JP2005144444A - Treatment apparatus for powder and treatment method for powder - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a treatment apparatus for powder, capable of improving a yield of the treated powder than a conventional treatment apparatus for powder and obtaining the treated powder excellent in quality. <P>SOLUTION: The treatment apparatus 1 for powder has a body (a casing) 11 which collectively treats a raw material in it to give the treated powder. The body 11 has a dispersing rotor 14 rotating to form a revolving gas stream in the body, a guide ring 13 having an axis along a direction of a rotary axis of the dispersing rotor 14 and a classifying rotor 12, for removing powder having below a determined particle diameter, that is arranged at a position facing to the dispersing rotor 14 by clamping the guide ring 13. Further, a face where the classifying rotor 12 in the body 11 is fitted is provided with a top ring 31 for closing an edge part formed in the inner peripheral face. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention uses a powder processing apparatus for manufacturing powder by performing processes such as grinding, classification, shape control, compounding, surface treatment, mixing, external addition, granulation, drying, fusion, and the like, and the apparatus Thus, the present invention relates to a powder processing method for producing a powder.

  Processed powder produced by subjecting raw materials to pulverization or the like is usually obtained in a state where various particle sizes are mixed. In general, the particle size, shape, etc. required for the processed powder as a processed product (product) vary depending on the application, but in order to remove unnecessary fine powder whose particle size is smaller than the desired range, Classification of treated powders with mixed particle sizes has been performed.

  In relation to such powder processing technology, Patent Document 1 discloses a toner manufacturing system that manufactures toner using a mechanical pulverizer.

Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a powder processing apparatus capable of performing powder processing and classification for removing unnecessary fine powder from the processed powder in one apparatus. According to this powder processing apparatus, powder processing can be carried out with a compact system, and the apparatus can be easily cleaned and the handleability can be improved.
JP 2002-273250 (published September 24, 2002) JP2002-233787 (released on August 20, 2002)

  However, in the powder processing apparatuses described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the swirling airflow around the fine powder removing unit is unevenly distributed, the powder is not well dispersed, and the powder concentration is partially high. In order to carry out classification, there is a problem that a sufficient yield cannot be expected.

  Therefore, in the present invention, a powder processing apparatus capable of improving the yield of the processed powder and obtaining a processed powder with a better quality than the conventional powder processing apparatus, and the powder processing apparatus Provided is a powder processing method using

  The inventor of the present application has conducted extensive studies to solve the above problems, and as a result, in a powder processing apparatus having a main body for collectively processing the internal raw materials to obtain a processed powder, the corners inside the upper surface of the main body It has been found that the yield of the treated powder is improved by closing the corner portions formed in the portion with an appropriate member. Then, the shape of the member for closing the corner portion is examined, and it is found that if it is an annular member, members having various thicknesses and various inner diameters can be easily created, and the present invention is completed. It came to.

  The powder processing apparatus according to the present invention is a powder processing apparatus having a main body for collectively processing raw materials inside to obtain a processed powder, in order to form a swirling airflow in the main body. A rotating piece portion that rotates, a cylindrical portion that has a central axis along the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating piece portion, and a position that faces the rotating piece portion across the cylindrical portion in the axial direction A fine powder removing unit for removing powder having a particle size less than a predetermined particle size, and further, an attachment surface of the fine powder removing unit inside the main body and an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical part facing the outer peripheral surface of the main body. An annular member that covers a corner portion formed by the inner peripheral surface is provided.

  In the powder processing apparatus of the present invention, the annular member may have a surface that is inclined at an acute angle with respect to a mounting surface of the fine powder removing portion inside the main body. In addition, being inclined at an acute angle means being inclined so as to be closer to the mounting surface as the side is closer to the fine powder removing portion. Further, in the annular member, a surface inclined at an acute angle with respect to a mounting surface of the fine powder removing portion inside the main body may be curved toward the inside of the main body.

  The powder processing apparatus of the present invention is further provided with a raw material introduction section for supplying a raw material of the powder into the main body. The raw material introduction section includes a raw material supply section for supplying the raw material, It may have a gas supply part that supplies air or a negative pressure suction part that sucks gas, and the raw material may be placed on the gas and supplied to the inside of the main body.

  In addition to the above configuration, the powder processing apparatus of the present invention is provided with a raw material introduction unit having a supply port for supplying powder raw material into the main body, and the supply port of the raw material introduction unit is The configuration may be provided inside the cylindrical portion.

  In the powder processing apparatus of the present invention, in addition to the above-described configuration, the rotary shaft of the rotary piece portion is positioned at the inner peripheral surface of the main body and facing the outer peripheral portion of the rotary piece portion. A cylindrical impact receiving portion having a central axis along the direction may be provided.

  In addition to the above configuration, the powder processing apparatus of the present invention is provided with a plate-like support member for supporting the cylindrical portion on the inner peripheral surface of the main body. Further, a configuration may be adopted in which the airflow is inclined along the swirl direction of the airflow swirling and rising in the main body.

  In the powder processing apparatus of the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the shape of the cross section of the support member may be any of a rectangle, an ellipse, and a streamline. Here, the cross section of the support member means a cross section parallel to the inner peripheral surface of the main body.

  In addition to the above configuration, the powder processing apparatus of the present invention may be provided with an automatic removing means for lifting and removing the fine powder removing unit.

  The powder processing apparatus of the present invention is further provided with a processing powder outlet for taking out the processing powder to the outside of the main body, and the processing powder outlet has a suction part for sucking the gas inside the main body. It may be provided.

  In the powder processing apparatus of the present invention, the fine powder removing unit includes a classification rotor having a plurality of blade portions inside the main body, and a classification rotor driving unit that is provided outside the main body and rotationally drives the classification rotor. Thus, the classifying rotor drive unit may be driven to rotate so that the peripheral speed during rotation of the classifying rotor is 40 to 160 m / s.

  In the powder processing apparatus, when the processed powder is toner, the classification rotor driving unit may be driven to rotate so that a peripheral speed when the classification rotor rotates is 75 to 100 m / s. preferable.

  In addition to the above configuration, the powder processing apparatus of the present invention is provided with a rotation control unit for controlling the rotation of the rotating piece part, and the rotation control unit is configured to rotate the rotating piece part. Rotational control may be performed so that the peripheral speed of 80 to 200 m / s.

  In the above powder processing apparatus, when the processing powder is toner, the rotation control unit may perform rotation control so that a peripheral speed at the time of rotation of the rotating piece unit is 100 to 150 m / s. preferable.

  In addition to the above configuration, the powder processing apparatus of the present invention is provided with an air seal portion for supplying air in a gap between the classification rotor and the mounting surface inside the main body, and the air seal portion includes In addition, a protrusion may be provided that is disposed adjacent to the inner tip of the blade portion of the classification rotor.

  The powder processing method of the present invention uses a powder processing apparatus having any one of the above-described structures, and removes fine powder having a predetermined particle diameter or less contained in the raw material and / or processed powder in the main body. , A powder processing method for pulverizing raw materials to obtain a processed powder, wherein the passing speed of the processed powder between the rotating piece part and the cylindrical part during powder processing is 5 to 30 m / s, Preferably it is 8-15 m / s.

  Moreover, the powder processing method of the present invention uses a powder processing apparatus having any one of the above-described structures, and fine powder having a predetermined particle size or less contained in the raw material and / or the processed powder in the main body. A powder processing method for obtaining a processed powder by pulverizing raw materials while removing, wherein the powder processing apparatus is further opposite to the cylindrical portion with a dispersion rotor having the rotating piece portion interposed therebetween And a deflector ring is provided at a position facing the dispersion rotor, and the passing air speed of the treated powder between the dispersion rotor and the deflector ring during the powder treatment is 5 to 40 m / s. , Preferably 10 to 20 m / s.

  Moreover, the powder processing method of the present invention uses a powder processing apparatus having any one of the above-described structures, and fine powder having a predetermined particle size or less contained in the raw material and / or the processed powder in the main body. A powder processing method for obtaining a processed powder by pulverizing raw materials while removing, wherein the processed powder may contain a resin as a main component. Further, the treated powder can be applied to a toner or a powder paint as a resin main component. If this method is applied to the production of toner or powder paint, a product with good quality can be obtained and the yield can be improved.

  According to the powder processing apparatus of the present invention, the provision of the annular member closes the angular gap formed by the attachment surface of the fine powder removing portion inside the main body and the inner peripheral surface of the main body. Therefore, the gas swirling in the main body can be rectified. Thereby, the dispersion state of the powder around the fine powder removing portion can be made uniform, and only fine powder having a particle size smaller than the target particle diameter can be reliably removed. That is, it is possible to prevent powders other than fine powder (that is, treated powder to be processed) from being erroneously selected as fine powder at the classification stage, and as a result, the yield of the treated powder can be improved.

In addition, the powder processing apparatus of the present invention is provided with a raw material introduction unit including a raw material supply unit that supplies a raw material and a gas supply unit that supplies a gas, so that the raw material is dispersed to some extent. Since it can supply to the inside of a main body, the processing efficiency of powder can be improved.

  In addition, the powder processing apparatus of the present invention is provided with automatic removal means for lifting and removing the fine powder removing section, thereby improving the workability during cleaning and maintenance of the apparatus.

  In addition, the powder processing apparatus of the present invention is provided with a processing powder outlet provided with a suction part for sucking the gas inside the main body, so that the processing powder can be easily taken out from the processing powder outlet. be able to.

  Moreover, the powder processing method of this invention can obtain a processed powder with favorable quality by prescribing | regulating the passing wind speed of each part in the said powder processing apparatus at the time of powder processing as mentioned above. At the same time, the yield of the treated powder can be further improved.

[Embodiment 1]
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 as follows.

  The powder processing apparatus according to the first embodiment is used to manufacture various powders such as toner, powder paint, battery material, food (konjac, etc.), fly ash processing (removal of unburned carbon), Processing of bran (separation of skin components), treatment of whisker-like components in resins such as polyethylene, waste treatment of heat insulation materials (separation of urethane components and paper), or spheroidization of raw material powders such as natural graphite ( It is used for agglomeration). FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a powder processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

  The powder processing 1 of the present embodiment includes a substantially cylindrical casing (main body) 11 that performs powder processing therein. In the casing 11, a classification rotor (fine powder removing unit) 12 that allows only unnecessary powder (hereinafter referred to as “fine powder”) having a particle size smaller than a predetermined particle size to pass therethrough, and a spiral-shaped air flow in the casing 11. And a guide ring (cylindrical part) 13 that guides the powder in the casing 11 to the classification rotor, and a rotating rotor 14a to which the raw material is subjected to an impact force, a compressive force and the like to be treated powder. 14, a rotatable screw inside, a raw material introduction part 16 for introducing a raw material into the casing 11, and a take-out port for taking out processed powder as a processed product from the casing 11 (processed powder outlet) ) 17. Further, a fine powder discharge port 15 for removing fine powder from the inside of the casing 11 is provided outside the casing 11 and at a position facing the classification rotor 12 (that is, an upper portion of the classification rotor 12). The fine powder inside the casing 11 is discharged from the fine powder discharge port 15.

  What is necessary is just to use what is conventionally used for the casing of a powder processing apparatus as the raw material of the casing 11, and specifically, ferrous steel materials, such as SS400, SPHC, S25C, S45C: Stainless steel materials, such as SUS304, SUS316 : Iron casting material such as FC20 and FC40: Metal such as stainless steel casting material such as SCS13 and 14, or ceramics and glass may be used. Further, aluminum, other wood, or synthetic resin may be used if an abrasion resistant material is attached to the inner wall surface.

In order to improve the durability of the apparatus, the inner surface of the casing 11 is subjected to plating treatment such as hard chrome plating treatment, wear-resistant spraying treatment such as WC (tungsten carbide) spraying, metal deposition performed under vacuum, diamond structure carbon It is preferable that wear-resistant treatment such as vapor deposition is performed.

  In particular, when powder processing of a low-melting-point resin component such as toner is performed, the quality deteriorates if the fixing component is mixed into the product. Therefore, in order to prevent the disturbance of the air flow due to the adhesion / fixation of the treated powder or the clogging in the casing 11, the inner surface of the casing 11 is coated with buffing, electrolytic polishing, PTFE or the like coating, Ni metal or the like. It is preferable that it is given.

  The classification rotor 12, the guide ring 13, and the dispersion rotor 14 provided in the casing 11 are arranged coaxially. And the corner | angular part formed in the casing 11 of the said powder processing apparatus 1 around the surface in which the classification rotor 12 is arrange | positioned (namely, the inner upper surface of the casing 11 (surface where the fine powder removal part is attached). ) An annular top ring (annular member) 31 for closing the corner portion is provided on the corner portion formed by 11a and the inner side surface (inner peripheral surface of the main body) 11b. By providing the top ring 31, the gas flowing in the casing 11 is rectified, and only fine powder having a particle size less than the target particle size can be reliably selected and guided to the fine powder discharge port 15. The yield can be improved. The top ring 31 will be described in detail later.

  The classification rotor 12 inside the casing 11 is disposed between the fine powder discharge port 15 provided outside the casing 11 and the dispersion rotor 14, and is disposed at a position facing the dispersion rotor 14 with the guide ring 13 interposed therebetween. Thus, only the fine powder having a particle size smaller than the desired particle size is allowed to pass through among the powder in the casing 11. That is, the classification rotor 12 selects powder having a desired particle diameter, and discharges unnecessary powder (that is, fine powder) smaller than the particle diameter to the fine powder discharge port 15.

  Further, the powder processing apparatus 1 is provided with a gas inlet 28 for introducing gas into the casing 11. The position of the gas introduction port 28 is not particularly limited, but the guide ring 13 is located below the dispersion rotor 14 (that is, with the dispersion rotor 14 interposed therebetween) so that gas is introduced into the casing 11 through the rotating dispersion rotor 14. It is preferable that it is provided at a position opposite to. It is preferable that the gas flowing in from the gas inlet 28 flows in the tangential direction (tangential direction) with respect to the cylindrical casing 11 along the rotation direction of the dispersion rotor. Thereby, formation of the swirling airflow inside the casing 11 can be performed smoothly.

  The gas introduced from the gas introduction port 28 forms an air flow that circulates while rotating inside the casing 11, and reaches the dust collector (not shown) from the inside of the casing 11 through the classification rotor 12 and from the fine powder discharge port 15. .

  This air flow may be formed by suction by a blower connected to the fine powder discharge port 15 via a dust collector, or may be formed by blowing (pressurization) by a blower from the gas introduction port 28 side. The kind of the gas may be appropriately determined according to the target processed product. Usually, air is used, and in order to prevent oxidation, it is preferable to use an inert gas such as nitrogen or argon.

  Further, the temperature rise in the casing 11 causes a softening phenomenon in the powder, the powders are fused to each other, the particle size varies, the yield is reduced, and the processed powder (product) is defective. Sometimes. Therefore, when the processing powder is a low melting point toner, it is preferable to adjust the temperature in the casing 11 so that the exhaust temperature at the fine powder outlet 15 is 35 to 55 ° C. In this case, the temperature of the gas introduced from the gas inlet 28 may be set to -23 ° C to 5 ° C. Furthermore, it is preferable that the gas is dehumidified to prevent condensation. In addition, it is preferable to use cold air that is adjusted to 0 to 15 ° C. for foods that lose their flavor or are easily altered by heat.

  In order to adjust the internal temperature of the casing 11 as described above, a jacket portion (not shown) may be provided around the casing 11. As the jacket portion, for example, a heating medium or a cooling medium is circulated and supplied as necessary from a separately provided tank (not shown), whereby the internal temperature of the casing 11 can be adjusted.

  Next, the structure of the classification rotor 12 and its periphery will be described below.

  The classification rotor 12 is a rotor having radial blade portions, and is connected to a drive means (classification rotor drive portion) (not shown) via a drive shaft 22, and by centrifugal force due to high-speed rotation inside the casing 11, Only the fine powder contained in the powder in the casing 11 is allowed to pass to the fine powder outlet 15 side, and the powder having a predetermined particle diameter or more is returned into the casing 11.

  Here, the particle size of the fine powder passing through the classification rotor 12 can be arbitrarily set by controlling the rotation speed of the classification rotor 12. That is, the particle size of the fine powder removed from the inside of the casing 11 by controlling the rotational speed of the classification rotor 12 can be defined. On the other hand, the powder that cannot pass through the classification rotor 12 circulates inside the casing 11 and is repeatedly processed.

  In addition, the material of the classification rotor 12 may be any material that has been conventionally used for a classification rotor of a powder processing apparatus. Specifically, SS400, S25C, S45C, SUS304, SUS316, titanium, titanium alloy, aluminum An alloy or the like may be used. Further, the surface of the classification rotor 12 is subjected to a thermosetting treatment such as carburizing and quenching, a WC (tungsten carbide) spraying material treatment, a plating treatment such as hard chrome plating, and a thermosetting treatment after spraying in order to improve the durability of the apparatus. It is preferable that a special thermal spraying material treatment, a metal vapor deposition performed under vacuum, a diamond structure carbon vapor deposition, or the like be applied to wear resistance.

  In addition, in order to prevent adhesion to and adherence to the classifying rotor 12, the surface of the classifying rotor 12 is subjected to buffing, electrolytic polishing, coating such as PTFE, plating with Kaniflon, Ni metal, etc. Is preferred.

  Next, the top ring 31 provided in the casing 11 will be described in detail.

  In the conventional powder processing apparatus (see FIG. 12) in which the top ring 31 is not provided, a vortex in the opposite direction to the airflow is generated at the corner portion formed by the inner upper surface 11a and the inner side surface 11b. Thus, the smooth flow of air is hindered. In addition, a portion where the powder stays at the corner portion regardless of whether the particle is a fine particle or a coarse particle, and when the amount of powder in the portion increases, the amount of stay in the casing increases and the accompanying pressure fluctuation, and the raw material Unexpected situations such as supply fluctuations occur. Taking advantage of this unforeseen situation, these powders go to the classification rotor or dispersion rotor at the same time, so that the classification speed is changed due to fluctuations in the powder concentration in the airflow and fluctuations in the rotational speed of both rotors due to fluctuations in load power. Accuracy and crushing power are reduced, and stable operating conditions cannot be maintained, which adversely affects product quality and performance. Therefore, in the powder processing apparatus of the present invention, the top ring 13 is provided at the corner formed by the inner upper surface 11a and the inner side surface 11b.

  2A is a perspective view of the top ring 31, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in the vicinity of the top ring 31. As shown in FIG. The top ring 31 has an annular shape and is disposed so as to cover the entire periphery of the upper portion of the side surface of the casing 11. And as shown to Fig.2 (a), the three convex parts 31b are provided in the upper side (the side in which the drive means and the drive shaft 22 of the classification rotor 12 are installed) of the outer peripheral part.

  Further, the top ring 31 is a surface inclined at an acute angle with respect to the inner upper surface (the surface on which the classification rotor 12 is attached) 11a of the casing 11 so that the closer to the classification rotor 12, the closer to the inner upper surface. 31a. According to this, the end portion of the upper surface inside the casing 11 above the guide ring 13 has an obtuse angle shape, thereby rectifying the circulating airflow swirling in the casing 11 and powders other than fine powder (that is, processed products) Can be prevented from being erroneously selected as fine powder by the classification rotor 12 and discharged to the fine powder discharge port 15. Therefore, the yield of the treated powder can be improved by providing the top ring 31.

  Furthermore, the provision of the top ring 31 weakens the force that the air current directly travels through the inner upper surface 11a of the casing 11 and directly hits the upper surface of the classifying rotor 12 and jumps into the gap between the classifying rotor 12 and the inner upper surface 11a. be able to. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the powder from passing through the gap to the fine powder discharge port 15 without passing through the classification rotor 12. Further, since the airflow can be applied to the entire classification rotor 12, it is possible to prevent the airflow containing the processing powder at a high concentration from locally hitting the classification rotor 12. By such an action, the yield of the treated powder can be improved.

It is effective that the top ring 31 extends to a region located on the inner side of the position of the extension line extending upward from the outer peripheral portion of the guide ring 13. That is, the inner diameter DT2 of the top ring 31 is set to be equal to or smaller than the outer peripheral portion inner diameter DG of the guide ring 13. Thereby, the rectification inside the casing 11 is performed more smoothly.

Further, the thickness tT of the top ring 31 is in the range of 1/5 to 1/2 of the distance HG between the inner upper surface 11a of the casing 11 and the upper end of the guide ring 13 in order to enhance the rectification effect inside the casing 11. It is preferable that about 1/3 is more preferable. And the passage air velocity of the powder in the gap between the inner upper surface 11a of the casing 11 and the upper end of the guide ring 13 is preferably 4 to 9 m / s, and more preferably 6 to 7 m / s.

  Further, the material of the top ring 31 may be the same material as that used for the casing 11 and the classification rotor 12, and specifically, ferrous steel materials such as SS400, SPHC, S25C, S45C: SUS304, SUS316, etc. Stainless steel materials: Iron casting materials such as FC20 and FC40: Stainless steel casting materials such as SCS13 and 14 may be used. In addition, the surface of the top ring 31 is subjected to plating treatment such as hard chrome plating, wear-resistant spraying treatment such as WC spraying, metal deposition performed under vacuum, carbon deposition of diamond structure, etc. for durability improvement. It is preferable that the wear treatment is performed.

  In order to prevent adhesion and adhesion, the surface of the top ring 11 is preferably subjected to a buffing, electrolytic polishing, PTFE coating, or Ni metal plating treatment.

  The acute angle θ is not particularly limited, but in order to further improve the yield of the treated powder, it is preferably in the range of 15 to 60 °, and most preferably 45 °. preferable.

  Further, the convex portion 31b provided on the outer peripheral portion of the top ring 31 is provided for alignment at the time of assembling the fine powder removing portion including the classification rotor 12, the drive shaft 22, and the driving means. Therefore, at least two convex portions 31b are provided, and three or more are preferably provided. In addition, this convex part may be provided over the whole outer peripheral part of the top ring 31.

  Furthermore, as the shape of the convex portion 31b, each member (the fine powder discharge port 15, the classification rotor drive shaft 22, the classification rotor drive means, the air seal portion 33b, etc.) provided on the top of the top ring 31b is easily assembled. It is preferable that the inner peripheral surface of the convex portion 31b is provided with an acute angle with respect to the standing surface so as to be able to.

  In addition, the shape of the top ring 31 demonstrated here is an example to the last, and this invention is not limited to this. The top ring 31 only needs to have a shape that can block the corner portion formed by the inner upper surface 11 a and the side surface 11 b of the casing 11 and can rectify the swirling airflow circulating in the casing 11.

  FIG. 3 shows a top ring 31 ′ having a shape different from that of the top ring 31 shown in FIG. 2. In the top ring 31 ′, a surface 31 ′ a that contacts the inner upper surface 11 a and the side surface 11 b of the casing 11 is curved toward the inner side of the casing 11 (that is, toward the outside of the apparatus). According to the top ring 31 ′, the corner portion formed by the inner upper surface 11 a and the side surface 11 b of the casing 11 has a rounded shape, and the treated powder is efficiently guided to the classification region of the classification rotor 12. be able to. Therefore, similarly to the top ring 31, the yield of the treated powder can be improved.

  Further, an air seal portion 33 for supplying seal air is provided between the classifying rotor 12 and the inner upper surface 11 a of the casing 11 in order to seal a gap between the inner upper surface 11 a and the classifying rotor 12.

  FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view in the vicinity of the air seal portion 33. As shown in FIG. 4A, the air seal portion 33 is provided with at least one air outlet 33 b at a position facing the end portion of the classification rotor 12. Seal air supplied from an air supply source (not shown) through the air seal portion 33 is blown out from the air outlet 33b toward the facing surface of the classifying rotor 12. This seal air branches and flows radially inward and outward of the classification rotor 12. By forming such a branch flow, it is possible to prevent the treated powder circulating inside the casing 11 from passing through the gap between the inner upper surface 11a of the casing 11 and the classifying rotor 12, and to discharge fine powder. Inflow to the outlet 15 is prevented. Therefore, the classification accuracy and yield of the treated powder can be improved.

  In FIG. 4B, the portion (A) surrounded by the solid line in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4B, the air seal portion 33 protrudes at the inner diameter side tip portion so as to be adjacent to the inner surface 12 b of the flange portion 12 a provided at the tip of the blade portion of the classification rotor 12. It is preferable that a lip 33a (protrusion) is provided. According to this, since the ejection of the seal air from the air seal portion 33 can be more directed from the radial direction to the circumferential side of the classifying rotor 12, the sealing effect in the air seal portion 33 is improved, and the inside of the casing 11 is improved. Inflow of powder from the gap between the upper surface 11a and the classification rotor 12 can be reliably prevented, and classification accuracy and yield can be further improved. Furthermore, the length of the lip portion 33a (HL in FIG. 4B) is more preferably substantially the same as the flange portion 12a at the upper end of the classification rotor.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the fine powder discharge port 15 is arranged from the central axis of the casing 11 toward the outer peripheral direction, or arranged in a direction along the swirling airflow in the casing 11. According to this, the pressure loss at the fine powder discharge port 15 is reduced, the fine powder flows out smoothly during discharge, and the classification accuracy by the classification rotor 12 is improved.

  Next, the configuration of the distributed rotor 14 and its surroundings will be described below.

  The dispersion rotor 14 is formed in a disk shape, and the outer peripheral surface thereof is attached to the casing 11 with a space 14 b that is substantially equidistant from the inner peripheral surface of the casing 11. The dispersion rotor 14 is connected to a rotation control unit (not shown) provided with a motor or the like via a rotation shaft provided in the bearing unit 34, and rotates while controlling the rotation speed in the casing 11. Is possible.

  The dispersion rotor 14 is rotated to give an impact action to the contacted raw material to subject the raw material to crushing treatment. Also, the dispersion rotor 14 is not crushed by the impact force of the collision, but is plastically deformed to produce the raw material. In order to increase the bulk density, the swirling airflow around the central axis of the casing 11 is circulated as a spiral airflow in the casing 11 to repeatedly apply an action force, thereby efficiently processing the raw material. It is for making powder.

  The material of the dispersion rotor 14 may be any material conventionally used for the dispersion rotor of the powder processing apparatus. Specifically, SS400, S25C, S45C, SUS304, SUS316, SUS630, or the like may be used. . In particular, for the piece 14a, a cemented carbide chip may be attached or a composite of a metal such as a cermet with wear and toughness and ceramics may be used to withstand the impact force. preferable.

  Further, the surface of the dispersion rotor 14 is subjected to a plating process such as hard chrome plating, a wear-resistant spraying process such as WC spraying, metal deposition performed under vacuum, carbon deposition of diamond structure, etc. in order to improve the durability of the apparatus. It is preferable that an anti-wearing treatment of SUS630 and a SUS630 bake-hardening treatment are applied. Further, it is preferable that the surface of the dispersion rotor 14 is subjected to buffing, electrolytic polishing, PTFE coating, or Ni metal plating.

  In order to efficiently perform the above-described crushing process, spheroidizing process, and airflow generation, a plurality of block-shaped (cuboid-shaped, hammer-shaped) pieces 14 a are disposed at the periphery of the distributed rotor 14 at equal intervals. It is erected along the rotational axis 14 and into the casing 11. As for the attachment position of each piece part 14a, the position which faces between the guide ring 13 and the casing 11 is desirable. Accordingly, when the dispersion rotor 14 rotates, a spiral updraft can be reliably formed between the guide ring 13 and the casing 11 together with the swirling airflow. FIG. 7 shows a configuration around the dispersion rotor 14, the piece 14 a, and the guide ring 13 provided in the powder processing apparatus 1.

  In addition to the above, the shape of the piece portion 14a is a pin shape or a vertical groove shape in which a plurality of vertical grooves are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the block (the surface facing the inner peripheral surface of the grinding liner 14c). May be. In addition, each piece 14 a of the dispersion rotor 14 may be provided on the lower surface side of the dispersion rotor 14. In this case, each piece portion 14a of the dispersion rotor 14 does not crush the raw material inside the casing 11, but can form a swirling airflow inside the casing 11, so that it is inconvenient to spheroidize by colliding the raw materials. There is no.

  Further, when the powder processing apparatus 1 is used for surface modification and spheroidization of powder, the pieces 14 a are provided at intervals of 80 to 250 mm in terms of the arc length of the outer peripheral portion of the dispersion rotor 14. It is preferable. That is, the number of pieces 14a may be set so that the pieces 14a can be arranged at equal intervals within the above range. Specifically, the number of pieces 14a is preferably an even number of 4 or more, and is preferably a multiple of 4 from the viewpoint of ease of manufacturing the device. In addition, when using the powder processing apparatus 1 for the grinding | pulverization of powder, it is not limited to said range.

Further, the height of the piece portion 14a (the size of HH in FIG. 5A) is as follows. The outer diameter of the piece portion 14a of the dispersion roller 14 is DDH (see FIG. 5A).
HH = √DDH × α + 10.5
(Α = 0 to 1.14 (when used for the purpose of dispersing powder),
α = 2.2 (for powder grinding purposes))
It is preferable to set a numerical value that satisfies the above.

  A deflector ring 32 is provided below the dispersion rotor 14 (on the side opposite to the side on which the guide ring 13 is provided) and at a position facing the dispersion rotor. As a result, the gas from the gas inlet 28 provided below the dispersion rotor 14 can be introduced between the dispersion rotor 14 and the casing 11 or the pulverization liner 14 c in the direction along the rotation axis of the dispersion rotor 14. it can. Further, it is possible to prevent the powder from falling to the lower surface of the casing 11. FIG. 5A shows a configuration around the dispersion rotor 14 and the deflector ring 32 provided in the powder processing apparatus 1.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), a central axis along the direction of the rotation axis of the dispersion rotor 14 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the casing 11, at a position facing the piece 14 a of the dispersion rotor 14. A cylindrical crushing liner (impact receiving portion) 14c provided may be provided. As a result, a space 14b is formed in the gap between the pulverization liner 14c and the piece 14a, and the impact action applied to the raw material at the space 14b can be adjusted. When the powder processing apparatus 1 is used for powder surface modification and spheroidization, the distance between the piece 14a and the inner peripheral surface 14d may be 3 to 5 mm. In addition, this distance means the space | interval (namely, space | interval of the center part of the width | variety of the piece part 14a, and the internal peripheral surface 14d) of the part which the piece part 14a and the internal peripheral surface 14d are furthest apart. When this interval is 4 mm, the width of the piece portion 14a and both end portions of the piece portion 14a in the three types of powder processing apparatuses of 300 type, 400 type, and 600 type mentioned in the examples described later The specific distance between the inner peripheral surface 14d and the inner peripheral surface 14d is as follows. In the case of 300 type, the width of the piece 14a is 22 mm, and the distance is 3.578 mm at both ends of the piece 14, and in the case of 400 type, the width of the piece 14a is 24 mm and the distance is at both ends. 3. In the case of 600 type, the width of the piece 14a is 34 mm, and the above-mentioned interval is 3.494 mm. In addition, when using the powder processing apparatus 1 for the grinding | pulverization of powder, it is preferable that the space | interval of the piece part 14a and the internal peripheral surface 14d shall be about 0.5 mm.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the shape of the inner peripheral surface 14d of the pulverization liner is a smooth surface (see (a) and (b)), a shape having a triangular groove (see (c) and (d)), A shape having a corrugated groove (see (e) and (f)), a shape having a wedge-shaped groove (see (g) and (h)), and the like can be appropriately selected.

  As the material of the pulverization liner 14c, the material used for the dispersion rotor 14 can be used as appropriate. However, the inner peripheral surface 14d is subjected to the same material and the same surface treatment as the piece 14a of the dispersion rotor 14. It is desirable to have wear resistance and toughness.

  Next, the structure of the guide ring 13 and its periphery will be described.

  The guide ring 13 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is arranged inside the casing 11 so that the central axis thereof is the same as the rotation axis of the classification rotor 12 and the central axis of the casing 11. The guide ring 13 guides the powder in the casing 11 so as to circulate between the classification rotor 12 and the dispersion rotor 14.

  In the powder processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, the outer diameter and the inner diameter of both ends of the guide ring 13 are formed so as to have the same diameter along the central axis. It may be formed into a taper shape that continuously decreases toward the end portion thereof, or a taper shape whose inner diameter continuously increases toward the end portion on the dispersion rotor 14 side of the casing 11. Further, like the casing 11, the guide ring 13 is preferably provided with a jacket portion 153 for adjusting the temperature. This can more reliably prevent the powder from being altered when the raw material that may be altered by temperature change is subjected to powder treatment. For example, a heating medium or a cooling medium is circulated and supplied to the jacket part 153 from a separately provided tank (not shown), for example, via a temperature control medium supply part 154.

  The guide ring 13 is supported on the inner peripheral surface 11b of the casing 11 by a plurality of plate-shaped guide ring supports (support members) 13a. At least two guide ring supports 13a are necessary, and 3 to 8 guide ring supports are preferably provided depending on the size of the apparatus.

  FIG. 8A shows a guide ring 13 and a guide ring support 13 a provided on the guide ring 13. As for the guide ring support 13a, a flat plate having an appropriate shape may be arranged along the axial direction of the guide ring 13 as is generally performed.

  However, as shown in FIG. 8A, the shape of the guide ring support 13a is such that the powder passing through the outer periphery of the guide ring 13 does not accumulate and does not hinder the gas flow in the casing 11. The cross section is preferably a rectangular thin plate. Here, the cross section of the guide ring support 13 a means a cross section parallel to the inner peripheral surface of the casing 11 and the surface of the guide ring 13. And it is preferable that the casing support 13a inclines along the turning direction of an airflow so that the flow of the gas which turns up in the casing 11 may not be prevented. The cross-sectional area of the guide ring support 13a is preferably as small as possible so as not to hinder the flow of gas that swirls and rises in the casing 11.

  The inclination angle of the guide ring support 13a is preferably set in the range of 15 to 45 ° with respect to the axial direction of the guide ring 13 according to the properties of the raw material. Further, the thickness of the flat plate used as the guide ring support 13a is preferably as thin and thin as possible within the possible range. Therefore, the material of the guide ring support 13a is preferably strong even if thin. Further, when a thin and thin guide ring support 13a is used, it is possible to increase the number of the guide ring supports 13a. Here, the flat plate used as the guide ring support 13a has a ratio of the thickness (L1 in FIGS. 8A and 8B) to the width (L2 in FIGS. 8A and 8B) of 1: 2 or more.

  In addition, for example, the guide ring support 13a itself is not arranged in a single row in the guide ring support 13a, but is arranged in two rows in the upper part and the lower part of the guide ring support 13a. The size may be reduced so as not to obstruct the gas flow.

  The shape of the guide ring support 13a is such that the cross-sectional shape of the surface fixed to the guide ring 13 and the casing 11 is a rhombus, an ellipse with corners as shown in FIG. 8B, or Further, it may be a streamline shape in which the thickness L1 on the downstream side is narrower than the upstream side. In addition, if the ratio of the short side to the long side (that is, L1: L2) in this cross section is 1: 2 to 1:15, it is preferable because it does not hinder the flow of the gas swirling up in the casing 11. When the cross section is elliptical, the ratio between the largest portion of the thickness L1 and the width L2 may be in the above range.

  The material of the guide ring 13 may be a material conventionally used for a guide ring of a powder processing apparatus. Specifically, iron-based steel materials such as SS400, SPHC, S25C, and S45C, SUS304, and SUS316. A stainless steel material such as may be used. In addition, the surface of the guide ring 13 is preferably subjected to a plating treatment such as hard chrome plating and an anti-abrasion material treatment such as WC spraying in order to improve the durability of the apparatus.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the surface of the guide ring 13 is subjected to buffing, electrolytic polishing, coating such as PTFE, or plating treatment of Ni metal.

  The take-out port 17 is an opening provided in the side wall of the casing 11 for taking out the treated powder remaining in the casing 11 after the processing of the raw material is completed, and includes an air cylinder 18 and a valve (insertion portion). ) 158 controls the opening and closing thereof. During the processing of the powder, the extraction port 17 is closed, and after the processing is completed and the processed powder is obtained as a residue inside the casing 11, the extraction port 17 is opened and the casing 11 is opened. The treated powder is taken out from the inside. Specifically, by opening the take-out port 17 and operating a rotary valve 19 attached to the discharge pipe 20 whose one end is connected to the take-out port 17, the treated powder inside the casing 11 is easily taken out. be able to.

  A more specific configuration around the outlet 17 is shown in FIG. 9A shows that the shape of the take-out port 17 is only a tapered shape, and FIGS. 9B and 9C show a tapered portion 17b in which the take-out port 17 has a tapered shape and a constant inner diameter. It is formed from the size cylinder part 17c. The tapered portion 17b shown in FIGS. 9 (b) and 9 (c) can be joined to a bush-like member (see FIG. 9 (b)) or built-up in order to improve adhesion to the valve 158 and workability. It may be retrofitted as a part (see FIG. 9C).

  The shape of the valve 158 has a tapered shape corresponding to the tapered shape of the extraction port 17 (see FIG. 9A). Further, in the case where the size drum portion 17c is provided, the valve 158 may be formed only of a tapered shape corresponding to the shape of the tapered portion 17b as shown in FIG. As shown in 9 (c), it may have a taper-shaped portion and a portion whose tip corresponds to the cylindrical portion 17c.

  Further, in order to improve the airtightness between the valve 158 and the take-out port 17, the contact surface (the surface in contact with the take-out port 17) of the valve 158 is composed of an elastic member 158b such as urethane, silicon, Teflon (registered trademark), nylon. (See FIGS. 9B and 9C), or an O-ring 158a made of an elastic member (NBR, silicon rubber, Viton rubber, etc.) is provided on a part of the surface of the valve 158 Is preferable (see FIG. 9A). In order to further enhance the airtightness between the valve 158 and the outlet port 17, the taper-shaped angle θ of the valve 158 (see FIGS. 9A to 9C) is preferably 60 °.

  In addition, when opening and closing the valve 158, in order to prevent the processing powder from being sandwiched between the valve 158 and the take-out port 17, gas is blown into the take-out port 17 along the wall surface thereof. It is preferable to provide a plurality of air purge ports 17a for removing water.

  Note that a vacuum device (suction unit) (not shown) that sucks the gas inside the casing 11 may be attached to the extraction port 17. According to this, the treated powder can be easily taken out from the casing 11.

  Further, a rectifying plate (scraper (not shown)) on a plate may be provided in the vicinity of the takeout port 17 in order to urge discharge of the processed powder to the takeout port 17. The shape of the current plate is such that it does not hinder the flow of airflow as much as possible, and may be a belt shape or a spiral shape.

  The other members in the casing 11 may be subjected to wear resistance treatment as applied to the classification rotor 12, or may be attached with wear resistant materials or wear resistant members. Further, as a measure for preventing adhesion of powder, conventionally known coating may be applied in addition to chamfering, buffing, sputtering, and electrolytic polishing.

  The powder processing apparatus of the present invention includes, for example, a cold air / hot air generator and a gas heat exchanger, a jacket cooling / heating device, and a collector and a blower such as a cyclone and a bag filter, and a temperature if necessary. By applying a conventionally known air (cold air / hot air) circulation facility that combines various measuring instruments, sensors, and control devices such as pressure, air volume, and rotation speed, the equipment can be energy-saving and inert gas consumed. It can also be reduced.

  Next, a method for performing powder processing using the powder processing apparatus 1 will be described. The powder processing method performed using the powder processing apparatus 1 is a method in which the raw material is subjected to processing such as pulverization and spheronization while removing fine powder contained in the raw material and / or processing powder in the casing 11. The treatment powder is obtained.

  In the above powder processing method, in order to obtain a processed powder with stable quality, it is preferable that the peripheral speed during rotation of the classification rotor 12 is 40 to 160 m / s. In order to control the peripheral speed within the above range, the driving means of the classification rotor 12 provided in the powder processing apparatus 1 controls the rotation of the classification rotor 12. The method for evaluating the quality of the treated powder differs depending on the function and application of each treated powder. However, in general powder, the peripheral speed during rotation of the classification rotor 12 is described above based on the relationship between true specific gravity and particle size. It is preferable to set it as 40-160 m / s.

  Further, when the treated powder is toner, the rotation is preferably controlled by the driving means so that the peripheral speed when the classification rotor 12 is rotated is 75 to 100 m / s. According to this, as shown in the examples, a toner having a good yield and particle size distribution can be obtained.

  Further, in the above powder processing method, in order to obtain a processed powder with stable quality, it is preferable that the peripheral speed when the dispersion rotor 14 rotates is 80 to 200 m / s. In order to control the peripheral speed within the above range, the rotation control unit of the dispersion rotor 14 provided in the powder processing apparatus 1 controls the rotation of the dispersion rotor 14. The method for evaluating the quality of the treated powder differs depending on the function and application of each treated powder, but in general powder, the peripheral speed during rotation of the dispersion rotor 14 is described above based on the relationship between true specific gravity and particle size. It is preferable to set it as 80-200 m / s like this.

  Further, when the treated powder is toner, the rotation is preferably controlled by the rotation control unit so that the peripheral speed during rotation of the dispersion rotor 14 is 100 to 150 m / s. According to this, as shown in the examples, a toner having a good yield and particle size distribution can be obtained.

  Here, that the quality of the treated powder is stable means that many of the particle sizes of the obtained treated powder are included in the desired particle size range, there is little variation in the particle size distribution, and high circularity. It means that it has. In addition, the fact that most of the particle size of the obtained treated powder is included in the desired particle size range also leads to an improvement in the yield of the treated powder.

  Moreover, in the powder processing method performed using said powder processing apparatus 1, the passing wind speed (v3 in FIG. 7) of the processing powder between the dispersion | distribution rotor 14 and the guide ring 13 in powder processing is 5. It is preferable that the air volume in the casing 11 and the distance between the dispersion rotor 14 and the guide ring 13 (HDR in FIG. 7) are adjusted so as to be ˜30 m / s, more preferably 8 to 15 m / s.

  When the passing air speed is slower than 5 m / s, the circulating airflow in the machine cannot make a flow for carrying the treated powder to the piece 14a of the dispersion rotor 14, and is immediately lifted up. When the passing wind speed is higher than 30 m / s, the air resistance when passing through the gap between the guide ring 13 and the dispersion rotor 14 is increased, and the number of circulations in the machine is reduced. In the case of resin, the fusion / adhesion phenomenon increases. On the other hand, if the passing wind speed is within the above range, the yield and quality of the treated powder can be improved. In the examples described later, an example of the distance HDR is given. According to this, the yield and quality of the treated powder can be further improved.

  Further, in the powder processing method performed using the powder processing apparatus 1 described above, the passing speed of the processing powder between the dispersion rotor 14 and the deflector ring 32 during the powder processing (v2 in FIG. 5A). ) Is adjusted to 5 to 40 m / s, more preferably 10 to 20 m / s, and the air volume in the casing 11 and the distance between the dispersion rotor 14 and the deflector ring 32 (HD in FIG. 5A) are adjusted. It is preferable.

When the passing wind speed is slower than 5 m / s, the treated powder that is about to fall from the space 14b between the dispersion rotor 14 and the inner peripheral surface of the casing 11 cannot be lifted up to the upper part of the dispersion rotor 14, and Puddles are produced, causing clogging in the machine, powder fusion, and corrosion in the case of food. When the passing wind speed is faster than 40 m / s, the air resistance when passing through the gap between the deflector ring 32 and the dispersion rotor 14 increases, and the pressure loss in the machine increases. As a result, inflow of outside air from the take-out port 17 and an increase in the in-machine temperature are caused. On the other hand, if the passing wind speed is within the above range, the powder processing apparatus 1 can be stably operated.
In the examples described later, an example of the distance HD is given. According to this, the yield and quality of the treated powder can be further improved.

  The above-mentioned toner includes not only the finished toner but also an intermediate product in the manufacturing process. Further, the toner includes magnetic one-component toner, non-magnetic one-component toner, color toner, and two-component toner obtained by a pulverization method.

[Embodiment 2]
Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 shows a schematic configuration of the powder processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. Of the members constituting the powder processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, members having the same functions as those of the powder processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment are given the same member numbers and Description is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the powder processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment includes, as main components, a casing 11, a classification rotor 12, a guide ring 13, a dispersion rotor 14, a takeout port 17, a fine powder discharge port 15, and , A raw material introduction section (raw material supply pipe) 47 is provided.

  The powder processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is that the raw material introduction unit 47 includes a raw material supply unit 46 that supplies a raw material and a gas supply unit 45 that supplies a gas. It is different from 1. The raw material supply unit 46 is provided with a rotatable screw inside as in the raw material introduction unit 16 of the powder processing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, and sends the raw material to the gas supply unit 45 by the rotation of this screw. The gas supply unit 45 sends pressurized air (pressurized air) toward the inside of the casing 11, and an injection nozzle 45 a that injects pressurized air is attached. The raw material sent to the gas supply unit 45 is supplied into the casing while being dispersed by the pressurized air.

  The structure of the raw material introduction unit 47 of the powder processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is such that pressurized air (compressed air) from a compressor or a pressure vessel is injected through an injection nozzle 45a, and the raw material is put on the injection flow. It is an ejector structure to convey.

  According to said structure, since the raw material can be supplied in the casing 11 in the state disperse | distributed to some extent, the processing efficiency of powder can be improved.

  Further, in order to further improve the processing efficiency of the powder, the structure in which the raw material is directly supplied to the inside of the cylindrical guide ring 13, that is, the supply port 47 a to the casing 11 of the raw material introducing portion 47 is provided in the guide ring 13. May be provided inside (inside the cylindrical guide ring, that is, on the central axis side). According to this, the raw material supplied to the inside of the guide ring 13 can be first sent to the dispersion rotor 14 to give an impact force for pulverization or the like to disperse the aggregation of particles. Thereafter, the treated raw material is placed on the above-described circulating airflow and sent to the classification rotor 12, so that the classification accuracy (fine powder removal effect) can be improved while reducing the load on the classification rotor 12.

  In addition, by using the ejector structure as described above, the opening of the supply port 47a of the raw material introduction unit 47 can be reduced. Therefore, when the raw material is directly supplied to the inside of the guide ring 13 as described above, the diameter of the raw material introduction part (raw material supply pipe) 47 can be reduced, so that the raw material supply pipe 47 in the casing 11 It is also possible to suppress to some extent that the flow of the swirling airflow is obstructed.

  Further, when the raw material is supplied together with the gas as in the powder processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the supply port 47a is provided with the casing 11 and the guide ring so as to follow the swirling direction of the airflow swirling in the machine. In order to further promote the dispersion of the powder, it is preferable to dispose it in a direction shifted from the central axis of 13.

  In FIG. 13, the arrangement position of the raw material supply port 47a with respect to the casing 11 is shown. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the powder processing apparatus 100 in the lateral direction. In FIG. 13, the attachment angle of the raw material supply port 47a with respect to the casing 11 is denoted by θ1. Specifically, the attachment angle θ1 is a line connecting the position of the axis of the casing 11 (the center of the casing 11) from the joining position of the outer surface 47b of the raw material supply port 47a and the casing 11 (in FIG. 13, a one-dot chain line). And the angle between the outer surface 47b of the raw material supply port 47a in the cross-sectional view of FIG. That is, when the raw material supply port 47a is attached so as to coincide with the one-dot chain line shown in FIG. 13, the attachment angle θ1 = 0 °, and the raw material supply port 47a is arranged at right angles to the one-dot chain line shown in FIG. Is an attachment angle θ1 = 90 °. When the mounting angle θ1 is defined in this way, in the present embodiment, θ1 is in the range of 0 ° to 60 °.

  The material supply port 47a is disposed with respect to the guide ring 13 on the extended line of the outer surface 47b of the material supply port 47a (shown by a broken line in FIG. 13) than the tangential direction with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the guide ring 13. It is preferable to arrange inside. Alternatively, it is preferable that the material supply port 47 a is disposed on the extension line of the inner surface 47 c (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 13) in the tangential direction with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the guide ring 13. As described above, since the raw material supply port 47a is arranged, the raw material collides with the guide ring 13 along the swirl direction of the airflow after the raw material is introduced into the casing 11, so that the raw material is more effectively used. Can be dispersed.

  The configuration in which the supply port 47a to the casing 11 of the raw material introduction portion is provided inside the guide ring 13 (inside the cylinder) is a configuration other than the configuration in which the raw material introduction portion is composed of the raw material supply portion 46 and the gas supply portion 45. It can also be applied to. For example, the above configuration may be applied to the raw material introduction unit 16 of the powder processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. However, in the case of the configuration of the present embodiment in which the raw material is supplied together with the gas, since the raw material supply pipe can be made thinner, the attachment is easier and the effect is higher. Further, the supply of gas accompanying the supply of the raw material into the machine is not limited to air injection but may be negative pressure suction. That is, the raw material introduction unit 47 may be provided with a negative pressure suction unit that sucks a gas in the vicinity of the supply port 47a, instead of being provided with the gas supply unit 45.

[Embodiment 3]
Still another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 11, schematic structure of the powder processing apparatus 200 concerning this Embodiment is shown. Of the members constituting the powder processing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment, members having the same functions as those of the powder processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment are given the same member numbers and Description is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the powder processing apparatus 200 of the present embodiment includes, as main components, a casing 11, a classification rotor 12, a guide ring 13, a dispersion rotor 14, a fine powder discharge port 15, a raw material introduction unit 16, In addition, a takeout port (not shown) is provided. The configuration around the take-out port is not shown, but on the side surface not shown in FIG. 11, the same take-out port 17, air cylinder 18, valve (insertion) as those in the powder processing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. Part) 158, a discharge pipe 20, a rotary valve 19 and the like.

  When disassembling the processing apparatus, the powder processing apparatus 200 of the present embodiment automatically disposes a fine powder removing unit (classifying rotor 12, drive shaft 22, classifying rotor driving means (not shown), fine powder discharge port 15, etc.). Unlike the powder processing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, a cylinder part (automatic detaching means) 41 that can be lifted and removed is erected in the height direction of the powder processing apparatus 200. Yes.

  According to said structure, when cleaning / maintenance of a powder processing apparatus, since a fine powder removal part can be removed easily, workability | operativity improves.

  The powder processing apparatus of the present invention can also be realized as a combination of the configurations disclosed in the first to third embodiments.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to Examples and Comparative Examples.

  In this example, three types of powder processing apparatuses of 300 type, 400 type, and 600 type having the dimensions shown in Table 1 below were produced as standard equipments and used in the examples shown below. However, in each of the following embodiments, the dimensions of each member may be appropriately changed. All of the powder processing apparatuses used here correspond to the powder processing apparatus 1 described in the first embodiment. Table 1 shows the size and angle of each part shown in FIGS. 2B, 4B, 5A, and 7 in each type of powder processing apparatus.

  However, the numerical values such as the dimensions shown in Table 1 are slightly changed depending on the processing raw materials, operating conditions, and the like.

  In Table 1, the range of the height HH of the piece 14a describes a range that is preferable for the purpose of surface modification and spheroidization of the powder.

  Moreover, in each table | surface which shows the result of each following Example and each comparative example, the column of evaluation means (double-circle): very favorable, (circle): favorable, (triangle | delta): normal, and x: defect.

[Examples 1-7]
In Examples 1 to 7, the 400-type powder processing apparatus shown in Table 1 was used, and the processing powder yield was evaluated using toner as the processing powder. In each embodiment, the shape of the top ring 31 is variously changed as shown in Table 2. The results are shown in Table 2. In addition, Examples 2-5 are the result at the time of using the right angle thing of angle (theta) = 90 degrees of the inclined surface of the top ring 31. FIG.

[Comparative Example 1]
In the comparative example, powder processing was performed in a powder processing apparatus not provided with the top ring 31 as shown in FIG. 12, and the yield was evaluated. The other conditions were the same as in Example 1. The results are as shown in Table 2.

  From the results of Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Example 1, it was confirmed that the yield of the treated powder can be improved by providing the top ring as compared with the case where the top ring is not provided.

[Examples 8 to 10]
In Examples 8 to 10, a type 400 type powder processing apparatus was used, and powder processing was performed using toner as the processing powder. In the present embodiment, the gap HG (mm) between the guide ring 13 and the upper surface of the casing 11 is variously changed as shown in Table 3, and the passage area (m ² ) of the gap HG, the passage of the processed powder. The speed (m / s) and the yield were measured, and the yield was evaluated. In addition, the reference | standard air volume in the casing 11 was 15 m < ³ > / min. The results are shown in Table 3.

As shown in Table 3, it was confirmed that the clearance HG was most preferably 35 (mm) when the reference air volume was 15 m ³ / min.

[Examples 11 to 13]
In Examples 11 to 13, a type 400 type powder processing apparatus was used, and powder processing was performed using toner as the processing powder. In this embodiment, the clearance HG (mm) between the guide ring 13 and the upper surface of the casing 11 is set to 35 (mm), the reference air volume is variously changed as shown in Table 4, and the treated powder in the clearance HG portion is changed. The body passage speed (m / s) and the yield were measured, and the yield was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 4.

  As shown in Table 4, when the clearance HG (mm) is set to 35 (mm), it is preferable that the passing air speed between the guide ring 13 and the upper surface of the casing 11 is set to 6 to 7 m / s. confirmed.

[Examples 14 to 16]
In Examples 14 to 16, a type 400 type powder processing apparatus was used, and powder processing was performed using toner as the processing powder. In this embodiment, when the dimensions shown in FIG. 4B are DS = 80 (mm) and DRI = 155 (mm), the inner diameter DLI of the lip portion 33a of the air seal portion 33 is shown in Table 5. Thus, the passing air speed (m / s) and the yield between the drive shaft 22 of the classifying rotor 12 and the lip portion 33a were measured, and the apparatus was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 5. In Example 14, a similar experiment was performed without providing a lip portion. The reference air volume was 15 m ³ / min.

  As shown in Table 5, Example 15 (when the lip portion 33a with DLI = 145 (mm) was provided) was good in both yield and operating condition. When the lip portion of Example 14 was not provided, the yield was almost the same as that of Example 15, but the outlet of the seal air part 33 between the classification rotor 12 and the inner upper surface 11a of the casing 11 Since there was a tendency for powder to adhere to the inner wall of the machine and to grow, it was judged that operation for 1 hour or more was impossible. That is, pressure fluctuations occur in the airflow that has passed through the classification rotor 12 due to the adhesion and growth of the powder, so that it is difficult to maintain stable classification performance by the classification rotor 12, and the passage speed is also reduced to maintain sufficient conveying force. As a result, the classification accuracy and product yield may be reduced. From the above results, it was determined that the overall evaluation of Example 14 was lower than that of Example 15. Further, in Example 16 (when the lip portion 33a of DLI = 113 (mm) is provided), the passing air speed increases to 50 (m / s), but the pressure loss becomes larger than necessary and the passing air volume increases. Or, since the powder could not be sufficiently conveyed, the evaluation deteriorated.

[Examples 17 to 19]
In Examples 17 to 19, a type 400 type powder processing apparatus was used, and powder processing was performed using toner as the processing powder. In this example, the rotational speed of the classification rotor 12 was variously changed as shown in Table 6, the yield and particle size distribution of the treated powder were measured, and particle size distribution evaluation and comprehensive evaluation were performed. The reference air volume was 15 m ³ / min, and the rotational speed of the dispersion rotor 14 was 5200 rpm. The results are shown in Table 6. Table 6 also shows the peripheral speed of the classification rotor 12 at each rotational speed.

[Comparative Examples 2 to 7]
In Comparative Examples 2 to 7, a type 400 type powder processing apparatus was used, and powder processing was performed using toner as the processing powder. In this comparative example, except that the rotational speed of the classification rotor 12 was changed as shown in Table 6, powder processing was performed in the same manner as in Example 17, and the yield and particle size distribution of the processed powder were measured. Particle size distribution evaluation and comprehensive evaluation were performed. The results are shown in Table 6.

  From the results shown in Table 6, it was confirmed that when the peripheral speed of the classifying rotor 12 is regulated to 75 to 100 m / s, a toner having a high overall evaluation, that is, good yield and quality can be obtained.

[Examples 20 to 25]
In Examples 20 to 25, a type 400 type powder processing apparatus was used, and powder processing was performed using toner as the processing powder. In this example, the rotational speed of the dispersion rotor 14 was variously changed as shown in Table 7, the yield and particle size distribution of the treated powder were measured, and particle size distribution evaluation and comprehensive evaluation were performed. The reference air volume was 15 m ³ / min, and the rotation speed of the classification rotor 12 was 7300 rpm. The results are shown in Table 7. Table 7 also shows the peripheral speed of the dispersion rotor 14 at each rotational speed.

[Comparative Examples 8 to 10]
In Comparative Examples 8 to 10, a type 400 type powder processing apparatus was used, and powder processing was performed using toner as the processing powder. In this comparative example, except that the rotational speed of the dispersion rotor 14 was changed as shown in Table 7, powder treatment was performed in the same manner as in Example 20, and the yield and particle size distribution of the treated powder were measured. Particle size distribution evaluation and comprehensive evaluation were performed. The results are shown in Table 7.

  From the results shown in Table 7, it was confirmed that when the peripheral speed of the dispersion rotor 14 is regulated to 100 to 150 m / s, a toner having a high overall evaluation, that is, a good yield and quality can be obtained.

[Examples 26 to 32]
In Examples 26 to 32, a type 400 type powder processing apparatus was used, and powder processing was performed using natural graphite as a raw material. In this example, the rotational speed of the dispersion rotor 14 was variously changed as shown in Table 8, the yield and particle size distribution of the treated powder were measured, and particle size distribution evaluation and comprehensive evaluation were performed. In addition, the reference | standard air volume was 15 m < ³ > / min and the rotation speed of the classification rotor 12 was 7000 rpm. The results are shown in Table 8. Table 8 also shows the peripheral speed of the dispersion rotor 14 at each rotation speed.

  As shown in Table 8, when powder processing is performed using natural graphite as a raw material, good results can be obtained if the peripheral speed of the dispersion rotor 14 is defined as 84 to 127 m / s. confirmed.

[Examples 33 to 37]
In Examples 33 to 37, a powder processing apparatus of type 300, type 400, or type 600 was used, and powder processing was performed using toner as the processing powder. In this embodiment, the relationship between the clearance HDR (mm) (see FIG. 7) between the dispersion rotor 14 and the guide ring 13 and the passing air velocity v3 (m / s) of the processing powder in the clearance HDR is investigated and the processing is performed. The desirable conditions for improving the quality and yield of the powder were investigated. The results are shown in Table 9.

  From this result, in all the above Examples 33 to 37, the passing wind speed of the treated powder in the gap HDR falls within the range of 8 to 15 (m / s) at which good results are obtained in both yield and quality. Was confirmed.

  Further, in the type 400 type powder processing apparatus, the yield is improved by 2 to 5% in Example 35 in which the gap HDR is 5 (mm) smaller than that in Example 36, and a better result is obtained. It was confirmed.

[Examples 38 to 41]
In Examples 38 to 41, a powder processing apparatus of type 300, type 400, or type 600 was used, and powder processing was performed using toner as the processing powder. In this embodiment, the relationship between the clearance HD (mm) (see FIG. 5A) between the dispersion rotor 14 and the deflector ring 32 and the passing air velocity v2 (m / s) of the processing powder in the clearance HD is investigated. At the same time, the desirable conditions for improving the quality and yield of the treated powder were studied. The results are shown in Table 10.

[Comparative Examples 11-12]
In Comparative Examples 11 to 12, a type 400 type powder processing apparatus was used, and powder processing was performed using toner as the processing powder. In this comparative example, in the same manner as in Example 40, the clearance HD (mm) (see FIG. 5A) between the dispersion rotor 14 and the deflector rering 32 and the passing wind velocity v2 (m of processed powder in the clearance HD). / S) was investigated.

  As shown in Table 10, in Comparative Examples 11 and 12 in which the gap HD was made smaller than that in Example 40, the passing air speed of the treated powder in the portion deviated from the range of 10 to 20 m / s. In this case, it was confirmed that the yield and quality of the treated powder were lowered.

  According to the powder processing apparatus of the present invention and the powder processing method using this powder processing apparatus, the yield and quality of the processed powder obtained are improved as compared with conventional processing apparatuses and processing methods. Can be made. Therefore, the present invention provides various powders such as toners, powder paints, battery materials, foods (konjac, etc.), fly ash treatment (removal of unburned carbon), bran processing (skin component) Effective for the treatment of whisker-like components in polyethylene and other resins, waste treatment of heat insulation materials (separation of urethane components and paper), or spheroidization (agglomeration) of raw material powders such as natural graphite Can be used.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a powder processing apparatus according to a first embodiment. (A) is a perspective view which shows the top ring provided in the powder processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, (b) is sectional drawing which expands and shows the top ring vicinity of the powder processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is. It is sectional drawing of the top ring vicinity of the powder processing apparatus provided with the top ring of the shape different from the top ring shown in FIG. (A) is sectional drawing which expands and shows the air seal part vicinity of the classification rotor of the powder processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, (b) expands the part enclosed with the continuous line in (a) more. It is sectional drawing shown. (A) is sectional drawing which shows the periphery of the dispersion | distribution rotor and deflector ring of the powder processing apparatus shown in FIG. (B) is sectional drawing which shows the periphery of a deflector ring at the time of providing a grinding | pulverization liner. (A), (c), (e), (g) is a perspective view which shows a part of grinding | pulverization liner from which the shape of an internal peripheral surface differs, respectively, (b), (d), (f), ( h) is a cross-sectional view showing a part of each pulverized liner shown in (a), (c), (e), and (g). It is sectional drawing which shows the periphery of the dispersion | distribution rotor and guide ring of the powder processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the guide ring support provided in the guide ring and guide ring of the powder processing apparatus shown in FIG. (A) is a thing with a cross-sectional shape of a guide ring support, and (b) is a thing with a cross-sectional shape of a guide ring support that is elliptical. (A)-(c) is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the more concrete structure of the taking-out opening periphery of the powder processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a powder processing apparatus according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a powder processing apparatus according to a third embodiment. It is sectional drawing which expands and shows the corner | angular part of the casing upper part of the powder processing apparatus in which the top ring is not provided. It is sectional drawing which shows the position of the raw material supply port with respect to the casing in the powder processing apparatus shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Powder Processing Equipment 11 Casing (Main Body)
11a Inside upper surface of casing (mounting surface of fine powder removing part)
11b Inner side surface of casing (inner peripheral surface of main body)
12 Classification rotor (fine powder removal part)
13 Guide ring (cylindrical part)
13a Guide ring support (support member)
14 Dispersing rotor 14a One piece (Rotating piece)
14b Space 14c Grinding liner (impact receiving part)
15 Fine powder discharge port 16 Raw material introduction part 17 Removal port (treated powder outlet)
31 Top ring (annular member)
31 'Top ring (annular member)
31a Surface inclined at an acute angle 33a Lip (protrusion)
41 Cylinder (automatic removal means)
45 Gas supply unit 46 Raw material supply unit 47 Raw material introduction unit 47a Supply port 100 Powder processing device 200 Powder processing device

Claims (19)

A powder processing apparatus having a main body that collectively processes raw materials to obtain a processed powder,
The main body includes a rotating piece portion that rotates to form a swirling airflow in the main body, a cylindrical portion that has a central axis along the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating piece portion, and Provided at a position facing the rotating piece part across the cylindrical part, and provided with a fine powder removing part for removing powder having a particle size smaller than a predetermined particle size,
Further, an annular member is provided to cover a corner portion formed by the mounting surface of the fine powder removing portion inside the main body and the inner peripheral surface of the main body facing the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion. Powder processing equipment.   2. The powder processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the annular member has a surface inclined at an acute angle with respect to a mounting surface of the fine powder removing portion inside the main body.   The said annular member WHEREIN: The surface inclined at an acute angle with respect to the attachment surface of the said fine powder removal part inside the said main body is curving toward the inside of the said main body. Powder processing equipment. The powder processing apparatus is further provided with a raw material introduction unit for supplying powder raw material into the main body,
The raw material introduction part has a raw material supply part for supplying the raw material, a gas supply part for supplying pressurized air, or a negative pressure suction part for sucking gas, and supplies the raw material to the inside of the main body on the gas The powder processing apparatus of any one of Claim 1 thru | or 3 characterized by these. The powder processing apparatus is further provided with a raw material introduction part having a supply port for supplying the raw material of the powder into the main body,
The powder processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a supply port of the raw material introduction part is provided inside the cylindrical part.   A cylindrical impact receiving portion having a central axis along the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating piece portion is located at the inner peripheral surface of the main body and facing the outer peripheral portion of the rotating piece portion. 6. The powder processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the powder processing apparatus is provided. A plate-like support member for supporting the cylindrical portion is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the main body,
The powder processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support member is inclined along a swirling direction of an airflow swirling and rising in the main body.   The powder processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a shape of a cross section of the support member is any one of a rectangle, an ellipse, and a streamline.   The powder processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the powder processing apparatus is provided with an automatic detaching means for lifting and removing the fine powder removing unit. The powder processing apparatus is further provided with a processing powder outlet for taking the processing powder out of the main body,
The powder processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the processing powder outlet is provided with a suction portion for sucking a gas inside the main body. The fine powder removing unit includes a classification rotor having a plurality of blade portions inside the main body, and a classification rotor driving unit that is provided outside the main body and rotationally drives the classification rotor.
11. The powder processing according to claim 1, wherein the classification rotor driving unit is rotationally driven so that a peripheral speed during rotation of the classification rotor is 40 to 160 m / s. apparatus.   12. The powder according to claim 11, wherein when the treated powder is toner, the classification rotor driving unit is rotationally driven so that a peripheral speed during rotation of the classification rotor is 75 to 100 m / s. Body treatment device. The powder processing apparatus is further provided with a rotation controller for controlling the rotation of the rotating piece.
The powder processing according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the rotation control unit performs rotation control so that a peripheral speed at the time of rotation of the rotating piece unit is 80 to 200 m / s. apparatus.   14. The powder according to claim 13, wherein when the treated powder is toner, the rotation control unit performs rotation control so that a peripheral speed at the time of rotation of the rotating piece unit is 100 to 150 m / s. Body treatment device. In the gap between the classification rotor and the mounting surface inside the main body, an air seal part for supplying air is provided,
The powder according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the air seal portion is provided with a protrusion disposed adjacent to an inner front end portion of the blade portion of the classification rotor. Body treatment device. Using the powder processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the raw material is removed while removing fine powder having a predetermined particle diameter or less contained in the raw material and / or the processed powder in the main body. A powder processing method for obtaining a processed powder by pulverization,
A powder processing method, wherein a passing wind speed of the processed powder between the rotating piece part and the cylindrical part during powder processing is set to 5 to 30 m / s. Using the powder processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the raw material is removed while removing fine powder having a predetermined particle diameter or less contained in the raw material and / or the processed powder in the main body. A powder processing method for obtaining a processed powder by pulverization,
The powder processing apparatus is further provided with a deflector ring on a side opposite to the cylindrical part across the dispersion rotor to which the rotating piece part is attached, at a position facing the dispersion rotor,
A powder processing method, wherein a passing wind speed of the processing powder between the dispersion rotor and the deflector ring during powder processing is 5 to 40 m / s.   Using the powder processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the raw material is removed while removing fine powder having a predetermined particle diameter or less contained in the raw material and / or the processed powder in the main body. A powder processing method for obtaining a treated powder by pulverization, wherein the treated powder comprises a resin as a main component.   The powder processing method according to claim 18, wherein the treated powder is toner or powder paint.

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