Powdered particle supply device and powdered particle supply method

Abstract

A powder particle supply device includes a transfer mechanism (3) that transfers powder particles (P) in a lateral direction through a transfer path (6), a receiving member (4) that extends in the transfer direction from a downstream end of the transfer path (6) and receives the powder particles (P) from the transfer path (6) and causes the powder particles (P) to fall, and a vibration mechanism (13) that vibrates the receiving member (4), and the powder particle supply device switches between operation of the transfer mechanism (3) and operation of the vibration mechanism (13) in a state in which the transfer mechanism (3) is stopped.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a powder supply device and a powder supply method for dropping powder particles after they have been laterally conveyed using a transfer mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of powder and granular material supply, it is known that powder and granular materials, such as raw materials stored in containers like silos, are laterally conveyed along a conveying path and then fall. Here, as a conveying mechanism for laterally conveying powder and granular materials, a screw feeder is used in most cases.

[0003] In this powder supply method, it is required that the total amount of powder falling from the transfer path (the total amount falling after one transfer process) be a constant (target amount). However, in the past, after the screw or other components stopped and the powder was transferred at the target amount, excess powder flowed out of the transfer path and fell, causing the total amount falling to exceed the target amount.

[0004] To address this problem, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a powder supply device that provides a receiving portion made of a plate-like body at a position extending from the downstream end of the transfer path along the transfer direction. According to this device, when excess powder flows out of the transfer path after the action of transversely transferring the powder is completed, the outflowing powder is blocked by the receiving portion, thereby preventing the excess powder from falling.

[0005] Furthermore, the aforementioned receiving portion has a slit (opening) extending from its extended end toward the reverse extended side. With this structure, in the device disclosed in this document, after a large amount of powder has fallen past the extended end of the receiving portion, a small amount of powder falls only through the slit of the receiving portion. And, when the total amount of powder falling is detected to be consistent with the target amount, the operation of laterally conveying the powder is stopped.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-70340 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] However, even with a structure that includes a receiving part (receiving member) as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there are still problems that need to be solved. That is, in the device disclosed in that document, both the case where the powder falls over the extended end of the receiving member and the case where the powder falls only through the slit of the receiving member are based on the transfer of the powder by a screw feeder or the like.

[0011] In this situation, even if the transfer of the powder fluid by the screw feeder or similar device is stopped, the falling of powder particles from the receiving component does not stop immediately, but rather continues to fall temporarily before stopping. At this time, the duration and speed of the continued falling (the amount of powder particles falling per unit time) are not constant and therefore deviate. This leads to a decrease in accuracy when the total amount of powder particles falling matches the target amount.

[0012] Based on the above viewpoints, the objective of this invention is to improve the accuracy of ensuring that the total amount of powder falling from the receiving member after the device stops.

[0013] Solution for solving the problem

[0014] The first aspect of the present invention, made to solve the aforementioned problems, is a powder / granule supply device comprising: a conveying mechanism that conveys powder / granule laterally via a conveying path; and a receiving member that extends from the downstream end of the conveying path in a conveying direction and receives the powder / granule from the conveying path and causes the powder / granule to fall. The powder / granule supply device is characterized in that it includes a vibration mechanism that vibrates the receiving member. A representative example of the conveying mechanism here is a screw feeder.

[0015] According to this structure, when the transfer mechanism is running, it pushes the powder particles laterally, which is advantageous when a large amount of powder particles fall from the receiving member. On the other hand, when the vibration mechanism is running with the transfer mechanism stopped, it does not push the powder particles laterally, so a small amount of powder particles can fall through the vibration of the receiving member. In this case, if the vibration of the receiving member stops, the falling of powder particles from the receiving member immediately stops, thus suppressing the falling of powder particles from the receiving member after the device stops. Therefore, by appropriately switching between these two methods, the powder particles can be fallen efficiently and with high precision, which helps to improve the accuracy when the total amount of powder particles falling matches the target amount. In addition, the complex control of the transfer speed of the powder particles by the transfer mechanism is not required.

[0016] Alternatively, the powder supply device may include a control mechanism capable of switching the operation and stopping of the conveying mechanism and the vibration mechanism. The control mechanism is configured to operate the vibration mechanism after the conveying mechanism has been started, and to operate the vibration mechanism after the conveying mechanism has been stopped.

[0017] In this way, by controlling the action of the control mechanism, the vibration mechanism can be started after the transfer mechanism is running and then started when the transfer mechanism is stopped, thus making the efficient and precise handling of powder particles falling simple and reliable.

[0018] In this device, the control mechanism may also be configured to operate the vibration mechanism when the amount of powder falling from the receiving member by the operation of the transfer mechanism reaches a preset amount, even when the transfer mechanism has been stopped.

[0019] In this way, a large amount of powder particles is dropped from the receiving member by the operation of the transfer mechanism until the amount of powder particles dropped reaches a predetermined amount. In this case, the predetermined amount is preferably 50% to 95% of the target amount of the total amount dropped, and more preferably 70% to 90%. Furthermore, when the amount of powder particles dropped reaches the predetermined amount, by operating the vibration mechanism while the transfer mechanism is stopped, the remaining small amount (micro-amount) of powder particles can be accurately dropped from the positively vibrating receiving member without deviation. As a result, the powder particles can be dropped more efficiently.

[0020] In the above structure, it is also possible that the lower part of the powder conveying surface at the downstream end of the conveying path and the powder receiving surface of the receiving member have the same shape.

[0021] In this way, a height difference that would hinder the transport of powder particles is less likely to form between the transport surface at the downstream end of the transport path and the receiving surface of the receiving component. This avoids adverse conditions such as powder stagnation due to height differences, solidification caused by compression, or damage to the transport mechanism and receiving component.

[0022] In the above structure, the receiving member can also be a plate-like body with a U-shaped cross section orthogonal to the transfer direction.

[0023] In this way, the bottom of the receiving component has a downward-curving shape, which promotes the smoothness and speed of powder drop. In detail, when a bend is formed at the bottom of the receiving component, it can cause the powder to stagnate and solidify at that bend. With this structure, the receiving component does not have a bend, thus avoiding that problem. Furthermore, the receiving component is plate-shaped, allowing it to be easily manufactured through simple bending processes.

[0024] In this structure, the thickness of the receiving member may be thinner than the thickness of the transfer path forming wall that forms the transfer path and the supply path forming wall that forms the supply path communicating with the downstream end of the transfer path.

[0025] In this way, the receiving component is more prone to vibration than the walls formed by the transfer path and the supply path. Therefore, the receiving component can be given sufficient vibration by the vibration mechanism, and the flowability of the powder particles can be improved.

[0026] In the above method, the receiving component can also be configured to be replaceable with other receiving components of different lengths along the conveying direction.

[0027] In this way, various changes related to the powder particles can be appropriately addressed. For example, if the powder particles are changed to other powder particles with different particle size distributions, material properties, etc., the angle of repose of the powder particles above the receiving member will change. When such an angle of repose changes, the length of the receiving member along the conveying direction is changed accordingly, thereby maintaining the amount of powder particles falling per unit time at an appropriate level. Therefore, according to this structure, changes in the angle of repose, etc., can be appropriately addressed by replacing the receiving member.

[0028] In the above structure, the vibration mechanism may also be installed on the outer surface of the supply path forming wall that forms a supply path communicating with the downstream end of the transfer path.

[0029] In this way, appropriate vibration can be applied to the receiving component. Specifically, the transfer path forming wall is robustly constructed to support drive mechanisms such as screws or to withstand the pressure of the powder filling it, but the supply path forming wall may not be as robust. Therefore, mounting the vibration mechanism on the supply path forming wall makes the receiving component more prone to vibration compared to mounting it on the transfer path forming wall. Furthermore, since the vibration mechanism is mounted on the outer surface of the transfer path forming wall, maintenance and inspection can be easily performed from the outside, improving workability. Moreover, the powder does not come into contact with the vibration mechanism, thus preventing damage and malfunctions to the vibration mechanism.

[0030] A second aspect of the present invention, made to address the aforementioned problems, is a powder supply method comprising: a transfer step in which powder is transferred laterally via a transfer path of a transfer mechanism; and a receiving and dropping step in which a receiving member extending from the downstream end of the transfer path along the transfer direction receives the powder from the transfer path and drops the powder. The powder supply method is characterized by including a vibration step that vibrates the receiving member, and in the receiving and dropping step, the vibration step is performed after the laterally transfer of the powder by the transfer step is completed.

[0031] According to this method, in the receiving and dropping process, the action of dropping a large amount of powder particles using a transfer mechanism is first completed. After this is completed, a vibration process is performed to vibrate the receiving member, thereby allowing the remaining small amount (micro-quantity) of powder particles to fall, for the same reasons as previously described. Furthermore, when the vibration of the receiving member stops, the falling of powder particles can be stopped instantaneously, suppressing the falling of powder particles from the receiving section after the device stops. Thus, the falling of powder particles can be stopped immediately when the total amount of powder particles falls matches the target amount. As a result, powder particles can fall from the receiving member with high precision in a short time. Additionally, for the same reasons as previously described, complex control of the transfer speed of the powder particles by the transfer mechanism is unnecessary.

[0032] Invention Effects

[0033] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the falling of powder particles from the receiving member after the device stops, thereby improving the accuracy when the total falling amount matches the target amount. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a longitudinal sectional side view showing the overall structure of the powder supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 According to Figure 1 The rear view obtained by cutting along the XX line.

[0036] Figure 3 According to Figure 1 The longitudinal section rear view obtained by cutting along the YY line.

[0037] Figure 4 This is an enlarged longitudinal section showing the main part structure of the powder supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a receiving member, which is a constituent element of a powder supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 6 According to Figure 1 The longitudinal section rear view obtained by cutting along the ZZ line.

[0040] Figure 7 This is a longitudinal sectional side view showing the main part of the powder supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a longitudinal sectional side view showing the main part of the powder supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Hereinafter, the powder supply apparatus and powder supply method according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a longitudinal sectional side view showing the overall structure of the powder supply device 1. As shown in the figure, the powder supply device 1 includes a storage container 2, a transfer mechanism 3 disposed at the lower part of the storage container 2, a receiving member 4 disposed on the downstream side of the transfer mechanism 3, and a drop supply section 5 that supplies powder from the receiving member 4.

[0044] The storage container 2 is constructed of a silo. The silo 2 stores powder P, typically glass raw material, within its internal space. Preferably, a stirring mechanism such as gears (not shown) is installed within the internal space of the silo 2. When the powder P is glass raw material, the glass raw material, after undergoing various processes in the powder supply device 1, is subjected to the following treatment: The glass raw material is heated and melted, for example, in a melting furnace, to become molten glass of alkali-free glass or aluminosilicate glass. The resulting molten glass is formed into sheet glass using the overflow downdraw method or float glass process. This sheet glass is used as a substrate or cover in various displays, organic EL lighting, etc. In the case of aluminosilicate glass sheet glass, chemical strengthening treatment is performed as needed.

[0045] The transfer mechanism 3 is composed of a screw feeder. The screw feeder 3 has a transfer path 6 that transfers the powder P stored in the silo 2 laterally (preferably horizontally) and a screw 7 disposed inside the transfer path 6. The screw 7 transfers the powder P in the direction of arrow B by rotating in the direction of arrow A. The shaft member 7a of the screw 7 extends outward from the upstream end of the transfer path 6 and is given rotational driving force from the motor 8, which is the drive source.

[0046] The transfer path forming wall 9 that forms the transfer path 6 includes a main body 9a, i.e., the main wall, and a cover 9b, i.e., the cover wall, that covers the top of the main body 9a. The cover 9b can be removed from the main body 9a. In this embodiment, the downstream end of the transfer path forming wall 9 has a different shape than the portion upstream of the downstream end. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The figure shows a cross-sectional view along line XX, specifically a cross-sectional view of the downstream end of the transfer path forming wall 9. As shown in the figure, at this downstream end, the main body wall 9aa is U-shaped, and the cover wall 9ba is flat. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The figure shows a cross-sectional view along the YY line, specifically a cross-sectional view of the portion of the transfer path forming wall 9 located upstream of the downstream end. As shown in the figure, in this portion, the main body wall 9ab forms a superior arc within a circular arc, and the cover wall 9bb forms a inferior arc within the same arc. Consequently, the transfer surface 6a of the powder P in the transfer path 6 is U-shaped at the downstream end (see reference). Figure 2 ), forming a superior arc in the arc at a position closer to the upstream side than the downstream end (refer to Figure 3 It should be noted that cover 9b extends along the conveying direction until it falls onto the upper part of supply section 5.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, the receiving member 4 is positioned extending from the downstream end 6x of the transfer path 6 along the transfer direction (arrow B direction). This receiving member 4 serves to receive the powder P from the transfer path 6 and allow the powder P to fall. The receiving member 4 can be constructed of a metal plate (e.g., a steel plate).

[0048] like Figure 5 As shown, the receiving member 4 is a plate-like body, and its main body 4a is U-shaped in a cross-section orthogonal to the transfer direction. Seat portions 4b extending in mutually distancing directions are formed on both sides of the upper end of the main body 4a. The receiving surface 4c of the receiving member 4 has the same shape as the transfer surface 6a at the downstream end of the transfer path 6 (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the falling supply unit 5 has a supply path 10 that communicates with the downstream end 6x of the transfer path 6. The supply path 10 has a flow path along the vertical direction. The supply path forming wall 11 forming the supply path 10 is composed of a vertical wall 11a and an extension of the cover 9b described above, namely the cover wall 9bc. The vertical wall 11a is integrated with the main body wall 9a of the transfer path forming wall 9.

[0050] Figure 6 yes Figure 1The figure shows a ZZ-line cross-sectional view. As shown, the seat 4b of the receiving member 4 is inserted into the upper end of the longitudinal wall 11a and the lower surface of the cover wall 9bc in a pluggable manner, supporting the receiving member 4 solely through this insertion. The thickness of the receiving member 4 is thinner than the thickness of the transfer path forming wall 9 and the supply path forming wall 11. Specifically, the thickness of the former 4 is less than 1 / 2, preferably less than 1 / 5, of the thickness of the latter 9 and 11. In the illustration, the receiving surface 4c of the receiving member 4 is connected to the transfer surface 6a of the transfer path 6 along the transfer direction without any height difference. It should be noted that the bottom of the receiving surface 4c of the receiving member 4 may also be located below the bottom of the transfer surface 6a of the transfer path 6 within a range of 3 mm or less (preferably less than 2 mm). In addition, the two sides of the receiving surface 4c of the receiving member 4 may also be located on the outer sides of the two sides of the transfer surface 6a of the transfer path 6 within a range of 3 mm or less (preferably less than 2 mm).

[0051] Here, as Figure 4 As shown, a discharge passage 12 for allowing powder particles P to fall is formed between the extended end 4d of the receiving member 4 and the opposing surface 10a of the supply passage 10 opposite to the extended end 4d. The passage area of ​​the discharge passage 12, viewed from above, is 10-70% of the passage area of ​​the supply passage 10, preferably 30-50%. Multiple receiving members 4 of different lengths L along the conveying direction are prepared. Furthermore, these multiple receiving members 4 can be replaced. During replacement, the cover 9b is opened and closed.

[0052] Furthermore, a vibration mechanism 13 for vibrating the receiving member 4 is installed on the outer surface 11x of the longitudinal wall 11a. The installation position of the vibration mechanism 13 is the outer surface 11x of the longitudinal wall 11a. Therefore, the vibration from the vibration mechanism 13 is delivered to the receiving surface 4c of the receiving member 4 via the longitudinal wall 11a and the extended end 4d of the receiving member 4. As the vibration mechanism 13, a vibration generator or the like composed of various vibrators can be used.

[0053] In this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, a metering device 14 for measuring powder particles P is provided below the supply path 10. Powder particles P falling from the receiving member 4 are supplied to the metering device 14 through the lower opening 10b of the supply path 10. The metering device 14 measures the amount of powder particles P falling during one transfer operation of the screw feeder 3. Furthermore, when the metering device 14 shows that the total amount of powder particles P falling is consistent with the target amount, this situation is detected by sensors and operators. At the moment when this detection is completed, the control mechanism such as the computer and the operator stop the vibration mechanism 13, thereby stopping the vibration of the receiving member 4.

[0054] In this embodiment, the powder supply device 1 is configured to switch between the operation of the screw feeder 3 (rotation of the screw 7) and the operation of the vibration mechanism 13 when the screw 7 has stopped rotating. Furthermore, this device 1 is configured to switch to the operation of the vibration mechanism 13 when the amount of powder P falling from the receiving member 4 due to the rotation of the screw 7 reaches a preset amount W, in which case the rotation of the screw 7 has stopped. In this case, the preset amount W is preferably, for example, 60-95% of the target amount of the total falling powder, more preferably 70-90%.

[0055] Next, the process of using the powder supply device 1 with the above structure to transfer powder P and make the powder P fall will be described.

[0056] First, the screw 7 of the screw feeder 3 is rotated, transferring the powder P stored in the silo 2 laterally (in the direction of arrow B) via the transfer path 6. From the viewpoint of minimizing the required time, it is preferable to rotate the screw 7 at a high speed during this transfer. Thus, as... Figure 7 As shown, a large amount of powder P delivered from the transfer path 6 is received by the receiving member 4 and falls onto the supply path 10, passing over the extended end 4d of the receiving member 4. The falling powder P accumulates on the meter 14. At this time, the vibration mechanism 13 is not operating, so the receiving member 4 does not vibrate.

[0057] During this operation, when the amount of powder P accumulated in the metering device 14 falls to a preset amount W, the operator stops the rotation of the screw 7.

[0058] If the rotation of screw 7 stops, as follows: Figure 8 As shown, the powder P on the receiving member 4 reaches the predetermined angle of repose θ. At this moment, the operator starts the operation of the vibration mechanism 13, causing the receiving member 4 to vibrate. This switches the operation of the vibration mechanism 13 between the state where the screw 7 is rotating and the state where the screw 7 is stopped. More specifically, when the meter 14 shows that the amount of powder P falling from the receiving member 4 due to the rotation of the screw 7 has reached the set amount W, the operation of the vibration mechanism 13 is switched to the state where the screw 7 is stopped. Through this switching, the remaining small amount (micro-amount) of powder P is vibrated by the receiving member 4 and falls, accumulating on the meter 14. Furthermore, when the meter 14 shows that the total amount of powder P falling is consistent with the target amount, the operator stops the vibration mechanism 13.

[0059] Next, the effects of the powder / granule supply device 1 in the above-described embodiment will be explained.

[0060] According to the device 1, when the screw 7 rotates, it pushes the powder particles P laterally, which is advantageous when a large amount of powder particles P falls. Therefore, in this device 1, a large amount of powder particles P falls by rotating the screw 7 until the amount of powder particles P falling reaches a set amount W. As a result, according to the device 1, powder particles P can fall efficiently in a short time.

[0061] According to the device 1, the vibration of the receiving member 4 is stopped when the total amount of powder P falling matches the target amount, thus reducing the time delay from the cessation of vibration of the receiving member 4 to the cessation of powder P falling. Specifically, with the vibration of the receiving member 4, the amount of powder P on the receiving member 4 decreases. Furthermore, the powder P on the receiving member 4 becomes uniform; in other words, the upper surface of the powder P on the receiving member 4 changes from an inclined surface to a horizontal surface. If the vibration of the receiving member 4 is stopped in this state, the falling of powder P from the receiving member 4 can be stopped instantaneously. Therefore, if the vibration mechanism 13 is stopped when the meter 14 shows that the total amount of powder P falling matches the target amount, the falling of powder P stops immediately. Thus, the falling of powder P from the receiving member 4 after the device 1 is stopped can be suppressed, improving the accuracy when the total amount of powder falling matches the target amount.

[0062] According to the device 1, the screw 7 can be rotated only when a large amount of powder P falls, so there is no need to change the rotation speed of the screw 7 midway and there is no need for complicated rotation control.

[0063] According to the device 1, the conveying surface 6a at the downstream end of the conveying path 6 and the receiving surface 4c of the receiving member 4 have the same shape, so it is not easy for a height difference or other resistance to the conveying of the powder P to form between the two surfaces 6a and 4c. As a result, adverse situations such as stagnation of the powder P due to the formation of height differences, solidification due to compression, or damage to the screw feeder 3 and the receiving member 4 due to such differences are avoided.

[0064] The receiving member 4, a component of the device 1, is a plate-like body with a U-shaped cross-section orthogonal to the conveying direction, featuring a downward-curving curve at the bottom. This shape promotes smoothness and speed in the falling of the powder particles P. In detail, when the receiving member 4 has a bend, the powder particles P may stagnate and solidify at that bend. This receiving member 4 does not have a bend, thus avoiding this problem. Furthermore, the receiving member 4 is plate-like, allowing for easy fabrication through simple bending processes.

[0065] The thickness of the receiving member 4 is thinner than that of the transfer path forming wall 9 and the supply path forming wall 11, so the receiving member 4 is more prone to vibration than these walls 9 and 11. As a result, the vibration mechanism 13 can impart sufficient vibration to the receiving member 4, thereby further improving the flowability of the powder P.

[0066] The aforementioned receiving member 4 is provided in multiple forms with different lengths L along the conveying direction, and these multiple receiving members 4 are replaceable, thus enabling appropriate responses to various changes related to the powder P. For example, if the powder P is changed to another powder with different properties, such as clay, the angle of repose θ of the powder P above the receiving member 4 changes. When the angle of repose θ changes, the length L of the receiving member 4 along the conveying direction is changed accordingly to maintain an appropriate amount of powder P falling per unit time. Therefore, by appropriately replacing the multiple receiving members 4, changes in the angle of repose θ can be appropriately addressed.

[0067] The aforementioned receiving member 4 is supported only by the seat 4b inserted between the upper end of the longitudinal wall 11a and the lower surface of the cover 9b. Therefore, the receiving member 4 is prone to vibration and can be easily replaced.

[0068] According to the device 1, the vibration mechanism 13 is mounted on the outer surface of the longitudinal wall 11a in the supply path forming wall 11, thus enabling the receiving member 4 to vibrate appropriately. In detail, the transfer path forming wall 9 is robustly constructed to hold the screw 7, but the supply path forming wall 11 may not be as robust. Therefore, mounting the vibration mechanism 13 on the supply path forming wall 11 (longitudinal wall 11a) makes it easier to vibrate the receiving member 4 compared to mounting the vibration mechanism 13 on the transfer path forming wall 9. Furthermore, since the vibration mechanism 13 is mounted on the outer surface 11x of the longitudinal wall 11a, maintenance and inspection can be performed from the outside, improving workability. Moreover, the powder particles P are less likely to come into contact with the vibration mechanism 13, thus preventing damage and malfunctions to the vibration mechanism 13.

[0069] According to the device 1, the upper part of the main wall 9a of the transfer path forming wall 9 and the upper part of the longitudinal wall 11a of the supply path forming wall 11 are covered by a cover 9b. Therefore, by removing the cover 9b, the interior of the transfer path 6, the screw 7, the interior of the supply path 10, and the receiving member 4 can be visually inspected at one time. As a result, these maintenance checks can be performed simultaneously, which is advantageous for the operator.

[0070] Next, the powder supply method for supplying powder using the powder supply device 1 described above will be explained.

[0071] The powder supply method of this embodiment can be broadly divided into a transfer process, a receiving and dropping process, and a vibration process.

[0072] The transfer process is the process of transferring the powder P laterally through the transfer path 6 of the screw feeder 3.

[0073] The receiving and dropping process is the process in which the receiving component 4 receives the powder P sent out from the transfer path 6 and causes the powder P to fall.

[0074] The vibration process is a process in which the receiving component 4 is vibrated by the vibration mechanism 13.

[0075] Furthermore, in the receiving and dropping process, after the action of transversely transferring the powder P in the transfer process is completed, the vibration process is performed. Here, "after the action of transversely transferring the powder P is completed" means that the amount of powder P falling from the receiving member 4 through the operation of the screw feeder 3 has reached the set amount W.

[0076] The powder supply device 1 and powder supply method according to the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited thereto and various modifications can be made without departing from its spirit.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the vibration mechanism 13 is stopped when the screw feeder (transfer mechanism) 3 is running, but the vibration mechanism 13 can also be run when the transfer mechanism 3 is running.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the transfer path forming wall 9 is constructed by separating the main body wall 9a and the cover 9b, but it may also be integrated instead of separating them. In addition, the shape of the transfer path forming wall 9 is different at the downstream end and at the upstream end, but both may be the same shape as either one.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the cross-section of the main body 4a of the receiving member 4 is U-shaped. However, the cross-section of the main body 4a can also be partially arc-shaped, V-shaped, etc., and the receiving member 4 itself can be tubular or horizontally flat. Furthermore, the receiving member 4 does not necessarily have to be a plate as long as it forms the receiving surface 4c as described above. Moreover, the shape of the receiving surface 4c of the receiving member 4 is the same as the shape of the downstream end of the receiving surface 4c of the transfer path 6 in both the upper and lower portions, but it is also possible that only the lower portion is the same. Additionally, the receiving member 4 may not have an opening such as a slit, but it may also have an opening. Furthermore, the mechanism supporting the receiving member 4 can use fastening members such as bolts.

[0080] In the above embodiments, by making the thickness of the receiving member 4 thinner than the thickness of the transfer path forming wall 9 and the supply path forming wall 11, the receiving member 4 is made to vibrate more easily. Alternatively, the receiving member 4 can be made to vibrate more easily by making the material of the receiving member 4 softer or more easily deformable than the material of the transfer path forming wall 9 and the supply path forming wall 11.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the vibration mechanism 13 is installed at a specific location on the outer surface of the supply path forming wall 11. However, it can also be installed at other locations on the outer surface of the supply path forming wall 11 or on the outer surface of the cover wall 9bc, and it can also be installed on the outer surface of the transfer path forming wall 9. Alternatively, the vibration mechanism 13 can be installed on the inner surfaces of the supply path forming wall 11, the cover wall 9bc, and the transfer path forming wall 9, and it can also be installed on the receiving member 4. From the viewpoint of ease of maintenance and inspection and prevention of malfunctions, it is preferable to arrange it on the outside of the supply path 10 and the transfer path 6. Furthermore, the vibration mechanism 13 does not necessarily have to be one; multiple vibration mechanisms can be installed. In this case, all of them can be installed on the supply path forming wall 11, or they can be installed on both the supply path forming wall 11 and the transfer path forming wall 9. Moreover, the vibration mechanism 13 can be installed in a detachable manner or in a manner that allows for relocation. If installed in a manner that allows for relocation, the installation position of the vibration mechanism 13 can be changed accordingly through various modifications related to the powder P, thereby adjusting the vibration mode of the receiving member 4 and controlling the amount of powder P falling from the receiving member 4 with the vibration within a preferred range.

[0082] In the above embodiment, a screw feeder is used to construct the transfer mechanism 3, but other transfer mechanisms such as a vibrating feeder can also be used to construct the transfer mechanism 3. Even in such cases, the powder particles are pushed out laterally when the vibrating feeder or other transfer mechanism is running, so the spirit of the present invention is not impaired.

[0083] In the above embodiments, the operator switches the operation and stop of the conveying mechanism (screw feeder 3) and the vibration mechanism 13. Alternatively, the powder supply device 1 may have a control mechanism that can switch the operation and stop of the conveying mechanism and the vibration mechanism 13, and the switching can be performed using the control mechanism.

[0084] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0085] 1. Powder / granule feeding device

[0086] 3. Transfer mechanism (screw feeder)

[0087] 4. Accepting components

[0088] 4c Acceptance surface

[0089] 6. Transfer route

[0090] 6a Transfer surface

[0091] 6x Downstream end of the transfer path

[0092] 9. Transfer path forming wall

[0093] 9a Main body (main wall)

[0094] 9aa Main body wall at the downstream end

[0095] The main wall of the upstream section of 9ab

[0096] 9b, 9ba, 9bb, 9bc (cover / cover the wall)

[0097] 10 Supply Route

[0098] 11. Supply route forms a wall

[0099] 11x Supply path forming the outer surface of the wall

[0100] 13 Vibration Mechanism

[0101] P-powder particles.

Claims

1. A powder particle supply device, comprising: a transfer mechanism that transfers powder particles in a lateral direction through a transfer path; and a receiving member that extends from a downstream end of the transfer path in the transfer direction and receives powder particles from the transfer path and drops the powder particles, The powder particle supply device is characterized in that The powder particle supply device comprises a vibration mechanism that vibrates the receiving member and a control mechanism that can switch operation and stoppage with respect to the transfer mechanism and the vibration mechanism, The control mechanism is configured to, in operation of the transfer mechanism, drop the powder particles received by the receiving member from the transfer path without operating the vibration mechanism, and after operating the transfer mechanism, operate the vibration mechanism in a state where the transfer mechanism has stopped, and drop the powder particles received by the receiving member from the transfer path.

2. The powder particle supply device according to claim 1, wherein The control mechanism is configured to, in a case where the amount of powder particles dropped from the receiving member by operation of the transfer mechanism reaches a predetermined set amount, operate the vibration mechanism in a state where the transfer mechanism has stopped.

3. The powder particle supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein At least lower portions of a powder particle transfer surface of a downstream end of the transfer path and a powder particle receiving surface of the receiving member are the same shape.

4. The powder particle supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The receiving member is a plate-shaped body and a cross section orthogonal to the transfer direction is U-shaped.

5. The powder particle supply device according to claim 4, wherein The thickness of the receiving member is thinner than the thickness of a transfer path forming wall that forms the transfer path and a supply path forming wall that forms a supply path that communicates with the downstream end of the transfer path.

6. The powder particle supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The receiving member is configured to be replaceable with another receiving member that differs in length in the transfer direction.

7. The powder particle supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The vibration mechanism is mounted to an outer surface of a supply path forming wall that forms a supply path that communicates with the downstream end of the transfer path.

8. A powder particle supply method, comprising: a transfer process that transfers powder particles in a lateral direction through a transfer path of a transfer mechanism; and a receiving and dropping process in which a receiving member that extends from a downstream end of the transfer path in the transfer direction receives powder particles from the transfer path and drops the powder particles, The powder particle supply method is characterized in that The receiving and dropping process includes a vibration process that vibrates the receiving member, and in the receiving and dropping process, before an operation of transferring powder particles in a lateral direction by the transfer process is completed, the powder particles received by the receiving member from the transfer path are dropped without performing the vibration process, and in a case where the operation of transferring powder particles in a lateral direction by the transfer process is completed, the vibration process is performed, and the powder particles received by the receiving member from the transfer path are dropped.

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