JP6864517B2 - Powder supply member and powder supply device using the member - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a powder supply member capable of suppressing a change in the powder supply rate and continuously suppressing a change in the powder supply rate, and a powder supply device using the member.

There is a powder processing device as a device that performs a predetermined treatment on various powders (also referred to as powder or granular material) such as edible powder (grain powder, etc.), synthetic resin powder, metal powder, ceramic powder, etc. .. Such a powder processing apparatus incorporates a powder supply apparatus that supplies powder to a predetermined position.

Here, the powder processing apparatus may perform a predetermined treatment on a predetermined amount of powder. Therefore, the powder supply device incorporated in the powder processing device keeps the powder supply rate constant in order to supply a predetermined amount of powder to the position for processing the powder in a predetermined time, that is, It is required to stabilize the powder supply rate.

The powder processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 incorporates a conduit (piping) as a powder supply device, and the surface of the conduit (piping) that comes into contact with powder is polytetra. A film made of fluoroethylene or nylon is formed. This improves the fluidity of the powder.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-118501 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-139152

However, the film made of polytetrafluoroethylene or nylon has poor wear resistance, and when the powder collides with the film, the film may be worn or the film may be chipped. As the film wears or breaks, the powder is deposited on the surface in contact with the powder, or the deposited powder is solidified, and the movement of the powder is hindered. Therefore, the powder supply device disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 has a problem that the powder supply rate tends to change over time.

Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention uses a powder supply member capable of suppressing a change in the powder supply rate and continuously suppressing a change in the powder supply rate, and a member thereof. It is an object of the present invention to provide a powder supply device.

The first invention has an uneven surface in contact with powder, the arithmetic average roughness Ra of the uneven surface is 0.2 μm or more and 1.8 μm or less, and the surface free energy γs of the uneven surface is 35 mJ /. It is a powder supply member having m ² or less and having a Vickers hardness of 400 or more on the uneven surface.

The second invention is a powder supply device that supplies powder to a predetermined position, and is characterized in that the powder supply member of the first invention is used as a member that comes into contact with the powder. It is a powder supply device.

The third invention is the powder supply device of the second invention, characterized in that the powder supply device is a vibration feeder or a screw feeder.

According to the present invention, the surface in contact with the powder is an uneven surface having an arithmetic mean roughness Ra of 0.2 μm or more and 1.8 μm or less and a surface free energy γs of 35 mJ / m ^{2 or less.} , It is possible to suppress the change in the powder supply rate. Further, by setting the Vickers hardness of the uneven surface to 400 or more, the strength of the surface to which the powder comes into contact can be improved. As a result, the shape of the uneven surface in contact with the powder can be maintained, and the change in the powder supply rate can be continuously suppressed.

It is a figure which shows the vibration feeder which used the powder supply member. It is a figure which shows the screw feeder which used the powder supply member.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. The powder supply member of the present embodiment has an uneven surface that comes into contact with the powder. The arithmetic mean roughness Ra of the uneven surface is 0.2 μm or more and 1.8 μm or less. The surface free energy γs of the uneven surface is 35 mJ / m ² or less. The Vickers hardness of the uneven surface is 400 or more. The powder supply member having such a configuration can suppress the change in the powder supply rate and can continuously suppress the change in the powder supply rate.

The powder supply member of the present embodiment has an uneven surface that comes into contact with the powder. The arithmetic mean roughness Ra of the uneven surface is 0.2 μm or more and 1.8 μm or less. The arithmetic mean roughness Ra is defined in JIS B 0601. If the arithmetic average roughness Ra is less than 0.2 μm or the arithmetic average roughness Ra is larger than 1.8 μm, the adsorption energy between the powder and the surface (concavo-convex surface) of the powder supply member becomes high. This is not preferable because it reduces the fluidity of the supplied powder. By setting the arithmetic average roughness Ra of the uneven surface to 0.2 μm or more and 1.8 μm or less, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the fluidity of the powder to be supplied, and it is possible to suppress a change in the powder supply rate. ..

The uneven surface can be expressed not only by using the roughness curve parameter (R) but also by using the cross-section curve parameter (P) and the waviness curve parameter (W). Each parameter is defined in JIS B 0601.

The surface free energy γs of the uneven surface is 35.0 mJ / m ² or less. By setting the surface free energy γs of the uneven surface to 35.0 mJ / m ² or less, the fluidity of the powder can be enhanced as compared with the case where the surface free energy γs ^{exceeds 35.0 mJ / m 2.} The reason for this is not always clear at present, but when the surface free energy γs of the uneven surface is 35.0 mJ / m ² or less, it works between the powder and the surface (concave surface) of the powder supply member. One of the causes is considered to be a decrease in liquid cross-linking force and intermolecular force.

Here, the surface free energy γs of the uneven surface can be defined by the following equation (1).
γs = γs ^d + γs ---------------- (1)
γs: Surface free energy of ^{uneven surface γs d} : Surface free energy derived from non-polar component of ^{uneven surface γs p} : Surface free energy derived from polar component of uneven surface

^{The surface free energy γ s d} derived from the non-polar component of the uneven surface and the surface free energy γ s ^p derived from the polar component of the uneven surface are the contact angles (θ) of the two types of liquids for measurement on the uneven surface to be measured. Are measured with a contact angle meter, the measured contact angle (θ) is applied to the following equation (2), and the two equations (2) below to which the contact angle (θ) is applied are solved as simultaneous equations. can do. As the liquid for measurement, γL (surface tension), γL ^d (surface free energy derived from non-polar component) and γL ^p (surface free energy derived from polar component) in the following equation (2) are known. A liquid can be used, for example, water or diiodomethane can be used.

(1 + cosθ) x γL / 4 = (γs ^d x γL ^d ) / (γs ^d + γL ^d ) + (γs ^p x γL ^p ) / (γs ^p + γL ^p ) ------------ ---- (2)
θ: Contact angle of liquid for measurement on uneven surface γL: Surface tension of liquid ^{for measurement γL d} : Surface free energy derived from non-polar component of ^{liquid for measurement γL p} : Surface free energy derived from polar component of liquid for measurement Energy γs ^d : Surface free energy derived from the non-polar component of the ^{uneven surface γs p} : Surface free energy derived from the polar component of the uneven surface

^{The surface free energy γ s of the uneven surface is the surface free energy γ s d} derived from the non-polar component of the uneven surface calculated by the above equation (2) ^{and the surface free energy γ s p} derived from the polar component of the uneven surface. It can be calculated by applying it to equation (1).

In the powder supply member of the present embodiment, the Vickers hardness of the uneven surface is 400 or more. By setting the Vickers hardness of the uneven surface to 400 or more, the mechanical strength of the surface in contact with the powder can be ensured, and wear or chipping of the uneven surface due to the powder can be suppressed. Therefore, the shape of the uneven surface can be continuously maintained, and the change in the powder supply rate can be continuously suppressed.

The Vickers hardness of the uneven surface conforms to JIS Z 2244 and can be measured by performing a Vickers hardness test with a load of 25 g. Here, if the uneven surface is still formed on the surface of the powder supply member, the Vickers hardness of the uneven surface cannot be measured. Therefore, it is possible to polish the cut surface when the powder supply member is cut from the surface (concavo-convex surface) of the powder supply member toward the inside, and measure the Vickers hardness of the uneven surface using this cut surface. it can.

The powder supply member of the present embodiment is a member for moving the powder while in contact with the powder and supplying the powder to a predetermined position. The powder supply member can be used, for example, as a member of a powder supply device described later.

The powder supply member of the present embodiment can be manufactured by performing a predetermined treatment on the base material. As the material of the base material, various materials can be used, and for example, metals, metal alloys, resins, and ceramics can be used.

As the metal described above, for example, iron, aluminum, copper, zinc, titanium, and magnesium can be used. Examples of the metal alloy described above include iron alloys (stainless steel and the like), aluminum alloys, copper alloys (brass (brass and the like)), zinc alloys, titanium alloys, and magnesium alloys.

Examples of the resin include ABS, polypropylene (PP), polyacetylene (POM), polycarbonate (PC), PC + ABS, polyamide (PA) 6 nylon, polyester, polyester terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and modified polyphenylene ether. (MPPE), Modified Polyphenylene Oxide (PPO), Polysalphon (PSF), Polyethersalfone (PES), Polyetherimide (PEI), Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS), Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Polyallylate (Liquid crystal polymer) ), Polypropylene (PI), Noryl resin (registered trademark of SABIC).

Ceramics include, for example, alumina, silica, steatite, zirconia, zircone, magnesia, hydroxyapatite, titanium nitride, titanium carbide, titanium carbonitride, aluminum nitride, boron nitride, tungsten carbide, glass, cement, concrete, fine ceramics, etc. Examples thereof include ferrite, cordylite, forsterite, mulite, and high-temperature superconducting ceramics.

Here, if the surface free energy γs of the uneven surface is set to 35.0 mJ / m ² or less, or the arithmetic average roughness Ra of the uneven surface is set to 0.2 μm or more and 1.8 μm or less, the powder is supplied. The speed is likely to change. Further, the surface free energy γs of the uneven surface is set to 35.0 mJ / m ² or less, the arithmetic average roughness Ra of the uneven surface is set to 0.2 μm or more and 1.8 μm or less, and the Vickers hardness of the uneven surface is set. If it is not 400 or more, it becomes difficult to maintain the shape of the uneven surface due to friction of the powder or the like, and the powder supply speed tends to change over time. That is, in order to suppress the change in the powder supply rate and continuously suppress the change in the powder supply rate, the surface free energy γs of the uneven surface, the arithmetic mean roughness Ra of the uneven surface, and the unevenness are suppressed. It is necessary to keep the Vickers hardness of the surface within the above-mentioned predetermined range.

As described above, in the conventional powder supply device, the fluidity of the powder is improved by forming a film made of polytetrafluoroethylene or nylon. However, it is difficult for a film made of polytetrafluoroethylene or nylon to have sufficient hardness to suppress abrasion or chipping of the film due to powder collision. For this reason, in the conventional powder supply device, the fluidity of the powder tends to decrease due to wear or chipping of the film, and the powder supply rate tends to change over time. On the other hand, in the powder supply member of the present embodiment, the surface free energy γs of the uneven surface is 35.0 mJ / m ² or less, and the arithmetic average roughness Ra of the uneven surface is 0.2 μm or more and 1.8 μm or less. By doing so, the change in the powder supply rate is suppressed. Therefore, it is not necessary to form a film made of polytetrafluoroethylene or nylon on the surface in contact with the powder. Therefore, the Vickers hardness of the uneven surface can be set to 400 or more, and the change in the powder supply rate can be continuously suppressed.

(First Embodiment)
Next, the first embodiment of the powder supply member will be described.

In the powder supply member of the present embodiment, an uneven surface is formed on the surface of the base material that has been subjected to a predetermined treatment. As described above, the uneven surface formed on the surface of the base material has an arithmetic average roughness Ra of 0.2 μm or more and 1.8 μm or less, and a surface free energy γs of 35.0 mJ / m ² or less. Vickers hardness is 400 or more.

Next, a method of manufacturing the powder supply member of the present embodiment will be described.

The powder supply member can be produced by performing at least a surface hardening treatment on the base material.

First, the material of the base material used for the powder supply member of the present embodiment will be described. In the powder supply member of the present embodiment, titanium is used as the material of the base material. Titanium or titanium alloy is known as a metal with high safety to the human body and is also used for implant treatment.

Next, the surface hardening treatment will be described. The surface hardening treatment is a treatment for hardening the surface of the base material. By the surface hardening treatment, an uneven surface can be formed on the surface of the base material, and the surface free energy γs of the surface of the base material can be adjusted.

As the surface hardening treatment, for example, a surface quenching method or a diffusion permeation method can be used. As the surface hardening method, specifically, induction hardening, laser hardening, electron beam hardening and the like can be used. Specific examples of the diffusion permeation method include solid carburizing, liquid carburizing, gas carburizing, vacuum carburizing, plasma carburizing, high-frequency carburizing, salt bath nitriding, gas nitriding, plasma nitriding, salt bath soft nitriding, and sulphurizing nitriding. , Gas soft nitriding, high frequency quench nitriding, gas carburizing nitriding, liquid carburizing nitriding, TD process, solid boring, liquid boring, gas boring and the like can be used.

Based on the specific contents of the surface hardening treatment, the arithmetic average roughness Ra of the uneven surface is 0.2 μm or more and 1.8 μm or less, the surface free energy γs of the uneven surface is 35.0 mJ / m ² or less, and the uneven surface is uneven. The processing conditions such that the Vickers hardness of the surface is 400 or more can be determined in advance. As a result, the arithmetic average roughness Ra of the uneven surface can be set to 0.2 μm or more and 1.8 μm or less by performing the surface hardening treatment under predetermined treatment conditions, and the surface free energy γs of the uneven surface can be set. Can be 35.0 mJ / m ² or less, and the Vickers hardness of the uneven surface can be 400 or more.

Since the material of the base material used for the powder supply member of the present embodiment is titanium (Ti), salt bath nitriding, gas nitriding, plasma nitriding, salt bath soft nitriding, distillation nitriding, By performing surface hardening treatment by nitriding treatment such as gas soft nitriding and high frequency quench nitriding, the surface layer portion of the base material can be formed of nitride (for example, TiN). Further, the surface layer portion of the base material is formed by subjecting the base material formed of Ti to a surface hardening treatment such as solid carburizing, liquid carburizing, gas carburizing, vacuum carburizing, plasma carburizing, and induction hardening carburizing. It can be formed of carbide (eg TiC). Further, the surface layer portion of the base material is carbonitride (for example) by performing surface hardening treatment on the base material formed of Ti by carbon nitriding treatment such as gas nitriding, liquid carburizing nitriding, and induction hardening nitriding. , TiCN). Here, since it is difficult for the powder supply member to be cured by the surface hardening treatment, the inside of the powder supply member remains Ti.

Regarding the above-mentioned nitriding treatment, the treatment temperature can be appropriately selected from 550 to 1000 ° C. and the treatment time can be appropriately selected from 1 to 20 hours. It is preferably 8 hours. Further, regarding the carbonization treatment described above, the treatment temperature can be appropriately selected from 800 to 1400 ° C., the treatment time from 1 minute to 60 hours, the quenching temperature from 850 ° C., and the quenching time from 15 minutes to 100 minutes. Is preferably 930 to 1050 ° C. and the treatment time is preferably 30 minutes or more. Further, for the above-mentioned carbonitriding treatment, the treatment temperature can be appropriately selected from 550 to 900 ° C. and the treatment time from 15 minutes to 4 hours, and the treatment temperature is preferably 750 to 850 ° C.

When manufacturing a powder supply member, the base material can be processed not only by surface hardening treatment but also by processing treatment. The processing treatment is a treatment for forming irregularities on the surface of the base material. By the processing, the surface of the base material can be cured, and the surface free energy γs of the surface of the base material can be adjusted. As the processing, for example, blasting, peening, buffing, lapping, brushing, hairline, etching and the like can be used.

As the abrasive used for the blasting treatment, for example, the abrasive specified in JIS R 6001 can be used. The particle size of the abrasive can be, for example, # 400 to # 3000 specified in JIS R 6001. When the particle size of the abrasive is less than # 400, it is difficult to keep the arithmetic average roughness Ra of the uneven surface and the surface free energy γs of the uneven surface within the above-mentioned predetermined ranges, and the powder supply rate is likely to change, which is preferable. Absent. When the particle size of the abrasive exceeds # 3000, the variation in the arithmetic mean roughness Ra may become large, and it may be difficult to control the shape of the uneven surface. Further, as a method of colliding the abrasive with the base material, for example, there is a method of ejecting the abrasive with a predetermined pressure to collide with the base material. The predetermined pressure for ejecting the abrasive can be, for example, 0.3 MPa to 1.0 MPa. When the pressure for ejecting the abrasive is less than 0.3 MPa, it becomes difficult to keep the arithmetic average roughness Ra of the uneven surface and the surface free energy γs of the uneven surface within the above-mentioned predetermined ranges. When the pressure for ejecting the abrasive exceeds 1.0 MPa, the load on the base material becomes large, so that problems such as deformation and deterioration are likely to occur. In addition, the variation in the arithmetic mean roughness Ra may become large, and it may be difficult to control the shape of the uneven surface.

When the above-mentioned processing process is a process of applying a physical impact such as causing an abrasive to collide with a base material, the physical impact can also cause work hardening on the base material, and the hardness of the base material can be generated. Can be improved. Further, when work hardening is generated, a hardness gradient can be generated in which the hardness gradually decreases from the surface (concavo-convex surface) of the base material toward the inside. Here, if there is a portion inside the base material having extremely different hardness, this portion tends to be the starting point of fracture. If the hardness gradient is generated as described above, it is difficult to generate a portion having extremely different hardness, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of fracture.

When the surface hardening treatment and the processing treatment are performed, the order in which the surface hardening treatment and the processing treatment are performed can be appropriately determined. That is, the surface hardening treatment can be performed after the processing treatment, or the processing treatment can be performed after the surface hardening treatment.

As described above, the arithmetic average roughness Ra of the uneven surface is set to 0.2 μm or more and 1.8 μm or less, and the surface free energy γs of the uneven surface is set to 35.0 mJ / m ² or less just by performing the surface hardening treatment. The Vickers hardness of the uneven surface can be set to 400 or more, but by performing the processing, the arithmetic average roughness Ra of the uneven surface, the surface free energy γs of the uneven surface, and the Vickers hardness of the uneven surface are set to desired values. It will be easier to do.

Here, based on the specific contents of the surface hardening treatment and the processing treatment, the arithmetic average roughness Ra of the uneven surface is 0.2 μm or more and 1.8 μm or less, and the surface free energy γs of the uneven surface is 35.0 mJ / The ^{processing conditions such that the m 2} or less and the Vickers hardness of the uneven surface are 400 or more can be determined in advance. As a result, the arithmetic average roughness Ra of the uneven surface can be set to 0.2 μm or more and 1.8 μm or less by performing the processing under predetermined processing conditions, and the surface free energy γs of the uneven surface can be reduced. It can be 35.0 mJ / m ² or less, and the Vickers hardness of the uneven surface can be 400 or more.

It should be noted that the titanium compound formed on the surface layer portion of the powder supply member by performing the above-mentioned surface hardening treatment, and the titanium formed on the surface layer portion of the powder supply member by performing the surface hardening treatment and processing treatment. The compound can be a compound in which titanium atoms and surface-hardened atoms show a predetermined ratio based on specific treatment conditions of the surface hardening treatment or the processing treatment. By making the titanium compound formed on the surface layer of the powder supply member a compound in which titanium atoms and surface-hardened atoms show a predetermined ratio, the hardness of the surface (concave and convex surface) of the powder supply member is improved. At the same time, the surface free energy γs of the uneven surface can be adjusted. For example, when nitriding is performed as a surface hardening treatment, the composition ratio of titanium atoms and nitrogen atoms of the titanium compound formed on the surface layer of the powder supply member is TixNy (0.76 ≦ x ≦ 4, 0.17). It is preferable to carry out the treatment so that ≦ y ≦ 3).

Further, the internal structure (composition) of the powder supply member subjected to the above-mentioned surface hardening treatment and the internal structure (composition) of the powder supply member subjected to the surface hardening treatment and processing treatment are surface hardening treatment. The structure (composition) can be such that the titanium atom and the surface-hardened atom maintain a predetermined ratio from the surface of the powder supply member toward the inside based on the specific processing conditions of the processing. By making the internal structure (composition) of the powder supply member a structure (composition) in which titanium atoms and surface-hardened atoms maintain a predetermined ratio toward the inside, the surface (concavo-convexity) of the powder supply member is formed. The hardness gradient becomes gentle from the surface) to the inside, and it becomes difficult for portions having extremely different hardness to occur, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of breakage of the powder supply member. For example, when nitriding is performed as a surface hardening treatment, the structure (composition) is such that the composition ratio of titanium atoms and nitrogen atoms maintains TixNy (0.76 ≦ x ≦ 4, 0.17 ≦ y ≦ 3). Is preferable.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the powder supply member will be described.

The powder supply member of the present embodiment has a base material and a film formed on the surface (flat surface) of the base material. An uneven surface is formed on the outer surface of the film, and the thickness of the film varies depending on the shape of the uneven surface.

As described above, the uneven surface formed on the outer surface of the film has an arithmetic mean roughness Ra of 0.2 μm or more and 1.8 μm or less, and a surface free energy γs of 35.0 mJ / m ² or less.
The Vickers hardness of the film on which the uneven surface is formed is 400 or more.

The main component of the film is nickel. In order to form a film having a predetermined thickness and to facilitate processing of the film, it is preferable that the main component of the film is nickel. Further, the film may contain at least one of phosphorus, boron, tungsten, molybdenum and cobalt in addition to nickel. Then, in addition to at least one of phosphorus, boron, tungsten, molybdenum and cobalt, the film contains at least one of inorganic fine particles exhibiting abrasion resistance, fine particles exhibiting lubricity and fine particles exhibiting non-adhesiveness. You may be.

As the material of the base material, various materials can be used, and for example, the above-mentioned metals, metal alloys, resins, and ceramics can be used.

In the powder supply member of the present embodiment, in order to improve the adhesion of the film to the base material, a base layer can be formed between the film and the base material. Further, the base layer may be formed in two or more layers between the film and the base material.

Next, a method for manufacturing the powder supply member of the present embodiment will be described.

By performing a film treatment on the base material, a film having a predetermined thickness can be formed on the surface of the base material. The thickness of the film is preferably, for example, 5 μm or more, and more preferably 10 μm or more. Next, by performing a processing treatment on the surface of the film, a powder supply member having an uneven surface can be manufactured. By setting the thickness of the film to 5 μm or more, it becomes difficult for the base material to be exposed from the surface of the film when the surface of the film is processed.

As the film treatment, a film treatment method by wet plating can be used. The specific film treatment may be determined in consideration of the material of the base material and the like.

Examples of the wet plating include electrolytic plating and electroless plating. Examples of electrolytic plating and electroless plating include alloy plating and composite plating.

Examples of alloy plating include Zr-Ni alloy plating, Ni-P alloy plating, Ni-B alloy plating, Ni-BP alloy plating, Ni-W alloy plating, Ni-P-W alloy plating, and Ni-B. −W alloy plating, Ni—Fe alloy plating, Ni—Mo alloy plating, Ni—Co alloy plating, Ni—N alloy plating can be used. In order to form a nickel alloy plating having a low coefficient of thermal expansion and high wear resistance, it is preferable to use a nickel alloy plating containing at least one of phosphorus, boron, tungsten, molybdenum and cobalt. Here, when the film is formed by nickel plating using only nickel, sufficient hardness may not be obtained to maintain the shape of the uneven surface. Therefore, it is preferable to use nickel alloy plating.

Materials for dispersed particles used in composite plating include, for example, silicon carbide, chromium carbide, tungsten carbide, boron nitride, silicon dioxide, alumina, zirconia, tungsten oxide, titanium dioxide, molybdenum dioxide, graphite, boron nitride, and zinc fluoride. , High molecular weight fluorine compound, and fluorine resin. Dispersed particles composed of these components may be used in combination of two or more. When inorganic fine particles formed of, for example, silicon carbide, chromium carbide, tungsten carbide, boron carbide, silicon dioxide, alumina, zirconia, tungsten oxide, and titanium dioxide are used as the dispersed particles, the abrasion resistance of the powder supply member is used. Can be improved. Further, when fine particles formed of, for example, molybdenum dioxide, graphite, boron nitride, zinc fluoride, or a polymer fluorine compound are used as the dispersed particles, the self-lubricating property of the powder supply member can be improved. Further, when fine particles formed of, for example, zinc fluoride or fluororesin are used as the dispersed particles, the non-adhesiveness of the powder supply member can be improved. As the above-mentioned polymer fluorine compound, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene can be used.

By using nickel as the main component of the film, the Vickers hardness is 400 or more, and it becomes easy to form a film having a predetermined thickness. On the other hand, when it is difficult to increase the Vickers hardness of the film to 400 or more simply by using nickel as the main component of the film, the film can be heat-treated. As a result, the Vickers hardness of the film can be set to 400 or more.

The processing process is a process of forming irregularities on the outer surface of the film. The surface free energy γs of the film surface can also be adjusted by the processing. As the processing process, the above-mentioned processing process can be used. Further, the conditions for colliding the abrasives used for the blasting treatment and the abrasives can also be the above-mentioned conditions.

When heat treatment and processing are performed on the film, the order in which the heat treatment and processing are performed can be appropriately determined.

In order to improve the adhesion of the film to the substrate, the surface of the substrate can be pretreated before forming the film. This pretreatment can be combined with a treatment of forming a base layer on the surface of the base material.

As the pretreatment method when the material of the base material is metal, for example, degreasing, acid treatment, etching treatment, acid activity, and catalytic activity treatment can be used. When the pretreatment is performed on the base material, the pretreatment can be appropriately selected in consideration of the material of the base material and the like. Further, in consideration of the material of the base material and the like, in some cases, strike plating may be used before forming the film to form the base layer.

As a pretreatment method when the material of the base material is an aluminum alloy, for example, polishing, degreasing, etching treatment, acid treatment, and substitution treatment (zincate treatment) can be used. When the pretreatment is performed on the base material, the pretreatment can be appropriately selected in consideration of the material of the base material and the like. Further, in consideration of the material of the base material and the like, in some cases, strike plating may be used before forming the film to form the base layer.

As the pretreatment method when the material of the base material is ceramics, for example, alkaline degreasing, etching treatment, neutralization, ultrasonic cleaning, and catalytic activation treatment can be used. When the pretreatment is performed on the base material, the pretreatment can be appropriately selected in consideration of the material of the base material and the like.

As a pretreatment method when the material of the base material is a resin, for example, an etching treatment, a catalytic activity treatment, and an accelerator treatment can be used. When the pretreatment is performed on the base material, the pretreatment can be appropriately selected in consideration of the material of the base material and the like.

Here, based on the specific contents of the film and the processing, the arithmetic average roughness Ra of the uneven surface is 0.2 μm or more and 1.8 μm or less, and the surface free energy γs of the uneven surface is 35.0 mJ / m ^2. The following processing conditions can be determined in advance. As a result, by performing the processing under predetermined processing conditions, the arithmetic average roughness Ra of the uneven surface is set to 0.2 μm or more and 1.8 μm or less, and the surface free energy γs of the uneven surface is 35.0 mJ /. It can be m ^{2 or less.}

Further, as described above, when the heat treatment is performed on the film, it is preferable to perform the heat treatment after processing the surface of the film.

In the method for manufacturing a powder supply member of the present embodiment, as described above, after a film treatment for forming a film having a predetermined thickness on the surface of a base material, a processing process for forming an uneven surface on the surface of the film. It is carried out. By manufacturing the powder supply member of the present embodiment by such a manufacturing method, the arithmetic mean roughness Ra of the uneven surface, the surface free energy γs of the uneven surface, and the Vickers hardness of the film can be adjusted within the above-mentioned predetermined ranges. At the same time, it becomes easy to adjust the film to a desired thickness.

As a method of forming the uneven surface, a method of forming the uneven surface on the surface of the base material and then forming a film having a uniform thickness along the uneven surface of the base material can be considered. However, in this method, in order to form a film having a uniform thickness along the uneven surface of the base material, it is necessary to make the film a thin film. For this reason, the film tends to peel off and the film tends to have poor durability. Further, when a film having a thickness sufficient to exhibit sufficient durability is formed on the uneven surface of the base material, it becomes difficult for the film to be formed along the uneven surface of the base material, resulting in unevenness. It becomes difficult to adjust the arithmetic mean roughness Ra of the surface within the above-mentioned predetermined range. Further, during the processing process for forming an uneven surface on the surface of the base material, heat may be generated on the surface of the base material due to abrasion. Therefore, when a thermoplastic material is used as the base material, it is difficult to form fine irregularities on the surface of the base material, and it is difficult to adjust the arithmetic mean roughness Ra of the uneven surface within the above-mentioned predetermined range. Become. That is, by manufacturing the powder supply member of the present embodiment by the above-mentioned manufacturing method, various materials such as resin and ceramics can be used as the base material without being limited to the material of the base material.

Next, a powder supply device using the powder supply member of the present embodiment will be described.

The powder supply device is a device that supplies powder to a predetermined position, and includes a device that supplies the powder to a predetermined position by its own weight. Examples of the powder feeder include a vibration feeder, a screw feeder, a table feeder, an electromagnetic feeder, a belt feeder, a rotary feeder, a hopper, a chute, and piping. This powder supply device includes a member that comes into contact with the powder. Therefore, as the member that comes into contact with the powder, the powder supply member of the present embodiment is used.

The powder supply device may be used by being incorporated in a powder processing device that performs a predetermined treatment on the powder. Predetermined processing performed by the powder processing apparatus includes, for example, crushing, granulation, transfer (transfer), classification, sorting, mixing, stirring, kneading, kneading (nekka), drying, dust collection, storage, and granulation. Such processing can be mentioned.

In the powder supply device, the movement of the powder is temporarily stagnant and the powder is deposited, and then the deposited powder may move together (called pulsation). By using the powder supply member of the present embodiment, the powder can be stably supplied, so that the occurrence of pulsation can be prevented.

Further, it has been said that powder having excellent fluidity is used in the vibration feeder, and the powder applicable to the vibration feeder is limited. Since the powder supply member of the present embodiment can stably supply the powder regardless of the type of the powder, the vibration feeder can be used by using the powder supply member of the present embodiment. However, it is possible to increase the types of powder that can be stably supplied. Further, by increasing the types of powder that can be applied to the vibration feeder, it is possible to simplify the powder supply process and the like for the powder that cannot be applied to the conventional vibration feeder.

Further, in order to move the powder smoothly, the powder may be moved by using the pressure of the gas, but by using the powder supply member of the present embodiment, it is not necessary to supply an excess gas. However, the powder can be moved smoothly. Further, even when the powder is supplied by vibration, the powder can be smoothly moved without generating an excessive force during vibration. As described above, according to the powder supply member of the present embodiment, the powder can be smoothly moved and the powder is supplied without applying an excessive gas or an excessive vibration force to the powder. Therefore, the power consumption can be reduced (energy saving).

Further, in the conventional powder supply device in which the feeder is provided at the lower part of the hopper, the powder may solidify or cause bridging in the hopper, and the powder may not be smoothly supplied. There are many. In order to solve this problem, conventionally, a complicated device design is generally made. In the hopper using the powder supply member of the present embodiment, the powder can be stably supplied without complicated device design, and it is possible to prevent the powder from solidifying or causing bridging. .. In addition, by preventing bridging in the hopper, it is possible to prevent the powder in the bridging state from dropping momentarily, which increases the variation in the amount of powder supplied and causes flushing. Can be prevented.

When a part (pipe, etc.) of the powder supply device is tilted for powder supply, the powder supply member of the present embodiment can be used to smoothly flow the powder. Therefore, the tilt angle may be set within the minimum necessary range, and it is not necessary to set an extreme tilt angle. If an extreme tilt angle is set, a large amount of powder will drop momentarily due to the above-mentioned pulsation, but if the powder supply member of the present embodiment is used, it is not necessary to set an extreme tilt angle. , It is also possible to prevent the powder from falling due to pulsation.

Various powder supply devices such as belt feeders, table feeders, screw feeders, and the like that supply a fixed amount of powder are known. In these powder supply devices, basically, the powder supply force (in the case of a screw feeder, the number of rotations of the screw) and the powder supply amount are in a certain proportional relationship, which is desired. The supply capacity is set so that it is the supply amount. Since the powder is smoothly supplied by using the powder supply member of the present embodiment, the supply capacity according to the powder supply amount is increased based on the basic settings in the powder supply device described above. It can be set, and the supply amount can be controlled by setting this supply capacity. That is, the supply amount can be easily controlled.

Gas pressure or vibration may be applied to the powder in order to prevent the adhesion of the powder or temporary accumulation of the powder, but the force applied at that time destroys the powder, which is desirable. There may be a problem that a powder having the same particle size and shape cannot be produced. By using the powder supply member of the present embodiment, the powder can be stably supplied, so that it is not necessary to apply gas pressure or vibration to the powder. Even when gas pressure, vibration, or the like is applied to the powder, the force applied to the powder can be reduced, and the state of the powder to be produced can be maintained.

According to the powder supply member of the present embodiment, even if a powder having inferior fluidity is used, the powder can be smoothly supplied and the variation in the supply amount can be suppressed. Further, even if the size of the trough and the pipe of the screw feeder is reduced, the fluidity of the powder can be ensured and the powder can be stably supplied. Further, even when a V-shaped trough is used, the powder supply member of the present embodiment can suppress pulsation and bridging, so that a sharper V-shaped trough should be used. You can also.

As described above, by applying the powder supply member of the present embodiment to the powder supply device, merits such as simplification and miniaturization of the powder supply device and widening of the range of powder process design can be obtained. ..

Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the powder supply device in which the powder supply member of the present embodiment is used will be described more specifically.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a vibration feeder 10 using the powder supply member of the present embodiment as a member in contact with powder. In the vibration feeder 10 shown in FIG. 1, the powder supply member of the first embodiment is used as the member in contact with the powder 15, but the powder supply member of the second embodiment is used. You may.

The vibration feeder 10 is a powder supply device that supplies powder 15 to a predetermined position by vibration. As shown in FIG. 1, the vibration feeder 10 includes a vibration generator 16 and a trough 12 fixed to the vibration generator 16. The trough 12 is composed of a powder supply member, and an uneven surface 11 is formed on a surface that comes into contact with the powder 15.

The trough 12 is fixed to the vibration generator 16 on the surface facing the uneven surface 11, and is arranged so that the surface in contact with the powder 15 (concave surface 11) is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. The trough 12 vibrates due to the vibration generated by the vibration generator 16, so that the powder 15 moves on the uneven surface 11 in the inclined direction (direction of the broken line arrow shown in FIG. 1).

Examples of the powder 15 supplied by the vibration feeder 10 include powders used in foods, feeds, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, battery materials, chemical products, etc., and powders made of metal or ceramics. The powder 15 supplied by the vibration feeder 10 is not limited to the powder of the above-mentioned example.

Examples of the above-mentioned foods and feeds include wheat flour, grains, natural seasonings, seasonings, protein-based foods, sugar, sugar-based rice, brown rice, cornstarch, kataguri flour, buckwheat flour, coffee, cocoa, food additives, and egg white. Powder, green and yellow vegetables, root vegetables, mushrooms, bamboo charcoal, mackerel, kelp, suppon, shark cartilage, yeast, lactic acid bacteria, enzymes, fragrances, natural sweeteners, powdered eggs, powdered fats and oils, chlorella, full-fat powdered milk, non-fat powdered milk, each health Examples include foods and cellulose.

Examples of the above-mentioned pharmaceuticals include Chinese herbs, pesticides, inorganic chemicals, enzymes, antibiotics, vitamins and the like.

Examples of the above-mentioned chemical products include organic chemicals, organic catalysts, vinyl acetate, melamine resin, urea resin, phenol resin, PE resin, PTFE resin, surfactants, vinyl chloride, lignin, detergents, fats and oils, fatty acids, and monoglycerides. , Tarku, yeast, aluminate, various phosphoric acid compounds, sodium silicate, calcium carbonate, white carbon, sulfur cheap, phosphorus cheap, pigments, dyes, paints, toners, inorganic catalysts, P.I. V. C. , Soda phthalate and the like.

Examples of metal powders include Si, Ag, Cu, Ni, Sn, Al, WC, Co, Fe, Zn, Cr, W, Cu-W, Ag-W, high-speed steel, superalloys, and sprayed. Powder, alloy steel, aluminum alloy, lead alloy, copper alloy, aluminum alloy, zinc alloy, tin alloy, Ni-based alloy, Co-based alloy, neodymium magnet powder, amorphous, brass, ferroalloy, dispersion-reinforced alloy, stainless steel, Examples include heavy alloys, super alloys, insulating coating-treated irons, various rare earth alloys, and magnetites.

Examples of ceramic powders include alumina, silica, steatite, zirconia, zircon, itria, magnesia, magnesium carbonate, potassium carbonate, calcium phosphate, magnesium hydroxide, titanium oxide, barium titanate, potassium titanate, and titanic acid. Magnesium, lead zirconate titanate, lead oxide, hydroxyapatite, gallium nitride, silicon nitride, silicon carbide, titanium nitride, titanium carbide, titanium nitride, aluminum nitride, lime charcoal, silica stone, limestone, soda ash, pottery stone, slab , Clay, fluorite, sapphire, ruby, garnet, boron nitride, tungsten carbide, glass, cement, concrete, fine ceramics, ferrite, cordylite, forsterite, mulite, high temperature superconducting ceramics, tile pottery, ceramic materials, etc. Be done.

Here, the trough 12 constituting the vibration feeder 10 can be manufactured by the same manufacturing method as the powder supply member of the first embodiment. Since the shape of the trough 12 is determined according to the structure of the powder processing apparatus or the like in which the vibration feeder 10 is incorporated, the trough 12 may be formed into a desired shape according to the structure of the powder processing apparatus. For example, the trough 12 may have a V-shaped, substantially V-shaped, U-shaped, or substantially U-shaped cross-sectional shape on a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the powder 15 moves. When the trough 12 is formed into a desired shape, after the base material is formed into the desired shape, only the above-mentioned surface hardening treatment, or the surface hardening treatment and the processing treatment may be performed.

Next, the screw feeder 20 using the powder supply member of the present embodiment as a member in contact with the powder will be described with reference to FIG. In the screw feeder 20 shown in FIG. 2, the powder supply member of the first embodiment is used as the member in contact with the powder 25, but the powder supply member of the second embodiment is used. You may.

The screw feeder 20 is a powder supply device that supplies powder 25 to a predetermined position by rotating the screw 23. As shown in FIG. 2, the screw feeder 20 is composed of a hollow trough 22 and a screw 23 housed inside the trough 22. The trough 22 and the screw 23 are composed of the powder supply member described above, and the uneven surface 21 is formed on the surface in contact with the powder 25. As the powder 25, the above-mentioned powder can be used.

The trough 22 is provided with a carry-in inlet 22a for carrying the powder 25 into the trough 22 and an carry-out port 22b for carrying out the powder 25 that has passed through the inside of the trough 22. The screw 23 is composed of a shaft 23b and a spiral screw blade 23a formed on the surface of the shaft 23b. Further, a rotating shaft 24 attached to the motor M is fixed to one end side of the shaft 23b, and the screw 23 rotates in the arrow R direction when the motor M is driven. The powder 25 carried in from the carry-in port 22a is sent out to the carry-out port 22b side by the screw blades 23a as the screw 23 rotates, and is carried out from the carry-out port 22b. The screw 23 may be composed of only the screw blades 23a. When the screw 23 is composed of only the screw blades 23a, the rotating shaft 24 attached to the motor M is fixed to one end side of the screw blades 23a.

The trough 22 and the screw 23 constituting the screw feeder 20 can be manufactured by using the same manufacturing method as the powder supply member of the first embodiment. The shapes of the trough 22 and the screw 23 can be formed into a desired shape according to the structure of the powder processing apparatus, similarly to the trough 12 described above. For example, the trough 22 can have a circular shape, a V-shape, a substantially V-shape, a U-shape, or a substantially U-shape in a cross-sectional shape on a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the powder 25 moves. .. When the trough 22 and the screw 23 are formed into a desired shape according to the structure of the powder processing apparatus, after the base material is formed into the desired shape, only the above-mentioned surface hardening treatment is performed, or the surface hardening treatment and processing treatment are performed. You can do it.

Here, in the powder supply device in which the powder supply member of the present embodiment is used, the surface in contact with the powder has an arithmetic average roughness Ra of 0.2 μm or more and 1.8 μm or less, and the surface free energy γs. Has an uneven surface of 35.0 mJ / m ^{2 or less.} Therefore, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the fluidity of the powder on the surface (concave and convex surface) in contact with the powder, and the pulsation, the adhesion (deposition) of the powder and the powder occur during the transportation of the powder. Solidification and bridging, clogging and clogging of powder can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the movement of the powder from being hindered, and it is possible to suppress the change in the powder supply rate (that is, the powder supply rate can be stabilized). Further, when the Vickers hardness of the uneven surface is 400 or more, the strength of the surface with which the powder comes into contact can be improved. As a result, the shape of the uneven surface in contact with the powder can be maintained, and the change in the powder supply rate can be continuously suppressed (that is, the powder supply rate is continuously stabilized. can do).

On the other hand, when the arithmetic mean roughness Ra of the uneven surface or the surface free energy γs of the uneven surface is out of the above-mentioned predetermined range, the fluidity of the powder tends to decrease on the surface (concave surface) in contact with the powder. Therefore, the powder supply rate is likely to change. Further, when the Vickers hardness of the uneven surface is set to less than 400, it becomes difficult to maintain the shape of the uneven surface, and the powder supply rate tends to change.

It is generally known to reduce the friction coefficient of the surface in contact with the powder in order to stabilize the powder supply rate. However, even in a powder supply device in which the friction coefficient of the surface in contact with the powder is lower than that of the powder supply device according to the present embodiment, the arithmetic average roughness Ra and the surface free energy of the surface in contact with the powder When both γs are not within the above-mentioned predetermined ranges, the fluidity of the powder tends to decrease, and the powder supply rate tends to change. From this, it can be understood that the stabilization of the powder supply rate is not always achieved only by reducing the friction coefficient of the surface in contact with the powder.

Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples.

(Examples 1 to 3)
A V-shaped base material obtained by bending a titanium plate at a predetermined angle was prepared. The base material was processed by blasting. The processed base material was surface-hardened by gas nitriding to obtain the powder supply members of Examples 1 to 3. In the powder supply members of Examples 1 to 3, the processing by blasting was performed under different conditions.

(Example 4)
The processing of Example 1 was not performed. As for the other conditions, the powder supply member of Example 4 was obtained under the same conditions as in Example 1.

(Example 5)
The order of the processing treatment of Example 1 and the order of the surface hardening treatment of Example 1 were exchanged. That is, after the surface hardening treatment of Example 1, the processing treatment of Example 1 was performed. As for the other conditions, the powder supply member of Example 5 was obtained under the same conditions as in Example 1.

(Example 6)
The order of the processing treatment of Example 2 and the order of the surface hardening treatment of Example 2 were exchanged. That is, after the surface hardening treatment of Example 2, the processing treatment of Example 2 was performed. As for the other conditions, the powder supply member of Example 6 was obtained under the same conditions as in Example 2.

(Example 7)
The order of the processing treatment of Example 3 and the order of the surface hardening treatment of Example 3 were exchanged. That is, after the surface hardening treatment of Example 3, the processing treatment of Example 3 was performed. As for the other conditions, the powder supply member of Example 7 was obtained under the same conditions as in Example 3.

(Example 8)
Instead of the surface hardening treatment by gas nitriding in Example 1, the surface hardening treatment by vacuum carburizing was performed. As for the other conditions, the powder supply member of Example 8 was obtained under the same conditions as in Example 1.

(Example 9)
The processing of Example 8 was not performed. As for the other conditions, the powder supply member of Example 9 was obtained under the same conditions as in Example 8.

(Examples 10 to 11)
A V-shaped base material obtained by bending a stainless steel plate at a predetermined angle was prepared. The base material was subjected to pretreatment by degreasing and acid treatment, and then subjected to strike nickel plating. Then, a film treatment was performed by Ni-P alloy plating to form a film having a film thickness of 30 μm. The base material on which the film was formed was processed by blasting. Then, heat treatment was performed to obtain a powder supply member of Examples 10 to 11 having a film made of Ni-P. In the powder supply members of Examples 10 to 11, the processing by blasting was performed under different conditions.

(Example 12)
The order of the processing in Example 10 and the order of the heat treatment in Example 10 were exchanged. That is, after the heat treatment of Example 10, the processing of Example 10 was performed. As for the other conditions, the powder supply member of Example 12 having a film made of Ni-P was obtained under the same conditions as in Example 10.

(Example 13)
Instead of the film treatment by Ni-P alloy plating of Example 10, the film treatment was performed by Ni-W alloy plating to form a film having a film thickness of 10 μm. As for the other conditions, the powder supply member of Example 13 having a film made of Ni-W was obtained under the same conditions as in Example 10.

(Example 14)
Instead of the base material of Example 10, a V-shaped base material obtained by bending an aluminum alloy plate at a predetermined angle was used. Instead of the pretreatment of Example 10, pretreatment by polishing, degreasing, etching treatment, acid treatment and gincate treatment was carried out. Under the same conditions as in Example 10, a powder supply member of Example 14 having a film made of Ni-P was obtained.

(Example 15)
A V-shaped base material obtained by bending an ABS resin plate at a predetermined angle was prepared. The base material was pretreated by etching treatment, catalytic activity treatment, and accelerator treatment. Then, a film treatment was performed by Ni-P alloy plating to form a film having a film thickness of 30 μm. The base material on which the film was formed was processed by blasting to obtain a powder supply member of Example 15 having a film made of Ni-P.

(Example 16)
Instead of the film treatment by Ni-P alloy plating of Example 15, the film treatment by Ni-B alloy plating was performed to obtain a film having a film thickness of 10 μm. As for the other conditions, the powder supply member of Example 16 having a film made of Ni—B was obtained under the same conditions as in Example 15.

(Comparative Example 1)
A V-shaped base material obtained by bending a titanium plate at a predetermined angle was prepared. This base material was used as the powder supply member of Comparative Example 1.

(Comparative Example 2)
The surface hardening treatment by gas nitriding of Example 1 was not performed. As for the other conditions, the powder supply member of Comparative Example 2 was obtained under the same conditions as in Example 1.

(Comparative Example 3)
The conditions for processing by blasting in Comparative Example 2 were changed. As for the other conditions, the powder supply member of Comparative Example 3 was obtained under the same conditions as in Comparative Example 2.

(Comparative Example 4)
The conditions for processing by blasting in Example 1 were changed. As for the other conditions, the powder supply member of Comparative Example 4 was obtained under the same conditions as in Example 1.

(Comparative Example 5)
A V-shaped base material obtained by bending a stainless steel plate at a predetermined angle was prepared. The base material was pretreated under the same conditions as in Example 10. Then, after performing strike nickel plating, a film treatment by Ni-P alloy plating was performed to obtain a film having a film thickness of 30 μm. Then, heat treatment was performed to obtain a powder supply member of Comparative Example 5 having a film made of Ni-P.

(Comparative Example 6)
The conditions for processing by blasting in Example 10 were changed. As for the other conditions, the powder supply member of Comparative Example 6 having a film made of Ni-P was obtained under the same conditions as in Example 10.

(Reference example 1)
A V-shaped base material obtained by bending a stainless steel plate at a predetermined angle was prepared. This base material was used as the powder supply member of Reference Example 1.

(Reference example 2)
A V-shaped base material obtained by bending a stainless steel plate at a predetermined angle was prepared. The base material was processed by blasting to obtain a powder supply member of Reference Example 2.

The powder supply members of Examples 1 to 16, Comparative Examples 1 to 6 and Reference Examples 1 to 2 were prepared. For these powder supply members, a Vickers hardness tester (manufactured by Mitutoyo Co., Ltd.) was used to obtain Vickers on uneven surfaces (for Comparative Examples 1 and 5 and Reference Example 1, the surface of the powder supply member). Hardness (Hv) was measured. Specifically, the cut surface when the powder supply member was cut from the surface of the powder supply member toward the inside was polished, and the Vickers hardness of the uneven surface was measured using this cut surface. Further, regarding these powder supply members, a surface roughness shape measuring machine Surfcom 570A (manufactured by Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd.) was used to obtain uneven surfaces (for Comparative Examples 1 and 5 and Reference Example 1, powder supply members. The arithmetic mean roughness Ra (μm) of the surface) was measured. Further, regarding these powder supply members, using the contact angles of water and diiodomethane measured using a contact angle meter DropMaster 300 type (manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.), uneven surfaces (Comparative Examples 1 and 5 and For Reference Example 1, the surface free energy γs (mJ / m ² ) of the surface of the powder supply member) was calculated. The results are shown in Tables 1-3.

[Table 1]

[Table 2]

[Table 3]

<Evaluation 1>
An LF-02 electromagnetic feeder (vibration feeder manufactured by Aisin Nano Technologies Co., Ltd.) was prepared. As the trough of this vibration feeder, the powder supply members (length 179 mm, height 25 mm, bending radius R 1.5) of Examples 1 to 16, Comparative Examples 1 to 6 and Reference Examples 1 and 2 are used. I prepared it. These powder supply members were tilted by 15 ° with respect to the horizontal plane and fixed to the vibration feeders, respectively. The strength of the amplitude was set to 50%, and the vibrating part (vibration generator) of the vibration feeder was driven. As powder, 3 g of silver particles having a median diameter of 1.5 μm was charged at a position on the trough (powder supply member) corresponding to the center of the vibrating portion of the vibration feeder, and the silver particles were dropped from the trough. The weight of the dropped silver particles is measured every 2 seconds, and when half of the initial input amount (1.5 g) of the silver particles is dropped, silver is placed at the position on the trough corresponding to the center of the vibrating part of the vibration feeder. An additional 3 g of particles was added. This operation was repeated for 3 minutes, and the weight of the silver particles dropped from the trough was measured every 2 seconds for 3 minutes. This measurement was performed three times for each vibration feeder.

The evaluation of the change in the supply rate of silver particles was performed according to the following evaluation criteria. Here, when the evaluation is “⊚” or “◯”, it is judged that the change in the powder supply rate can be suppressed. When the evaluation was "x", it was judged that the change in the powder supply rate could not be suppressed. The results are shown in Table 4, which will be described later.

[Evaluation Criteria for Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4]
⊚: The variation in the weight of the powder falling in a predetermined time in three measurements is smaller than that in Comparative Example 1. Further, the weight of the powder that falls in a predetermined time is larger than that of Comparative Example 1.
◯: The variation in the weight of the powder falling in a predetermined time in three measurements is smaller than that in Comparative Example 1.
X: The variation in the three measurements of the weight of the powder falling in a predetermined time is equal to or larger than that of Comparative Example 1.

[Evaluation Criteria for Examples 10-16, Comparative Examples 5-6 and Reference Examples 1-2]
⊚: The variation in the weight of the powder falling in a predetermined time in three measurements is smaller than that in Comparative Example 5. Further, the weight of the powder that falls in a predetermined time is larger than that of Comparative Example 5.
◯: The variation in the three measurements of the weight of the powder falling in a predetermined time is smaller than that in Comparative Example 5.
X: The variation in the three measurements of the weight of the powder falling in a predetermined time is equal to or larger than that of Comparative Example 5.

<Evaluation 2>
Instead of the silver particles used in Evaluation 1, nickel particles having a median diameter of 2.5 μm were used as the powder. Under the same conditions as in Evaluation 1, the weight of the nickel particles dropped from the trough was measured every 3 minutes and 2 seconds. In addition, changes in the supply rate of nickel particles were evaluated according to the evaluation criteria of Evaluation 1. The results are shown in Table 4, which will be described later.

<Evaluation 3>
Instead of the silver particles used in Evaluation 1, talc particles (JIS powders 1 and 4) having a median diameter of 7.2 to 9.2 μm were used as the powder. Other than this, the weight of the talc particles dropped from the trough was measured every 2 seconds for 3 minutes under the same conditions as in Evaluation 1. In addition, changes in the supply rate of talc particles were evaluated according to the evaluation criteria of Evaluation 1. The results are shown in Table 4, which will be described later.

<Evaluation 4>
An LF-02 electromagnetic feeder (vibration feeder manufactured by Aisin Nano Technologies Co., Ltd.) was prepared. As the trough of this vibration feeder, the powder supply members (length 179 mm, height 25 mm, bending radius R 1.5) of Examples 1 to 16, Comparative Examples 1 to 6 and Reference Examples 1 and 2 are used. I prepared it. These powder supply members were tilted by 15 ° with respect to the horizontal plane and fixed to the vibration feeders, respectively. Alumina (Al2O3) having a median diameter of 8 μm was continuously supplied to the trough (powder supply member) fixed to the vibration feeder at a supply rate of 5 g / min for 7 days, and the trough surfaces were rubbed with alumina. After 7 days, the powder adhering to the trough surface was removed with an air gun, further cleaned with methanol, and dried at 90 ° C. for 1 minute to remove the alumina adhering to the trough surface. Using this vibration feeder, the weight of the silver particles dropped from the trough was measured every 2 seconds for 3 minutes by the same method as in Evaluation 1. In addition, changes in the supply rate of silver particles were evaluated according to the evaluation criteria of Evaluation 1. The results are shown in Table 4, which will be described later.

<Evaluation 5>
Instead of the silver particles used in Evaluation 4, nickel particles having a median diameter of 2.5 μm were used as the powder. Under the same conditions as in Evaluation 4, the weight of the nickel particles dropped from the vibration feeder was measured every 3 minutes and 2 seconds. In addition, changes in the supply rate of nickel particles were evaluated according to the evaluation criteria of Evaluation 1. The results are shown in Table 4, which will be described later.

<Evaluation 6>
Instead of the silver particles of evaluation 4, talc particles (JIS powders 1 and 4) having a median diameter of 7.2 to 9.2 μm were used as the powder. Under the same conditions as in Evaluation 4, the weight of the talc particles dropped from the vibration feeder was measured every 3 minutes and 2 seconds. In addition, changes in the supply rate of talc particles were evaluated according to the evaluation criteria of Evaluation 1. The results are shown in Table 4, which will be described later.

<Evaluation 7>
The powder supply members of Examples, Comparative Examples, and Reference Examples were applied to the screw feeder 20 shown in FIG. Specifically, only the shape of the base material used in Examples, Comparative Examples, and Reference Examples is changed (that is, the material and surface characteristics of the base material are the same), and the hollow trough 22 (length 100 mm, outer diameter) is changed. 25.4 mm) and a screw 23 (length 210 mm, outer diameter 17 mm) that can be inserted into the hollow of the trough 22 were used as the base material. This base material is treated with Examples, Comparative Examples and Reference Examples, respectively, and the treated troughs 22 and screws 23 are used to treat Examples 1 to 16, Comparative Examples 1 to 6 and Reference Example 1. ~ 2 screw feeders 20 were manufactured respectively.

For each of the screw feeders 20 of Examples 1 to 16, Comparative Examples 1 to 6 and Reference Examples 1 and 2, the screw 23 was attached to the motor M, and the hopper was attached to the carry-in inlet 22a formed in the trough 22. Nickel particles having a median diameter of 2.5 μm were put into the hopper as powder, and the motor M was driven at a rotation speed of 20 rpm. By the rotation of the screw 23, the nickel particles in the hollow of the trough 22 were supplied (carried out) from the carry-out port 22b. The weight of the nickel particles supplied from the carry-out port 22b was measured every 2 seconds, and when half the initial charge amount of nickel particles was supplied, the nickel particles were additionally charged into the hopper. This operation was continued for 60 minutes, and the weight of the nickel particles supplied from the carry-out port 22b was measured every 2 seconds for 60 minutes. This measurement was performed three times for each screw feeder 20.

The evaluation of the change in the supply rate of nickel particles was performed according to the following evaluation criteria. Here, when the evaluation is “⊚” or “◯”, it is judged that the coefficient of variation is small in the powder supply and the change in the powder supply rate can be suppressed. When the evaluation was "x", it was judged that the coefficient of variation in the powder supply was large and the change in the powder supply rate could not be suppressed. The results are shown in Table 4, which will be described later.

[Evaluation Criteria for Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4]
⊚: The variation in the weight of the powder supplied at a predetermined time in three measurements is smaller than that in Comparative Example 1. Further, the weight of the powder supplied at a predetermined time is larger than that of Comparative Example 1.
◯: The variation in the weight of the powder supplied at a predetermined time in three measurements is smaller than that in Comparative Example 1.
X: The variation in the weight of the powder supplied at a predetermined time in three measurements is equal to or larger than that of Comparative Example 1.

[Evaluation Criteria for Examples 10-16, Comparative Examples 5-6 and Reference Examples 1-2]
⊚: The variation in the weight of the powder supplied at a predetermined time in three measurements is smaller than that in Comparative Example 5. Further, the weight of the powder supplied at a predetermined time is larger than that of Comparative Example 5.
◯: The variation in the weight of the powder supplied at a predetermined time in three measurements is smaller than that in Comparative Example 5.
X: The variation in the weight of the powder supplied at a predetermined time in three measurements is equal to or larger than that of Comparative Example 5.

[Table 4]

As shown in Table 4, in the powder supply members (troughs) of Examples 1 to 16, all the evaluations of evaluations 1 to 6 were marked with ◯ or ⊚. On the other hand, in the powder supply members (troughs) of Comparative Examples 1 to 6 and Reference Examples 1 and 2, at least three evaluations of evaluations 1 to 6 were x. In particular, in the powder supply members of Comparative Example 2 and Reference Example 2, when the uneven surface is rubbed by the alumina particles, the change in the powder supply rate cannot be suppressed. That is, in the powder supply members of Comparative Example 2 and Reference Example 2, the uneven surface is worn or the uneven surface is chipped due to the friction generated when the powder is supplied, and the shape of the uneven surface before wear is formed. It turns out that it could not be maintained. Further, the powder supply members of Comparative Examples 1, 3 to 6 and Reference Example 1 could not suppress the change in the powder supply rate in the evaluations 1 to 3 in addition to the evaluations 4 to 6. That is, it can be seen that the shape and properties of the uneven surface formed on these powder supply members cannot suppress the change in the powder supply rate.

Further, as shown in Table 4, the screw feeders 20 of Examples 1 to 16 were evaluated as ◯ or ⊚ in the evaluation 7. On the other hand, the screw feeders 20 of Comparative Examples 1 to 6 and Reference Examples 1 and 2 were both x, and the change in the powder supply rate could not be suppressed.

As described above, according to the powder supply member (trough) and the screw feeder 20 of Examples 1 to 16, the change in the powder supply rate can be suppressed, and the change in the powder supply rate is continuously suppressed. I know I can do it. Further, as can be understood from the evaluations 1 to 6, the powder supply members of Examples 1 to 8 had a heavier weight of powder falling in a predetermined time than the powder supply members of Comparative Example 1. From this, it can be seen that the powder supply members of Examples 1 to 8 can smoothly move the powder without generating an excessive force during vibration. Similarly, as can be understood from the evaluations 1 to 6, the powder supply members of Examples 10 to 11 and 13 to 16 have more powder that falls at a predetermined time than the powder supply members of Comparative Example 5. It was heavy. From this, it can be seen that the powder supply members of Examples 10 to 11 and 13 to 16 can also smoothly move the powder without generating an excessive force during vibration. Therefore, it can be seen that the powder supply members of Examples 1 to 8, 10 to 11 and 13 to 16 can save the energy (electric power) consumed for supplying the powder.

Further, as can be understood from the evaluation 7, the screw feeders 20 of Examples 1 to 8 had a heavier weight of the powder supplied at a predetermined time than the screw feeder 20 of Comparative Example 1. From this, it can be seen that the screw feeders 20 of Examples 1 to 8 can smoothly move the powder without applying an excessive rotational force. Further, as can be understood from the evaluation 7, the screw feeders 20 of Examples 10 and 14 to 16 had a heavier weight of the powder supplied at a predetermined time than the screw feeder 20 of Comparative Example 5. From this, it can be seen that the screw feeders 20 of Examples 10 and 14 to 16 can smoothly move the powder without applying an excessive rotational force. Therefore, it can be seen that the screw feeders 20 of Examples 1, 3, 8, 10 and 14 to 16 can save the energy (electric power) consumed for supplying the powder.

10: Vibration feeder 11,21: Concavo-convex surface 12, 22: Trough 15, 25: Powder 16: Vibration generator 20: Screw feeder 22a: Carry-in port 22b: Carry-out port 23: Screw 23a: Screw blade 23b: Shaft 24: Rotating axis M: Motor

Claims (5)

It has an uneven surface that comes into contact with powder composed of multiple particles, and has an uneven surface.
The arithmetic average roughness Ra of the uneven surface is 0.2 μm or more and 1.8 μm or less.
The surface free energy γs of the uneven surface is 35 mJ / m ² or less.
A powder supply member having a Vickers hardness of 400 or more on the uneven surface. The powder supply member according to claim 1, wherein the uneven surface is a surface of a base material on which a film is not formed. The powder supply member according to claim 1, wherein the uneven surface is the surface of a film made of alloy plating. A powder supply device that supplies powder to a predetermined position.
A powder supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the powder supply member according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is used as the member in contact with the powder. The powder supply device according to claim 4 , wherein the powder supply device is a vibration feeder or a screw feeder.

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