JP2022047927A - Powder supply device and control method of powder supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

To control the discharge amount distribution of a powder material.SOLUTION: A powder supply device which supplies a powder material includes: a housing having an introduction port in which the powder material is introduced, and a discharge port from which the powder material is discharged; a plurality of screws arranged inside the housing, and for conveying the powder material in the rotation axis direction by being rotationally driven; one or a plurality of motors for rotationally driving each of the plurality of screws; and one or a plurality of straightening parts having a longer direction extending in the rotation axis direction of the plurality of screws, and for straightening the flow of the powder material in the housing. The discharge amount distribution of the powder material discharged form the discharge port is controlled based on at least one out of the length in the longer direction of the one or the plurality of straightening parts, the arrangement position of the one or the plurality of straightening parts, and the rotational frequency of the plurality of screws.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to a powder supply device and a control method for the powder supply device.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a powder supply device that transports a powder raw material along the axial direction of a barrel by rotationally driving a screw arranged in the barrel. The powder supply device described in Patent Document 1 applies an outward thrust to the powder raw material by rotationally driving the discharge blades arranged at the discharge port of the barrel, and the powder raw material is applied from the discharge port of the barrel. To discharge.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-63849

In Patent Document 1, there is still room for improvement in controlling the emission distribution of the powder material.

Therefore, the present disclosure provides a powder supply device and a control method for the powder supply device capable of controlling the discharge amount distribution of the powder material.

The powder supply device of the present disclosure is
A powder supply device that supplies powder materials.
A housing having an introduction port into which the powder material is introduced and an discharge port from which the powder material is discharged, and
A plurality of screws arranged inside the housing and conveying the powder material in the direction of the rotation axis by being rotationally driven,
One or more motors that rotate and drive each of the plurality of screws, and
One or more rectifying portions having a longitudinal direction extending in the rotation axis direction of the plurality of screws and rectifying the flow of the powder material inside the housing.
Equipped with
The discharge amount distribution of the powder material discharged from the discharge port is the length of the one or more rectifying portions in the longitudinal direction, the arrangement position of the one or a plurality of rectifying portions, and the plurality of rectifying portions. It is controlled based on at least one of the rotation speeds of the screw.

The control method of the powder supply device of the present disclosure is as follows.
The powder material has a housing having an introduction port into which the powder material is introduced and a discharge port from which the powder material is discharged, and the powder material arranged inside the housing and driven to rotate in the rotation axis direction. The plurality of screws, one or a plurality of motors for rotationally driving each of the plurality of screws, and the longitudinal direction of the plurality of screws extending in the direction of the rotation axis, and the said inside the housing. A method of controlling a powder feeder, comprising one or more rectifiers that rectify the flow of powder material.
The step of determining the emission distribution of the powder material and
Of the longitudinal length of the one or more straightening vanes, the placement position of the one or more straightening vanes, and the number of revolutions of the plurality of screws based on the determined emission distribution. Steps to do at least one and
The step of introducing the powder material from the introduction port into the inside of the housing, and
A step of discharging the powder material from the discharge port of the housing by rotationally driving the plurality of screws inside the housing.
A step of rectifying the flow of the powder material inside the housing by the one or more rectifying units.
including.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a powder supply device and a control method for the powder supply device capable of controlling the discharge amount of the powder material.

Schematic diagram of the powder supply device according to the first embodiment as viewed from above. AA sectional view of the powder supply device of FIG. Enlarged view of a part of the powder supply device of FIG. A flowchart illustrating the operation of the powder supply device of FIG. A table showing the configurations of the powder supply device of Comparative Example and Example 1. Graph showing emission distribution data obtained by simulation A table showing the configurations of the powder supply devices of Comparative Example, Example 2, and Example 3. Graph showing emission distribution data obtained by simulation A table showing the configurations of the powder supply devices of Comparative Example, Example 4, and Example 5. Graph showing emission distribution data obtained by simulation A table showing the configurations of the powder supply devices of Comparative Example, Example 6, and Example 7. Graph showing emission distribution data obtained by simulation Schematic diagram of a part of the powder supply device according to the second embodiment A table showing the configurations of the powder supply devices of Comparative Example, Example 8, and Example 9. Graph showing emission distribution data obtained by simulation A table showing the configurations of the powder supply devices of Comparative Examples and Examples 10 to 13. Graph showing emission distribution data obtained by simulation A table summarizing the configurations of the powder supply devices and the simulation results in Comparative Examples and Examples 1 to 13. Schematic diagram of a part of the powder supply device according to the fourth embodiment Block diagram showing a powder supply device according to a modified example A table showing the configurations of the powder supply device of Comparative Example and Example 14. Graph showing emission distribution data obtained by simulation

(Background to this disclosure)
Conventionally, as a pressurizing mechanism for applying a pressurizing treatment to an object such as a film, paper, a non-woven fabric, a metal foil, or a steel plate, a batch type or a continuous type is widely known.

The batch type pressurizing mechanism is a method of applying a pressurizing treatment to a pressurizing object by a hydraulic pressure, a pneumatic mechanism or the like in a state where the pressurizing object is sandwiched between a pair of press plates.

While this batch-type pressurizing mechanism is a relatively simple mechanism, it includes a step of sandwiching a pressurized object between press plates, a step of applying a pressurizing treatment, and a step of taking out the pressurized object. It is known that productivity is low because it is required.

On the other hand, as a continuous pressurizing mechanism, a pressurizing mechanism by a roll press is known. This pressurizing mechanism is a method in which a pair of rolls are arranged vertically or horizontally facing each other, and a pressurizing treatment is performed by inserting a pressurizing object into a gap between the rolls. In this pressurizing mechanism, after the pressurized object is subjected to the pressurizing treatment, the processed pressurized object can be continuously taken out, so that high productivity can be obtained.

These roll presses are widely used in industrial applications and are used for the purpose of rolling and forming materials such as films, papers, non-woven fabrics, metal foils, and steel sheets. In addition, it is often applied to applications other than molding, such as polishing and laminating the sheet surface and drawing (dehydrating) fiber materials. In addition to simple rolling of plate materials, a method of forming by continuously supplying powders of metals such as stainless steel, iron, nickel, and aluminum to a roll press device is also well known.

For powder forming, there is a method of arranging a hopper on the upper part of the roll and supplying the powder material between the rolls by using gravity. In order to maintain the strength of the finished molded product, it is necessary to increase the density, but if the material is supplied only by gravity, the load may be insufficient. Further, in such an arrangement, the molded body is discharged vertically, so that it is necessary to devise a method for collecting the molded body. Therefore, a method has been considered in which the rolls are arranged vertically, the material is continuously supplied at high pressure between the upper and lower rolls by a screw feeder, and the molded product coming out of the rolls is recovered by a conveyor or the like.

Since the obtained molded product is required to have uniform physical properties and strength, it is required to supply the material more uniformly to the roll in the screw feeder used for the above-mentioned applications. To solve this problem, the apparatus shown in Patent Document 1 has been devised.

However, in the apparatus shown in Patent Document 1, when the powder raw material is supplied, the powder raw material flowing near the barrel wall flows in the central portion away from the barrel wall due to friction with the barrel wall of the screw. The flow velocity is lower than that of the powder raw material. Further, if the dispersion blades are arranged at the discharge port, a pressure loss may occur when the material is supplied between the rolls, which causes a decrease in the density of the molded product. As described above, in the apparatus shown in Patent Document 1, it is possible to make the discharge amount of the powder material uniform per unit time, but it is considered to make the distribution of the discharge amount of the powder material uniform. do not have. Therefore, in the apparatus shown in Patent Document 1, variation in the density of the molded product after pressing with a roll has become a problem.

Since the flow velocity of the powder material flowing in the vicinity of the housing wall of the powder supply device decreases, the density of both ends of the powder material molded by the roll tends to decrease in the width direction. There is also a desire to increase the amount of powder material discharged at both ends in the width direction in order to maintain the density at both ends of the molded product. Therefore, it is required to obtain a desired emission amount distribution in the powder supply device, such as making the emission amount distribution of the powder material uniform or increasing the emission amount at the end portion.

Therefore, the present inventors have studied a powder supply device capable of controlling the discharge amount distribution of the powder material in the width direction and a control method for the powder supply device, and have reached the following inventions.

The powder supply device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is
A powder supply device that supplies powder materials.
A housing having an introduction port into which the powder material is introduced and an discharge port from which the powder material is discharged, and
A plurality of screws arranged inside the housing and conveying the powder material in the direction of the rotation axis by being rotationally driven,
One or more motors that rotate and drive each of the plurality of screws, and
One or more rectifying portions having a longitudinal direction extending in the rotation axis direction of the plurality of screws and rectifying the flow of the powder material inside the housing.
Equipped with
The discharge amount distribution of the powder material discharged from the discharge port is the length of the one or more rectifying portions in the longitudinal direction, the arrangement position of the one or a plurality of rectifying portions, and the plurality of rectifying portions. It is controlled based on at least one of the rotation speeds of the screw.

With such a configuration, it is possible to control the discharge amount distribution of the powder material discharged from the discharge port.

The plurality of screws are arranged at intervals in the width direction of the housing intersecting the rotation axis direction.
The housing has one end and the other end opposite to the one end in the width direction.
The one or more rectifying portions are the first screw of the first screw arranged between the tip of the plurality of screws on the discharge port side and the discharge port and at a position closest to the one end of the housing. It may be arranged between one rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft of the second screw arranged at the position closest to the other end of the housing.

With such a configuration, the rectifying unit is arranged near the center in the width direction of the housing. It is possible to reduce the flow velocity of the powder material in the vicinity of the center in the width direction of the housing where the flow velocity of the powder material is high, and to realize a uniform discharge amount distribution of the powder material in the width direction.

The plurality of rectifying units may be arranged at equal intervals in the width direction of the housing intersecting the rotation axis direction.

With such a configuration, it is possible to obtain a uniform discharge amount distribution of the powder material in the width direction of the housing.

The lengths of the plurality of straightening vanes in the longitudinal direction may be different from each other.

With such a configuration, a desired emission distribution of the powder material can be obtained.

The plurality of rectifying sections include one or a plurality of first rectifying sections arranged in the center in the width direction of the housing intersecting the rotation axis direction, and the one or a plurality of first rectifying sections in the width direction. Includes one or more second rectifying sections located outside the section.
The longitudinal length of the one or more first rectifiers may be longer than the longitudinal length of the one or more second rectifiers.

With such a configuration, it is possible to obtain a uniform discharge amount distribution of the powder material in the width direction of the housing.

The distance between each of the plurality of rectifying units and the discharge port may be different.

With such a configuration, the emission distribution of the powder material can be easily changed by changing the arrangement position of each straightening vane.

The length of the one or more straightening vanes in the longitudinal direction may be 20% or more and 40% or less of the width of the housing.

With such a configuration, a desired emission distribution can be easily realized.

The length of the one or more straightening vanes in the longitudinal direction may be 20% or more and 30% or less of the width of the housing.

With such a configuration, a desired emission distribution can be easily realized.

The distance between the outlet and the one or more straightening vanes may be 5% or more and 20% or less of the width of the housing.

With such a configuration, a desired emission distribution can be easily realized.

The distance between the discharge port and the one or more straightening vanes may be 10% or more and 15% or less of the width of the housing.

With such a configuration, a desired emission distribution can be easily realized.

Moreover,
A measuring unit that measures the discharge amount distribution of the powder material discharged from the discharge port, and
At least one of the longitudinal length of the one or more straightening vanes, the placement position of the straightening vanes, and the number of revolutions of the plurality of screws based on the emission distribution measured by the measuring unit. A control unit that determines one of them,
May be provided.

With such a configuration, at least one of the length of the rectifying unit, the arrangement position of the rectifying unit, and the rotation speed of the screw can be appropriately determined according to the actual emission amount distribution.

The coefficient of friction on the surface of the one or more straightening vanes may be 0.3 or more and 0.5 or less.

With such a configuration, the flow velocity of the powder material flowing in the vicinity of the rectifying portion can be reduced by the friction coefficient on the surface of the rectifying portion. Therefore, a uniform emission amount distribution can be easily realized by combining with the length and the arrangement position of the rectifying unit.

The coefficient of friction on the surface of the one or more straightening vanes may be greater than 0.5 and less than or equal to 0.7.

With such a configuration, the coefficient of friction on the surface of the rectifying portion can increase the amount of powder material discharged near the end portion in the width direction. Therefore, a desired emission amount distribution can be easily realized by combining with the length and the arrangement position of the rectifying unit.

The method for controlling the powder material according to one aspect of the present disclosure is as follows.
The powder material has a housing having an introduction port into which the powder material is introduced and a discharge port from which the powder material is discharged, and the powder material arranged inside the housing and driven to rotate in the rotation axis direction. The plurality of screws, one or a plurality of motors for rotationally driving each of the plurality of screws, and the longitudinal direction of the plurality of screws extending in the direction of the rotation axis, and the said inside the housing. A method of controlling a powder feeder, comprising one or more rectifiers that rectify the flow of powder material.
The step of determining the emission distribution of the powder material and
Of the longitudinal length of the one or more straightening vanes, the placement position of the one or more straightening vanes, and the number of revolutions of the plurality of screws based on the determined emission distribution. Steps to adjust at least one and
The step of introducing the powder material from the introduction port into the inside of the housing, and
A step of discharging the powder material from the discharge port of the housing by rotationally driving the plurality of screws inside the housing.
A step of rectifying the flow of the powder material inside the housing by the one or more rectifying units.
including.

With such a configuration, it is possible to control the discharge amount distribution of the powder material discharged from the discharge port.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
[overall structure]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the powder supply device 100 according to the first embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of the powder supply device 100 of FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a part of the powder supply device 100 of FIG. In the following description, the X direction in Kakuzu may be referred to as a width direction, the Y direction may be referred to as a vertical direction, and the Z direction may be referred to as a material supply direction.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the powder supply device 100 supplies the powder material 2 indicated by the arrow 2 to the pressure molding device 11 that continuously produces a compact. The powder supply device 100 includes a housing 1, a plurality of screws 5, a plurality of motors 6, and a plurality of rectifying units 7. The housing 1 has an introduction port 3 and an discharge port 4 for the powder material 2. The plurality of screws 5 are arranged inside the housing 1 and are rotationally driven to convey the powder material 2 in the rotation axis direction (Z direction). That is, the powder material 2 is conveyed in the material supply direction (Z direction) by the plurality of screws 5. The plurality of motors 6 rotationally drive each of the plurality of screws 5. The rotation speeds of the plurality of motors 6 can be independently controlled by the operation unit 8. The plurality of rectifying units 7 have a longitudinal direction extending in the rotation axis direction (Z direction) of the plurality of screws 5, and rectify the flow of the powder material 2 inside the housing 1. In the present embodiment, the plurality of screws 5 are composed of four screws 5. The plurality of motors 6 are composed of four motors 6. The plurality of rectifying units 7 are composed of three rectifying units 7.

The powder supply device 100 is arranged adjacent to the pressure molding device 11. The pressure forming apparatus 11 has two rolls arranged side by side in the vertical direction, and the powder material 2 is supplied from the discharge port 4 of the powder supply apparatus 100 between the two rolls. The powder material 2 is discharged in the form of a sheet from the discharge port 4, and the compact 12 is formed by the pressure molding device 11. That is, the powder material 2 supplied from the powder supply device 100 is formed into a molded body 12 by the pressure molding device 11.

<Introduction port>
As shown in FIG. 2, the introduction port 3 is provided in the upper part of the drawing of the housing 1, and the powder material 2 is introduced into the housing 1. Further, the introduction port 3 is provided with a hopper 3a, and the powder material 2 is charged from the opening of the hopper 3a.

<Outlet>
As shown in FIG. 2, the discharge port 4 is provided at the end of the housing 1 on the pressure molding device 11 side. The powder material 2 is horizontally discharged from the discharge port 4 between the two rolls 10 of the pressure forming apparatus 11. In the present embodiment, the horizontal direction is the Z direction, which is the same direction as the material supply direction. The housing 1 is formed so as to become thinner toward the discharge port 4.

<Screw>
As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of screws 5 are arranged in parallel in the width direction (X direction) of the housing 1, and convey the powder material 2 in the material supply direction. The rotation axes of the plurality of screws 5 are parallel to the material supply direction. As shown in FIG. 2, each screw 5 has a screw shaft 5a and a flight 5b formed on the outer peripheral surface of the screw shaft 5a. The plurality of screws 5 are rotationally driven by the plurality of motors 6. The rotation speeds of the plurality of motors 6 can be independently controlled by the operation unit 8. In the present embodiment, the plurality of screws 5 are arranged at positions closest to the first screw 51 arranged at one end 1a in the width direction of the housing 1 and the other end 1b in the width direction of the housing 1. The second screw 54 is included. The first screw 51 and the second screw 54 may be referred to as outer screws 51 and 54. Further, the screws 52 and 53 arranged inside the outer screws 51 and 54 in the width direction of the housing 1 may be referred to as inner screws 52 and 53.

<Rectifier>
As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of rectifying units 7 are arranged in the powder supply device 100. The plurality of rectifying units 7 are arranged inside the housing 1 between the tip 5c of the plurality of screws 5 on the discharge port 4 side and the discharge port 4. That is, the plurality of rectifying units 7 are arranged between the plurality of screws 5 and the discharge port 4 in the material supply direction (Z direction). Further, the plurality of rectifying units 7 are arranged inside the housing 1 between the first rotating shaft Ax1 of the first screw 51 and the second rotating shaft Ax2 of the second screw 54. The plurality of rectifying units 7 are arranged at equal intervals in the width direction (X direction) of the housing 1 intersecting the rotation axis direction.

The rectifying unit 7 has a longitudinal direction extending in the rotation axis direction of the screw 5, and is formed of a plate-shaped member.

In the present embodiment, the lengths L1 of the plurality of straightening vanes 7 in the longitudinal direction are all designed to be the same. The lengths L1 of the plurality of rectifying units 7 in the longitudinal direction may be different from each other.

The plurality of rectifying units 7 may be capable of changing the length L1 in the longitudinal direction. For example, the length L1 in the longitudinal direction of the rectifying unit 7 can be changed by preparing a plurality of types of rectifying units 7 having different lengths L1 in the longitudinal direction and replacing them as necessary. Alternatively, for example, by preparing a stretchable rectifying unit 7, it is possible to change the length L1 of the plurality of rectifying units 7 in the longitudinal direction. By changing the length L1 of the plurality of straightening vanes 7 in the longitudinal direction, the emission amount distribution of the powder material 2 can be controlled.

Further, in the present embodiment, both ends of the straightening vane 7 in the longitudinal direction are sharply formed. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, both ends are formed to be triangular when viewed from the vertical direction (Y direction). Both ends of the rectifying unit 7 in the longitudinal direction may be formed in a semicircular shape when viewed from the vertical direction, for example. When both ends of the straightening section 7 in the longitudinal direction are formed in this way, it is possible to prevent the flow of the powder material 2 from being stagnant at the ends of the straightening section 7.

[Control of emission distribution]
In the powder supply device 100, the ejection is performed based on at least one of the length L1 in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of rectifying units 7, the arrangement position of the plurality of rectifying units 7, and the rotation speed of the plurality of screws 5. The discharge amount distribution of the powder material 2 discharged from the outlet 4 can be controlled. In the present embodiment, it is possible to control the emission distribution of the powder material 2 in the width direction of the housing 1.

Here, with reference to FIG. 3, various dimensions and configurations of the powder supply device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. The housing 1 of the powder supply device 100 has a height (not shown) of 50 mm, a width W1 of 200 mm, and a distance D1 from the tip 5c of the screw 5 to the discharge port 4 of 95 mm.

In the present embodiment, four screws 5 are arranged inside the housing 1 of the powder supply device 100. The four screws 5 include outer screws 51, 54 and inner screws 52, 53. The outer screws 51, 54 and the inner screws 52, 53 are arranged side by side in the width direction of the housing 1 at equal intervals. In the outer screws 51 and 54 and the inner screws 52 and 53, the diameter R1 of the screw shaft 5a is 20 mm, and the height H1 of the flight 5b from the screw shaft 5a is 10 mm. The distance D2 between the centers of the screw shafts 5a of the two adjacent screws 5 is 50 mm.

The plurality of rectifying units 7 are arranged from the first rectifying unit 71 centrally arranged in the width direction of the housing 1 and the first rectifying unit 71 to one end 1a in the width direction of the housing 1 and the other end 1b on the opposite side. Includes second straightening vanes 72, 73, which are spaced apart at equal intervals D3 towards each other. In the present embodiment, the lengths L1 of the first rectifying unit 71 and the second rectifying units 72 and 73 in the longitudinal direction are equal.

When a plurality of rectifying units 71 to 73 are arranged inside the housing 1, the flow velocity of the powder material 2 flowing inside the housing 1 can be changed by the friction of the rectifying units 71 to 73. By changing the flow velocity of the powder material 2 flowing inside the housing 1, the discharge amount distribution of the powder material 2 can be changed. Therefore, the flow velocity of the powder material 2 can be changed by changing the length L1 of the straightening portions 71 to 73 in the longitudinal direction. Thereby, the emission amount distribution of the powder material 2 can be controlled.

For example, when it is desired to make the discharge amount distribution of the powder material 2 in the width direction of the housing 1 uniform, in order to make the influence of friction on the powder material 2 in the width direction uniform, a plurality of straightening vanes 71 to 73 Equal length L1 in the longitudinal direction.

Further, for example, when it is desired to increase the discharge amount of the powder material 2 at the end portion in the width direction of the housing 1, the length L1 in the longitudinal direction of the second rectifying portions 72 and 73 is set to the longitudinal direction of the first rectifying portion 71. It is conceivable to make the length L1 shorter than that of. The influence of friction on the powder material 2 can be reduced at the widthwise end of the housing 1, and the discharge amount of the powdery material 2 can be increased at the widthwise end.

The length L1 in the longitudinal direction of the rectifying portions 71 to 73 can be changed within a range of 20% or more and 40% or less of the width W1 of the housing 1. More preferably, the length L1 of the straightening vanes 71 to 73 in the longitudinal direction is 20% or more and 30% or less of the width of the housing 1.

The positions of the plurality of rectifying units 71 to 73 are the distance D3 between the first rectifying unit 71 and the second rectifying units 72 and 73, and the end portions 71a to the end portions 71a of the plurality of rectifying units 71 to 73 on the discharge port 4 side. It is determined based on the distance D4 between 73a and the discharge port 4. That is, the arrangement positions of the plurality of rectifying units 71 to 73 can be changed by changing the interval D3 and the distance D4.

When a plurality of straightening vanes 71 to 73 are arranged at equal intervals as in the present embodiment, the influence of friction on the powder material 2 is made uniform in the width direction of the housing 1, so that the powder material The amount of discharge of 2 is also made uniform. Further, the plurality of rectifying units 71 to 73 may not be arranged at equal intervals in the width direction of the housing 1.

For example, when it is desired to increase the discharge amount of the powder material 2 at the end portion in the width direction of the housing 1, the distance D3 between the first rectifying unit 71 and the second rectifying unit 72, 73 is reduced. In this case, the plurality of rectifying units 71 to 73 are arranged closer to the center in the width direction of the housing 1. Therefore, the influence of friction on the powder material 2 becomes large near the center in the width direction of the housing 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the straightening vanes 71 to 73 are arranged between the first rotating shaft Ax1 of the first screw 51 and the second rotating shaft Ax2 of the screw shaft 5a of the second screw 54. Therefore, the distance D3 between the first rectifying unit 71 and the second rectifying units 72 and 73 is a range in which all the rectifying units 71 to 73 are arranged between the first rotation axis Ax1 and the second rotation axis Ax2. Set in. In the present embodiment, since the distance D2 between the centers of the screw shafts 5a of the two adjacent screws 5 is 50 mm, the distance between the first rotation shaft Ax1 and the second rotation shaft Ax2 is 150 mm. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, when the first rectifying unit 71 is arranged in the center in the width direction of the housing 1, the distance D3 between the first rectifying unit 71 and the second rectifying unit 72, 73 is set. It is set to a value larger than 0 and 75 mm or less. When the interval D3 becomes larger than 75 mm, that is, when the straightening vanes 71 to 73 are arranged outside the first rotating shaft Ax1 and the second rotating shaft Ax2, friction occurs at the end portion in the width direction of the housing 1. Since the influence becomes large, the discharge amount of the powder material 2 at the end portion is remarkably reduced. Therefore, the uniformity of the emission distribution is reduced.

Further, the distance D4 between the plurality of rectifying units 71 to 73 and the discharge port 4 may be different from each other. By changing the distance D4, the flow velocity of the powder material 2 in the vicinity of the discharge port 4 changes.

When the distance D4 between the rectifying units 71 to 73 and the discharge port 4 is small, the flow velocity of the powder material 2 discharged from the discharge port 4 becomes small due to the influence of friction by the rectifying units 71 to 73. On the other hand, when the distance D4 between the rectifying portions 71 to 73 and the discharge port 4 is large, the influence of friction gradually decreases while the powder material 2 flows to the discharge port 4.

The distance D4 between the rectifying portions 71 to 73 and the discharge port 4 can be changed within a range of 5% or more and 20% or less of the width of the housing 1. More preferably, the distance D4 between the rectifying portions 71 to 73 and the discharge port 4 is 10% or more and 15% or less of the width of the housing 1.

As described above, the emission amount distribution of the powder material 2 is determined by the length L1 in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of rectifying units 71 to 73 and the arrangement positions (interval D3 and distance D4) of the plurality of rectifying units 71 to 73, respectively. Can be controlled.

Further, when the rotation speeds of the plurality of screws 51 to 54 are increased, the flow velocity of the powder material 2 becomes faster inside the housing 1. Therefore, when the rotation speeds of the outer screws 51 and 54 are increased, the flow velocity of the powder material 2 on the end side in the width direction of the housing 1 becomes faster.

At the end of the housing 1 in the width direction, the flow velocity of the powder material 2 tends to decrease due to the influence of friction caused by the inner wall of the housing 1. Therefore, for example, by increasing the rotation speed of the outer screws 51 and 54, the influence of friction on the powder material 2 at the end portion in the width direction can be reduced. Since the rotation speed of each of the screws 51 to 54 can be set individually, the discharge amount distribution of the powder material 2 can be controlled by increasing or decreasing the rotation speed of the desired screw. The rotation speed of the screws 51 to 54 is preferably 15 rpm or more and 30 rpm or less.

The above-mentioned three parameters of the length L1 in the longitudinal direction of the rectifying section 71 to 73, the arrangement position of the rectifying section 71 to 73 (interval D3 and distance D4), and the rotation speed of the screws 51 to 54 are individually or combined. The desired emission amount distribution of the powder material 2 can be obtained by adjusting the powder material 2.

Therefore, the discharge amount distribution of the powder material 2 discharged from the discharge port 4 is the length L1 in the longitudinal direction of the rectifying section 7 (rectifying section 71 to 73) and the arrangement position of the rectifying section 7 (distance D3 in the width direction). It can be controlled based on the distance D4) from the discharge port 4 and the rotation speed of the screw 5.

[motion]
The operation of the powder supply device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the powder supply device 100 of FIG.

The desired emission distribution is determined (step S11). For example, when it is desired to have a uniform emission distribution, or when it is desired to increase the emission distribution at both ends, a desired emission distribution is determined as needed.

Next, based on the emission amount distribution determined in step S11, among the length L1 in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of rectifying units 71 to 73, the arrangement positions of the plurality of rectifying units 71 to 73, and the rotation speeds of the plurality of screws. , At least one is adjusted (step S12).

The lengths L1 of the straightening vanes 71 to 73 in the longitudinal direction and the arrangement positions of the straightening vanes 71 to 73 are discharged from the discharge port 4 by changing the influence of friction on the powder material 2 inside the housing 1. The emission distribution of the powder material 2 can be controlled. Further, by changing the rotation speed of the screw 5, it is possible to control the discharge amount distribution of the powder material 2 discharged from the discharge port 4.

The powder material 2 is introduced into the housing 1 from the introduction port 3 (step S13). The powder material 2 introduced inside the housing 1 is conveyed in the material supply direction by rotationally driving the screw 5 by the motor 6. At this time, the rectifying unit 7 rectifies the flow of the powder material 2 inside the housing 1 (step S14).

The powder material 2 conveyed in the material supply direction by the rotational drive of the screw 5 is discharged from the discharge port 4 (step S15).

Step S12 may be performed, for example, based on the measurement result by the measuring unit (not shown) for measuring the discharge amount distribution of the powder material 2 discharged from the discharge port 4. That is, it may have a step of feeding back the measurement result by the measuring unit and controlling at least one of the three parameters.

[Emission distribution simulation]
In order to compare the emission amount distribution of the powder material 2 in the powder supply device 100 of the present embodiment with the emission amount distribution of the powder material 2 in the powder supply device not using the rectifying unit 7, a discrete element method is used. The particle behavior simulation used was performed. The particle behavior simulation simulates the behavior when the powder material 2 introduced from the introduction port 3 of the housing 1 is discharged from the discharge port 4 immediately before entering the inside of the roll 10 of the pressure forming apparatus 11. Is. It is not affected by the pressure from the roll 10.

The powder material 2 is assumed to be a silicon-based powder material having a particle density of 2300 g / cm ³ , and is introduced into the inlet with a rosin-ramler distribution having a diameter of 1.5 mm or more and 4.0 mm or less. Suppose.

FIG. 5 is a table showing the configurations of the powder supply device 100 of Comparative Example and Example 1. FIG. 6 is a graph showing data of emission distribution obtained by simulation.

<Example 1>
In the first embodiment, in the powder supply device 100, the length L1 of the straightening vanes 71 to 73 in the longitudinal direction is 61 mm, the distance D4 between the straightening vanes 71 to 73 and the discharge port 4 is 26 mm, and the first straightening vane 71. The distance D3 between the second rectifying unit 72 and 73 is set to 50 mm, and the rotation speed of the screws 51 to 54 is set to 21 rpm (see FIG. 5).

<Comparison example>
The comparative example has a configuration in which the rectifying unit is not arranged with respect to the first embodiment. Comparative Example 1 has the same configuration as the powder supply device 100 except that it does not include a rectifying unit.

<Comparison between Example 1 and Comparative Example>
In the graph of FIG. 6, the vertical axis shows the emission distribution ratio of the powder material 2, and the horizontal axis shows the position of the housing 1 in the width direction. The position of the housing 1 on the horizontal axis in the width direction is displayed from -100 mm to 100 mm with the center as 0. In the width direction of the housing 1, the emission distribution ratios at 10 observation points were measured in each of Example 1 and Comparative Example.

As can be seen from the graph of FIG. 6, in the first embodiment, the difference between the emission amount near the center in the width direction and the emission amount near the end portion in the width direction is smaller than that in the comparative example. In Comparative Example 1, since the flow velocity of the powder material 2 at the end portion of the housing 1 decreases due to the friction with the wall surface of the housing 1, the discharge amount decreases at the end portion of the housing 1. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the flow velocity of the powder material 2 decreases even in the portion other than the end portion of the housing 1 due to the friction with the rectifying portions 71 to 73. Therefore, the flow velocity of the powder material 2 becomes uniform between the end portion of the housing 1 and the other portions. As a result, the emission amount distribution of the powder material 2 is made uniform.

Further, when the standard deviation for 10 observation points is calculated, it is 0.0069 in Example 1 and 0.0233 in Comparative Example (see FIG. 18), and in Example 1, the emission amount is smaller than that of Comparative Example. It can be seen that the distribution is uniform.

Next, the discharge amount distribution of the powder material 2 when the length L1 in the longitudinal direction of the rectifying unit 71 to 73 is changed is compared with the discharge amount distribution of the powder material 2 in the powder supply device that does not use the rectifying unit 7. do.

<Example 2>
FIG. 7 is a table showing the configurations of the powder supply device 100 of Comparative Example, Example 2, and Example 3. In Example 2, as shown in FIG. 7, the length L1 of the straightening vanes 71 to 73 in the longitudinal direction was set to 45 mm, which is shorter than that of Example 1. Other configurations are the same as those of the powder supply device 100 of the first embodiment.

<Example 3>
In Example 3, as shown in FIG. 7, the length L1 of the straightening vanes 71 to 73 in the longitudinal direction was set to 77 mm, which is longer than that of Example 1. Other configurations are the same as those of the powder supply device 100 of the first embodiment.

<Comparison between Example 2 and Example 3 and Comparative Example>
FIG. 8 is a graph showing data of emission distribution obtained by simulation. According to the graph of FIG. 8, when the length L1 in the longitudinal direction of the rectifying portions 71 to 73 is shortened and lengthened, as in the first embodiment, in the vicinity of the center in the width direction with respect to the comparative example. It can be seen that the difference between the emission amount and the emission amount near the end in the width direction is small.

According to the simulation results of Examples 2 to 3, when it is desired to make the emission amount distribution uniform, the length L1 in the longitudinal direction of the straightening vanes 71 to 73 is 20% or more and 40% or less of the width W1 of the housing 1. good. As shown in the graph of FIG. 8, when the length L1 in the longitudinal direction of the rectifying portions 71 to 73 is 45 mm (22.5% of the width W1 of the housing 1), and the length L1 in the longitudinal direction is 77 mm (housing). In the case of 38.5% of the width W1 of the body 1, the uniformity of the emission amount distribution of the powder material 2 is improved as compared with the comparative example.

When the length L1 in the longitudinal direction of the straightening portions 71 to 73 is smaller than 40 mm (20% of the width W1), the influence of friction by the straightening portions 71 to 73 on the powder material 2 is small, and a uniform emission amount distribution is obtained. Can't. Further, when the length L1 in the longitudinal direction of the rectifying portions 71 to 73 is larger than 80 mm (40% of the width W1), the influence of the friction of the rectifying portions 71 to 73 on the powder material 2 becomes large, and the rectifying portions 71 to 73 become large. The amount of discharge of the arranged part will decrease. Therefore, in order to obtain a uniform emission amount distribution in the width direction of the housing 1, the length L1 in the longitudinal direction of the rectifying portions 71 to 73 is 20% or more and 40% or less of the width W1 of the housing 1. It is good.

More preferably, the length L1 of the straightening vanes 71 to 73 in the longitudinal direction is 20% or more and 30% or less of the width of the housing 1. In this case, the uniformity of the emission amount distribution of the powder material 2 can be further improved.

When the length of the length L1 in the longitudinal direction of the rectifying portions 71 to 73 is made larger than 40% of the width W1 of the housing 1, the rectifying portions 71 to the powder material 2 in the central portion of the housing 1 The influence of the friction of 73 becomes large. Therefore, the discharge amount of the powder material 2 at the central portion of the housing 1 is smaller than the discharge amount of the powder material 2 at the end portion of the housing 1. For example, when it is desired to increase the emission amount of the end portion, the desired emission amount distribution of the powder material 2 is made by making the length L1 of the straightening portions 71 to 73 in the longitudinal direction larger than the width 40% of the housing 1. Can be realized.

<Example 4>
FIG. 9 is a table showing the configurations of the powder supply device 100 of Comparative Example, Example 4, and Example 5. In Example 5, as shown in FIG. 9, the distance D4 of the rectifying unit 71 to 73 from the discharge port 4 is set to 39 mm, which is larger than that of Example 1. That is, the rectifying units 71 to 73 are arranged on the upstream side in the material supply direction (Z direction) as compared with the first to third embodiments. Other configurations are the same as those of the powder supply device 100 of the first embodiment.

<Example 5>
In Example 5, as shown in FIG. 9, the distance D4 of the rectifying unit 71 to 73 from the discharge port 4 is set to 13 mm, which is smaller than that of Example 1. That is, the rectifying units 71 to 73 are arranged on the downstream side in the material supply direction as compared with the first to third embodiments. Other configurations are the same as those of the powder supply device 100 of the first embodiment.

<Comparison of Example 4, Example 5 and Comparative Example>
FIG. 10 is a graph showing data of emission distribution obtained by simulation. According to the graph of FIG. 10, when the distance D4 from the discharge port 4 of the rectifying unit 71 to 73 is increased or decreased, as in the first embodiment, in the vicinity of the center in the width direction with respect to the comparative example. It can be seen that the difference between the amount of discharge and the amount of discharge near the end in the width direction is small.

According to the simulation results of Examples 4 to 5, the distance D4 between the rectifying units 71 to 73 and the discharge port 4 is preferably 5% or more and 20% or less of the width of the housing 1. When the distance D4 between the rectifying unit 71 to 7 and the discharge port 4 is 39 mm (19.5% of the width W1 of the housing 1), and the distance D4 is 13 mm (6.5% of the width W1 of the housing 1). In the case of), the uniformity of the emission distribution is improved as compared with the comparative example.

When the distance D4 between the rectifying portions 71 to 73 and the discharge port 4 becomes larger than 40 mm (20% of the width W1), friction between the rectifying portions 71 to 73 causes the powder material 2 to reach the discharge port 4. The rectifying effect becomes small, and a uniform emission distribution cannot be obtained. Further, when the distance D4 between the rectifying unit 71 to 73 and the discharge port 4 is smaller than 10 mm (5% of the width W1), a “node” in the emission amount distribution is generated at the arrangement position of the rectifying unit 71 to 73. Emissions at the knots will decrease. Therefore, the distance D4 between the rectifying portions 71 to 73 and the discharge port 4 is preferably 5% or more and 20% or less of the width W1 of the housing 1.

More preferably, the distance D4 between the rectifying portions 71 to 73 and the discharge port 4 is 10% or more and 15% or less of the width of the housing 1. In this case, the uniformity of the emission amount distribution of the powder material 2 can be further improved.

<Example 6>
FIG. 11 is a table showing the configurations of the powder supply device 100 of Comparative Example, Example 6, and Example 7. In Example 6, as shown in FIG. 11, the distance D3 between the first rectifying unit 71 and the second rectifying units 72 and 73 was set to 25 mm, which is smaller than that of Example 1. That is, the second rectifying units 72 and 73 are arranged closer to the center in the width direction of the housing 1 as compared with the first to fifth embodiments. Other configurations are the same as those of the powder supply device 100 of the first embodiment.

<Example 7>
In Example 7, as shown in FIG. 11, the distance D3 between the first rectifying unit 71 and the second rectifying units 72 and 73 is set to 75 mm, which is larger than that of Example 1. That is, the second rectifying units 72 and 73 are arranged closer to the outside in the width direction of the housing 1 as compared with the first to fifth embodiments. Other configurations are the same as those of the powder supply device 100 of the first embodiment.

<Comparison between Example 6 and Example 7 and Comparative Example>
FIG. 12 is a graph showing data of emission distribution obtained by simulation. According to the graph of FIG. 12, in Example 6, the uniformity of the emission distribution is improved as compared with the comparative example. Further, in the sixth embodiment, the resistance due to the friction of the rectifying portions 71 to 73 increases near the center of the housing 1, so that the discharge amount at both ends decreases. In this way, by arranging the rectifying units 71 to 73, it is possible to reduce or increase the discharge amount at the desired position.

In the seventh embodiment, since the distance D3 between the first rectifying unit 71 and the second rectifying units 72 and 73 is large, the resistance due to friction near the center of the housing 1 is small, and the powder in the width direction of the housing 1 is small. It can be seen that the flow velocity of the material 2 was made uniform and the uniformity of the emission distribution was increased.

(Embodiment 2)
The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment, the same or equivalent configuration as that of the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals. Further, in the second embodiment, the description overlapping with the first embodiment is omitted.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged schematic view of a part of the powder supply device 101 according to the second embodiment. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the longitudinal length L11 of the first rectifying unit 71 and the longitudinal lengths L12 and L13 of the second rectifying unit 72 and 73 are different from each other.

<Example 8>
FIG. 14 is a table showing the configurations of the powder supply device 101 of Comparative Example, Example 8, and Example 9. In the eighth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 14, the length L11 in the longitudinal direction of the first rectifying unit 71 and the lengths L12 and L13 in the longitudinal direction of the second rectifying units 72 and 73 are different. In the eighth embodiment, the length L11 of the first rectifying unit 71 in the longitudinal direction is longer than the lengths L12 and L13 of the second rectifying unit 72 and 73 in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the length L11 in the longitudinal direction of the first rectifying unit 71 is 77 mm, and the lengths L12 and L13 in the longitudinal direction of the second rectifying portions 72 and 73 are 45 mm. Further, the distance D41 between the first rectifying unit 71 and the discharge port 4 is 23 mm, and the distances D42 and D43 between the second rectifying units 72 and 73 and the discharge port 4 are 26 mm. Further, the rotation speeds of the outer screws 51 and 54 and the inner screws 52 and 53 are 15 rpm, which is smaller than that of the first embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those of the powder supply device 100 of the first embodiment.

<Example 9>
In the ninth embodiment, in contrast to the eighth embodiment, the longitudinal length L11 of the first rectifying section 71 is shorter than the longitudinal lengths L12 and L13 of the second rectifying section 72 and 73. Specifically, the length L11 in the longitudinal direction of the first rectifying unit 71 is 45 mm, and the lengths L12 and L13 in the longitudinal direction of the second rectifying portions 72 and 73 are 77 mm. Further, the distance D41 between the first rectifying unit 71 and the discharge port 4 is 29 mm, and the distances D42 and D43 between the second rectifying units 72 and 73 and the discharge port 4 are 23 mm. Further, the rotation speeds of the outer screws 51 and 54 are 15 rpm, and the rotation speeds of the inner screws 52 and 53 are 30 rpm. Other configurations are the same as those of the powder supply device 100 of the first embodiment.

<Comparison between Example 8 and Example 9 and Comparative Example>
FIG. 15 is a graph showing data of emission distribution obtained by simulation. According to the graph of FIG. 15, in Example 8, it can be seen that the emission amount distribution of the powder material 2 is generally uniform as compared with the comparative example.

On the other hand, in the ninth embodiment, the discharge amount of the end portion in the width direction of the housing 1 increases, and the discharge amount distribution becomes uniform near the center in the width direction of the housing 1. When the powder material 2 discharged from the powder supply device 100 is pressure-molded by the roll 10 of the pressure-molding device 11, sufficient pressure may not be applied to the end portion in the width direction. Alternatively, the density or thickness of the widthwise end portion of the molded body 12 may be smaller than that of the central portion. Therefore, it may be effective to make the emission amount distribution of the powder material 2 larger than that at the central portion at the end portion in the width direction. As in the ninth embodiment, the discharge amount of the end portion is increased by controlling the lengths L11 to L13 in the longitudinal direction of the rectifying portions 71 to 73, the distance D3 between the rectifying portions 71 to 73, and the rotation speed of the screws 51 to 54. be able to.

(Embodiment 3)
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, there is an example of controlling three parameters of the length L1 in the longitudinal direction of the rectifying section 71 to 73, the arrangement position of the rectifying section 71 to 73, and the rotation speed of the screws 51 to 54. explained. In the third embodiment, in addition to the three parameters described above, the emission distribution is controlled by changing the friction coefficient on the surface of the straightening vanes 71 to 73.

As Examples 10 to 13, the simulation was performed by changing the friction coefficient of the surface of the rectifying unit 71 to 73.

<Example 10>
FIG. 16 is a table showing the configurations of the comparative examples and the powder supply devices 100 of Examples 10 to 13. In the tenth embodiment, the surface finish of the straightening vanes 71 to 73, that is, the friction coefficient is different from that of the first embodiment, and the friction coefficient of the straightening vanes 71 to 73 is 0.1. Other configurations are the same as those of the powder supply device 100 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18 to be described later, the friction coefficient of the straightening vanes 71 to 73 of Examples 1 to 9 is 0.5.

<Example 11>
In the eleventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the coefficient of friction of the straightening vanes 71 to 73 is 0.3. Other configurations are the same as those of the powder supply device 100 of the first embodiment.

<Example 12>
In the twelfth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the coefficient of friction of the rectifying portions 71 to 73 is 0.5. Other configurations are the same as those of the powder supply device 100 of the first embodiment.

<Example 13>
In the thirteenth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the coefficient of friction of the straightening vanes 71 to 73 is 0.7. Other configurations are the same as those of the powder supply device 100 of the first embodiment.

<Comparison between Examples 10 to 13 and Comparative Example>
FIG. 17 is a graph showing data of emission distribution obtained by simulation. According to the graph of FIG. 17, in the tenth embodiment, the amount of the powder material 2 discharged is reduced at the end portion in the width direction. On the other hand, in Examples 11 to 12, the uniformity of the emission amount distribution in the width direction is improved as compared with the comparative example. In the thirteenth embodiment in which the friction coefficient of the rectifying portion is further large, the amount of discharge at the end portion in the width direction is larger than that at the central portion.

By changing the friction coefficient of the rectifying portions 71 to 73 in this way, it is possible to obtain a desired emission amount distribution such as increasing the emission amount at the end portion. Therefore, in order to make the emission amount distribution of the powder material 2 uniform, the friction coefficient of the surfaces of the straightening vanes 71 to 73 should be 0.3 or more and 0.5 or less. Further, when it is desired to increase the emission amount of the end portion in the width direction, the friction coefficient of the surface of the rectifying portions 71 to 73 may be larger than 0.5 and 0.7 or less.

<Summary of Examples>
FIG. 18 is a table summarizing the configurations of the powder supply device 100 and the simulation results in Comparative Examples and Examples 1 to 13. The emission distribution can be controlled based on at least one of the length of the rectifying section 71 to 73 in the longitudinal direction, the arrangement position of the rectifying section 71 to 73, and the rotation speed of the screws 51 to 54. For example, if you want to achieve a uniform emission distribution, set a small standard deviation in FIG. 18, or if you want to increase the emission at the end, set a high emission distribution ratio at the end. , Each set value may be changed according to the desired emission distribution.

In the table of FIG. 18, when the standard deviation of 10 observation points is 0.005 or less, it is "A", when it is larger than 0.005 and 0.020 or less, it is "B", and when it is larger than 0.020, it is "A". It was evaluated by "C". If the maximum-minimum value of the emission distribution ratio is 0.020 or less, it is "A", if it is larger than 0.020 and 0.060 or less, it is "B", and if it is larger than 0.060, it is "A". It was evaluated by "C". Further, when the emission distribution ratio at the widthwise end of the housing 1 is larger than 0.120, it is "A", when it is larger than 0.080 and 0.120 or less, it is "B", and it is 0.080 or less. In the case, it was evaluated by "C".

As shown in the table of FIG. 18, it can be seen that by adjusting each parameter, a desired emission distribution can be obtained, such as making the emission distribution uniform or increasing the emission at the end. ..

It is desirable to optimize each set value by, for example, an experimental design method using simulation, and such a method can more easily realize a desired emission distribution.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a powder supply device 102 according to a modification of the above-described embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, the powder supply device 102 may include a measurement unit 21 and a control unit 22. In this case, the measuring unit 21 measures the discharge amount distribution of the powder material 2 discharged from the discharge port 4. Based on the measured emission distribution, at least one of the longitudinal lengths of the straightening vanes 71 to 73, the arrangement positions of the straightening vanes 71 to 73, and the rotation speeds of the screws 51 to 54 is controlled by the control unit. 22 may be adjusted. With such a configuration, it is possible to automate the adjustment of each set value.

[effect]
According to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to provide a powder supply device and a control method for the powder supply device capable of controlling the discharge amount of the powder material 2 discharged from the discharge port.

Discharge distribution of the powder material 2 by changing at least one of the lengths of the straightening vanes 71 to 73 in the longitudinal direction, the arrangement positions of the straightening vanes 71 to 73, and the rotation speeds of the screws 51 to 54. Can be homogenized or the amount of emissions at the edges can be increased.

In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the three rectifying units 71 to 73 are arranged has been described, but it is sufficient that one or a plurality of rectifying units are arranged in the powder supply device.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the four screws 51 to 54 are arranged has been described, but it is sufficient that two or more screws are arranged in the powder supply device.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which four motors are arranged for the four screws 51 to 54 has been described, but one or a plurality of motors may be arranged in the powder supply device. ..

(Embodiment 4)
The fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 20. In the fourth embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals. Further, in the fourth embodiment, the description overlapping with the first embodiment is omitted.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged schematic view of a part of the powder supply device 103 according to the fourth embodiment. In the second embodiment, the size of the housing 1 and the number of the screws 5 and the rectifying unit 7 are different from those of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 20, in the present embodiment, one rectifying unit 7 is arranged near the center of the housing 1. The internal height (Y direction) of the housing 1 is 50 mm, the width W2 is 140 mm, and the distance D10 from the tip of the screw 5 to the discharge port 4 is 95 mm. Further, the two screws 5 are arranged side by side in the width direction (X direction) of the housing 1. Further, the length L1 of the rectifying unit 7 in the longitudinal direction is 45 mm, and the distance D4 of the rectifying unit 7 from the discharge port 4 is 26 mm.

Using the powder supply device 102 of the present embodiment as a comparative example in Example 14 and the configuration in which the rectifying unit 7 is not arranged, the same emission distribution simulation of the powder material 2 as in the first embodiment was performed.

FIG. 21 is a table showing the configurations of the powder supply device 103 of Comparative Example and Example 14. FIG. 22 is a graph showing data of emission distribution obtained by simulation.

As shown in FIG. 21, the comparative example has the same configuration as that of the fourteenth embodiment except that the rectifying unit 7 is not included.

As shown in the graph of FIG. 22, in the comparative example, the amount of discharge at the end portion in the width direction of the housing 1 is extremely reduced due to the friction from the wall surface of the housing 1. Further, since the inertial force of the particles near the center in the width direction of the housing 1 is large, the amount of discharge in the central portion is extremely large.

On the other hand, in the fourteenth embodiment, the difference in the amount of discharge between the central portion and the end portion is smaller than that in the comparative example due to the rectifying effect of the rectifying unit 7 arranged in the center in the width direction of the housing 1. Further, in Comparative Example 14, the discharge amount is generally uniform except at the end portion.

In this way, the emission distribution can be controlled without being limited to the number of screws and the number of rectifying sections.

The powder supply device of the present invention can produce a molded body having a desired density distribution by controlling the discharge amount of the powder material. The obtained molded product can be expected to be used for industrial applications such as semiconductor parts, in-vehicle parts, electronic parts, biological parts materials, and battery materials.

1 Housing 1a One end 1b Another end 2 Powder material 3 Introductory port 4 Discharge port 5, 51, 52, 53, 54 Screw 6 Motor 7, 71, 72, 73 Rectifying unit 21 Measuring unit 22 Control unit 71 First rectifying unit 72, 73 Second rectifying unit 100, 101 Powder supply device

Claims (14)

A powder supply device that supplies powder materials.
A housing having an introduction port into which the powder material is introduced and an discharge port from which the powder material is discharged, and
A plurality of screws arranged inside the housing and conveying the powder material in the direction of the rotation axis by being rotationally driven,
One or more motors that rotate and drive each of the plurality of screws, and
One or more rectifying portions having a longitudinal direction extending in the rotation axis direction of the plurality of screws and rectifying the flow of the powder material inside the housing.
Equipped with
The discharge amount distribution of the powder material discharged from the discharge port is the length of the one or more rectifying portions in the longitudinal direction, the arrangement position of the one or a plurality of rectifying portions, and the plurality of rectifying portions. Controlled based on at least one of the screw speeds,
Powder supply device. The plurality of screws are arranged at intervals in the width direction of the housing intersecting the rotation axis direction.
The housing has one end and the other end opposite to the one end in the width direction.
The one or more rectifying portions are the first screw of the first screw arranged between the tip of the plurality of screws on the discharge port side and the discharge port and at a position closest to the one end of the housing. It is arranged between the 1 rotation shaft and the 2nd rotation shaft of the 2nd screw arranged at the position closest to the other end of the housing.
The powder supply device according to claim 1. The plurality of straightening vanes are arranged at equal intervals in the width direction of the housing intersecting the rotation axis direction.
The powder supply device according to claim 1 or 2. The lengths of the plurality of straightening vanes in the longitudinal direction are different from each other.
The powder supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The plurality of rectifying sections include one or a plurality of first rectifying sections arranged in the center in the width direction of the housing intersecting the rotation axis direction, and the one or a plurality of first rectifying sections in the width direction. Includes one or more second rectifying sections located outside the section.
The longitudinal length of the one or more first rectifiers is longer than the longitudinal length of the one or more second rectifiers.
The powder supply device according to claim 4. The distance between each of the plurality of rectifying units and the discharge port is different.
The powder supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The length of the one or more straightening vanes in the longitudinal direction is 20% or more and 40% or less of the width of the housing.
The powder supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The length of the one or more straightening vanes in the longitudinal direction is 20% or more and 30% or less of the width of the housing.
The powder supply device according to claim 7. The distance between the outlet and the one or more straightening vanes is 5% or more and 20% or less of the width of the housing.
The powder supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The distance between the outlet and the one or more straightening vanes is 10% or more and 15% or less of the width of the housing.
The powder supply device according to claim 9. Moreover,
A measuring unit that measures the discharge amount distribution of the powder material discharged from the discharge port, and
At least one of the longitudinal length of the one or more straightening vanes, the placement position of the straightening vanes, and the number of revolutions of the plurality of screws based on the emission distribution measured by the measuring unit. A control unit that determines one of them,
To prepare
The powder supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The coefficient of friction on the surface of the one or more straightening vanes is 0.3 or more and 0.5 or more.
The powder supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The coefficient of friction on the surface of the one or more straightening vanes is greater than 0.5 and less than or equal to 0.7.
The powder supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The powder material has a housing having an introduction port into which the powder material is introduced and a discharge port from which the powder material is discharged, and the powder material arranged inside the housing and driven to rotate in the rotation axis direction. The plurality of screws, one or a plurality of motors for rotationally driving each of the plurality of screws, and the longitudinal direction of the plurality of screws extending in the direction of the rotation axis, and the said inside the housing. A method of controlling a powder feeder, comprising one or more rectifiers that rectify the flow of powder material.
The step of determining the emission distribution of the powder material and
Of the longitudinal length of the one or more straightening vanes, the placement position of the one or more straightening vanes, and the number of revolutions of the plurality of screws based on the determined emission distribution. Steps to adjust at least one and
The step of introducing the powder material from the introduction port into the inside of the housing, and
A step of discharging the powder material from the discharge port of the housing by rotationally driving the plurality of screws inside the housing.
A step of rectifying the flow of the powder material inside the housing by the one or more rectifying units.
including,
Control method of powder supply device.

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