Telescopic blanking device, high-temperature vacuum sintering furnace and sealed blanking method

Abstract

A telescopic blanking device comprises an upper joint, an upper sealing mechanism, an inner sleeve, an outer sealing cover, an outer mounting seat, a lower sealing mechanism, a lower joint, a discharge box, and a vacuumizing mechanism. The upper joint, the inner sleeve, and the lower joint form a blanking passage. The upper end of the upper joint is fixedly connected with the bottom of a furnace body. The upper sealing mechanism is arranged on the upper joint to control the opening and closing of the blanking passage. The upper end of the inner sleeve is sleevedly connected with the upper joint in a transition fit. The outer sealing cover is located outside the inner sleeve. The two ends of the outer sealing cover are sealingly connected with the outer mounting seat. The outer mounting seat is sleevedly connected with the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve can slide relative to the outer mounting seat. The lower end of the inner sleeve is sleevedly connected with the lower joint in a transition fit. The present application also provides a high-temperature vacuum sintering furnace provided with the telescopic blanking device. The present application also provides a sealed blanking method using the telescopic blanking mechanism for blanking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vacuum sintering furnace technology, and in particular to a telescopic feeding device and a high-temperature vacuum sintering furnace. Background Technology

[0002] Vacuum sintering furnaces can be single-chamber or multi-chamber continuous types. Vacuum sintering furnaces require a certain level of vacuum within the furnace body. For continuous vacuum sintering furnaces, the furnace door needs to be opened during the unloading process, which disrupts the vacuum atmosphere inside the furnace. When the furnace is used again, it needs to be re-vacuumed using a vacuum pump. When the vacuum sintering furnace is used frequently, the vacuum pumping process is energy-intensive and requires waiting time, significantly impacting operational efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, it is necessary to provide a telescopic feeding device that does not affect the vacuum level inside the furnace during the discharge process.

[0004] It is also necessary to provide a high-temperature vacuum sintering furnace equipped with a telescopic feeding device.

[0005] It is also necessary to provide a sealed feeding method that utilizes the telescopic feeding mechanism to feed materials without affecting the vacuum level inside the furnace.

[0006] A telescopic feeding device includes an upper connector, an upper sealing mechanism, an inner sleeve, an outer sealing cover, an outer mounting base, a lower sealing mechanism, a lower connector, a discharge box, and a vacuuming mechanism. The upper connector, inner sleeve, and lower connector form a feeding channel. The upper end of the upper connector is fixedly connected to the bottom of the furnace body. The upper sealing mechanism is installed on the upper connector to control the opening and closing of the feeding channel. The upper end of the inner sleeve is sleeved and connected to the upper connector with a transition fit. The outer sealing cover is located outside the inner sleeve, and both ends of the outer sealing cover are sealed and connected to the outer mounting base. The outer mounting base is sleeved and connected to the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve can slide relative to the outer mounting base. The lower end of the inner sleeve is sleeved and connected to the lower connector with a transition fit.

[0007] Preferably, the upper sealing mechanism and the lower sealing mechanism have the same structure. The upper sealing mechanism includes an electric push rod, a sealing plate, and a sealing cover. The electric push rod is fixedly connected to the sealing plate. The sealing plate can completely cover the material discharge channel. The sealing cover wraps around the sealing plate. The upper end of the sealing cover is connected to the upper connector, and the lower end of the sealing cover is connected to the outer mounting base. The length of the sealing cover is greater than or equal to twice the length of the sealing plate.

[0008] Preferably, the external mounting base includes an upper flange, a plurality of connecting supports, and a lower flange. The upper flange is fixedly connected to the upper end of the connecting supports, the lower end of the connecting supports is fixedly connected to the lower flange, and the external sealing cover is located between the upper flange and the lower flange.

[0009] Preferably, a sealing gasket is provided between the upper connector and the outer mounting base, and between the lower connector and the outer mounting base.

[0010] A high-temperature vacuum sintering furnace includes a furnace body and a telescopic feeding device. The lower end of the furnace body is provided with a discharge port, and the upper connector of the telescopic feeding device is sealed to the discharge port.

[0011] A sealing material feeding method includes the following steps:

[0012] Step S1: Close the lower sealing mechanism, and then open the upper sealing mechanism;

[0013] Step S2: Push the inner sleeve upward until the upper end face of the inner sleeve exceeds the sealing part of the upper sealing mechanism;

[0014] Step S3: Pour the material out so that it enters the inner sleeve from the feed port of the furnace body;

[0015] Step S4: After all the material has flowed into the inner sleeve, close the upper sealing mechanism and then open the lower sealing mechanism.

[0016] Step S5: After the material feeding channel is fully opened, push the inner sleeve downward until the lower end face of the inner sleeve exceeds the sealing part of the lower sealing mechanism.

[0017] Step S6: After all the material has flowed out of the inner sleeve into the discharge box, close the lower sealing mechanism.

[0018] Beneficial effects: The telescopic feeding device of the present invention can ensure the vacuum degree inside the furnace through the cooperation of the upper sealing mechanism and the lower sealing mechanism; at the same time, the inner sleeve can effectively protect the upper sealing mechanism and the lower sealing mechanism, reduce their wear, and also help to maintain the vacuum degree for a long time, thereby increasing the service life. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the telescopic feeding device of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a plan view of the telescopic feeding device of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the high-temperature vacuum sintering furnace feeding method of the present invention.

[0022] In the figure: upper connector 10, material discharge channel 101, upper sealing mechanism 20, electric push rod 201, sealing plate 202, sealing housing 203, inner sleeve 30, annular protrusion 301, sealing gasket 302, outer sealing cover 40, outer mounting base 50, upper flange 501, connecting support column 502, lower flange 503, lower sealing mechanism 60, lower connector 70, discharge box 80, vacuuming mechanism 90, furnace body 100. Implementation

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The telescopic feeding device includes an upper connector 10, an upper sealing mechanism 20, an inner sleeve 30, an outer sealing cover 40, an outer mounting base 50, a lower sealing mechanism 60, a lower connector 70, a discharge box 80, and a vacuuming mechanism 90. The upper connector 10, the inner sleeve 30, and the lower connector 70 form a feeding channel 101. The upper end of the upper connector 10 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the furnace body 100. The upper sealing mechanism 20 is installed on the upper connector 10 to control the opening and closing of the feeding channel 101. The upper end of the inner sleeve 30 is sleeved and connected to the upper connector 10 with a transition fit. The outer sealing cover 40 is located outside the inner sleeve 30. Both ends of the outer sealing cover 40 are sealed and connected to the outer mounting base 50. The outer mounting base 50 is sleeved and connected to the inner sleeve 30. The inner sleeve 30 can slide relative to the outer mounting base 50. The lower end of the inner sleeve 30 is sleeved and connected to the lower connector 70 with a transition fit.

[0025] In the aforementioned telescopic feeding device, the upper sealing mechanism 20 and the lower sealing mechanism 60 seal the feeding process. The working principle is as follows: during feeding, the lower sealing mechanism 60 is closed first, then the upper sealing mechanism 20 is opened, allowing the material to enter the inner sleeve 30. Because the lower sealing mechanism 60 is closed, the vacuum level inside the vacuum furnace remains unchanged. After feeding is complete, the upper sealing mechanism 20 is closed first, then the lower sealing mechanism 60 is opened, allowing the material to enter the discharge box 80 from the inner sleeve 30. Because the upper sealing mechanism 20 is closed, the vacuum level inside the vacuum furnace remains unchanged.

[0026] Based on the working principles of the upper sealing mechanism 20 and the lower sealing mechanism 60 described above, it can be determined that the sealing mechanism consists of a driving part and a sealing part. The driving part drives the sealing part to open or close the feeding channel 101. That is, its function is similar to that of a general control valve. However, the feeding environment of this invention is relatively harsh, and the issue of airtightness must also be considered. After repeated use, the material will wear down the valve core of a general control valve, resulting in poor airtightness and rendering the control valve unusable. Furthermore, control valves are expensive, and frequent replacements will increase operating costs. At the same time, since control valves are generally purchased externally, and the manufacturer is different from the manufacturer of the vacuum sintering furnace, the valve core material of the control valve and the material of the furnace body 100 are almost impossible to match. In this case, the valve core will cause new contamination to the sintered material.

[0027] To avoid the aforementioned situation, this invention employs an inner sleeve 30 to guide the material outflow. The inner sleeve 30 is made of the same material as the furnace body 100 lining, ensuring that no new sources of contamination are introduced. Specifically, when material flows out of the furnace body 100, the upper sealing mechanism 20 is simultaneously opened, and the inner sleeve 30 is pushed upwards until it is higher than the sealing part of the upper drive mechanism. Thus, the gap between the sealing part and the upper connector 10 is blocked by the inner sleeve 30. The transitional fit between the inner sleeve 30 and the upper connector 10 ensures smooth movement of the inner sleeve 30 while maintaining a good seal between them. However, despite this, outside air may still enter the vacuum sintering furnace. Therefore, this invention achieves sealing by setting an outer sealing cover 40. Since the inner sleeve 30 and the outer mounting base 50 are connected by a sleeve, the possible path for air to enter the furnace body 100 is to first pass through the gap between the outer mounting base 50 and the inner sleeve 30, and then through the gap between the inner sleeve 30 and the upper connector 10, thus entering the furnace body 100. Therefore, both ends of the outer sealing cover 40 are sealed to the outer mounting base 50. In this way, air is blocked. However, the vertical movement of the inner sleeve 30 requires external force, such as manual or mechanical pushing. If the outer sealing cover 40 is a rigid shell that cannot change shape, then neither hand nor machine can pass through the outer sealing cover 40. Therefore, in this invention, the outer sealing cover 40 is made of a flexible or stretchable material. In this way, the raising and lowering of the inner sleeve 30 can be controlled under sealed conditions.

[0028] In this invention, the outer sealing cover 40 is preferably a retractable bellows. However, the retractable bellows still has high strength in the horizontal direction, making it difficult for external forces to touch the inner sleeve 30. To achieve direct contact with the inner sleeve 30, an annular protrusion 301 is provided at the middle end of the inner sleeve 30. A section of bellows is provided above and below the annular protrusion 301. Taking the upper section of the bellows of the annular protrusion 301 as an example, the upper end of the bellows is sealed to the mounting base, and the lower end of the bellows is sealed to the annular protrusion 301. A connector can be provided on the side of the annular protrusion 301 to connect to an external driving device. In use, the inner sleeve 30 is moved up and down by pushing the annular protrusion 301. Because the bellows has a retractable function, the force on the bellows and the outer mounting base 50 or the annular protrusion 301 is very small, thus ensuring a seal.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment, the outer sealing cover 40 can also be made of an elastic sealing material such as rubber. In this case, if the inner sleeve 30 needs to be moved, the inner sleeve 30 and the outer sealing cover 40 can be bound or locked together for operation.

[0030] In another preferred embodiment, the outer sealing cover 40 can also be made of flexible plastic. The length of the plastic is greater than the height of the outer mounting base 50, allowing for a certain amount of slack. In this case, if the inner sleeve 30 needs to be moved, the inner sleeve 30 and the outer sealing cover 40 can be bound together. Thus, when the inner sleeve 30 moves up and down, the ends of the plastic will not be subjected to traction.

[0031] It should be noted that in the above embodiments, only the implementation of the inner sleeve 30 and the upper connector 10 is described in detail. The implementation of the inner sleeve 30 and the lower connector 70 is the same and will not be described in detail.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the upper connector 10, inner sleeve 30, outer mounting base 50, and lower connector 70 of the present invention are all made of rigid materials. To avoid introducing new sources of contamination, the sealing portions of the upper connector 10, inner sleeve 30, lower connector 70, and the upper sealing mechanism 20 and lower sealing mechanism 60 are all made of the same material as the furnace body 100 lining. Since the upper connector 10, outer mounting base 50, and lower mounting base are all made of rigid materials, gaps may exist between them, affecting the sealing performance of the feeding mechanism. To achieve better sealing, sealing gaskets 302, such as rubber gaskets, are provided between the upper connector 10 and the outer mounting base 50, and between the lower connector 70 and the outer mounting base 50.

[0033] To accommodate the structure of the inner sleeve 30 and prevent interference between the inner sleeve 30 and the sealing part, the upper sealing mechanism 20 has the same structure as the lower sealing mechanism 60. The upper sealing mechanism 20 includes an electric push rod 201, a sealing plate 202, and a sealing housing 203. The electric push rod 201 is fixedly connected to the sealing plate 202, which can completely cover the material discharge channel 101. The sealing housing 203 wraps around the sealing plate 202. The upper end of the sealing housing 203 is connected to the upper connector 10, and the lower end of the sealing housing 203 is connected to the outer mounting base 50. The length of the sealing housing 203 is greater than or equal to twice the length of the sealing plate 202.

[0034] When sealing the discharge channel 101 is required, the electric push rod 201 pushes the sealing plate 202, causing the sealing plate 202 to seal the discharge channel 101. When discharging is required, the electric push rod 201 pushes the sealing plate 202, causing the sealing plate 202 to open the discharge channel 101. Simultaneously, an external drive device moves the inner sleeve 30 upwards beyond the contact surface between the sealing housing 203 and the upper connector 10. In this way, material will not enter the sealing housing 203.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the external mounting base 50 includes an upper flange 501, a plurality of connecting supports 502, and a lower flange 503. The upper flange 501 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the connecting supports 502, and the lower end of the connecting supports 502 is fixedly connected to the lower flange 503. The external sealing cover 40 is located between the upper flange 501 and the lower flange 503.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the vacuum mechanism 90 is a vacuum pump.

[0037] In addition, the present invention also provides a vacuum sintering furnace with a telescopic feeding device. The high-temperature vacuum sintering furnace includes a furnace body 100 and a telescopic feeding device. The lower end of the furnace body 100 is provided with a discharge port, and the upper connector 10 of the telescopic feeding device is sealed to the discharge port.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the discharge port of the furnace body 100 is welded to the upper connector 10.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment, the discharge port of the furnace body 100 is connected to the upper interface via a flange.

[0040] In addition, please see Figure 3 The present invention also provides a sealed feeding method, the feeding method for a high-temperature vacuum sintering furnace includes the following steps:

[0041] Step S1: Close the lower sealing mechanism 60, and then open the upper sealing mechanism 20;

[0042] Step S2: Push the inner sleeve 30 upward until the upper end face of the inner sleeve 30 exceeds the sealing part of the upper sealing mechanism 20. The inner sleeve 30 can be pushed upward by a drive device such as an electric push rod 201 or a hydraulic rod, or it can be pushed manually. If it is to be pushed manually, it is preferable to set a handle at the middle end of the inner sleeve 30.

[0043] Step S3: Pour the material out so that it enters the inner sleeve 30 from the feed port of the furnace body 100.

[0044] Step S4: After all the material has flowed into the inner sleeve 30, close the upper sealing mechanism 20 and then open the lower sealing mechanism 60.

[0045] In step S5, after the material feeding channel 101 is fully opened, push the inner sleeve 30 downwards until the lower end face of the inner sleeve 30 exceeds the sealing part of the lower sealing mechanism 60. Under normal circumstances, after the lower sealing mechanism 60 is opened, the material is only subject to gravity, and the flow direction of the material is downward, so it will not enter the lower sealing mechanism 60. However, the material may still contain a small amount of powder. This powder is relatively light, and under the action of buoyancy, it works together with the downward airflow to generate disturbance, thereby generating lateral force, and thus enters the lower sealing mechanism 60, pushing the inner sleeve 30 downwards, which can prevent the powder from entering the lower sealing mechanism 60.

[0046] Step S6: After all the material has flowed out from the inner sleeve 30 to the discharge box 80, close the lower sealing mechanism 60.

[0047] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that implementing all or part of the above-described embodiments and making equivalent changes in accordance with the claims of the present invention are still within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A sealed feeding method using a telescopic feeding device, characterized in that: The telescopic feeding device includes an upper connector, an upper sealing mechanism, an inner sleeve, an outer sealing cover, an outer mounting base, a lower sealing mechanism, a lower connector, a discharge box, and a vacuuming mechanism. The upper connector, inner sleeve, and lower connector form a feeding channel. The upper end of the upper connector is fixedly connected to the bottom of the furnace body. The upper sealing mechanism is installed on the upper connector to control the opening and closing of the feeding channel. The upper end of the inner sleeve is sleeved and connected to the upper connector with a transition fit. The outer sealing cover is located outside the inner sleeve. Both ends of the outer sealing cover are sealed and connected to the outer mounting base. The outer mounting base is sleeved and connected to the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve can slide relative to the outer mounting base. The lower end of the inner sleeve is sleeved and connected to the lower connector with a transition fit. The upper sealing mechanism has the same structure as the lower sealing mechanism. The upper sealing mechanism includes an electric push rod, a sealing plate, and a sealing cover. The electric push rod is fixedly connected to the sealing plate. The sealing plate can completely cover the material discharge channel. The sealing cover wraps around the sealing plate. The upper end of the sealing cover is connected to the upper connector, and the lower end of the sealing cover is connected to the outer mounting base. The length of the sealing cover is greater than or equal to twice the length of the sealing plate. The external mounting base includes an upper flange, several connecting supports, and a lower flange. The upper flange is fixedly connected to the upper end of the connecting supports, and the lower end of the connecting supports is fixedly connected to the lower flange. The external sealing cover is located between the upper flange and the lower flange. A sealing gasket is provided between the upper connector and the outer mounting base, and between the lower connector and the outer mounting base; The sealed feeding method using a telescopic feeding device includes the following steps: Step S1: Close the lower sealing mechanism, and then open the upper sealing mechanism; Step S2: Push the inner sleeve upward until the upper end face of the inner sleeve exceeds the sealing part of the upper sealing mechanism; Step S3: Pour the material out so that it enters the inner sleeve from the feed port of the furnace body; Step S4: After all the material has flowed into the inner sleeve, close the upper sealing mechanism and then open the lower sealing mechanism. Step S5: After the material feeding channel is fully opened, push the inner sleeve downward until the lower end face of the inner sleeve exceeds the sealing part of the lower sealing mechanism. Step S6: After all the material has flowed out of the inner sleeve into the discharge box, close the lower sealing mechanism.

2. A high-temperature vacuum sintering furnace, characterized in that: The device includes a furnace body and a telescopic feeding device. The lower end of the furnace body is provided with a discharge port. The upper connector of the telescopic feeding device is sealed to the discharge port. The telescopic feeding device includes an upper connector, an upper sealing mechanism, an inner sleeve, an outer sealing cover, an outer mounting base, a lower sealing mechanism, a lower connector, a discharge box, and a vacuuming mechanism. The upper connector, inner sleeve, and lower connector form a feeding channel. The upper end of the upper connector is fixedly connected to the bottom of the furnace body. The upper sealing mechanism is provided on the upper connector to control the opening and closing of the feeding channel. The upper end of the inner sleeve is sleeved and connected to the upper connector with a transition fit. The outer sealing cover is located outside the inner sleeve. Both ends of the outer sealing cover are sealed and connected to the outer mounting base. The outer mounting base is sleeved and connected to the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve can slide relative to the outer mounting base. The lower end of the inner sleeve is sleeved and connected to the lower connector with a transition fit. The upper sealing mechanism has the same structure as the lower sealing mechanism. The upper sealing mechanism includes an electric push rod, a sealing plate, and a sealing cover. The electric push rod is fixedly connected to the sealing plate. The sealing plate can completely cover the material discharge channel. The sealing cover wraps around the sealing plate. The upper end of the sealing cover is connected to the upper connector, and the lower end of the sealing cover is connected to the outer mounting base. The length of the sealing cover is greater than or equal to twice the length of the sealing plate. The external mounting base includes an upper flange, several connecting supports, and a lower flange. The upper flange is fixedly connected to the upper end of the connecting supports, and the lower end of the connecting supports is fixedly connected to the lower flange. The external sealing cover is located between the upper flange and the lower flange. A sealing gasket is provided between the upper connector and the outer mounting base, and between the lower connector and the outer mounting base.

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