Powder supply device

Abstract

The purpose of this invention is to provide a powder supply device having a dust collection unit to collect dust released during side powder supply, and having a space-saving and simplified structure. The powder supply device 1 according to the invention has a main body 2, a plurality of storage containers 3, and a dust collection unit 4. The storage containers 3 have an inlet 31 and a feeder 32. The dust collection unit 4 has a housing 41, an exhaust fan 42, and a filter element 43. The housing 41 has a top 411 and a side 412, the side opposite the top 411 being open to form a cover-shaped configuration. The side 412 has a recess 4121 into which the feeder 32 is to be inserted. To collect powder P, the filter element 43 is disposed inside the housing 41 and positioned above the recess 4121 and below the top 411. The housing 41 has an internal space divided by the filter element 43 into a first region A and a second region B.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a powder supply device, and more particularly to a powder supply device having a dust collection unit for collecting dust released during powder supply. Background Technology

[0002] Once powder is placed into the filling or metering container, dust is released, depending on the powder's particle size. When operators inhale this dust, it can have harmful effects on their health. Dust dispersed around the workplace reduces visibility and contaminates the work area where powder is supplied. This deteriorates the working environment and can therefore lead to human error, such as errors in the verification process, errors in the operating equipment, or similar situations.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a dust collection hood positioned around a gap between a first container for containing powder and a second container disposed below the first container. The dust collection hood has an upper side with an upper opening for supplying powder and side sides with side openings for operation with the first container. The dust collection hood also has multiple dust collection openings for drawing in dust released during powder supply operation and a flow straightener device configured to extend vertically downward from the upper opening to near the lower part of the side openings, so that airflow is directed straight from the upper and side openings to the dust collection openings.

[0004] Patent document 2 discloses a hopper device configured to throw powder into a container via a powder supply port. The hopper device has a hopper section, a throwing hole, and an exhaust port communicating with the throwing hole. The hopper section has a dust suction port, which is arranged parallel to the exhaust port. To provide a dust-proof hopper device, the hopper device further includes a dust collection device that draws in dust through the dust suction port to collect the drawn-in dust.

[0005] Patent document 3 discloses a dust collection device for a powder measuring apparatus, wherein a powder supply orifice is disposed above the measuring instrument, and powder falls through the powder supply orifice into a measuring container placed on the measuring instrument. The dust collection device has a bottom on which the measuring instrument is placed, and a top disposed vertically opposite the bottom. One of the bottom or top has a generally annular air outlet formed to surround the powder supply orifice and the measuring instrument for blowing out airflow. The other of the bottom or top has an intake orifice for drawing in the airflow blown out from the air outlet.

[0006] Comparison of document tables

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-42448A

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-263468A

[0009] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Document 01-071627U1.

[0010] To collect the dust generated when powder is transferred downwards from a first container (such as a flexible container bag or hopper) in an upper position to a second container in a lower position, the apparatuses disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have a structure that connects the gap between the first and second containers. This structure is not suitable for powder supply devices that supply powder from the side, such as belt conveyors or screw conveyors.

[0011] According to Patent Document 1, the dust collection hood is used in conjunction with a dust collection device and cannot be used independently. According to Patent Document 2, the dust-proof hopper device has a dust collection device in addition to the hopper section, and as mentioned above, the hopper section cannot be used independently. Therefore, the devices in Patent Documents 1 and 2 require the dust collection device to be installed separately from the dust collection location. This results in a larger powder supply device and requires more space to house it.

[0012] The device according to Patent Document 3 has the following structure, wherein an air outlet duct connected to a blower and a dust collection duct connected to a dust collection device are provided above and below the powder supply hole. This makes the powder supply device larger and more complex, and as with the devices in Patent Documents 1 and 2, requires more space to house the powder supply device. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The purpose of this invention is to provide a powder supply device having a space-saving structure with a simplified design, and having a dust collection unit to collect dust released when powder is supplied from the side.

[0014] Solution

[0015] According to the present invention, a powder supply device is provided, comprising: a main body; a plurality of storage containers for connecting to the main body and storing powder therein; and a dust collection unit. The storage containers have an inlet and a feeder, the powder being loaded into the storage container via the inlet, and the feeder having a feed port for supplying the powder stored in the storage container via the feed port. The dust collection unit has a housing, an exhaust fan, and a filter element. The housing includes a top and a side, the side opposite the top being open to form a cover-shaped configuration. The side has a recess into which the feeder is inserted. For collecting the powder, the filter element is disposed within the housing and positioned above the recess and below the top. The housing has an internal space divided by the filter element into a first region and a second region. The first region is located below the filter element. The second region is located above the filter element. The second region is a region that allows the exhaust fan to exhaust air from the second region and allows air to enter through the filter element.

[0016] According to this structure, powder is supplied to the first region via a feeder inserted into the notch through the side of the housing. The powder falls under gravity and is discharged outside the housing through the opening opposite the top. Once powder is supplied, dust released in the first region moves upward due to the airflow created by the exhaust fan from the first region to the second region, and is collected by the filter element. Therefore, the powder supply device has a dust collection unit suitable for side-supply of powder via the feeder. This avoids the need for connection to a separate blower or similar device, thus saving space with a simplified structure.

[0017] In this invention, preferably, the dust collection unit has a receiving member configured to receive powder falling from the filter member, and the receiving member is disposed above the recess and below the filter member. According to this structure, it is feasible for the receiving member to receive the falling powder even when the collected powder falls from the filter member. Therefore, it is feasible to prevent powder falling from the filter member from flowing out of the housing.

[0018] In this invention, preferably, a plurality of the storage containers are arranged radially around the dust collection unit, each storage container having a structure detachably connected to the main body, and the feeder having a structure detachably inserted into the recess, the central axis of the feeder pointing towards the center of the dust collection unit. According to this structure, the dust collection unit can collect dust released when powder is supplied from the plurality of storage containers. The storage containers can be removed from the main body and the dust collection unit. This simplifies operation when the powder supplied by the powder supply device is replaced with another powder. Furthermore, it improves the maintainability of the powder supply device.

[0019] In this invention, preferably, the dust collection unit is positioned above a container with an upper opening for measuring powder, and the main body has a controller for controlling the feeder to adjust the powder supply and further for controlling the start-up of the exhaust fan. According to this structure, it is feasible to efficiently control the powder supply from the feeder and the start-up of the exhaust fan, thereby improving the accuracy of powder measurement. Furthermore, it is also feasible to prevent dust from adhering to the powder supply device, container, or surrounding area, thereby preventing deterioration of the working environment.

[0020] In this invention, it is preferable to provide a gap between the dust collection unit and the container, and the size of the gap is adjustable. According to this structure, it is feasible to adjust the speed at which air flows from the outside of the housing into the first region.

[0021] In this specification, the term "powder" is defined as follows: In addition to powder, the term also includes granules and mixtures of powder and granules. The uses of powder are permitted in food, pharmaceutical, civil engineering, construction, semiconductor, or similar projects, and are not limited thereto.

[0022] The phrase “supplying powder from the supply port” refers to sending powder from the storage tank to the outside via the supply port.

[0023] The term "exhaust" refers to the process of expelling internal gases from the inside out.

[0024] An "exhaust fan" is an example of such a device. However, any device that can expel air can be used, such as a pump or the like.

[0025] The term "filter element" is exemplified by filter cloth; however, other elements such as filter paper may also be used, as long as air or other gaseous substances can pass through the filter element and the filter element can collect powder.

[0026] The phrase "collected by the filter element" means that when powder flows to the filter element, the powder does not pass through the filter element and remains inside the filter element or on the surface of the filter element.

[0027] The term "feeder" is exemplified by a screw conveyor or screw feeder; however, as long as the feeder has powder conveying function, it can also refer to other equipment such as a vibratory feeder or a belt conveyor.

[0028] The phrase "receive powder" refers to retaining powder in the receiving component when it falls from the filter component.

[0029] The phrase "falling off the filter element" refers to the powder collected by the filter element detaching from the filter element and falling off.

[0030] Examples of "receiving components" include box-shaped bodies, disc-shaped bodies, etc., with an opening on the upper side, and having a structure that can receive and retain powder inside.

[0031] "Dust" refers to fine powder particles that float or drift in the air.

[0032] "Dust collection" refers to the process of collecting dust in one place.

[0033] Invention Effects

[0034] According to the present invention, it is feasible to collect the dust released when powder is supplied from the side, and it is also feasible to supply powder using a space-saving and simplified device. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a front view of the powder supply device according to this embodiment;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a plan view of the powder supply device according to this embodiment;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a front view of the dust collection unit according to this embodiment; and

[0038] Figure 4 The feeder is inserted into the dust collection unit as depicted in the previous view of this embodiment.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0040] 1. Powder feeding device

[0041] 2. Main Body

[0042] 21 Main body

[0043] 211 Controller

[0044] 22. Support frame

[0045] 221 Base section

[0046] 222 legs

[0047] 2221 Fixed components

[0048] 223 Guide receiving component

[0049] 3. Storage container

[0050] 31 Feed Inlet

[0051] 32 feeders

[0052] 321 Supply Port

[0053] 33 Casters

[0054] 34 Elastic Components

[0055] 35 guide

[0056] 4 Dust Collection Units

[0057] 41. Shell

[0058] 41a Upper shell

[0059] 41b Lower shell

[0060] 411 Top

[0061] 412 Side

[0062] 4121 Notch

[0063] 4122 Fixed components

[0064] 42 Exhaust machine

[0065] 43 Filter components

[0066] 44 Receiving Components

[0067] 441 Opening

[0068] 5 containers

[0069] 6. Measuring instruments

[0070] 7 gaps

[0071] Area A, First Region

[0072] B Second Zone

[0073] C arrow line

[0074] F airflow

[0075] P powder

[0076] Y-axis. Detailed Implementation

[0077] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 4 The powder supply device 1 (hereinafter referred to as "supply device 1") is described below. The supply device 1 has a body 2; a plurality of storage containers 3 in which powder P is stored and connected to the body 2; and a dust collection unit 4. The supply device 1 also has a container 5 for measuring powder P and a measuring instrument 6, the container having an upper opening.

[0078] The main body 2 has a main body portion 21 and a support frame 22 for supporting the main body portion 21, and the storage container 3 is detachably connected to the support frame 22. The main body portion 21 has a controller 211, which controls the feeder 32 (described later) to adjust the supply of powder P by means of the main body 2 being connected to the storage container 3, and controls the exhaust fan 42 (also described later) by means of the main body 2 being connected to the dust collection unit 4. These controls can be performed manually or can be operated automatically by a predetermined setting.

[0079] The support frame 22 is hollow inside and includes a base portion 221 and a support leg portion 222 for placing the main body 21. It also includes a guide receiving member 223 into which the guide 35 (described later) is fitted when the storage container 3 is inserted into the main body 2. The support frame 22 also has a fixing member 2221, which can be fixedly mounted on a fixing member 4122 (described later) on the dust collection unit 4. The fixing member 2221 is mounted on the support leg portion 222 and extends inward to one side of the support frame 22. The mounting height of the fixing member 2221 is variable and adjustable. Inside the support frame 22, a dust collection unit 4, a measuring instrument 6, and a container 5 are provided. The container stores powder P and is placed on the measuring instrument 6. On the side portion 412 (described later) of the dust collection unit 4, the dust collection unit 4 has a fixing member 4122 to be fixed to the fixing member 2221. The dust collection unit 4 is fixed to the support leg 222 by fixing members 4122 and 2221 and placed above the container 5, which is placed on the measuring instrument 6. Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, a gap 7 is provided between the dust collection unit 4 and the container 5, so that air flows through the gap and is introduced into the dust collection unit 4.

[0080] The storage container 3 includes an inlet 31 and a feeder 32. Powder P is loaded into the storage container through the inlet, and the feeder has a supply port 321. The feeder 32 supplies the powder P stored in the storage container 3 from the supply port 321. The powder P stored in the storage container 3 is supplied from the supply port 321 via the feeder 32. For example, when the powder P is placed in the storage container 3 (placed in the storage container 3), Figure 1 When powder P is supplied to container 5 (on the right side of the image), powder P is discharged from supply port 321 in the direction indicated by arrow line C. In this embodiment, the feeder 32 is a cylindrical screw feeder. The storage container 3 also has multiple casters 33 at its bottom, one or more of which are equipped with rotation stops. The storage container 3 also has an elastic member 34 and a guide 35, which is to be inserted into the body 2. The casters 33 can be used to move the storage container 3 in any direction.

[0081] Multiple reservoirs 3 (four reservoirs in this document) are radially positioned around the dust collection unit 4, and the reservoirs 3 are detachably connected to the body 2. This structure can be exemplified by a mechanical plug-in mechanism. Once the reservoirs 3 are installed onto the body 2, they are pushed into the body 2 to insert the guide 35 into it. Once the reservoirs 3 are separated (removed) from the body 2, they are pulled out of the body 2 to withdraw the guide 35. With the reservoirs 3 installed onto the body 2, the guide 35 is inserted into the body 2, and simultaneously, the guide 35 is fitted into the guide receiving member 223. This makes it feasible to securely fix the reservoirs 3 to the body 2 to prevent deviation of the direction of the central axis Y of the supply port 321. An elastic member 34 is elastic to absorb the impact force caused by elastic deformation and is positioned outside the guide 35, contacting the body 2 when the reservoirs 3 are installed onto it. When the storage device 3 is suddenly subjected to an external impact, the elastic member 34 absorbs the impact force to prevent the storage device 3 from contacting and colliding with the main body 2, thereby avoiding damage to the storage device 3.

[0082] The feeder 32 has a structure that allows it to be detachably inserted into the notch 4121 (described later) of the dust collection unit 4, and is configured such that the central axis Y of the feeder 32 points to the center of the dust collection unit 4.

[0083] When the storage container 3 is installed into the main body 2, the feeder 32, including the front end of the feed port 321, is inserted into the support frame 22, and the feeder 32 is inserted into the recess 4121, so that the feed port 321 is located within the first region A (described later) and positioned above the upper opening of the container 5. The rest of the feeder 32 is located within the internal space of the storage container 3. The powder P stored in the storage container 3 is supplied to the feeder 32 through the opening of the feeder 32.

[0084] Once the reservoir 3 is installed onto the main body 2, it is moved to the powder supply position. Then, along with the guide 35 of the reservoir 3, the feeder 32, including the front end with the supply port 321, is inserted into the support frame 22 of the main body 2 so that the guide 35 is fitted into the guide receiving member 223. Afterwards, the rotation stop of the caster 33 is operated to securely position the reservoir 3, and the main body 2 and the reservoir 3 are connected via a cable (not shown) to complete the installation. Alternatively, once the reservoir 3 is separated from the main body 2, the cable connecting the reservoir 3 and the main body 2 is removed. To separate the reservoir 3 from the main body 2, the rotation stop of the caster 33 is removed, and the reservoir 3 is pulled out of the main body 2 to reposition the reservoir 3 from the powder supply position. The reservoir 3 can be easily attached to and removed from the main body 2 to facilitate interchangeability with other reservoirs 3. That is, individual storage devices 3 are installed on the main body 2 in an interchangeable manner with other storage devices 3.

[0085] Because the storage container 3 can be easily interchanged with other storage containers 3, it is feasible to easily replace one type of powder P with another type of powder to be supplied to the container 5. Since the storage container 3 is detachably mounted to the main body 2, it is feasible to remove the storage container 3 from the main body 2 for inspection and adjustment, thereby improving the maintainability of the supply device 1. For example, when the supply device 32 malfunctions, its repair and replacement will be easy.

[0086] In addition to the exhaust fan 42, the dust collection unit 4 also has a housing 41 and a filter element 43. The housing 41 is generally cylindrical, with a side 412 and a top 411, the side opposite the top 411 being open to form a cover-like configuration. The side 412 has a notch 4121 into which the feeder 32 will be inserted. The housing 41 has a lower shell portion 41b and an upper shell portion 41a, the upper shell portion including the top 411. The lower shell portion 41b and the upper shell portion 41a each have a flange, and structurally they are connected to each other via the flanges.

[0087] In this embodiment, the exhaust fan 42 is a fan, which is located on the top 411. The location of the exhaust fan 42 is not limited to the top 411; it can be used anywhere as long as the filter element 43 (described later) can collect dust in the first area A (described later) by activating the exhaust fan 42. As another example of the location of the exhaust fan 42, its location on the side 412 in the second area B (described later) is also suitable. As an example of the exhaust fan 42, a pump can also be used in addition to a fan; however, there are no particular limitations on the exhaust fan 42, and any component is suitable as long as it has an exhaust function.

[0088] The filter element 43 is located inside the housing 41, above the recess 4121 and below the top 411. The filter element 43 collects powder P. In this embodiment, the filter element 43 is a filter cloth. Besides filter cloth, filter paper can also be used, for example. However, there are no particular limitations on the filter element 43. Any material is suitable as long as it has a filtering function.

[0089] There are no particular restrictions on the mesh opening and thickness of the filter element 43. As long as the filter element 43 can collect the supplied powder P, and as long as the airflow through the filter element 43 is not excessively reduced, it can be appropriately changed depending on the particle size of the powder P to be collected.

[0090] The housing 41 has an internal space divided into a first region A and a second region B by a filter member 43. The first region A is the region below the filter member 43. The second region B is the region above the filter member 43, and an exhaust fan 42 discharges internal air from the second region B, while allowing airflow into the second region B as it passes through the filter member 43. When the exhaust fan 42 is activated, air enters the first region A through an opening opposite the top 411. The air then flows through the filter member 43 into the second region B, and is discharged to the outside of the housing 41 via the exhaust fan 42.

[0091] When the feeder 32 is inserted into the notch 4121, the feed port 321 is located within the first region A. When powder P is supplied from the feed port 321, the released dust flows with the airflow within the housing 41 to the filter member 43 and is collected by the filter member 43. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the working environment from deteriorating when dust is released with the supply of powder P.

[0092] The dust collection unit 4 is located above the container 5, which is placed on the measuring instrument 6. Because the dust collection unit 4 collects dust, it prevents dust from adhering to the inner and outer surfaces of the container 5 even when the powder P is released through the supply port 321.

[0093] The dust collection unit 4 also has a receiving member 44, which is positioned above the notch 4121 and below the filter member 43, and receives the powder P falling from the filter member 43. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the powder P falling from the filter member 43 is retained in the receiving member 44. In this embodiment, the receiving member 44 is formed in a disk shape and has an opening 441 on the upper side.

[0094] For example, the receiving member 44 preferably has the opening 441, which flares outward at the top in a trumpet-like configuration. This makes it feasible to improve the efficiency of receiving powder P falling from the filter member 43.

[0095] As for the configuration of the receiving member 44, there are no particular restrictions on its configuration. As long as the receiving member 44 has an opening 441 and can receive the powder P falling from the filter member 43, any configuration can be used for the receiving member 44. For example, the configuration of the receiving member 44 can be a rectangular parallelepiped, a circular body, an elliptical body, a polygonal body, etc., each with an upward-facing opening 441.

[0096] As for the size of the receiving member 44, there is no particular limitation on its size, as long as it is large enough to receive the powder P falling from the filter member 43. The size of the receiving member will be determined from the viewpoint of avoiding obstruction of other members such as the housing 41 or similar members, and also from the viewpoint of preventing a reduction in airflow within the housing 41.

[0097] There are no particular limitations on the material of the receiving component 44. Depending on the properties of the powder P, existing materials can be appropriately used for the receiving component 44. For example, the receiving component 44 can be made of existing thermosetting resins, thermoplastic resins, metal materials such as stainless steel, or similar materials.

[0098] The measuring instrument 6 can be used to measure the weight of powder P supplied from the supply device 1 and stored in the container 5. By connecting the main body 2 and the measuring instrument 6 via a cable (not shown), the main body 2 can control the flow rate of powder P supplied from the storage tank 3 based on the weight of powder P stored in the container 5 and measured by the measuring instrument 6. To make the container 5 portable, a conveyor can be installed above the measuring instrument 6. Using this measuring instrument 6 facilitates the installation and handling of the container 5. Examples of conveyors include roller conveyors, belt conveyors, or similar equipment. It is feasible to prevent dust from adhering to the inside or outside of the container 5 for the supply device 1, while simultaneously controlling the flow rate of powder P supplied from the storage tank 3 by the main body 2. This allows the supply device 1 to supply a predetermined weight of powder P from the storage tank 3 to the container 5 with high precision.

[0099] The supply device 1 has a structure in which the gap 7 (width) between the dust collection unit 4 and the container 5 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the dust collection unit 4 fixed to the support leg 222.

[0100] When the exhaust fan 42 is activated, air flows into the first region A from the outside of the housing 41, and the air velocity changes depending on the size of the gap 7. It is feasible to increase the air velocity flowing into the first region A from the outside of the housing 41 by reducing the size of the gap 7, thereby enabling the dust collection unit 4 to collect powder with a larger particle size. The size of the gap 7 can be appropriately determined according to the particle size of the supplied powder P.

[0101] There are no particular limitations on the method for adjusting the size of gap 7. One example is adjusting the position of the dust collection unit 4 fixed to the support leg 222 or adjusting the height of the measuring instrument 6.

[0102] The steps for operating the supply device 1 are as follows: First, install the dust collection unit 4. After determining the fixed position, fix the dust collection unit 4 to the support leg 222. Determine the size of the gap 7 by considering the particle size of the supplied powder P, and then determine the fixed position by considering the gap size, the height of the container 5, and the measuring instrument 6.

[0103] The storage tank 3 is installed onto the main body 2. The number of storage tanks 3 installed onto the main body 2 is determined at the discretion of the user. The number of storage tanks 3 to be installed can be determined by considering the type and quantity of powder P supplied. The timing of loading powder P into the storage tank 3 to store powder P is acceptable at any time before powder P is supplied from the storage tank 3. However, for operability, it is preferable to load the storage tank 3 into the main body 2 after the powder P has been loaded into the storage tank 3.

[0104] Powder P is supplied from the storage tank 3 installed in the main body 2 via the controller 211 in the main body 2. In this case, the exhaust fan 42 is started to generate an airflow F, which flows into the housing 41 from the gap 7, and as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the dust is discharged to the outside of the housing 41 by passing through the first region A, the filter element 43, the second region B, and the exhaust fan 42 in sequence. Since the dust released when the powder P is supplied from the storage tank 3 flows to the filter element 43 due to the air flowing inside the housing 41, it is feasible to collect the dust by the filter element 43.

[0105] Once the supply of powder P from the storage tank 3 is stopped manually or automatically, and a predetermined time elapses after the supply of powder P from the storage tank 3 to the container 5 is interrupted, the exhaust fan 42 is deactivated and stops. This means that the exhaust fan 42 remains running while powder P is being supplied. This prevents dust from being released after the exhaust fan 42 stops.

[0106] The start and stop of powder P supply from storage tank 3 can be repeated any number of times depending on the operating conditions. In this case, exhaust fan 42 is started when powder P is initially supplied from storage tank 3, and stops after a predetermined time has elapsed since all repeated supplies of powder P have ended. This prevents dust from being released after exhaust fan 42 has stopped.

[0107] When powder P is supplied from multiple storage tanks 3, each storage tank 3 supplies powder P individually and sequentially, one after another. In this case, the exhaust fan 42 starts when powder P is supplied from the first storage tank 3 and stops after a predetermined time has elapsed since the last storage tank 3 stops supplying powder P. This makes it feasible to prevent dust from being released after the exhaust fan 42 stops.

[0108] When the weight of powder P stored in container 5 reaches the predetermined amount based on the measurement of measuring instrument 6, the powder supply procedure ends and container 5 is moved outside. After container 5 is moved outside, another container 5 is installed to begin the next powder supply procedure.

[0109] After the powder supply process is completed, the storage container 3 is disassembled to separate it from the main body 2.

[0110] As described above, the supply device 1 makes it feasible to collect the dust released when the powder P is supplied from the side by the feeder 32, so as to prevent the deterioration of the working environment by utilizing a space-saving and simplified structure. Furthermore, when the powder P falls from the filter member 43, the supply device 1 also prevents the falling powder P from flowing outside the dust collection unit 4. In addition, the supply device 1 makes it feasible to efficiently control the feeder 32 and the exhaust fan 42, so as to measure the weight of the powder P with high accuracy. The supply device 1 also makes it feasible to adjust the airflow velocity into the dust collection unit 4 according to the particle size of the supplied powder P.

[0111] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and any modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the concept and idea of ​​this invention. These modifications and equivalents are included within the technical scope of this invention. For example, the number of storage containers 3 installed on the main body 2 may suitably be one, two, three, five, or similar, instead of the four in the above embodiments. The dust collection unit 4 (used to measure the weight of powder P supplied to the container 5) in the above embodiments can also be applied to other types of powder handling devices.

Claims

1. A powder supply device, characterized in that, include: One main body; Multiple storage containers connected to the main body for storing powder therein; and One dust collection unit, The storage container has an inlet and a feeder. The powder is loaded into the storage container through the inlet. The feeder has a supply port, and the feeder supplies the powder stored in the storage container through the supply port into the container via an upper opening. The container is used to measure the powder. The dust collection unit has a housing, an exhaust fan, and a filter component, and is located above the container. The housing includes a top and a side, with the side opposite the top being open to form a cover-like configuration. The side portion has a notch into which the feeder will be inserted. To collect the powder, the filter element is disposed inside the housing and positioned above the recess and below the top. The housing has an internal space, divided into a first region and a second region by a filter component. The first region is the region located below the filter element, and The second region is the area located above the filter element. The second region is a region that allows the exhaust fan to discharge air from the second region and allows air to enter through the filter element. The gap between the dust collection unit and the container, The size of the gap can be adjusted in dimensions and determined according to the particle diameter of the powder. The air velocity flowing into the first region from the outside of the housing is changed according to the size of the gap.

2. The powder supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dust collection unit has a receiving component for receiving powder falling from the filter component. The receiving component is positioned above the notch and below the filtering component.

3. The powder supply device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Multiple of the aforementioned storage containers are arranged radially around the dust collection unit, and each storage container has a structure that allows it to be detachably connected to the main body. The feeder has a structure that allows it to be detachably inserted into the notch, and the central axis of the feeder points toward the center of the dust collection unit.

4. The powder supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The main body has a controller to control the feeder, to adjust the supply of the powder and to control the start of the exhaust fan.

Images