TWI718201B - Powder hopper for difficult-to-flow powders for use in thermal spraying and method making and using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A hopper assembly includes a hopper configured to contain a feedstock material. A vibration imparting device is arranged inside the hopper and a vibration source coupled to the vibration imparting device.

Description

Powder hopper for refractory powder for thermal spraying and its manufacturing and using method Refer to relevant applications before and after

Not applicable.

Statements about federally sponsored research or development

Not applicable.

Reference CD Appendix

Not applicable.

The present invention relates to a powder hopper for refractory powder used for thermal spraying and its manufacturing and use methods.

2. The powder feeder with main characteristics currently dominates the market for equipment used in thermoelectric or thermal spraying operations. A powder feeder is a rotary disk feeder and the other so-called "weight-reducing feeder".

The carousel feeder is considered as an almost volumetric powder conveying device. However, its performance is highly dependent on the quality of the powder filling a metering groove. Depending on the particle shape and size of the powders, some raw materials exhibit bridging phenomena and a high tendency of rathole flow during the trench filling period. The description of the rathole flow phenomenon is described in TVNguyen's December 1980 Technical Paper of Acta Applied Mechanics, Volume 47, pages 729-745, titled "Funnel Flow in a Hopper", and its disclosure is quoted The method is incorporated into this article. In contrast, other raw materials flow more freely and quickly. Most groove geometries and corresponding spreader and picker profiling feet have been developed to provide appropriate performance for various difficult-to-feed materials.

In addition, a built-in agitator with a mechanical drive in the hopper has been adopted to ensure that the difficult-to-feed powder is filled without large voids or excessively compressed metering grooves. However, these hopper types are generally complex in terms of geometry and expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, they typically require time-consuming maintenance, especially during switching from one raw material powder to another.

The conventional hopper also has difficulty in how to prevent the material of super-large micro-chips (lumped or contaminated powder raw materials during improper handling) from entering the raw material pipeline.

In contrast, the "weight-reducing feeder" is a fluidized feeder that can use an externally mounted vibrator. The vibrator can be used to maintain the powder in a loose, free-flowing state, and can penetrate to fluidize. The passage of gas. The vibrator shakes the entire hopper, which is flexibly mounted on the weight sensor. The output signal from the weight sensor is continuously analyzed, and the change ratio is then calculated by the control circuit system. This device can also use a visual display. However, this configuration has disadvantages; the time delay is significant, and it is a collateral for the desired accuracy. Acting on the weight The reduction in the vibration component of the total force on the measuring device allows to reduce the time delay and improve the accuracy of the calculation rate of the weight change.

By providing uniform and uniform filling of the metering device for various difficult-to-feed materials, what is desired is an improvement in the consistency of the feeder. It will also be beneficial to improve the accuracy and precision of control, and simplify the hopper structure-its manufacturing and maintenance will be less expensive. Additional improvements will provide more effective protection for extra-large microchips or foreign objects entering the raw material pipeline. Yet another benefit will be to reduce the time required for hopper disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly, which is typically required between changes in raw materials.

The embodiments of the present invention are believed to provide various improvements in conveying uniformity by providing various hopper configurations, which ensure a more consistent and uniform filling of various difficult-to-deliver materials and materials that are not so difficult to deliver by the metering device. One, more or all of these embodiments are also believed to improve accuracy and increase precision to control, and in addition to provide a more simplified hopper structure-which is less expensive to manufacture and maintain. In addition, as compared with the traditional hopper configuration, the disclosed embodiments provide more effective protection for extra-large microchips or foreign objects that enter the raw material pipeline and adversely affect the feeding of the material. These embodiments also reduce the time required to perform disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly of the hopper, which is typically required between changes in raw materials.

According to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a hopper assembly including a hopper configured to contain raw materials; a vibration imparting device arranged inside the hopper; and a vibration source coupled to the vibration imparting device.

In the embodiment, the raw material is thermal spray powder.

In an embodiment, the hopper assembly is coupled to the feeder device.

In the embodiment, the feeder device is a carousel feeder.

In the embodiment, the feeder device is a weight-reducing feeder.

In an embodiment, the hopper assembly is coupled to the feeder device via an adapter.

In an embodiment, the bottom tapered discharge end of the hopper assembly is coupled to the feeder device via an adapter.

In the embodiment, the vibration source is a pneumatic actuator.

In the embodiment, the vibration source is an electric actuator.

In the embodiment, the vibration source is an actuator, which generates vibrations in the range of about 2000 (2K) to 20000 (20K) vibrations per minute.

In the embodiment, the vibration source is arranged in the area of the discharge opening of the hopper.

In the embodiment, the vibration imparting device is arranged in the area of the discharge opening of the hopper.

In the embodiment, the vibration imparting device is a conical sleeve.

In an embodiment, the vibration imparting device is a raw material passing through a sieve sleeve.

In an embodiment, the vibration source is axially and/or radially aligned with the central axis of the hopper.

In the embodiment, the vibration source is arranged inside the hopper.

In the embodiment, the vibration source is arranged outside the hopper.

In an embodiment, the vibration imparting device includes a plurality of rods, which are guided substantially parallel to the central axis of the hopper and coupled to the vibration support Pieces.

In an embodiment, the vibration imparting device includes a plurality of substantially equidistantly spaced rods that are guided substantially downward, and are coupled to the upper end of the shaft through a support ring.

In an embodiment, the vibration imparting device includes a member with radially oriented spokes.

In an embodiment, the vibration imparting device is installed in an adapter, which is configured to couple the hopper to the feeder device.

According to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a hopper assembly for powdered raw materials, including a hopper, which is constructed to hold the raw materials and has a bottom discharge section; a vibration imparting device, which is arranged inside the hopper; an adapter; , Is constructed to couple the bottom discharge end of the hopper to the feeder device; and the vibration source is coupled to one of the adaptor and the hopper cover or can be connected by the adaptor and the hopper cover Remove one of them.

According to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a hopper assembly for thermal spraying of powdered raw materials, wherein the hopper assembly includes a hopper configured to contain the raw materials and has a tapered bottom section; a vibration imparting device is arranged in the hopper assembly. Inside the hopper; an adapter constructed to couple the discharge end of the hopper to the feeder device; and a source of vibration. The vibration source is coupled to the adaptor or can be removed from the adaptor and/or the vibration imparting device is coupled to the adaptor or can be removed from the adaptor.

In an embodiment, there is provided a method for feeding powdered raw materials to a feeder device via a hopper assembly of any one of the above types, wherein the method includes actuating the vibration source to cause the vibration imparting device to vibrate and imparting vibration to the device. It is the powder raw material set inside the hopper.

In the embodiment, the hopper disclosed herein can be used in a rotating disk and a "weight reduction" fluid feeder. This can be particularly advantageous when the bottom of the hopper has an internal collar driven by a vibrating actuator. The collar is installed near the discharge throat of the hopper adjacent to the metering device. The collar resembles a funnel leading to the inside of the hopper. The funnel-shaped structure can contain a safety screen to protect the metering device from extra-large foreign objects. A flexible isolating ring or annular diaphragm can be used to allow the collar to oscillate mainly along the central axis of the main hopper. The framework or tree structure can be advantageously used, which can be quickly installed to and disassembled by the vibrating actuator located in the internal hopper space to spread the vibration through the powder. The collar and the combined structure can be driven by a built-in vibration source applied by electric, pneumatic, or mechanical linkage, or have a built-in vibration source applied by electric, pneumatic, or mechanical linkage, or other conventional power source. This can happen even through the wall of the hopper. In operation, the hopper can mainly be kept stationary, and the collar vibration is used to transmit the vibration to the raw materials contained in the hopper. The raw material is loosened by the effect of vibrating fluidization, and the metering device can be filled in a consistent manner without bridging phenomenon or rat hole flow. When used with the "weight-reducing feeder", the use of the internal oscillating structure can greatly reduce the external vibrating force acting on the weight sensor. In this way, a faster and more accurate calculated feed rate can be obtained or determined.

Other exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present invention can be clarified by observing the content of the present disclosure and the drawings.

1‧‧‧ Hopper

2‧‧‧Cover

2a‧‧‧Base

2b‧‧‧Handle

3‧‧‧Finger/Protrusion

4‧‧‧Groove

5‧‧‧Lower section

6‧‧‧Lip/Flange

7a‧‧‧Clip

7b‧‧‧Clip

8‧‧‧Container unit

9‧‧‧Adapter Module

10‧‧‧Transfer module

11‧‧‧Port

12‧‧‧Source

13‧‧‧Fixed body

14‧‧‧Plugin

15‧‧‧Central axis

16‧‧‧O-ring

17‧‧‧O-ring

18‧‧‧Top

19‧‧‧Bracket

20‧‧‧Vibrator

21‧‧‧Elbow

22‧‧‧Wall

23‧‧‧O-ring

24‧‧‧Nut

25‧‧‧Accessories

26‧‧‧Accessories

27‧‧‧Flexible tube

28‧‧‧Accessories

29‧‧‧Accessories

30‧‧‧Flexible tube

31‧‧‧Accessories

32‧‧‧Muffler

33‧‧‧ Throat

34‧‧‧Flange

35‧‧‧Mounting hole

36‧‧‧O-ring groove

101‧‧‧ Hopper

102‧‧‧Cover

102a‧‧‧Ontology

102b‧‧‧Handle

103‧‧‧Plugin

104‧‧‧Tie rod components

105‧‧‧Groove

106‧‧‧O-ring

107‧‧‧Protruding end

108‧‧‧Quick connection components

109‧‧‧Vibrator

110‧‧‧Opposite end

111‧‧‧Groove

112‧‧‧Patter

113‧‧‧Inhalation port

114‧‧‧Nut

201‧‧‧ Hopper

202‧‧‧Cover

204‧‧‧Tie rod

209‧‧‧Adapter Module

214‧‧‧Tree structure

215‧‧‧Collar

216‧‧‧ Finger

217‧‧‧Connecting pin

219‧‧‧Connect the body

220‧‧‧Actuator

221‧‧‧Adapter body

222‧‧‧Plugin

223‧‧‧Groove

224‧‧‧Groove

225‧‧‧O-ring

226‧‧‧O-ring

227‧‧‧O-ring

228‧‧‧O-ring

229‧‧‧O-ring

230‧‧‧ring

231‧‧‧buckle

232‧‧‧Inhalation air channel

233‧‧‧Exhaust Channel

234‧‧‧Piston hole

235‧‧‧Suction accessories

236‧‧‧Muffler

237‧‧‧plug

238‧‧‧Adapter

239‧‧‧Opening

240‧‧‧Piston

241‧‧‧Vertical axis

242‧‧‧Screw

301‧‧‧ Hopper

302‧‧‧Cover

303‧‧‧Fluidization zone

304‧‧‧Tube member

305‧‧‧Stone components

306‧‧‧Socket

307‧‧‧Tie rod

308‧‧‧Installation sleeve

310‧‧‧Bracket

312‧‧‧Support

320‧‧‧Vibrator

321‧‧‧grading screen

322‧‧‧Circular ring

330‧‧‧Extraction device

331‧‧‧Support tab

332‧‧‧Dome structure

333‧‧‧Star-shaped element

334‧‧‧Star-shaped element

335‧‧‧Entrance

336‧‧‧Star-shaped element

350‧‧‧Screen structure

351‧‧‧Funnel section

352‧‧‧Upper

353‧‧‧Circular ring

360‧‧‧Conical member

401‧‧‧ Hopper

402‧‧‧Cover

403‧‧‧Fluidization Zone

404‧‧‧Tube member

405‧‧‧Stone components

406‧‧‧Socket

407‧‧‧Tie Rod

408‧‧‧Installation sleeve

412‧‧‧Support

420‧‧‧Vibrator

430‧‧‧Extraction device

451‧‧‧Funnel section

452‧‧‧Upper

453‧‧‧Sealing ring

454‧‧‧Bottom

460‧‧‧Connector

461‧‧‧Lower section

462‧‧‧Lower opening

463‧‧‧Upper section

464‧‧‧Spokes

465‧‧‧Open

466‧‧‧Upper surface

467‧‧‧Upper opening

480‧‧‧Screen

C‧‧‧Clip

H‧‧‧ Hopper Group

J‧‧‧Connector/Connector

MD‧‧‧Measuring device

The present invention is further described in this detailed description later, referring to the drawings mentioned through the non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and wherein: FIG. 1 is a first non-limiting embodiment of the hopper assembly according to the present invention . In this embodiment, the bottom section is shown in cross-section and is constructed to be mounted on a carousel feeder; Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of the bottom section shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows the following The second non-limiting embodiment of the inventive hopper assembly. In this embodiment, the vibration actuator is located outside the hopper and/or not inside the hopper, and is connected to the vibration throat insert via a mechanical linkage through the top cover; Figure 4 shows A third non-limiting embodiment of a hopper assembly according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the internal vibrating actuator is used in combination with a framework or tree-like (in appearance) structure that propagates vibration into a large amount of powder; Figure 5 shows the bottom adapter used in the embodiment of Figure 4 Adapter module or unit and tree structure; Figure 6 shows a top view of the bottom adapter module used in Figures 4 and 5; Figure 7 shows a side cross-section of the bottom adapter module shown in Figure 6 and slightly Enlarged view; Figure 8 shows a fourth non-limiting embodiment of a hopper assembly according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a rocking lever type external vibrating actuator is used in combination with a spike-like structure that propagates vibration into a large amount of powder. This embodiment is constructed for installation to a fluid-type "weight-reducing feeder"; 8A shows a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8 rotated 90 degrees, and has a spike-like structure that has not been installed on the vibration causing unit or component or slid into the vibration causing unit or component; FIG. 8B shows an enlarged part of FIG. 8A; 9 shows a cross-sectional view of Fig. 8 rotated 90 degrees, and is provided with a spike-like structure for mounting or sliding into the vibration-causing unit or component; Fig. 9A shows a side view of Fig. 8 rotated 90 degrees; Fig. 10 shows a three-dimensional cross section of Fig. 8 Figure; Figure 11 shows a side view of the spike-like structure used in the embodiment of Figures 8-10; Figure 12 shows another side view of the spike-like structure used in the embodiment of Figure 8; Figure 13 shows a view A side perspective view of the spike-like structure used in the embodiment of 8; FIG. 14 shows a side view of another alternative of the spike-like structure that can be used in the embodiment of FIG. 8. This configuration can also be used in an embodiment similar to the following Fig. 20; Fig. 15 shows another side view of another alternative to the spike-like structure of Fig. 14; Fig. 16 shows the spike-like structure of Fig. 14 Another alternative side perspective view; FIG. 17 shows a side view of another alternative spike-like structure that can be used in the embodiment of FIG. 8.

Figure 18 shows another side view of the spike-like structure of another option of Figure 17 Figures; Figure 19 shows a side perspective view of another alternative spike-like structure of Figure 17; Figure 20 shows a side view of a fifth non-limiting embodiment of the hopper assembly according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the vibrating funnel section is used in combination with a vibration actuator to propagate vibration into a large amount of powder; Figure 21 shows a top view of the hopper assembly of Figure 20; Figure 22 shows a side cross-sectional view of the hopper assembly of Figure 20 Fig. 23 shows an enlarged part of Fig. 22; Fig. 24 shows a side view of a vibrating structure with a funnel section assembly, as used in the embodiment of Fig. 20; Fig. 25 shows a side view of the vibrating structure of Fig. 24; 26 shows a side cross-sectional view of the vibrating structure of Fig. 25; Fig. 27 shows an enlarged part of Fig. 26; Fig. 28 shows a side view of the funnel section assembly used in the vibrating structure shown in Fig. 24; Fig. 29 shows Fig. 28 The top view of the funnel section assembly; Figure 30 shows the top view of another alternative funnel section assembly. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of Figures 28 and 29, except that no screen is used; Figure 31 shows a cross-sectional view of the funnel section assembly of Figure 30; Figure 32 shows the funnel section shown in Figures 22-31 The bottom side perspective view of the connector used in the assembly; Figure 33 shows the top side perspective view of the connector in Figure 32; Fig. 34 shows a top view of the connector of Fig. 32; Fig. 35 shows a side view of the connector of Fig. 32; and Fig. 36 shows a side sectional view of the connector of Fig. 35.

The details shown here are taken as examples and only for the purpose of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention, and are believed to be the most successful and easily understood description of the principles and concepts of the present invention. Present. In this regard, it is not intended to show the structural details of the present invention in more detail than those required for the basic understanding of the present invention. The narratives obtained with these drawings make it possible for those familiar with the technical field to actually concretize it. Several forms of the invention become apparent.

Referring now to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a hopper assembly H, which utilizes a hopper 1 and a fully enclosed cover 2 that is removably mounted to the hopper 1. The cover 2 includes a base 2a and a handle 2b, and can be releasably locked to the hopper 1 via a connection configuration. In the exemplary embodiment, the connection arrangement utilizes a locking finger or protrusion 3 mounted to the upper end of the hopper 1 and a groove 4 arranged on the base 2a. With this configuration, the cover 2 can be lowered axially, and then twisted or partially rotated into the locked position.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the hopper 1 includes an upper end, the cover 2 is locked to the upper end, and the tapered lower section 5 is coupled to the upper end via a main clip C. However, within the scope of the present invention, the portion between the upper end and the lower section 5 may also be a single body hopper.

Referring to Figure 2, it can be seen that the lower section or part 5 of the hopper 1 is tapered and includes a lower lip or flange 6, which allows the hopper 1 to be fully enclosed to the container unit 8 via, for example, a clip 7a The higher flanged end. The unit 8 includes two main components-upper and lower components. The lower part is the adapter module 9, and the upper part is the transfer module 10. The modules 9 and 10 are connected to each other by a second clip 7b at their respective flanged ends. The details of modules 9 and 10 will be described in more detail below.

Referring back to Fig. 1, it can be seen that the upper part of the hopper 1 includes a built-in port 11 connected to a source 12 of fluidizing gas (shown schematically). The source 12 can pressurize the hopper 1, and at the same time, in a fully enclosed state, pressurize to a pressure between 10 psi and up to 200 psi.

Referring back to Figure 2, it can be seen that the adapter module 9 includes two main components, namely a fixed body 13 and a plug-in 14 which are concentrically positioned therein and relative to the vertical or central axis 15 of the hopper 1. It is configured concentrically. The insert 14 may have the form of a sleeve that is tapered or funnel-shaped and is positioned in the body 13 for movement relative thereto. This positioning or installation takes place via the flexible upper O-ring 16 and the flexible bottom O-ring 17. The top 18 of the insert 14 is coupled or mounted to the lower end of the bracket 19. The other part of the bracket 19 is coupled to one end of the vibrator 20. In this non-limiting embodiment, a pneumatic vibrator is utilized. However, other types of vibration devices can also be used, such as hydraulic or electronic types. The vibrator 20 is essentially positioned or guided along the vertical axis 15 of the hopper and extends inside the module 10.

The transfer module 10 includes two elbows 21 which are sealingly engaged with the wall 22 of the module 10 and have an end passing through the wall 22 of the module 10. This sealing engagement is provided by one or more O-rings 23. Each elbow 21 is clamped by a corresponding nut 24. The first fitting 25 connects one of the two elbows 21 to a source of compressed air (not shown). The elbow 21 in fluid communication with the fitting 25 is coupled to another fitting 26 arranged on one end of the flexible tube 27. The flexible tube 27 sequentially has opposite ends coupled to the suction part of the vibrator 20 via a fitting 28. The exhaust port of the vibrator 20 is connected to another flexible tube or hose 30 through a fitting 29, and its opposite end is coupled to another elbow 21 through a fitting 31. The muffler 32 is connected to the opposite outer part of the elbow 21 and is positioned on the outer side of the wall 22. When the source of compressed air (not shown) is turned on and the compressed air is introduced through the port 25, the vibrator 20 is activated. The vibrations are transmitted from the vibrator 20 to the plug-in 14 via the bracket 19. When a large amount of raw material powder is set in the hopper 1, the vibration of the insert 14 is imparted to the powder contained therein. When this happens, the raw material powder flows loosely and flows in a controlled manner, for example based on a predetermined vibration level, through the bottom throat 33 of the insert 14 into the metering device (not shown). To facilitate the installation of the adapter module 9 to this metering device, the bottom surface or flange 34 of the main body 13 includes a mounting hole 35 and an O-ring groove 36. By way of non-limiting example, the configuration of the mounting hole 35 that can be a standard mounting hole pattern, and the position of the sealing O-ring groove 36 can be a configuration that is connected to an existing feeder.

Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the hopper assembly. However, in this example Among them, the hopper assembly H is coupled with the metering device MD used in the popular single 10 (Single-10)/double 10 (Twin-10) feeder. The hopper assembly H utilizes many of the same components (with some corresponding common reference numbers) as in FIG. 1, except that the hopper 101 is covered by a cover 102, and its body 102a is held in place by a nut 114 The center is positioned outside the sealing insert 103. The handle 102b of the cover 102 is further displaced to the side to provide space for the vibrator, as will be described briefly. The structure of the insert 103 is tubular and allows a circular or substantially cylindrical tie rod member 104 to pass through. The tie rod member 104 may be made as an integral member, or assembled from several parts connected to each other via a joint or a connecting piece J. The outer diameter of the tie rod member 104 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the opening in the insert 103, and it also includes at least one groove 105 containing a flexible O-ring 106 that is positioned between the tie rod member 104 and the insert 103 Provide a radial seal between. The upper or protruding end 107 of the tie rod member 104 is coupled with the vibrator 109 by the quick connection member 108. Compared with the previous embodiment, the vibrator 109 is located outside the hopper 101. The opposite end 110 of the tie rod member 104 is coupled to the lower part of the type described in FIG. 1 or the upper part 18 of the insert 14 of the adapter module 9 via a bracket 19. Unlike the previous embodiment, the hopper 101 is coupled to the lower module 9 without using the upper module 10. In order to load the raw material powder into the hopper 101, the quick connection member 108 is disconnected, and the vibrator 109 is removed or disconnected by the tie rod member 104. The cover 102 is then rotated to the open position and pulled apart. After the hopper 101 is filled with raw material powder, the cover 102 is replaced and turned into a locking position to be locked. The quick connect component 108 is then reconnected, and the vibrator 109 returns to its working position. When the vibrator 109 is activated or turned on, this causes the reciprocating motion of the pull rod member 104, which is converted into the vertical guided vibration of the plug-in 14 of the adapter module 9. This causes the raw material powder to loosen and flow through the bottom throat 33 of the insert 14 into the groove 111 of the moving disc 112 of the device MD. The suction port 113 conveys the powder into the conveying line for subsequent use by a thermal spraying device (not shown).

Figures 4-7 show another embodiment of the hopper assembly H mounted to the metering device MD in the form of a carousel feeder. This embodiment uses a hopper 201 similar to that of FIG. 1 and an adapter module 209 with a vibrator installed therein, as will be described in more detail below. The vibrator is driven by compressed air and is coupled to a rigid rod 204 having a tree structure 214. The structure 214 includes a mounting collar 215 and a plurality of rods or fingers 216 configured to be immersed in a large amount of raw material powder contained in the hopper 201. The connecting bolt 217 can be used to lock the structure 214 to the member 204. The member or tie rod 204 extends upward from the module 209 and supports the tree structure 214 of the finger 216. Although other finger configurations can be used, in FIG. 5, the fingers 216 are arranged in a circular manner to surround the central hub 215, and the number and shape of the fingers can vary. The hub 215 has a bore that slides on the upper end of the tie rod 204. The connecting or U-shaped hook pin 217 is inserted through the cross hole in the rod 204 and the collar 215 and firmly holds the structure 214 on the pull rod 204. With this configuration, the structure 214 can be restricted to its axial movement with respect to the rod 204. This configuration may also allow, for example, local rotational freedom of movement around the axis of the rod. In a non In a limiting embodiment, the total diameter of the structure 214 is less than the inner diameter of the hopper to fill the throat. In this way, the structure 214 can be inserted into the hopper 201 by removing the cover 202.

6 and 7 show the details of the adapter module 209. The module 209 includes a vibrating actuator 220 with a connecting body 219. The adapter body 221 has installed an insert 222 with separate external grooves 223 and 224 therein, and is installed from the inside of the adapter body 221 by means of flexible O-rings 225, 226, and 227. The other O-ring 228 functions to isolate and maintain the space between the insert 222 and the adapter body 221 at the bottom position, and the other O-ring 229 is clamped by the ring 230, and the retaining ring 231 prevents powder from entering from above The space between the plug-in 222 and the main body 221. The actuator or vibrator 220 is connected to the suction air passage 232 and the outlet or exhaust passage 233, and these passages are in fluid communication with the piston hole 234 of the actuator 220. These channels 232 and 234 are also in fluid communication with the outer grooves 223 and 224, respectively. The suction fitting 235 can be connected to a source of compressed air in order to supply the air to the bore 234. The used or exhausted air is exhausted to the atmosphere through the silencer 236. The bottom of the piston hole 234 is closed by a plug 237, and the top of the bore 234 is surrounded by an adapter 238 with a support, the adapter 238 has a threaded opening 239, It is installed to the lower end of the pull rod 204. The reciprocating piston 240 is positioned by the bore 234 and can move axially up and down along the vertical axis 241 of the module 209. The body 219 is coupled to the plug-in 222 via a screw 242. In operation, the vibrator 220 creates vibrations caused by the reciprocating piston 240, and these vibrations are transmitted to the plug-in 222, And it is transmitted to the pull rod 204 and the tree structure 214 through the adapter 238. This has the effect of loosening the raw material powder both at the bottom section of the bottleneck of the hopper 201 (directly above and within the insert 222) and in the main storage section of the hopper 201.

Figures 8-13 show another embodiment of the hopper assembly H. This embodiment can be used with a fluid-type weight-reducing feeder such as that disclosed in US Patent No. 4,900,199, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Like some previously disclosed embodiments, the hopper 301 has a removable cover 302 to allow filling with a large amount of powder. Although not shown, fittings similar to fittings 11 in FIG. 1 can be installed to the hopper 301 in order to supply fluidizing gas to the powder-free top hopper area. The vertically guided tubular member or rod 304 can receive and collect the fluidized gas from the upper area of the hopper, and convey it through the large amount of powder to the fluidized area 303 of the proximity extraction device 330. The bottom of the member 304 is coupled to a porous stone member 305 which distributes gas around the extraction device 330. The radially curved steel wire profile or support 312 is constructed to clamp the member 304 in a centrally located position relative to the upper part of the hopper 301. The bottom of the member 304 rests in the socket 306 and can be slid into the same socket from above, as is apparent from FIGS. 8A, 8B and 9. The vertical cross hole is formed by the horizontal tie rod 307, and the tie rod 307 is installed so as to pass through the side wall. The pull rod 307 passes through the side wall and is supported by a flexible O-ring relative to the mounting sleeve 308. The outer part of the tie rod 307 is coupled to the bracket 310, and the external vibrator 320 is mounted to the bracket. The lower part of the tubular member 304 passes through the grading screen 321, and the flexible peripheral annular ring 322 prevents Prevent a large amount of powder from leaking through the grading screen 321 or the outside of the grading screen 321. The screen 321 can be flat or disc-shaped or cone-shaped or cup-shaped, that is, have raised sides to allow accumulated debris to be easily removed from the hopper 301.

The structure configured in the hopper 301 includes many main components, such as the upper center positioning support 312, the support tube 304, the inlet 335, and the lower center positioning support. The dome structure 332 of the slice 331. The tabs can be solid or perforated, and their number can vary. The dome 332 is installed under the screen structure 321 and has enough space for the powder to flow and move around the fluidization zone 303 and enter the fluidization zone 303. The lower middle part of the tubular member 304 has been installed to the star-shaped elements 333 and 334 here. The upper star-shaped element 336 can also be installed to the upper part of the tube 304. These star-shaped elements may preferably have radially oriented spokes, and the spokes are staggered relative to each other. The number of spokes of each star and the number of star elements can vary. When the hopper is emptied, the size of the entire structure can be designed to allow manual installation and removal when the cover 302 is removed. In operation, the vibration from the vibrator 320 is transmitted to the structure in the hopper 301 through the tie rod 307 and the socket 306 and enters the large amount of powder. At the same time, the screen structure 321 functions as a vibrating screen with a relatively small active area, which ensures that the smaller powder particles move through the screen 321, while blocking the extra-large microchips or preventing the extra-large microchips from reaching The fluidization zone 303. Tab 331 and elements 333, 334 and 336 also vibrate. These vibrations further assist the fluidization of the powder close to the extraction device 330.

Figures 14-16 show another alternative frame or internal structure that can be used in the hopper shown in Figures 8-10. The structure can include comparable elements, such as the tube 304, so as to be fully interchangeable with the structure shown in Figures 9-13. However, the screen structure 321 is replaced with a screen structure 350 having a funnel section 351 to facilitate the formation of a screen cup whose bottom is used as a screen. The upper part 352 of the hopper 351 leads to the inside of the hopper and utilizes a flexible annular ring 353. When placed into the hopper 301, the ring 353 provides a flexible seal between the hopper 351 and the inner wall of the hopper. This configuration separates the fluidization zone from the large amount of raw material powder by a screen, and at the same time transmits the vibration to the large amount of powder arranged in the hopper. The use of structure 350 can provide a higher degree of pollution protection for certain powders. Of course, as described above, one or more star-shaped elements of the previously described type, such as elements 333, 334, and 336, can be mounted to the tube 304 to enhance the loosening effect of vibration.

Figures 17-19 show another alternative frame or internal structure, which can be used in the hopper shown in Figures 8-10. The structure can include comparable elements, such as the tube 304. In addition, the cone-shaped member 360 is mounted on it, and functions to prevent rat hole flow of a large amount of powder and assist the formation of powder mass flow.

Referring now to another embodiment shown in FIGS. 20-36, there is shown a hopper assembly H, which utilizes a hopper 401 and a fully enclosed cover 402 that is removably mounted to the hopper 401. As in the previous embodiment, the cover 402 includes a base and a handle, and can be releasably locked to the hopper 401 through a connection configuration. With this configuration, the cover 402 can be lowered axially and then be Twist or partially rotate into the locked position.

The embodiment of FIG. 20 can be used with a fluid-type weight-reducing feeder such as that disclosed in US Patent No. 4,900,199, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As in the previous embodiment, the hopper 401 has a removable cover 402 to allow filling with a large amount of powder. As seen in Fig. 20, fittings similar to fittings 11 in Fig. 1 are installed to the hopper 401 in order to supply fluidizing gas to the powder-free top hopper area. As shown in FIG. 22, the vertically guided tubular member or rod 404 can receive and collect the fluidized gas from the upper area of the hopper, and convey it through the large amount of powder to the fluidized area 403 of the proximity extraction device 430 . The bottom of the member 404 is coupled to a porous stone member 405 which distributes gas around the extraction device 430. A radially curved steel wire profile or support 412 is constructed to clamp the member 404 in a centrally located position relative to the upper part of the hopper 401. The bottom of the member 404 rests in the socket 406 and can be slid into the same socket from above (similar to the way shown in Figures 8A, 8B and 9). The vertical cross hole is formed by the horizontal tie rod 407, and the tie rod 407 is installed so as to pass through the side wall. The pull rod 407 passes through the side wall and is supported by a flexible O-ring relative to the mounting sleeve 408. The outer part of the tie rod 407 is coupled to the externally mounted vibrator 420. As becomes obvious from FIG. 23, the lower part of the tubular member 404 is connected to the funnel section assembly, and its main components are the funnel section 451 and the connector 460. As can be seen in Figures 30 and 31, the connector 460 has spokes that define penetration openings 465 (see 32-34) that allow powder to exit from the bottom end of the funnel section 451. In Figure 27-29 In another alternative embodiment described in, a flat or disc-shaped screen 480 is arranged above the openings 465 and is axially clamped between the connector 460 and the funnel section 451.

Referring back to FIGS. 22 and 23, we can see that the funnel section 451 has a conical shape and/or is a conical member provided with an upper end 452 of a larger size or diameter and a lower end 454 of a smaller size or diameter. The sealing ring 453 is located in the area of the upper end, and functions to dynamically seal or prevent the powder material inside the hopper from passing through the outside of the funnel section 451.

Referring now to FIGS. 32-36, we can see the details of the connector 460 connecting the funnel section 451 to the member 404. The connector has an upper section 463 with a larger size or diameter, and a lower section 461 with a smaller size or diameter. The spokes 464 connect these sections and define the opening 465 as described above. The lower opening 462 functions to couple the connector 460 to the internal components of the vibrator 420 (see FIGS. 22 and 23). The upper opening 467 functions to couple the connector 460 to the member 404 (see Figures 22 and 23). The upper surface 466 can function to support the selective screen 480 (see Figures 27 and 29).

As in the previous embodiment, when the hopper shown in FIG. 20 is empty, the size of the entire structure shown in FIG. 24 can be designed to allow manual installation and removal when the cover 402 is removed . In operation, the vibration from the vibrator 420 is transmitted to the structure in the hopper 401 shown in FIG. 24 through the tie rod 407 and the socket 406, and enters the large amount of powder through the structure. The vibrating funnel section 451 particularly functions to efficiently move the powder particles down and pass through the opening 465 and enter the fluidization zone 403.

In each of the embodiments disclosed herein, the vibrator can provide exemplary vibrations in the range of about 2,000 to about 20,000 vibrations per minute. In addition, acceptable, preferred, and optimal non-limiting volumes for these hoppers include 2L (liter), 3.5L, 4L, and 5L. In addition, the non-limiting materials used for the hopper and the structure used therein include aluminum and stainless steel coated with wear-resistant and/or friction-resistant coatings.

It should be noted that these previous examples have been provided for the purpose of annotation only, and are by no means construed as a limitation of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the words that have been used herein are words of description and description, rather than limitations of words. Variations can be made within the scope of the attached patent application, as currently stated and as modified, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its aspect. Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to specific mechanisms, materials, and embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the details disclosed herein; on the contrary, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods, and Applications, such as those within the scope of the attached patent application.

9‧‧‧Adapter Module

14‧‧‧Plugin

18‧‧‧Top

19‧‧‧Bracket

33‧‧‧ Throat

101‧‧‧ Hopper

102‧‧‧Cover

102a‧‧‧Ontology

102b‧‧‧Handle

103‧‧‧Plugin

104‧‧‧Tie rod components

105‧‧‧Groove

106‧‧‧O-ring

107‧‧‧Protruding end

108‧‧‧Quick connection components

109‧‧‧Vibrator

110‧‧‧Opposite end

111‧‧‧Groove

112‧‧‧Patter

113‧‧‧Inhalation port

114‧‧‧Nut

H‧‧‧ Hopper Group

J‧‧‧Connector/Connector

MD‧‧‧Measuring device

Claims (21)

A hopper assembly includes: a hopper constructed to contain raw materials; at least one vibration imparting device is arranged inside the hopper and includes a plurality of substantially equidistantly spaced rods, which are generally guided downward and have The support ring is coupled to the upper end of the shaft; and at least one vibration source is coupled to the vibration imparting device. Such as the hopper assembly of item 1 in the scope of patent application, wherein the raw material is thermal spray powder. Such as the hopper assembly of item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the hopper assembly is coupled to the feeder device. For example, the hopper assembly of item 3 in the scope of patent application, wherein the feeder device is one of a rotary disk feeder and a weight-reducing feeder. For example, the hopper assembly of item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the hopper assembly is coupled to the feeder device via an adapter. For example, the hopper assembly of item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the bottom tapered discharge end of the hopper assembly is coupled to the feeder device via an adapter. For example, the hopper assembly of item 1 in the scope of patent application, wherein the vibration source is one of a pneumatic actuator and an electric actuator. For example, the hopper assembly of the first item in the scope of the patent application, wherein the vibration source is an actuator, which generates vibrations in the range of about 2000 to about 20000 vibrations per minute. For example, the hopper assembly of item 1 in the scope of patent application, wherein the vibration source is arranged in the area of the hopper discharge opening. For example, the hopper assembly of item 1 in the scope of patent application, wherein the vibration imparting device is arranged in the area of the hopper discharge opening. Such as the hopper assembly of the first item in the scope of patent application, wherein the vibration imparting device is a conical insert. For example, the hopper assembly of the first item in the scope of patent application, wherein the vibration imparting device is a raw material sieving sleeve. Such as the hopper assembly of item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the vibration source is at least one of the following: axially aligned with the central axis of the hopper; and/or radially aligned with the central axis of the hopper. For example, the hopper assembly of item 1 in the scope of patent application, wherein the vibration source is arranged inside the hopper. For example, the hopper assembly of item 1 in the scope of patent application, wherein the vibration source is arranged outside the hopper. For example, the hopper assembly of item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the vibration imparting device includes one of the following: a plurality of rods, which are guided to be substantially parallel to the central axis of the hopper; and a plurality of rods, which are coupled To the vibration support. Such as the hopper assembly of item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the vibration imparting device includes a member with radially oriented spokes. Such as the hopper assembly of the first item in the scope of patent application, wherein the vibration imparting device is installed in an adapter, and the adapter is constructed to couple the hopper to the feeder device. A hopper assembly for powdered raw materials, including: a hopper, which is constructed to hold raw materials and has a bottom discharge section; a vibration imparting device, which is arranged inside the hopper, and includes a plurality of rods that are substantially equally spaced apart A member, which is generally guided downward and has a support ring coupled to the upper end of the shaft; an adapter, which is constructed to couple the bottom discharge end of the hopper to the feeder device; and a vibration source, which is coupled It is connected to one of the following or can be removed with one of the following: the adapter; and the hopper cover. A hopper assembly that can be pressurized and/or tightly sealed for thermal spraying powder raw materials, comprising: a hopper constructed to hold raw materials and having a tapered bottom section; a vibration imparting device is arranged in the hopper The inner side, and includes a plurality of substantially equidistantly spaced rods, which are guided substantially downwards and have the upper end of the shaft coupled to the shaft via a support ring; an adapter is constructed to be the discharge end of the hopper Coupled to a feeder device; a vibration source; and one of the following: the vibration source is coupled to the adapter or can be removed with the adapter; and the vibration imparting device is coupled to the adapter Switch Remove the device. A method for feeding powdered raw materials to a feeder device through the hopper assembly of any one of the scope of the patent application from 1 to 20, the method comprising: actuating the vibration source to cause the vibration imparting device to vibrate, and imparting the vibration to The powdered raw material set inside the hopper.

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