catalyst slurry becomes highly viscous or solidified. Further, the clogging of the piping of each part of the catalyst coating apparatus and the abnormal operation of the movable part in the working part are prevented in advance.
In particular, since the liquid used as the solvent for the catalyst slurry is used for washing, it is possible to re-dissolve and remove the catalyst slurry that has deteriorated due to increase in viscosity, solidification, or the like. . The slurry for catalyst is formed by dispersing an inorganic oxide such as activated alumina, silica, titania, zirconia and a binder in water. In many cases, the cleaning liquid is water. That is.
In addition, since the liquid released for cleaning is collected in the slurry storage container, liquid such as water as a solvent can be replenished to the slurry storage container without requiring special piping and stored. Stabilization of the solute concentration of the catalyst slurry can be achieved.
The liquid recovered and reduced to the slurry storage container is a liquid that is used as a solvent for the catalyst slurry, so there is no concern that chemical characteristics change in the catalyst slurry stored in the slurry storage container. .

  Cleaning fluid supply for blowing mechanism for supplying liquid to the air nozzle of the excess slurry blowing mechanism, particularly when removing the slurry for catalyst scattered around the excess slurry blowing mechanism in the working part of the catalyst coating apparatus It is desirable that the slurry cleaning mechanism is constituted by the means and the cleaning liquid spray control means for operating the surplus slurry blowing mechanism substantially in synchronization with the operation of the cleaning liquid supplying means for the blowing mechanism.

When such a configuration is applied, when the liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid supply means for the blow-off mechanism to the air nozzle of the surplus slurry blow-off mechanism, the surplus slurry blow-off mechanism is automatically operated, and the liquid is ejected by the ejection of air. Spray around the surplus slurry blowing mechanism in the form of a mist.
For this reason, the periphery of the surplus slurry blowing mechanism can be cleaned over a wide range, and at the same time, the catalyst slurry adhering to the air nozzle of the surplus slurry blowing mechanism can be removed to prevent clogging of the air nozzle. it can.

  Also, in the working part of the catalyst coating device, especially when removing the catalyst slurry scattered around the catalyst coating mechanism, the carrier fitting provided at the upper end of the suction container provided in the catalyst coating mechanism It is desirable that the slurry cleaning mechanism is constituted by a liquid jet nozzle installed at a position where the liquid is jetted to the part and an application mechanism cleaning liquid supply means for supplying the liquid to the liquid jet nozzle.

When such a configuration is applied, the liquid supplied to the liquid jet nozzle from the cleaning liquid supply means for the coating mechanism is sprayed around the catalyst coating mechanism, and particularly provided at the upper end of the suction container provided in the catalyst coating mechanism. The carrier fitting portion thus formed is intensively cleaned.
Therefore, the catalyst slurry adhering to the carrier fitting portion of the suction container can be accurately removed when the catalyst slurry is applied to the catalyst carrier using the vacuuming by the suction container.
As a result, the problem that the catalyst slurry adhering to the carrier fitting portion solidifies and obstructs the close contact between the carrier fitting portion and the catalyst carrier is solved, and the maintenance of the apparatus is simplified. Moreover, since the liquid sprayed to the carrier fitting portion functions as a sealant between the carrier fitting portion of the suction container and the catalyst carrier in the next evacuation operation, the suction container that becomes an obstacle in evacuation is used. Air leakage can be reliably prevented.

  Further, the cleaning liquid supply means for the blowing mechanism for supplying the liquid to the air nozzle of the excess slurry blowing mechanism, and the cleaning liquid spray control means for operating the excess slurry blowing mechanism substantially in synchronization with the operation of the cleaning liquid supply means for the blowing mechanism A liquid ejection nozzle installed at a position for ejecting liquid to the carrier fitting portion provided at the upper end of the suction container provided in the catalyst coating mechanism, and a coating mechanism cleaning liquid for supplying liquid to the liquid ejection nozzle You may make it comprise a slurry washing | cleaning mechanism with a supply means.

If such a configuration is applied, the periphery of the excess slurry blowing mechanism can be cleaned over a wide range, and at the same time, the catalyst slurry adhering to the air nozzle of the excess slurry blowing mechanism is removed to remove the air nozzle. In addition to preventing clogging, the slurry for catalyst adhering to the carrier fitting part of the suction container is accurately removed to ensure close contact between the carrier fitting part and the catalyst carrier, thus preventing air leakage during vacuuming. can do.
It is also possible to use a single cleaning liquid supply means for the cleaning liquid supply means for the blow-off mechanism and the cleaning liquid supply means for the coating mechanism.

  As described above, in the case where the slurry cleaning mechanism for removing the catalyst slurry scattered around the surplus slurry blowing mechanism is provided, the carrier of the surplus slurry blowing mechanism is further provided as a part of the cleaning liquid recovery mechanism. A cylindrical air blow receiver disposed so as to surround the mounting portion is provided, and the lower end portion of the air blow receiver may be connected to the slurry storage container.

  As a result, the liquid sprayed in the form of mist around the surplus slurry blow-off mechanism can be reliably recovered without leakage, and the recovery amount of the liquid reduced to the slurry storage container is stabilized, and the catalyst slurry Uniform solute concentration can be achieved reliably.

  Further, in the case where a slurry washing mechanism for removing the catalyst slurry scattered around the catalyst coating mechanism is provided, a slurry storage container is further formed by an unsealed container having an upper surface opened, and at least the catalyst It is desirable to install the suction container of the coating mechanism at a position above the opening of the slurry storage container.

When such a configuration is applied, it is possible to drop the liquid that has washed the catalyst slurry scattered around the catalyst application mechanism downward and collect it in the slurry storage container. Is possible.
In addition, since air is not ejected in the cleaning of the catalyst application mechanism using the liquid ejection nozzle, the slurry for the catalyst in the slurry storage container can be formed even if the slurry storage container is constituted by an unsealed container having an upper surface opened. Therefore, there is no problem that the solvent evaporates excessively.

  Further, in the case where the cleaning liquid supply means for the blow-off mechanism and the cleaning liquid spray control means, and the liquid ejection nozzle and the cleaning liquid supply means for the coating mechanism are provided side by side, the slurry storage container is formed by an unsealed container having an upper surface opened. And forming a cylindrical air blow receiver surrounding the carrier mounting portion of the surplus slurry blowing mechanism, and at least the suction container of the catalyst coating mechanism is installed above the opening of the slurry storage container, and the lower end of the air blow receiver Is preferably connected to the side of the slurry storage container.

As already described, by providing an air blow receiver, it is possible to reliably recover the liquid sprayed in the form of mist around the surplus slurry blow-off mechanism without leakage, and the amount of liquid recovered to the slurry storage container Thus, the solute concentration in the catalyst slurry can be made uniform.
In addition, by forming a slurry storage container with a non-sealed container with an open top, the liquid that washed the catalyst slurry scattered around the catalyst application mechanism is dropped down and recovered in the slurry storage container. It is possible to simplify the structure of the entire apparatus.
Cleaning of the catalyst application mechanism using the liquid jet nozzle does not involve air jetting, so even if the slurry storage vessel is constituted by an unsealed vessel with an open top, it will be excessive from the catalyst slurry in the slurry storage vessel. No adverse effects such as evaporation of the solvent occur.
Cleaning of the surplus slurry blowing mechanism utilizing the spray of liquid from the air nozzle involves air ejection, but this air flow is blocked by a cylindrical air blow receiver surrounding the carrier mounting portion of the surplus slurry blowing mechanism. Therefore, there is no problem that the solvent evaporates excessively from the catalyst slurry in the slurry storage container.
This air blow receiver functions as a means for shielding air flow even when excess catalyst slurry adhering to the catalyst carrier is removed by jetting air from the air nozzle. It is possible to effectively prevent the solvent from evaporating.

  Moreover, you may make it arrange | position the attenuation | damping board which attenuates the pressure of air in the connection part of an air blow receiver and a slurry storage container.

  By attenuating the pressure of the air blown into the air blow receiver in this way, powerful air is blown into the slurry storage container when cleaning the excess slurry blowing mechanism and removing the catalyst slurry adhering to the catalyst carrier. It is possible to prevent the solvent from evaporating from the catalyst slurry in the storage container.

  The cleaning liquid recovery mechanism may be configured to recover the catalyst slurry washed away from the working unit by the liquid together with the liquid released for cleaning.

The liquid recovered and reduced to the slurry storage container is a liquid used as a solvent for the catalyst slurry, and the catalyst slurry adhering to the working part is made highly viscous or solidified by evaporation of the solvent. Although there are cases where it can be redissolved by washing using a liquid that is a solvent for the catalyst slurry, the liquid and the washed catalyst slurry may be collected together in a slurry storage container. There is no problem.
However, depending on the characteristics of the slurry, it may be better to install a filter or the like for removing the solidified catalyst slurry in a cylindrical air blow receiver surrounding the carrier mounting portion of the surplus slurry blowing mechanism.
In other words, since cleaning of the catalyst application mechanism using the liquid injection nozzle is not accompanied by air ejection, the possibility that the solvent evaporates excessively from the catalyst slurry attached around the catalyst application mechanism is low, The liquid used for washing and the washed slurry for catalyst may be immediately recovered in the slurry storage container, but air is blown out for washing of the surplus slurry blowing mechanism using the spray of liquid from the air nozzle. Therefore, the catalyst slurry removed from the surplus slurry blowing mechanism does not necessarily cause a phenomenon such as solidification.
In order to prevent the solidified catalyst slurry from being collected in the slurry storage container, a filter may be provided in the air blow receiver, and the provision of the air blow receiver surrounding the surplus slurry blowing mechanism is necessary for the deployment of the filter. It is also effective in facilitating the design involved.

  Further, a viscosity measuring means for measuring the viscosity of the catalyst slurry in the slurry storage container, and the viscosity of the catalyst slurry is released from the slurry cleaning mechanism based on the viscosity measured by the viscosity measuring means. It is possible to provide a cleaning liquid discharge amount control means for adjusting the amount of liquid to be provided in the catalyst coating apparatus.

When such a configuration is applied, the amount of liquid discharged from the slurry cleaning mechanism is automatically controlled, and the solute concentration in the catalyst slurry is surely made uniform.
The cleaning liquid discharge amount control means includes the above-described cleaning liquid spray control means, and further, drive control means for the cleaning liquid supply means for the blow-off mechanism and the cleaning liquid supply means for the application mechanism, and the catalyst application mechanism and the surplus slurry blow-off mechanism. This can be realized by a single control unit (CPU) together with the drive control means.

The catalyst coating apparatus of the present invention includes a slurry cleaning mechanism for cleaning the catalyst slurry adhering to a working unit such as a catalyst coating mechanism and an excess slurry blowing mechanism, and a slurry discharged from the slurry cleaning mechanism for cleaning. A cleaning liquid recovery mechanism that collects in the storage container is provided, and the catalyst slurry adhering to the working part is washed using a liquid that is a solvent for the catalyst slurry, so that the catalyst slurry adhering to the working part is high. It is possible to surely wash and remove from the working part before it becomes viscous or solidified to prevent clogging of the piping of each part of the catalyst coating apparatus and abnormal operation of the movable part of the working part.
In particular, since the liquid used as the solvent for the catalyst slurry is used for washing, it is possible to re-dissolve and remove the catalyst slurry that has deteriorated due to increase in viscosity, solidification, or the like. .
In addition, since the liquid released for cleaning is collected in the slurry storage container, it is possible to replenish the slurry storage container with a liquid such as water as a solvent for the catalyst slurry without requiring a special pipe. And stabilization of the solute concentration of the stored catalyst slurry can be achieved.
Since the liquid reduced to the slurry storage container is a liquid used as a solvent for the catalyst slurry, there is no concern that chemical characteristics change in the catalyst slurry stored in the slurry storage container.

  Further, in the working part of the catalyst coating device, in particular, when removing the catalyst slurry scattered around the surplus slurry blowing mechanism, the cleaning liquid supply means for the blowing mechanism is supplied to the air nozzle of the surplus slurry blowing mechanism. Since the liquid is supplied and the surplus slurry blowing mechanism is operated substantially in synchronization with the supply operation, and the liquid is sprayed around the surplus slurry blowing mechanism by blowing air, the surplus slurry blowing mechanism is sprayed. The periphery of the wiping mechanism can be cleaned over a wide range, and at the same time, the slurry for catalyst adhering to the air nozzle of the surplus slurry blasting mechanism can be removed to prevent the air nozzle from being clogged.

On the other hand, in the working part of the catalyst coating apparatus, particularly when removing the catalyst slurry scattered around the catalyst coating mechanism, the liquid is ejected to the carrier fitting part of the suction container provided in the catalyst coating mechanism. A liquid jet nozzle is installed at the position, and the liquid supplied from the coating mechanism cleaning liquid supply means to the liquid jet nozzle is sprayed around the catalyst coating mechanism so that the carrier fitting portion at the upper end of the suction container is preferentially washed. Therefore, the catalyst slurry adhering to the carrier fitting portion of the suction container can be accurately removed when the catalyst slurry is applied to the catalyst carrier using vacuum suction by the suction container.
As a result, the problem that the catalyst slurry adhering to the carrier fitting portion solidifies and obstructs the close contact between the carrier fitting portion and the catalyst carrier is solved, and the maintenance of the apparatus is simplified. Moreover, since the liquid sprayed to the carrier fitting portion functions as a sealant between the carrier fitting portion of the suction container and the catalyst carrier in the next evacuation operation, the suction container that becomes an obstacle in evacuation is used. Air leakage can be reliably prevented.

  Further, the slurry cleaning mechanism is configured by providing the cleaning liquid supply means for the blow-off mechanism, the cleaning liquid spray control means, the liquid ejection nozzle, and the cleaning liquid supply means for the coating mechanism, so that the cleaning and air around the surplus slurry blow-off mechanism can be performed. Prevention of nozzle clogging and removal of catalyst slurry adhering to the carrier fitting portion of the suction container can be realized at the same time.

  Further, in the case of providing a slurry cleaning mechanism for removing the catalyst slurry scattered around the surplus slurry blowing mechanism, as a part of the cleaning liquid recovery mechanism, a cylindrical shape arranged so as to surround the surplus slurry blowing mechanism Since the air blow receiver is provided and the lower end of the air blow receiver is connected to the slurry storage container, it becomes possible to reliably recover the liquid sprayed in the form of mist around the surplus slurry blowing mechanism without leakage. The amount of liquid recovered in the slurry storage container can be stabilized, and the solute concentration of the catalyst slurry can be uniformly achieved.

On the other hand, in the case of providing a slurry cleaning mechanism for removing the catalyst slurry scattered around the catalyst coating mechanism, the slurry storage container is formed by a non-sealed container having an upper surface opened, and at least the suction container of the catalyst coating mechanism Is placed above the opening of the slurry storage container, so that the liquid that has washed the catalyst slurry scattered around the catalyst coating mechanism can be dropped and recovered in the slurry storage container. It is easy to simplify the structure of the entire apparatus.
Moreover, since the cleaning of the catalyst application mechanism using the liquid ejection nozzle does not involve air ejection, the slurry for the catalyst in the slurry storage container can be formed even if the slurry storage container is constituted by a non-sealed container having an upper surface opened. Therefore, there is no problem that the solvent evaporates excessively.

Further, in the case where the cleaning liquid supply means for the blow-off mechanism and the cleaning liquid spray control means, and the liquid ejection nozzle and the cleaning liquid supply means for the application mechanism are provided side by side, the slurry storage container is formed by an unsealed container having an upper surface opened. In addition, a cylindrical air blow receiver surrounding the carrier mounting portion of the surplus slurry blowing mechanism is provided, at least the suction container of the catalyst coating mechanism is installed above the opening of the slurry storage container, and the lower end of the air blow receiver is the slurry Since it is connected to the side surface of the storage container, it is possible to reliably recover the liquid sprayed in the form of mist around the surplus slurry blow-off mechanism without leakage, and the recovery amount of liquid reduced to the slurry storage container To achieve a uniform solute concentration in the slurry for the catalyst, and the liquid that has washed the catalyst application mechanism is dropped downward. Can be recovered in the slurry reservoir Te, it is easy to simplify the structure of the whole device.
Moreover, since the air is not ejected in the cleaning of the catalyst application mechanism using the liquid ejection nozzle, even if the slurry storage container is constituted by a non-sealed container having an upper surface opened, the slurry for the catalyst in the slurry storage container There is no concern that the solvent will evaporate excessively, and the air flow caused by the ejection of air accompanying the cleaning of the excess slurry blowing mechanism and the blowing of excess catalyst slurry adhering to the catalyst carrier is Further, since it is blocked by the air blow receiver surrounding the carrier mounting portion of the surplus slurry blow-off mechanism, there is no problem that the solvent excessively evaporates from the catalyst slurry in the slurry storage container.

  Furthermore, a damping plate that attenuates the air pressure is provided at the connection between the air blow receiver and the slurry storage container, so that the excess slurry blowing mechanism is washed and the catalyst slurry adhering to the catalyst carrier is removed. In addition, it is possible to prevent the solvent from evaporating from the catalyst slurry in the slurry storage container by blowing strong air into the slurry storage container.

  The cleaning liquid recovery mechanism has a simple structure for recovering the slurry for catalyst washed away from the working part by the liquid together with the liquid released for cleaning into the slurry storage container, and thus helps to reduce the manufacturing cost of the apparatus.

  Furthermore, a viscosity measuring means for measuring the viscosity of the catalyst slurry in the slurry storage container and a cleaning liquid discharge amount control means for adjusting the amount of liquid discharged from the slurry cleaning mechanism to maintain the viscosity of the catalyst slurry at a set value. Since it is provided in the catalyst coating apparatus, the amount of liquid discharged from the slurry cleaning mechanism can be automatically controlled to ensure uniform solute concentration in the catalyst slurry.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be specifically described with reference to examples.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a catalyst coating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. The main components on the hardware are cross-sectional views, and various actuators, etc. The beginning and the known elements are shown schematically.

  The catalyst coating apparatus 1 includes a working unit 4 including a catalyst coating mechanism 2 and an excess slurry blowing mechanism 3, a slurry storage container 5, a slurry cleaning mechanism 6, and a cleaning liquid recovery mechanism 7.

Of these, the catalyst application mechanism 2 has already been proposed by the present applicants as Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-075063, and its main parts are a suction container 9 fitted to the catalyst carrier 8 and a slurry metering feeder 10. , And a vacuum pump P ₂ connected to the suction container 9.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the suction container 9. The suction container 9 is substantially integrally constituted by a carrier fitting portion 11 fitted to the lower end surface of the catalyst carrier 8 and a container main body 12, and a slurry drain provided with an on-off valve 13 on the lower side surface of the container main body 12. An outlet 14 is provided. The on-off valve 13 is formed by a tongue covering the slurry discharge port 14 from the outside, and the upper end of the on-off valve 13 is pivotally attached to the outer surface of the container body 12 via a hinge 15.

  The on-off valve 13 pivotally attached to the upper end of the upper end portion is directed in the direction from the open position to the closed position with the weight of the hinge 15 as the center, that is, from the outside of the slurry discharge port 14 to the inside. The slurry discharge port is slightly urged to swing in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2 and the internal pressure of the container body 12 is equal to the atmospheric pressure and no catalyst slurry is stored in the container body 12. The slurry discharge port 14 is closed by being in close contact with the slurry discharge port 14 from the outside.

  This on-off valve 13 is one of the movable parts provided in the catalyst application mechanism 2 that constitutes a part of the working unit 4. When the solidified catalyst slurry adheres to the edge of the slurry discharge port 14, There is a possibility that it will not be closed.

  The carrier fitting portion 11 provided at the upper end portion of the pulling container 9 has its inner peripheral surface shape determined in accordance with the outer peripheral shape of the lower end surface of the catalyst carrier 8, and reliably with the outer periphery of the lower end surface of the catalyst carrier 8. Although it is designed to be in close contact, when the solidified catalyst slurry adheres to the carrier fitting portion 11, the close contact between the catalyst carrier 8 and the carrier fitting portion 11 is hindered, and the negative pressure of the suction container 9 is reduced. There is a possibility that evacuation cannot be performed properly using.

Suction tube 16 connected to a vacuum pump P ₂ is guided to the interior of the container body 12 through the outer wall of the container body 12, the vacuum pump P ₂ is actuated, via a suction tube 16 the container body 12 The air is sucked out.

  In this embodiment, in particular, the umbrella-shaped hood 17 is provided at the tip of the suction pipe 16 to prevent the catalyst slurry falling in the container body 12 from being sucked into the suction pipe 16.

Further, a slurry metering feeder 10 as shown in FIG. 1 is arranged above the suction container 9. Slurry doser 10 is attached to the lifting device 22 which is driven by the lifting motor M _4, and is movable in the vertical direction in FIG.

  The movable limit of the slurry metering feeder 10 is a section from the retracted position shown in FIG. 1 to the lowered position where the lower end surface of the slurry metering feeder 10 is pressed against the upper end surface of the catalyst carrier 8.

  The slurry metering feeder 10 is provided with a fitting portion adapted to the outer peripheral shape of the upper end surface of the catalyst carrier 8 at the lower end surface thereof.

Also, inside the formed metric space slurry doser 10 via the direction switching valve 18 and the slurry supply pipe 19 and the slurry feed pump P ₁ is switched by the solenoid SOL _1, the catalyst slurry storage container 5 Slurries for use are sent in.

  The slurry storage container 5 storing the catalyst slurry is a non-sealed container having an open upper surface, and the wall surface thereof is provided with a viscosity sensor S functioning as a viscosity measuring means for measuring the viscosity of the catalyst slurry. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the suction container 9, which is the main part of the catalyst coating mechanism 2, is installed at a position above the opening of the slurry storage container 5.

The catalyst slurry stored in the slurry storage container 5 is agitated so as to maintain an appropriate viscosity by a stirrer 20 that is rotationally driven by a stirring motor M ₁ provided in the slurry storage container 5.

  The catalyst carrier 8 is made of ceramics, a stainless steel plate, or the like, and a plurality of tubular passages are formed in, for example, a honeycomb shape through the catalyst carrier 8 in the vertical direction.

  The check valve 21 is an air vent valve. The check valve 21 introduces outside air into the metering space of the slurry metering feeder 10 when the catalyst slurry in the slurry metering feeder 10 is fed into the tubular passage of the catalyst carrier 8 using the negative pressure of the suction container 9. To facilitate vacuuming.

  In the above configuration, the application of the catalyst slurry to the catalyst carrier 8 is performed by using the negative pressure of the suction container 9 for the catalyst slurry temporarily stored in the metering space of the slurry metering feeder 10. This is accomplished by collecting the excess catalyst slurry filled in the tubular passage into the suction vessel 9 by feeding it into the tubular passage and maintaining the negative pressure of the suction vessel 9 for a certain period of time.

  However, even if the excess catalyst slurry is recovered in this way, it is difficult to remove all of the excess catalyst slurry from the catalyst carrier 8, and in particular, the excess residual catalyst remaining on the upper end surface of the catalyst carrier 8. It is difficult to remove the catalyst slurry.

  Therefore, what is required is an excess slurry blowing mechanism 3 shown in FIG. The surplus slurry blowing mechanism 3 has, as its basic structure, a carrier mounting portion 23 for installing the catalyst carrier 8 and a surplus catalyst slurry from the catalyst carrier 8 placed on the carrier mounting portion 23. Air nozzle 25 and a slurry discharge pipe 24 for returning surplus catalyst slurry blown off to the slurry storage container 5.

  The shape of the air nozzle 25 is as shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), and a slit-like air outlet 26 is formed at the tip. 3A is a view corresponding to the left side view when FIG. 1 is defined as a front view, and FIG. 3B is a front view similar to FIG. The horizontal width of the air outlet 26, that is, the length in the left-right direction shown in FIG. 3A is equal to or slightly longer than the diameter of the catalyst carrier 8.

Air nozzle 25, tip mounted in directional as shown in Figure 1 of the arm 28 provided on the translation mechanism 27 driven by the nozzle moving motor M _2, a carrier placement of excess slurry吹払have mechanisms 3 It can be moved in the left-right direction in FIG. 1 above the catalyst carrier 8 placed on the portion 23.

  The movable limit of the air nozzle 25 is a section from a protruding position corresponding to the left end portion of the catalyst carrier 8 on the carrier mounting portion 23 to a retracted position that is retracted to the right side of the right end portion of the catalyst carrier 8.

The air nozzle 25, via an on-off valve 29 and the air supply pipe 30 is switched by a solenoid SOL _2, so that the air is fed from the compressor 31 which is driven by the compressor drive motor M _3. The air supply pipe 30 is connected to a relief valve 32 for preventing an excessive increase in pressure in the air supply pipe 30 and the compressor 31.

  The catalyst slurry blowing operation using the surplus slurry blowing mechanism 3 is performed by removing the catalyst carrier 8 coated with the catalyst slurry from the carrier fitting portion 11 of the catalyst coating mechanism 2 and then removing the catalyst carrier 8 excessively. It is carried out by placing air on the carrier placing portion 23 of the slurry blowing mechanism 3 and blowing out air while moving the air nozzle 25 in the left-right direction in FIG.

At this time, surplus catalyst slurry adhering to the catalyst carrier 8 may be scattered around and adhere to the inside / outside of the carrier mounting portion 23 or the air outlet 26 of the air nozzle 25.
In particular, since strong air from the air nozzle 25 is blown to the catalyst slurry adhering to the periphery of the excess slurry blowing mechanism 3, the solvent evaporates from the catalyst slurry in a short time to increase the viscosity, Or the possibility of solidifying is high.
When the completely solidified surplus slurry peels off and enters the slurry storage container 5, an unfavorable situation may occur in which the slurry supply pipe 19 and the drain pipe 33 which are part of the piping of the catalyst coating apparatus 1 are clogged. Further, the possibility that the air outlet 26 of the air nozzle 25 is clogged cannot be denied.

  Next, the structure of the slurry cleaning mechanism 6 and the cleaning liquid recovery mechanism 7 which are components unique to this embodiment will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the slurry cleaning mechanism 6 of this embodiment is composed of a slurry cleaning mechanism 6a for a blow-off mechanism and a slurry cleaning mechanism 6b for a coating mechanism.

Among these, the slurry cleaning mechanism 6a for the blow-off mechanism is composed of a metering pump P ₃ that functions as a cleaning liquid supply unit for the blow-off mechanism for supplying a liquid to the air nozzle 25 of the surplus slurry blow-off mechanism 3, and a solenoid SOL ₃ . Cleaning liquid spray control for operating the surplus slurry blowing mechanism 3 substantially in synchronization with the operation of the direction switching valve 34 to be switched, the liquid supply pipe 35 connecting the air nozzle 25 and the direction switching valve 34, and the metering pump P _3. It is comprised by the control unit 36 (refer FIG. 5) which functions as a means.

The slurry cleaning mechanism 6b for the application mechanism includes a liquid ejection nozzle 37 installed at a position for ejecting liquid to the carrier fitting portion 11 provided in the suction container 9 constituting a part of the catalyst application mechanism 2, and this The metering pump P ₃ that functions as a coating solution cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies liquid to the liquid ejection nozzle 37, the direction switching valve 34 that is switched by the solenoid SOL ₃ , and the liquid ejection nozzle 37 and the direction switching valve 34 are connected. The liquid supply pipe 38 and the control unit 36 (see FIG. 5) are included.

That is, in this embodiment, the metering pump P _3, serves also as the cleaning liquid supply means for applying mechanism and the cleaning liquid supply means for吹払have mechanism.

  On the other hand, the cleaning liquid recovery mechanism 7 for recovering the liquid discharged from the slurry cleaning mechanism 6a for the blow-off mechanism is a cylinder arranged so as to surround the carrier mounting portion 23 provided in the surplus slurry blow-off mechanism 3. It is comprised by the air blow receiver 39 of a shape.

  The shape of the air blow receiver 39 is shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b). 4B is a view corresponding to the left side view when FIG. 1 is defined as a front view, and FIG. 4A is a front view similar to FIG.

  The air blow receiver 39 includes a cylindrical or polygonal peripheral wall 40 disposed at a certain interval from the outer peripheral portion of the carrier mounting portion 23 so as to surround the carrier mounting portion 23, and a lower portion thereof. A bowl-shaped cleaning liquid recovery passage 42 formed by the bottom plate 41 provided at an inclination and formed by the peripheral wall 40 and the lower end portion of the bottom plate 41 is connected to the side surface of the slurry storage container 5.

  The liquid that flows down along the inner wall 40 of the air blow receiver 39 and the bottom plate 41 by the cleaning operation using the slurry cleaning mechanism 6a for the blow-off mechanism passes through the cleaning liquid recovery passage 42 together with the slurry washed away from the excess slurry blow-off mechanism 3. And recovered in the slurry storage container 5. That is, the catalyst slurry washed away from the surplus slurry blow-off mechanism 3 constituting a part of the working unit 4 is collected together with the liquid discharged from the air nozzle 25.

  Further, a damping plate 43 is provided inside the cleaning liquid recovery passage 42 at a constant interval so as to attenuate the pressure of the air blown into the air blow receiver 39. This is a measure for preventing the solvent from evaporating from the slurry for catalyst in the slurry storage container 5 by blowing strong air into the slurry storage container 5.

  Further, the slurry discharge pipe 24 connected to the lower end portion of the carrier mounting portion 23 is guided downward through the bottom plate 41 of the air blow receiver 39. Part of the surplus catalyst slurry blown by the air blown from the air nozzle 25 in the blow-off operation using the surplus slurry blow-off mechanism 3, in particular, the air from the tubular passage penetrating the catalyst carrier 8 in the vertical direction. The slurry for catalyst that has flowed downward as it is pushed out by pressure is recovered in the slurry storage container 5 via the slurry discharge pipe 24.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, in addition to the suction container 9 constituting the main part of the catalyst application mechanism 2, the carrier mounting part 23 and the slurry discharge pipe 24 of the surplus slurry blowing mechanism 3 are also provided in the slurry storage container 5. It is installed above the opening.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the control unit 36 that also serves as the cleaning liquid spray control means and the cleaning liquid discharge amount control means of the catalyst coating apparatus 1.

  The main part of the control unit 36 includes a CPU 44 as a calculation means, a ROM 45 storing a control program for the CPU 44, a RAM 46 used for temporary storage of calculation data, and a nonvolatile memory 47 for storing various parameters. The input / output circuit 48 for driving and controlling various actuators and the interface 49 for connecting to other control devices or cell controllers.

The slurry supply pump P ₁ , vacuum pump P ₂ , metering pump P ₃ and stirring motor M ₁ , nozzle movement motor M ₂ , compressor drive motor M ₃ , lift motor M _4, solenoid SOL ₁ , solenoid SOL ₂ , solenoid SOL ₃ is driven and controlled by the CPU 44 via the respective drivers 50, 51, 52 and the input / output circuit 48.

Further, the carrier attachment detection switch SW ₁ provided in the carrier fitting portion 11 of the catalyst application mechanism 2 and the carrier attachment detection switch SW ₂ provided in the carrier placement portion 23 of the surplus slurry blowing mechanism 3 are detected. A signal is read into the CPU 44 via the input / output circuit 48. The viscosity of the slurry for catalyst in the slurry storage container 5 detected by the viscosity sensor S is A / D converted by the A / D converter 53 and read into the CPU 44.

SW ₀ is a start switch provided on the operation panel of the control unit 36, and an ON / OFF signal from the start switch SW ₀ is also read into the CPU 44 via the input / output circuit 48.

  The non-volatile memory 47 stores a map for determining the amount of liquid discharged from the liquid ejection nozzle 37 and the air nozzle 25 in accordance with the viscosity of the catalyst slurry detected by the viscosity sensor S. ing.

  When the viscosity of the catalyst slurry is higher than the set value, it means that the ratio of the liquid in the catalyst slurry is small. When the viscosity is lower than the set value, it means that the ratio of the liquid in the catalyst slurry is large. Therefore, it is necessary to design the map so that the liquid discharge amount for one batch becomes relatively small.

In this embodiment, since the liquid is supplied to the liquid jet nozzle 37 and the air nozzle 25 using the metering pump P ₃ , the substantial one-time liquid discharge amount is the operation time T _{X of the} metering pump P _3. stores as _{T Y.}

For example, if the amount of liquid delivered per unit time by the metering pump P ₃ is V ₀ and the amount of liquid required to optimize the ratio of the liquid in the catalyst slurry is V. , the relationship between the operating time T _Y metering pumps P ₃ in one wash operation using the operation time T _X and air nozzles 25 of the metering pump P ₃ in a single cleaning operation using a liquid jet nozzle 37, It is determined such that V ₀ · (T _X + T _Y ) = V.

The degree of difficulty in cleaning the catalyst application mechanism 2 and the excess slurry blowing mechanism 3 in the working unit 4, that is, the amount of liquid required for cleaning the catalyst application mechanism 2 and the excess slurry blowing mechanism 3 are cleaned. The amount of liquid required for the operation differs depending on the structure of the apparatus. For example, when the cleaning operation of the excess slurry blowing mechanism 3 is troublesome compared to the catalyst coating mechanism 2, T _X <T _Y , It is desirably set to T _X> T _Y when the cleaning operation of the catalyst coating mechanism 2 as compared with the surplus slurry吹払There mechanism 3 is awkward.

  6 to 10 show cleaning liquid spray control means, cleaning liquid discharge amount control means, drive control means for the cleaning liquid supply means for the blow-off mechanism, drive control means for the cleaning liquid supply means for the coating mechanism, and catalyst application mechanism 2 and excess slurry blowing. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing executed by a CPU 44 functioning as drive control means of the payment mechanism 3;

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10, the operation of each part of the catalyst coating apparatus 1 in this embodiment, the operation of applying the slurry for the catalyst to the catalyst carrier 8 using the catalyst coating mechanism 2, and the excess slurry blowing off A catalyst slurry blowing operation using the mechanism 3 and a cleaning operation of the working unit 4 using the blowing mechanism slurry cleaning mechanism 6a and the application mechanism slurry cleaning mechanism 6b will be specifically described.

First, when an operator operates the start switch SW ₀ provided on the operation panel of the control unit 36 to turn on the power to the catalyst coating apparatus 1 and the control unit 36, the CPU 44 outputs a drive command to the solenoid SOL _1. switching the circulation side for connecting the direction switching valve 18 to the drain pipe 33, further outputs a drive command to the solenoid SOL ₂ and SOL ₃ to switch the switch valve 29 and the direction switching valve 34 to the closed side (step S1).

Next, the CPU 44 drives the stirring motor M ₁ to start stirring of the catalyst slurry by the stirrer 20, and further drives the slurry supply pump P ₁ to transfer the catalyst slurry to the slurry storage container 5 and the slurry supply pipe 19. , direction switching valve 18, and starts the process for circulating through the drain pipe 33, by driving the compressor drive motor M ₃ to start the compressor 31.
Also, the air nozzle 25 is returned to the right of the retracted position of the right end portion of the carrier supports 23 by driving the translation mechanism 27 is rotated in the direction corresponding the nozzle moving motor M ₂ to the retracted position, at the same time the lifting device 22 drives the lifting motor M ₄ is rotated in the direction corresponding to the retracted position, moving the slurry doser 10 to the retracted position as shown in FIG. 1 (step S2).

Next, the CPU 44 sets an initial value 0 indicating non-operation in each of a flag F ₁ for storing the working state of the catalyst application mechanism 2 and a flag F ₂ for storing the working state of the surplus slurry blow-off mechanism 3 (Step S1). S3) The initial setting process is terminated.

  The above is the initial setting process at the start of work, and the stirring work and the circulation process of the catalyst slurry in the slurry storage container 5 are started by these processes. Although the operation of the compressor 31 is also started at that time, the air from the compressor 31 is not sent to the air nozzle 25 because the on-off valve 29 is switched to the closed side. When the pressure in the air supply pipe 30 or the compressor 31 reaches a set value, the relief valve 32 is automatically activated to release air.

Next, the CPU 44 functioning as a cleaning liquid discharge amount control means reads the detection value of the viscosity sensor S, and based on this detection value, the liquid ejection nozzle 37 required to maintain the viscosity of the catalyst slurry at the set value. batch of nonvolatile memory 47 and operation time T _Y metering pump P ₃ corresponding to the batch of liquid emission from the working time T _X and air nozzles 25 of the metering pump P ₃ corresponding to the liquid discharge amount from And the respective values are updated and stored in the operation time storage registers T _X and T _Y (step S4).

The update processing of the operation time storage registers T _X and T _Y is executed as a process for each predetermined period irrespective of the operation state of the catalyst application mechanism 2 and the surplus slurry blow-off mechanism 3, and the catalyst slurry is stirred and circulated. As long as it is performed, the optimum operation time according to the viscosity of the catalyst slurry detected at that time is sequentially updated and stored in the operation time storage registers T _X and T _Y.

Then, CPU 44 determines whether the flag F ₁ to 0 is set, i.e., catalyst coating mechanism 2 is judged whether in the non-actuated (step S5) At this point, the catalyst coating mechanism 2 in the non-actuated if any, further it determines whether the carrier mounting detection signals from the carrier mounting detecting switch SW ₁ of the catalyst coating mechanism 2 is input (step S6).

Here, if the carrier attachment detection signal from the carrier attachment detection switch SW ₁ is not detected, the CPU 44 further determines whether or not 0 is set in the flag F ₂ , that is, at this time, the excess slurry blowing mechanism 3. There it is determined whether in the non-actuated (step S39), if the surplus slurry吹払There mechanism 3 is deactivated, from the carrier mounting detecting switch SW ₂ of the excess slurry吹払have mechanism 3 is entered carrier mounted detection signal It is determined whether or not there is (step S40).

Then, if also detected carrier mounting detection signals from the carrier mounting detecting switch SW _2, CPU 44 is further activated switch SW ₀ is determined whether or not a OFF operated by the operator (step S73), activation switch SW _If no OFF operation of ₀ is detected, the operation time of the metering pump P ₃ is the same as described above until the carrier attachment detection signal from the carrier attachment detection switch SW ₁ or the carrier attachment detection switch SW ₂ is detected. T _X, the processing in step S4 concerning the setting of the _{T Y,} step S5, step S6, step S39, step S40, and repeatedly executes only the determination process of step S73, the operator support fitting of the catalyst coating mechanism 2 The standby state is waited for the catalyst carrier 8 to be installed on the part 11 or the carrier mounting part 23 of the surplus slurry blowing mechanism 3.

That is, in the processing from step S7 to step S38, the catalyst application mechanism 2 is applied using the catalyst application mechanism 2 and the catalyst application mechanism 2 is cleaned using the application mechanism slurry cleaning mechanism 6b. The processing for realizing the cleaning operation and the processing from step S41 to step S72 are performed by blowing off excess catalyst slurry from the catalyst carrier 8 using the excess slurry blowing mechanism 3. utilizing吹払have mechanisms for slurry cleaning mechanism 6a and a process for realizing a cleaning operation for cleaning the excess slurry吹払have mechanisms 3, these processes, a carrier mounted detection switch SW ₁ or carrier attachment detection switch It is automatically started with the carrier attachment detection signal from SW ₂ as a trigger.

  Since these two sets of processes are configured as a substantial multiplex program, it is possible to execute only one of the processes without executing the other process, or to perform both processes in parallel as independent events. It is also possible to do this.

Therefore, first, when an operator fits the lower end surface of the catalyst carrier 8 to the carrier fitting portion 11 of the catalyst coating mechanism 2 in order to perform the coating work for coating the catalyst slurry on the catalyst carrier 8, step S4 is performed. step S5, step S6, step S39, step S40, CPU 44 that repeatedly performs the processes of steps S73 detects the input of the carrier mounting detection signals from the carrier mounting detecting switch SW ₁ in the determination process in step S6.

CPU44 detects a carrier mounting detection signal, the downward movement of the slurry doser 10 is initiated by the lifting motor M ₄ is rotated in the direction corresponding to the lowered position to drive the elevating device 22 (step S7), and catalyst a value 1 indicating that the downward movement of the slurry doser 10 to the flag F ₁ for storing the working condition of the coating mechanism 2 is set (step S8), and ends the processing of this cycle.

Since the value of the flag F1 is _{1 in} the processing after the next cycle, the CPU 44 executes the processing of step S4, step S5, and step S9, and then the slurry metering feeder 10 presses against the upper end surface of the catalyst carrier 8. It is determined whether or not it has been lowered to the lowered position (step S10).

Whether slurry doser 10 is crimped to the upper end surface of the catalyst support 8, for example, it may be confirmed by detecting a driving voltage that is proportional to the driving torque of the elevation motor M _4.

  If the slurry metering feeder 10 is not crimped to the upper end surface of the catalyst carrier 8 and the determination result in step S10 is false, the CPU 44 performs steps S4, S5, S9, and S10. The process is repeatedly executed to wait for the slurry metering feeder 10 to descend.

When the slurry doser 10 is crimped to the upper end surface of the catalyst support 8 is confirmed by the determination process of step S10, CPU 44 is a slurry doser 10 with the lifting motor M ₄ is stopped at the current position (Step S11), a drive command is output to the solenoid SOL ₁ and the direction switching valve 18 is switched to the supply side connected to the slurry supply pipe 19 to start supplying the catalyst slurry to the slurry metering supply 10 (Step S11). S12), the timer t ₁ for measuring the feed time of the catalyst slurry for a slurry doser 10 to reset and re-start (step S13), and the catalyst slurry for a flag F ₁ for storing the working condition of the catalyst coating mechanism 2 The value 2 indicating that the measurement is in progress is set (step S14), and the process of the cycle is terminated.

Since composed value of the flag _{F 1} and 2 in the next cycle subsequent processing, whether CPU44, the steps S4, S5, S9, after executing the processing of step S15, the set time of the timer _{t 1} has passed That is, it is determined whether or not the metering operation for one time of the slurry for the catalyst with respect to the slurry metering feeder 10 has been completed (step S16).

  Here, when the measurement work of the catalyst slurry is not completed and the determination result of step S16 is false, the CPU 44 repeats the processes of step S4, step S5, step S9, step S15, and step S16. And wait for the metering operation of the catalyst slurry to end.

  During this time, the catalyst slurry supplied to the slurry metering device 10 spreads on the upper end surface of the catalyst carrier 8 with a substantially uniform thickness by its own weight.

Then, when it is confirmed in the determination process of step S16 that the metering operation of the catalyst slurry is completed, the CPU 44 outputs a drive command to the solenoid SOL ₁ and connects the direction switching valve 18 to the drain pipe 33. to switch to the supply of catalyst slurry for a slurry doser 10 is stopped (step S17), starts the application work of the catalyst slurry by vacuum using suction container 9 by driving the vacuum pump P ₂ (step S18), after re-start and reset the timer t ₂ for measuring the duration of the evacuation (step S19), indicating that the catalyst slurry applied to the flag F ₁ for storing the working condition of the catalyst coating mechanism 2 The value 3 is set (step S20), and the processing of the cycle is finished.

Since the flag _{F 1} value 3 in the subsequent cycle process, CPU 44 is step S4, step S5, step S9, step S15, after executing the processing of step S21, the set time of the timer _{t 2} has elapsed In other words, it is determined whether or not the application operation of the catalyst slurry by the evacuation using the suction container 9 is completed (step S22).

  When the application of the catalyst slurry is not completed and the determination result in step S22 is false, the CPU 44 performs steps S4, S5, S9, S15, S21, and S22. Is repeatedly executed to wait for the catalyst slurry application operation to be completed.

  Here, the flow of the catalyst slurry application operation will be briefly described.

First, by driving the vacuum pump P ₂ air in the suction container 9 is sucked from the suction pipe 16, by the internal pressure of the suction container 9 is lowered below atmospheric pressure, the slurry outlet port on-off valve 13 by the inner and outer difference pressure 14 is closed in a state of being strongly crimped to 14.

  Thereafter, when the internal pressure of the suction container 9 is reduced to such an extent that the catalyst slurry spreading on the catalyst carrier 8 with a substantially uniform thickness can be sucked through the tubular passage of the catalyst carrier 8, the catalyst slurry on the catalyst carrier 8 is reduced. Slurry is sucked into a large number of tubular passages formed in the catalyst carrier 8 and applied to the inner peripheral wall of the tubular passage, and excess catalyst slurry is discharged from the lower end surface side of the catalyst carrier 8 to the suction container 9. Accumulated.

  At this time, as the catalyst slurry remaining on the catalyst carrier 8 is sucked into the tubular passage and the capacity thereof is reduced, some outside air is supplied into the slurry metering feeder 10 via the check valve 21. The

  While the catalyst slurry flows in the tubular passage of the catalyst carrier 8, the tubular passage of the catalyst carrier 8 is closed by the catalyst slurry, and the viscosity of the catalyst slurry flowing in the tubular passage causes the flow rate of the catalyst slurry. Therefore, the reduced state of the internal pressure of the suction container 9 is maintained. Accordingly, the on-off valve 13 of the slurry discharge port 14 remains closed, and the catalyst slurry does not leak from the slurry discharge port 14.

  When all of the catalyst slurry remaining on the upper end surface side of the catalyst carrier 8 is discharged from the lower end surface side of the catalyst carrier 8 through the tubular passage of the catalyst carrier 8, the tubular passage of the catalyst carrier 8 is opened. Then, the outside air can easily flow into the tubular passage of the catalyst carrier 8 via the check valve 21 and the slurry metering feeder 10, and the internal pressure of the suction container 9 returns to a state equivalent to the atmospheric pressure. There is no pressure difference between inside and outside.

  Therefore, the urging force due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the force that presses the on-off valve 13 against the slurry discharge port 14 disappears, and the load of the catalyst slurry stored in the suction container 9 is closed by its own weight. The on-off valve 13 is forcibly opened by overcoming the urging force in the direction.

  As a result, the catalyst slurry stored in the suction container 9 is discharged from the slurry discharge port 14 and automatically collected in the slurry storage container 5 located below the suction container 9.

  When the discharge of the catalyst slurry from the slurry discharge port 14 is completed, the on-off valve 13 returns to the closed position by the swinging urging force due to its own weight.

Time set in the timer t ₂ described above, the time required coating operation described above is required to complete, or, a value obtained by adding some margin to the required time.

When the coating operation of the slurry catalyst has elapsed set time of the timer t ₂ has has ended is confirmed by the determination processing in step S22, CPU 44 is evacuated to stop the operation of the vacuum pump P ₂ a after completion (step S23), moves the elevating motor M ₄ the lifting device 22 is rotated in the direction corresponding to the retracted position by driving a slurry doser 10 to the retracted position as shown in FIG. 1 process starts (step S24), and the value 4 indicating that the retraction of the slurry doser 10 to the flag F ₁ for storing the working condition of the catalyst coating mechanism 2 is set to (step S25), and ends the processing of the cycle .

Since the value 4 flag _{F 1} in the subsequent cycle process, CPU 44 is step S4, step S5, step S9, step S15, step S21, after executing the processing of step S26, slurry doser 10 It is determined whether or not it has been lifted to the retreat position (step S27).

  Here, when the slurry metering feeder 10 is not raised to the retracted position and the determination result in step S27 is false, the CPU 44 performs steps S4, S5, S9, S15, S21, and S21. The process of S26 and step S27 is repeatedly executed to wait for the slurry metering feeder 10 to rise.

Then, when it is confirmed in the determination process of step S27 that the slurry metering feeder 10 has been raised to the retracted position, and when the catalyst carrier 8 can be manually removed from the carrier fitting portion 11 of the suction container 9, the CPU 44 moves up and down the motor. the M ₄ is stopped to hold the slurry doser 10 to the retreat position (step S28), whether the carrier mounting detection signals from the carrier mounting detecting switch SW ₁ provided in the catalyst coating mechanism 2 is OFF That is, it is determined whether or not the catalyst carrier 8 is removed from the carrier fitting portion 11 (step S29).

  If the catalyst carrier 8 is not removed and the determination result in step S29 is false, the CPU 44 performs step S4, step S5, step S9, step S15, step S21, step S26 to step S26. The process of S29 is repeatedly executed to wait for the catalyst carrier 8 to be removed from the carrier fitting portion 11 by the operator's hand.

  When the operator removes the catalyst carrier 8 from the carrier fitting portion 11 of the suction container 9, this operation is detected by the CPU 44 in the determination process of step S29.

The CPU 44 detecting the removal of the catalyst carrier 8 outputs a drive command to the solenoid SOL ₃ to switch the direction switching valve 34 constituting a part of the coating mechanism cleaning liquid supply means to the side connected to the liquid supply pipe 38 (step) S30), along with to start cleaning operation of the catalyst coating mechanism 2 by the coating mechanism for the cleaning liquid supply means as a function quantifying pump P ₃ the drive to liquid from the spray nozzle 37 is ejected the liquid application mechanism for slurry cleaning mechanism 6b ( step S31), the timer t _X reset to re-start the (step S32 of measuring the operating time of the metering pump P _3), the catalyst coating mechanism 2 wash the flag F ₁ for storing the working condition of the catalyst coating mechanism 2 Is set to 5 (step S33), and the processing of the cycle ends.

Since the value 5 the flag _{F 1} in the next cycle subsequent processing, CPU 44 is step S4, step S5, step S9, step S15, step S21, step S26, after executing the processing of step S34, the metering pump P the value of the timer t _X for measuring the _third operating time is to determine whether or not reached the set value T _X (step S35).

Here, if the judgment result in step S35 not to end the set time of the timer t _X to act as part of the cleaning liquid discharge amount control means is No, the CPU 44, step S4, step S5, step S9, step S15, step S21, step S26, step S34, and waits for the set time of the timer _{t X} is completed repeatedly performs the processes of steps S35, during which time, use the ejection of liquid from the liquid ejection nozzle 37 The cleaning operation of the applied catalyst application mechanism 2 is continued.

  In this way, by washing the catalyst coating mechanism 2 with the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection nozzle 37 of the slurry cleaning mechanism 6b for the coating mechanism, one of the movable parts of the slurry discharge port 14 of the suction container 9 and the working unit 4 is obtained. The catalyst slurry adhering to the on-off valve 13 can be washed away with certainty, and the solidified catalyst slurry adheres to the edge of the slurry discharge port 14 to hinder the opening / closing operation of the on-off valve 13. The problem that the solidified catalyst slurry adheres to the carrier fitting portion 11 and the close contact between the catalyst carrier 8 and the carrier fitting portion 11 is obstructed and the vacuuming cannot be performed properly is solved.

  Then, the catalyst slurry washed away from the catalyst application mechanism 2 which is a part of the working unit 4 is collected in the slurry storage container 5 together with the liquid discharged for washing from the liquid ejection nozzle 37.

  Since the liquid reduced to the slurry storage container 5 is a liquid used as a solvent for the catalyst slurry, there is no concern that a change in chemical characteristics occurs in the catalyst slurry stored in the slurry storage container 5.

  Further, since the catalyst slurry adhering to the catalyst coating mechanism 2 is washed using the liquid serving as the solvent for the catalyst slurry, the catalyst coating mechanism 2 is surely secured before the catalyst slurry becomes highly viscous or solidified. Can be removed.

  Since the ejection of the liquid from the liquid ejection nozzle 37 is not accompanied by the ejection of air, even if the slurry storage container 5 is constituted by an unsealed container having an upper surface opened, the slurry for the catalyst in the slurry storage container 5 can be used. There is no concern that the solvent will evaporate excessively.

According cleaning operation is completed and the setting time of the timer t _X has elapsed is checked in the determination process in step S35, CPU 44 stops the operation of the metering pump P ₃ which functions as a cleaning liquid supply means for applying mechanism Then, the ejection of the liquid from the liquid ejection nozzle 37 is terminated (step S36), and a drive command is output to the solenoid SOL ₃ to switch the direction switching valve 34 constituting a part of the coating mechanism cleaning liquid supply means to the closed side. after (step S37), the flag F ₁ for storing the working condition of the catalyst coating mechanism 2 by setting the initial value 0 indicating that the non-operation of the catalytic coating mechanism 2 (step S38), and ends the processing of the cycle .

Thus, each part of the state of the catalytic coating mechanism 2 and coating mechanism for slurry cleaning mechanism 6b is returned to the initial state, CPU 44, the input of the carrier mounting detection signals from the carrier mounting detecting switch SW _1, i.e., the operator catalyst A standby state is entered to wait for the next catalyst carrier 8 to be mounted on the carrier fitting portion 11 of the coating mechanism 2.

  Then, when it is detected in the determination process of step S6 that the next catalyst carrier 8 is mounted on the carrier fitting part 11, the CPU 44 repeatedly executes the processes of step S7 to step S38 in the same manner as described above. The catalyst slurry coating operation and the catalyst coating mechanism 2 cleaning operation for the newly installed catalyst carrier 8 are performed.

  When applying the catalyst slurry, the liquid sprayed onto the carrier fitting portion 11 in the previous cleaning operation functions as a sealant between the carrier fitting portion 11 and the catalyst carrier 8, so the suction container 9 is used. Thus, it is possible to surely prevent air leakage that becomes an obstacle during evacuation.

  The catalyst carrier 8 coated with the catalyst slurry by the catalyst coating mechanism 2 is then removed from the carrier fitting portion 11 of the catalyst coating mechanism 2 by the operator's hand, and the carrier mounting portion 23 of the surplus slurry blowing mechanism 3. Will be placed.

When the operator places the catalyst carrier 8 on the carrier placement portion 23 of the surplus slurry blow-off mechanism 3, the CPU 44 that repeatedly executes the processing of step S4, step S5, step S6, step S39, step S40, and step S73. detects an input of the carrier mounting detection signals from the carrier mounting detecting switch SW ₂ in the determination process in step S40.

It is detected that the catalyst support 8 is mounted on the carrier mounting portion 23 CPU 44 has the air nozzle 25 by rotated in a direction corresponding the nozzle moving motor M ₂ to the projecting position to drive the translation mechanism 27 start the process of moving to the projecting position of the left end of the carrier supports 23 (step S41), a value 1 indicating that the movement of the air nozzle 25 to the flag F ₂ for storing the working condition of the excess slurry吹払have mechanisms 3 After setting (step S42), the processing of the cycle ends.

Since the value of the flag _{F 2} in the next cycle subsequent processing becomes 1, CPU 44 is step S4, step S5, step S6, step S39, after executing the processing of step S43, the placement air nozzles 25 a carrier portion 23 It is determined whether or not it has moved to the protruding position of the left end portion of the, i.e., the blowout start position (step S44).

  Here, when the air nozzle 25 has not moved to the blow-off start position and the determination result in step S44 is false, the CPU 44 performs step S4, step S5, step S6, step S39, step S43, The process of step S44 is repeatedly executed to wait for the movement of the air nozzle 25 to end.

Then, when it is confirmed in the determination process of step S44 that the air nozzle 25 has moved to the blow-off start position, the CPU 44 outputs a drive command to the solenoid SOL ₂ to open the on-off valve 29 and open air to the air nozzle 25. by starting the supply of, (step S45) and starts the吹払cormorants吹払have work excess catalyst slurry from the catalyst support 8 placed on a carrier supports 23, corresponding to the nozzle moving motor M ₂ to the retracted position The air nozzle 25 is moved to the retreat position on the right side of the right end portion of the carrier placing portion 23 by driving the parallel movement mechanism 27 by rotating in the direction to rotate (step S46), and surplus slurry blowing a value 2 indicating that the execution of the stomach吹払the flag F ₂ task of storing the working condition of the payment mechanism 3 is set (step S47), the processing of the cycle To completion.

Since the value of the flag F2 is _{2 in} the processing after the next cycle, the CPU 44 executes the processing of step S4, step S5, step S6, step S39, step S43, and step S48, and then the air nozzle 25 is mounted on the carrier. It is determined whether or not it has moved to the retracted position on the right side of the right end portion of the placing portion 23, that is, the blow-off end position (step S49).

  Here, when the air nozzle 25 has not moved to the blow-off end position and the determination result in step S49 is false, the CPU 44 performs step S4, step S5, step S6, step S39, step S43, Steps S48 and S49 are repeatedly executed to wait for the movement of the air nozzle 25 to end.

  During this time, the air nozzle 25 moves from the left to the right in FIG. 1 along the upper end surface of the catalyst carrier 8 while ejecting air from the air outlet 26, and the catalyst carrier 8 placed on the carrier placing portion 23. Blow off any excess catalyst slurry.

  At this time, surplus catalyst slurry accumulated in the tubular passage of the catalyst carrier 8 is pushed downward along the tubular passage, and the slurry is passed through the slurry discharge pipe 24 connected to the lower end of the carrier placing portion 23. The surplus catalyst slurry that has been collected in the storage container 5 but adhered to the upper end surface of the catalyst carrier 8 is scattered by the air due to the squeezing of the air, and the inside and outside of the carrier mounting portion 23 and the air nozzle 25 The possibility of adhering to the air outlet 26 is high.

  In particular, since strong air is blown from the air nozzle 25 to the catalyst slurry adhering to the inside and outside of the carrier mounting portion 23, the solvent evaporates and becomes highly viscous or solidifies within a short time. If the completely solidified surplus slurry peels off and enters the slurry storage container 5, it is not preferable that the slurry supply pipe 19 and the drain pipe 33 which are part of the piping of the catalyst coating apparatus 1 are clogged. A situation may arise. Further, the possibility that the air outlet 26 of the air nozzle 25 itself is clogged cannot be denied.

  However, on the other hand, most of the air flow from the air nozzle 25 is shielded by the air blow receiver 39 and strong air is not blown directly into the slurry storage container 5, so the catalyst stored in the slurry storage container 5 It is possible to prevent the solvent from evaporating from the slurry.

Then, when it is confirmed in the determination process of step S49 that the air nozzle 25 has moved to the blow-off end position, the CPU 44 outputs a drive command to the solenoid SOL ₂ to close the on-off valve 29 and to the air nozzle 25. stops the supply of air, the nozzle moving motor M ₂ to end the吹払have work to hold the air nozzle 25 to the retracted position by stops (step S50), the carrier attachment detection signal from the carrier mounting detecting switch SW ₂ Is determined to be OFF, that is, whether or not the catalyst carrier 8 is removed from the carrier placing portion 23 (step S51).

  If the catalyst carrier 8 is not removed and the determination result in step S51 is false, the CPU 44 performs step S4, step S5, step S6, step S39, step S43, step S48 to step S48. The process of S51 is repeatedly executed to wait for the catalyst carrier 8 to be removed.

  Then, when the operator removes the catalyst carrier 8 from the carrier mounting portion 23 of the surplus slurry blow-off mechanism 3, this operation is detected by the CPU 44 in the determination process of step S51.

Detects the removal of the catalyst support 8 CPU 44 is a central position of the carrier supports 23 and the air nozzle 25 from the retracted position by driving the translation mechanism 27 is rotated in the direction corresponding the nozzle moving motor M ₂ to the projecting position starts a process of moving toward a (step S52), and sets a value 3 indicating that the movement of the air nozzle 25 to the flag F ₂ for storing the working condition of the excess slurry吹払have mechanism 3 (step S53), the The cycle processing is terminated.

Since the value 3 flag _{F 2} in the subsequent cycle process, CPU 44 is step S4, step S5, step S6, step S39, step S43, step S48, the after executing the processing of step S54, the air nozzles 25 It is determined whether or not has moved to the center position of the carrier placing portion 23 (step S55).

  Here, when the air nozzle 25 has not moved to the center position of the carrier placement unit 23 and the determination result in step S55 is false, the CPU 44 performs steps S4, S5, S6, and S39. , Steps S43, S48, S54, and S55 are repeatedly executed to wait for the movement of the air nozzle 25 to end.

When the air nozzle 25 is moved to a central position of the carrier supports 23 are verified in the determination process in step S55, CPU 44 may support places the air nozzle 25 to stop the nozzle moving motor M ₂ The central portion of the unit 23 is held (step S56).

Next, the CPU 44 functioning as a cleaning liquid spray control means outputs a drive command to the solenoid SOL ₂ to open the on-off valve 29 and start supplying air to the air nozzle 25 (step S57), and also sends a drive command to the solenoid SOL _3. The direction switching valve 34 that outputs and forms part of the cleaning liquid supply means for the blow-off mechanism is switched to the side connected to the air nozzle 25 (step S58), and further, the metering pump P that functions as the cleaning liquid supply means for the blow-off mechanism ₃ is driven to spray the cleaning liquid together with air from the air nozzle 25 to start the cleaning operation of the surplus slurry blowing mechanism 3 by the blowing mechanism slurry cleaning mechanism 6a (step S59), and the metering pump P ₃ It resets the timer t _Y for measuring the operating time by restarting (step S60), the excess Value 4 indicating the flag F ₂ for storing the working conditions of the slurry吹払have mechanism 3 through the wash excess slurry吹払have mechanism 3 is set to (step S61), and ends the processing of this cycle.

Since the value of the flag _{F 2} in the subsequent cycle process becomes 4, CPU 44 is step S4, step S5, step S6, step S39, step S43, step S48, the step S54, after executing the processing of step S62, It will determine whether or not the value of the timer t _Y reaches the set value T _Y for measuring the operating time of the metering pump P ₃ (step S63).

Here, if the judgment result of the step S63 not to end the set time of the timer t _Y that functions as part of the cleaning liquid discharge amount control means is No, the CPU 44, step S4, step S5, step S6, step S39, step S43, step S48, the step S54, step S62, and waits for the end of the set time of the timer _{t Y} repeatedly performs the processes of steps S63, during which time, use of the spray liquid from the air nozzle 25 The cleaning operation of the surplus slurry blowing mechanism 3 is continuously performed.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the cleaning operation of the surplus slurry blow-off mechanism 3 using the spray of the liquid from the air nozzle 25 in a simplified manner.

  Since the liquid is sprayed in a mist form from the air outlet 26 of the air nozzle 25, the surroundings of the excess slurry blowing mechanism 3 can be washed over a wide range, and at the same time, the air nozzle 25 of the excess slurry blowing mechanism 3. The catalyst slurry adhered to the air nozzle 25 can be removed to prevent the air nozzle 25 from being clogged.

  Then, the liquid that flows down through the inside of the peripheral wall 40 of the air blow receiver 39 and the bottom plate 41 during the cleaning operation is collected in the slurry storage container 5 through the cleaning liquid recovery passage 42 together with the slurry washed away by the cleaning. Since the liquid that is reduced to the slurry storage container 5 is a liquid that is used as a solvent for the catalyst slurry, there is no concern that a change in chemical characteristics may occur in the catalyst slurry stored in the slurry storage container 5.

  In addition, since the catalyst slurry adhering to the surplus slurry blowing mechanism 3 is washed using the liquid serving as the solvent for the catalyst slurry, the surplus slurry is surely secured before the catalyst slurry becomes highly viscous or solidified. It can be removed from the blow-off mechanism 3.

  Further, a damping plate 43 is provided inside the cleaning liquid recovery passage 42 at a certain interval so as to attenuate the pressure of the air blown into the air blow receiver 39, so that strong air is supplied to the slurry storage container 5. There is no blowing, and it is possible to effectively prevent the solvent from evaporating from the stored catalyst slurry.

  At this time, since the inner peripheral surface of the slurry discharge pipe 24 connected to the lower end portion of the carrier mounting portion 23 is also washed, the catalyst slurry adhering to the slurry discharge pipe 24 is solidified or solidified. There is no concern that the slurry for catalyst that has fallen into the slurry storage container 5 and clogs the slurry supply pipe 19 or the like.

Further, since the air blow receiver 39 is provided so as to surround the periphery of the carrier mounting portion 23, the liquid sprayed in the form of a mist around the surplus slurry blowing mechanism 3 can be reliably recovered without leakage, since the recovery amount of the liquid is reduced to a slurry storage container 5 is stabilized, the timer t _X, it is possible to easily equalize the solute concentration of the catalyst slurry by controlling the operating time of the metering pump P ₃ using t _Y Is possible.

  The cleaning operation using the spray of the liquid from the air nozzle 25 involves the ejection of air, but this air flow is blocked by a cylindrical air blow receiver 39 surrounding the carrier mounting portion 23 of the surplus slurry blowing mechanism 3. Therefore, there is no problem that the solvent is excessively evaporated from the catalyst slurry in the slurry storage container 5.

Then, if the set time of the timer t _Y has ended is confirmed by the determination processing in step S63, CPU 44 is an air nozzle 25 to stop the operation of the metering pump P ₃ which functions as a cleaning liquid supply means for吹払have mechanisms (Step S64), and outputs a drive command to the solenoid SOL ₃ to switch the direction switching valve 34 constituting a part of the cleaning liquid supply means for the blow-off mechanism to the closed side (step S65). Further, a drive command is output to the solenoid SOL ₂ to close the on-off valve 29 and stop the supply of air to the air nozzle 25 to stop the spraying of liquid from the air nozzle 25 (step S66).

In this manner, when the cleaning of excess slurry吹払There mechanism 3 is completed, CPU 44 may support mounting the air nozzles 25 by rotated in a direction corresponding the nozzle moving motor M ₂ to the retracted position to drive the translation mechanism 27 indicating that the movement of the air nozzle 25 to begin the process of moving (step S67), the flag F ₂ for storing the working condition of the excess slurry吹払have mechanism 3 toward the right side of the retreat position of the right end portion of the portion 23 A value of 5 is set (step S68), and the processing of the cycle is finished.

Since the value 5 the flag _{F 2} in the subsequent cycle process, CPU 44 is step S4, step S5, step S6, step S39, step S43, step S48, the step S54, step S62, executes the process of step S69 After that, it is determined whether or not the air nozzle 25 has moved to the retracted position on the right side of the right end portion of the carrier placing portion 23 (step S70).

  If the air nozzle 25 has not moved to the retracted position and the determination result in step S70 is false, the CPU 44 performs steps S4, S5, S6, S39, S43, and S48. , Steps S54, S62, S69, and Step S70 are repeatedly executed to wait for the movement of the air nozzle 25 to end.

And finally, if the air nozzle 25 has returned to the retracted position is confirmed by the determination processing in step S70, CPU 44 holds the air nozzle 25 to the retracted position by stopping the nozzle moving motor M ₂ ( step S71), sets the initial value 0 indicating that the non-operation of the excess slurry吹払have mechanism 3 in the flag F ₂ for storing the working condition of the excess slurry吹払have mechanism 3 (step S72), ends the processing of the cycle To do.

Thus, each part of the state of the excess slurry吹払have mechanisms 3 and吹払have mechanisms for slurry cleaning mechanism 6a is returned to the initial state, CPU 44, the input of the carrier mounting detection signals from the carrier mounting detecting switch SW _2, i.e., the working A standby state is waited for a person to mount the next catalyst carrier 8 on the carrier mounting portion 23 of the surplus slurry blow-off mechanism 3.

  Then, when it is detected in the determination process of step S40 that the next catalyst carrier 8 is mounted on the carrier mounting part 23, the CPU 44 repeatedly executes the processes of step S41 to step S72 in the same manner as described above. The catalyst slurry is blown to the newly attached catalyst carrier 8 and the surplus slurry blowing mechanism 3 is cleaned.

  Here, for the sake of simplifying the explanation, as an example of the operation mode of the catalyst coating apparatus 1, the catalyst slurry coating operation and the catalyst coating mechanism 2 cleaning operation shown in steps S7 to S38 and the steps S41 to S72 are performed. In the above description, it is assumed that the catalyst slurry blowing operation and the surplus slurry blowing mechanism 3 cleaning operation shown in FIG. 2 are performed independently. However, the processing in steps S41 to S72 is also performed in steps S7 to S38. Since the processing does not include any loop-like standby processing that occupies the CPU 44, in practice, these two sets of processing can be executed in parallel as independent events. The catalyst carrier 8 to which the catalyst slurry is applied by the mechanism 2 is removed from the carrier fitting portion 11 to remove the surplus slurry blowing mechanism 3. After starting the 吹払 have working catalyst slurry is placed, it operated also well tolerated like immediately following catalyst support 8 installed on a carrier engagement portion 11 starts application work of the catalyst slurry.

Finally, when all the work the worker completed to OFF operates the start switch SW ₀ of the operation panel, CPU 44 detects the OFF operation by the determining process in step S73, the slurry feed pump _{P 1} and the stirring motor M ₁ and the operation of the compressor drive motor _{M 3} is stopped (step S74, the step S75, the step S76), all processing is terminated.

  As described above, as an example, all of the catalyst slurry washed away from the catalyst application mechanism 2 and the catalyst slurry washed away from the excess slurry blowing mechanism 3 are slurried together with the liquid discharged from the liquid jet nozzle 37 and the air nozzle 25. Although the example collect | recovered in the storage container 5 was described, it is also a good idea to install the filter for removing the catalyst slurry deposited and solidified in the air nozzle 25 of the surplus slurry blow-off mechanism 3 or the like.

  That is, the cleaning of the surplus slurry blow-off mechanism 3 using the spray of liquid from the air nozzle 25 involves the ejection of air, so depending on the characteristics of the slurry or the usage status of the catalyst coating device 1, etc. This is because the catalyst slurry deposited and solidified may be peeled off due to the air.

  When a filter is installed, the vicinity of the cleaning liquid recovery passage 42 of the air blow receiver 39 is appropriate. Due to the structure of the air blow receiver 39, the portion of the cleaning liquid recovery passage 42 has a bowl shape with a reduced diameter, and can be used effectively as a filter mounting position.

Further, in the embodiment shown, as a trigger support mounting detection signals from the carrier mounting detecting switch SW ₁ and a carrier mounted detection switch SW _2, the coating operation of the catalyst slurry in the catalyst coating mechanism 2 and cleaning operations of the catalytic coating mechanism 2 In addition, the catalyst slurry blowing operation and the excess slurry blowing mechanism 3 in the surplus slurry blowing mechanism 3 are automatically started, and each work process is completely automated under the control of the CPU 44. However, if manual valves are used in place of the solenoid-driven directional switching valve 18, the on-off valve 29, the directional switching valve 34, etc., various processing steps can be realized by manual operation of the operator. You can also.

  In addition to the motor, a known hydraulic cylinder, air cylinder, or the like can be easily used as a driving source for the lifting device 22 and the parallel movement mechanism 27.

  If the slurry for catalyst is a volatile coating liquid, the liquid is a solvent, and the active oxide, silica, titania, zirconia and other inorganic oxides in the catalyst slurry and the binder are paints, the article is volatile. The technical idea of the present invention can also be applied to an apparatus that performs a coating process by being immersed in a coating liquid.

It is the block diagram shown about the outline of the structure of the catalyst coating device of one Example to which this invention is applied. It is sectional drawing shown about the internal structure of the suction container which comprises the principal part of a catalyst application | coating mechanism. It is the figure which showed the structure of the air nozzle provided in the surplus slurry blowing mechanism, FIG. 3 (a) is a left view, and FIG.3 (b) is a front view. FIG. 4A is a front view and FIG. 4B is a left side view of a structure of an air blow receiver provided in the surplus slurry blowing mechanism. It is a functional block diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a control unit that also serves as a cleaning liquid spray control unit and a cleaning liquid discharge amount control unit of the catalyst coating apparatus. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing executed by a CPU of a control unit that functions as cleaning liquid spray control means, cleaning liquid discharge amount control means, and the like. It is a continuation of the flowchart shown about the outline of the process performed by CPU. It is a continuation of the flowchart shown about the outline of the process performed by CPU. It is a continuation of the flowchart shown about the outline of the process performed by CPU. It is a continuation of the flowchart shown about the outline of the process performed by CPU. It is the schematic diagram which simplified and showed about the washing | cleaning operation | work of the surplus slurry blowing mechanism using the spray of the liquid from an air nozzle.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Catalyst coating device 2 Catalyst coating mechanism 3 Surplus slurry blowing mechanism 4 Working part 5 Slurry storage container 6 Slurry washing mechanism 6a Slurry washing mechanism 6b for blowing mechanism Slurry washing mechanism 7 for coating mechanism Cleaning liquid recovery mechanism 8 Catalyst carrier 9 Suction container 10 Slurry metering feeder 11 Carrier fitting part 12 Container body 13 On-off valve (part of movable part)
14 Slurry outlet 15 Hinge 16 Suction pipe 17 Hood 18 Direction switching valve 19 Slurry supply pipe 20 Stirrer 21 Check valve 22 Lifting device 23 Carrier mounting part 24 Slurry discharge pipe 25 Air nozzle 26 Air outlet 27 Parallel movement mechanism 28 Arm 29 On-off valve 30 Air supply pipe 31 Compressor 31 Drain pipe 32 Relief valve 33 Drain pipe 34 Direction switching valve 35 Liquid supply pipe 36 Control unit 37 Liquid ejection nozzle 38 Liquid supply pipe 39 Air blow receiver 40 Perimeter wall 41 Bottom plate 42 Cleaning liquid recovery passage 43 Attenuation Plate 44 CPU (cleaning liquid spray control means, cleaning liquid discharge amount control means, drive control means for cleaning liquid supply means for blow-off mechanism, drive control means for cleaning liquid supply means for coating mechanism, etc.)
45 ROM
46 RAM
47 Nonvolatile memory 48 Input / output circuit 49 Interface 50 Driver 51 Driver 52 Driver 53 A / D converter S Viscosity sensor (viscosity measuring means)
SW ₀ Start switch SW ₁ Carrier attachment detection switch SW ₂ Carrier attachment detection switch SOL ₁ Solenoid SOL ₂ Solenoid SOL ₃ Solenoid P ₁ Slurry supply pump P ₂ Vacuum pump P ₃ Metering pump (for cleaning liquid supply means for spraying mechanism, coating mechanism) Cleaning liquid supply means)
M ₁ stirring motor M ₂ nozzle moving motor M ₃ compressor drive motor M ₄ lifting motor

Claims (10)

A working part having a catalyst application mechanism for applying the catalyst slurry to the catalyst carrier; and a surplus slurry blowing mechanism for removing excess catalyst slurry adhering to the catalyst carrier by blowing air from an air nozzle; and the catalyst application In a catalyst coating apparatus comprising a slurry storage container for storing a catalyst slurry to be supplied to a mechanism,
A slurry cleaning mechanism for cleaning the catalyst slurry adhering to the working unit using a liquid serving as a solvent for the catalyst slurry; and at least the liquid discharged for cleaning from the slurry cleaning mechanism in the slurry storage container And a cleaning liquid recovery mechanism for recovering the catalyst.   The slurry cleaning mechanism is substantially synchronized with the operation of the cleaning liquid supply means for the blowing mechanism for supplying liquid to the air nozzle of the excess slurry blowing mechanism and the cleaning liquid supply means for the blowing mechanism. 2. The catalyst coating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cleaning liquid spray control means for operating the mechanism.   The slurry cleaning mechanism has a liquid ejection nozzle installed at a position for ejecting liquid to a carrier fitting portion provided at an upper end portion of a suction container provided in the catalyst application mechanism, and supplies the liquid to the liquid ejection nozzle The catalyst coating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a cleaning liquid supply unit for the coating mechanism.   The slurry cleaning mechanism is substantially synchronized with the operation of the cleaning liquid supply means for the blowing mechanism for supplying liquid to the air nozzle of the excess slurry blowing mechanism and the cleaning liquid supply means for the blowing mechanism. Cleaning liquid spray control means for operating the mechanism, a liquid ejection nozzle installed at a position for ejecting liquid to the carrier fitting portion provided at the upper end of the suction container provided in the catalyst application mechanism, and the liquid ejection nozzle The catalyst coating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a cleaning liquid supply unit for a coating mechanism that supplies a liquid to the coating mechanism.   The cleaning liquid recovery mechanism includes a cylindrical air blow receiver disposed so as to surround a carrier mounting portion arranged in the surplus slurry blowing mechanism, and a lower end portion of the air blow receiver is connected to the slurry storage container. The catalyst coating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the catalyst coating apparatus is provided.   The slurry storage container is formed by an unsealed container having an upper surface opened, and at least a suction container of the catalyst application mechanism is installed at a position above the opening of the slurry storage container. Item 4. The catalyst coating apparatus according to Item 3.   The slurry storage container is formed by an unsealed container having an upper surface opened, at least the suction container of the catalyst application mechanism is installed at a position above the opening of the slurry storage container, and the lower end portion of the air blow receiver is The catalyst coating apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the catalyst coating apparatus is connected to a side surface of the slurry storage container.   The catalyst coating apparatus according to claim 5 or 7, wherein a damping plate for attenuating air pressure is disposed at a connection portion between the air blow receiver and the slurry storage container.   The cleaning liquid recovery mechanism is configured to recover the catalyst slurry washed away from the working unit by the liquid together with the liquid discharged for cleaning from the slurry cleaning mechanism. The catalyst coating apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8.   Based on the viscosity measuring means for measuring the viscosity of the catalyst slurry in the slurry storage container and the viscosity measured by the viscosity measuring means, the viscosity of the catalyst slurry is released from the slurry washing mechanism so as to maintain the set value. A cleaning liquid discharge amount control means for adjusting the amount of liquid is provided, wherein the cleaning liquid discharge amount control means is provided. Alternatively, the catalyst coating apparatus according to claim 9.

Images