Powder conveying mechanism and powder forming device

Abstract

The powder conveying mechanism (8) includes: a conveying path (18) for the powder (14), which is obtained by compressing powder into a sheet shape; an extrusion section that delivers the powder (14) to the downstream side of the conveying path (18) by extruding the powder (14); and a bending initiation section (36) disposed in the conveying path to facilitate local bending of the powder, thereby initiating bending at that location.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a powder conveying mechanism and a powder forming device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a powder sintering apparatus that forms a plate by passing raw material powder through a pressure roller, and then conveys the formed pressed powder to a heating and compression unit by a conveyor belt, where the heating and compression unit heats and presses the pressed powder to produce a sintered body.

[0003] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-157227 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Conveyor belts, typically used as conveying mechanisms for goods, are complex and expensive due to their own drive systems. This can lead to increased complexity and cost in powder sintering equipment that incorporates conveyor belts. However, utilizing the extrusion force of pressure rollers for powder conveying can simplify the structure and reduce costs of the conveying mechanism and the equipment itself.

[0008] However, when using the extrusion force of pressure rollers to transport compressed powder, the following risks may arise when blockages occur in the conveyor path: the compressed powder may deflect and soon become brittle. When brittleness occurs, the extrusion force of the pressure rollers may not be evenly distributed to areas downstream of the brittle point. As a result, the transport of the compressed powder may stall. Furthermore, it is difficult to determine which part of the compressed powder is brittled. Therefore, whenever the transport of compressed powder stalls, the brittle portion should be identified and removed. Because the transport distance of compressed powder can sometimes be quite long, exceeding 10 meters, restoring the transport process will require considerable effort and time, potentially reducing the operating rate of the conveyor mechanism.

[0009] This disclosure was made in view of the following circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technique for improving the operating efficiency of a conveying mechanism.

[0010] [Technical solutions used to address technical problems]

[0011] One aspect of this disclosure is a powder conveying mechanism. The mechanism includes: a conveying path for compressing powder into a sheet-like shape; an extrusion section for conveying the powder downstream of the conveying path by extruding the powder; and a bending initiation section disposed in the conveying path to facilitate local bending of the powder, thereby initiating bending at that location.

[0012] Another aspect of this disclosure is a powder forming apparatus. This apparatus includes a pressure roller for compressing powder into sheet-like shapes, and a powder conveying mechanism as described above, wherein the pressure roller also serves as the extrusion section of the powder conveying mechanism.

[0013] Any combination of the above-mentioned constituent elements, as well as the result of converting the expression of this disclosure between methods, apparatus, systems, etc., are also valid as solutions of this disclosure.

[0014] Invention Effects

[0015] According to this disclosure, it is possible to improve the operating rate of the conveying mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 (A) is a perspective view schematically showing the powder forming apparatus of the embodiment. Figure 1 (B) is a cross-sectional view of the transport path.

[0017] Figure 2 (A) Figure 2 (C) is a schematic diagram showing the situation of the compressed powder in the conveying path.

[0018] Figure 3 (A) Figure 3 (D) is a schematic diagram illustrating the recovery operation of the conveying of compressed powder.

[0019] Figure 4 (A) Figure 4 (C) is a schematic diagram used to explain the structure and operation of the powder conveying mechanism.

[0020] Figure 5 (A) is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the configuration of the powder conveying mechanism of Modified Example 1. Figure 5 (B) is a schematic diagram used to illustrate the configuration of the powder conveying mechanism in Modified Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Hereinafter, this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and based on preferred embodiments. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, but are merely illustrative. All features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not limited to the substantive content of this disclosure. The same or equivalent constituent elements, components, and processes shown in the various drawings are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted. Furthermore, the scales or shapes of the parts shown in the figures are provided for ease of explanation and are not to be interpreted limitingly unless specifically mentioned. In addition, the use of terms such as "first," "second," etc., in this specification or claims does not indicate any order or importance unless specifically mentioned, but is only used to distinguish one component from others. Furthermore, in the various drawings, parts of components that are not important for describing the embodiments are omitted from the illustration.

[0022] Figure 1 (A) is a perspective view schematically showing the powder forming apparatus 1 of the embodiment. Figure 1 (B) is a cross-sectional view of the conveying path 18. The powder forming device 1 includes a hopper 2, a feeder 4, a pressure roller 6, a powder conveying mechanism 8, a preheating furnace 10, and a hot pressure roller 12.

[0023] The hopper 2 stores powder 16, which serves as the raw material for the pressed powder 14. The material of powder 16 is, for example, an aggregate of particles with a particle size of less than 100 μm, and the distribution of this particle size is not particularly restricted.

[0024] Powder 16 is supplied from hopper 2 to feeder 4. Feeder 4 can be configured as a known screw feeder or the like. Feeder 4 supplies powder 16 to pressure roller 6. In this embodiment, pressure roller 6 consists of a pair of rollers arranged at a predetermined interval. As powder 16 passes between the pair of rollers, it is compressed into a sheet shape. This results in sheet-shaped compressed powder 14. By compacting powder 16 with pressure roller 6, compressed powder 14 is formed, thereby giving compressed powder 14 strength that will not substantially collapse even during transport. Compressed powder 14 is continuously fed from pressure roller 6 to conveyor path 18. Therefore, compressed powder 14 is a long strip in the conveying direction A.

[0025] In this embodiment, the conveying path 18 is a tunnel extending along the conveying direction A of the compressed powder 14, guiding the movement of the compressed powder 14. By making the conveying path 18 tunnel-shaped, it is easier to maintain the shape of the compressed powder 14 during conveying. As an example, the conveying path 18 extends horizontally.

[0026] The conveying path 18 has a floor surface 20, a pair of side surfaces 22, and a top surface 24. The pressed powder 14 slides on the floor surface 20 along a conveying direction A. The pair of side surfaces 22 are arranged along the width direction B of the pressed powder 14, which is orthogonal to the conveying direction A. The top surface 24 faces the floor surface 20 in a vertical direction C, orthogonal to both the conveying direction A and the width direction B. A passage for the pressed powder 14 is formed through the floor surface 20, the pair of side surfaces 22, and the top surface 24. The spacing between the pair of side surfaces 22 is set to be slightly larger than the width direction B of the pressed powder 14, allowing the pressed powder 14 to move smoothly within the passage. Furthermore, the spacing between the floor surface 20 and the top surface 24 is set to be slightly larger than the vertical direction C of the pressed powder 14. Therefore, a gap is formed between the pressed powder 14 and the top surface 24.

[0027] The conveying path 18 constitutes the powder conveying mechanism 8. In addition to the conveying path 18, the powder conveying mechanism 8 also includes an extrusion section 26. The extrusion section 26 delivers the powder 14 downstream of the conveying path 18 by extruding the powder 14 along the conveying direction A. In this embodiment, the pressure roller 6 also serves as the extrusion section 26 of the powder conveying mechanism 8. Alternatively, the extrusion section 26 may be provided separately from the pressure roller 6. The structure of the powder conveying mechanism 8 will be described in detail later.

[0028] The pressed powder 14 is conveyed through the conveyor path 18 to the preheating furnace 10. Before the pressed powder 14 is heated and compressed by the hot press rollers 12, the preheating furnace 10 heats the pressed powder 14 to a predetermined temperature, for example, between 400°C and 800°C. The preheating furnace 10 can be constructed using known heaters or the like. The pressed powder 14 heated by the preheating furnace 10 is supplied to the hot press rollers 12. As an example, the hot press rollers 12 consist of a pair of rollers arranged at a predetermined interval along a vertical direction C. Each roller has a built-in heater, and its surface is heated to a predetermined temperature, for example, between 400°C and 800°C. By passing between the pair of rollers, the pressed powder 14 is heated and pressurized, becoming a sintered body.

[0029] Next, the compression that occurs in the compressed powder 14 during transport will be explained. Figure 2 (A) Figure 2 (C) is a schematic diagram showing the situation of the compressed powder 14 within the conveying path 18. When an obstruction occurs in the conveying of the compressed powder 14, such as... Figure 2As shown in (A), for the compressed powder 14, an extrusion force F1 based on the extrusion section 26 (pressure roller 6) is applied from the upstream side, and a reaction force F2 in the opposite direction to the extrusion force F1 is applied from the downstream side. Examples of conveying obstacles include blockage of the conveying path 18 caused by the accumulation of a portion of the powder 16 that has fallen off the compressed powder 14. Furthermore, the stopping of the hot pressure roller 12 can be cited. Additionally, the difference in rotational speed between the pressure roller 6 and the hot pressure roller 12, in other words, the difference in conveying speed of the compressed powder 14, can be cited. Furthermore, the case where a portion of the compressed powder 14 extends upstream as it is extended by the hot pressure roller 12 can be cited.

[0030] When an extrusion force F1 and a reaction force F2 are applied to the compressed powder 14, a portion of the compressed powder 14 deforms to avoid a gap with the top surface 24, thus forming a flexural portion 28. The compressed powder 14 tends to deform starting from a portion with a lower density and thinner thickness to form the flexural portion 28. The extrusion force F1 is transmitted substantially evenly to the downstream side beyond the flexural portion 28. Therefore, when the flexural portion 28 has been formed, the conveying of the compressed powder 14 can continue. Therefore, when the conveying obstacle is removed, the reaction force F2 disappears, or the reaction force F2 is relatively less rigid than the compressed powder 14, such as Figure 2 As shown in (B), the flexural portion 28 will not grow further, and the conveying of the pressed powder 14 can continue.

[0031] On the other hand, if the generated reaction force F2 exceeds the rigidity of the powder 14, such as Figure 2 As shown in (C), the flexural portion 28 can grow to the point of buckling. That is, in the compressed powder 14, the flexural portion may break or collapse. In the case where multiple flexural portions 28 are formed, typically, the flexural portion 28 with the largest amount of flexure will reach buckling. When a buckling portion 30 is formed in the compressed powder 14, the extrusion force F1 may not be evenly transmitted to the downstream side beyond the buckling portion 30. As a result, the conveying of the compressed powder 14 will stop. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the buckling portion 30 to restore the conveying of the compressed powder 14.

[0032] Figure 3 (A) Figure 3 (D) is a schematic diagram illustrating the recovery operation of conveying the compressed powder 14. Figure 3 As shown in (A), when the pressed powder 14 has a bent portion 30, after the extrusion portion 26 is stopped, as Figure 3As shown in (B), the bent portion 30 is removed. At this time, a portion upstream of the bent position and a portion downstream of the bent position are also removed as bent portions 30. The end face 32a of the upstream portion 32 and the end face 34a of the downstream portion 34 are adjusted to be parallel to each other, with the upstream portion 32 located upstream of the bent portion 30 and the downstream portion 34 located downstream of the bent portion 30. Preferably, the end faces 32a and 34a are adjusted to be perpendicular to the conveying direction A.

[0033] In this state, such as Figure 3 As shown in (C), the extrusion based on the extrusion section 26 in the upstream section 32 is restarted. Thus, the upstream section 32 gradually approaches the downstream section 34. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown in (D), the end face 32a of the upstream portion 32 abuts against the end face 34a of the downstream portion 34. As a result, the extrusion force F1 from the extrusion portion 26 is also equally transmitted to the downstream portion 34, and the overall conveying of the compressed powder 14 is restarted.

[0034] In existing conveying mechanisms, the user performs the aforementioned recovery operation manually. That is, the user stops the extrusion section 26, disassembles the conveying path 18 to expose its interior, locates the position of the bending section 30, and manually cuts off the bending section 30, restarting the extrusion section 26. Therefore, the recovery operation is very cumbersome, labor-intensive, and time-consuming.

[0035] In response, the powder conveying mechanism 8 of this embodiment seeks to solve the above-mentioned problems by having the following configuration. Figure 4 (A) Figure 4 (C) is a schematic diagram used to explain the structure and operation of the powder conveying mechanism 8. Figure 4 As shown in (A), the powder conveying mechanism 8 of this embodiment includes a pressure initiation unit 36.

[0036] A flexure initiation unit 36 ​​is disposed in the conveying path 18, allowing the compressed powder 14 to easily flex locally, thus initiating flexure at that location. The flexure initiation unit 36 ​​can be disposed in the extrusion section 26 (see reference 18). Figure 1 (Any position on the downstream side.) In this embodiment, the bending initiation part 36 is formed by a portion of the top surface 24 of the tunnel of the transport path 18 that is partially raised. That is, the bending initiation part 36 is formed by a recess provided on the top surface 24.

[0037] When an extrusion force F1 and a reaction force F2 are applied to the pressed powder 14, deformation related to the flexure 28 may begin at multiple locations on the pressed powder 14. This deformation of the pressed powder 14 is at least temporarily suppressed by the top surface 24. On the other hand, the top surface 24 is locally raised at the bending initiation section 36. Therefore, outside the location where the bending initiation section 36 is located, the pressed powder 14 continues to deform at the location where the bending initiation section 36 is located, even while the deformation is suppressed by the top surface 24. As a result, the flexure 28 can be intentionally formed at the location where the bending initiation section 36 is located. Furthermore, the flexure 28 further grows into bending. That is, bending is initiated by the bending initiation section 36.

[0038] The difference in flexibility caused by the presence or absence of the top surface 24 during pressing is far greater than the difference caused by the physical properties (density or thickness) of the pressed powder 14. Therefore, by raising a portion of the top surface 24 and designating it as a bending initiator 36, bending can be initiated at a high frequency using the bending initiator 36. This limits the formation position of the bending portion 30 and reduces the burden and time of the recovery operation.

[0039] Furthermore, the bending initiating section 36 of this embodiment has a conical section 38, the height of which decreases as it moves downstream of the conveying path 18. The conical section 38 is positioned at the boundary between the bending initiating section 36 and its downstream portion, tilting in such a way that its height decreases as it moves downstream. If the flexural section 28 fails to bend due to the disappearance of the reaction force F2, it is conveyed to a position downstream of the bending initiating section 36. At this time, since the flexural section 28 abuts against the conical section 38, its top side is gradually pressed while it gradually moves downstream. This prevents the flexural section 28 from being sheared off by the steps of the top surface 24, causing the powder 16 to fall off.

[0040] Furthermore, the powder conveying mechanism 8 of this embodiment includes a sensor 40 and a removal unit 42. The sensor 40 detects the occurrence of bending in the bending initiation unit 36. The sensor 40 is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the formation of the bending unit 30, but it can be, for example, a known pressure sensor such as a piezoelectric sensor or a strain sensor. As an example, the sensor 40 is provided in the area corresponding to the bending initiation unit 36 ​​on the outer surface of the conveying path 18. It detects the pressure when the bending unit 30 presses against the bending initiation unit 36. Alternatively, the sensor 40 may be provided inside the conveying path 18. In this case, for example, the pressure when the bending unit 30 directly presses against the sensor 40 will be detected. The sensor 40 sends a signal indicating the detection result to the removal unit 42.

[0041] The removal unit 42 removes the bent portion 30 based on the detection result of the sensor 40. In this embodiment, the removal unit 42 includes a cutting unit 44, a collection unit 46, and a control unit 48. The cutting unit 44 cuts the bent portion 30 from adjacent portions (i.e., the upstream portion 32 and the downstream portion 34). As an example, the cutting unit 44 is composed of a pair of cutting blades that can move forward and backward relative to the bent initiating portion 36. The pair of cutting blades are arranged in the conveying direction A such that they clamp the bent initiating portion 36. The collection unit 46 collects the bent portion 30, which has been cut by the cutting unit 44. As an example, the collection unit 46 has a structure that allows the floor surface 20 opposite to the bent initiating portion 36 to slide. That is, the floor surface 20 opposite to the bent initiating portion 36 becomes an openable / closed floor. Due to the sliding of the floor surface 20, a collection hole 46a connecting the inside and outside of the conveying path 18 is formed. Furthermore, since the bent portion 30 falls from the recovery hole 46a, it is recovered. Alternatively, the floor surface 20 can open and close the recovery hole 46a by rotating around a hinge. That is, either a sliding door or a hinged door can be installed in the recovery hole 46a.

[0042] The cutting section 44 and the retraction section 46 are driven by the control section 48. That is, the control section 48 controls the advance and retreat of the cutting blade and the sliding of the floor surface 20. The control section 48, as hardware, is implemented by components or circuits, such as a computer's CPU or memory; as software, it is implemented by computer programs, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that the control section 48 can be implemented in various forms through a combination of hardware and software.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown in (A), when the bent portion 30 is formed, the control unit 48 can receive a signal from the sensor 40, thereby controlling the generation of the bent portion 30. When controlling the generation of the bent portion 30, the control unit 48, as shown in (A), controls the generation of the bent portion 30. Figure 4 As shown in (B), the recovery section 46 is slid, thereby creating the recovery hole 46a. Furthermore, the cutting section 44 moves from the recovery hole 46a toward the bending initiation section 36. As a result, the boundary between the bending section 30 and the upstream section 32, and the boundary between the bending section 30 and the downstream section 34, are severed, and the bending section 30 is cut off. The cut-off bending section 30 falls from the recovery hole 46a and is recovered. Then, the control section 48... Figure 4 As shown in (C), the cutting part 44 is retracted from the bending initiation part 36, and the recovery part 46 is slid, thereby closing the recovery hole 46a. As a result, the conveying of the compressed powder 14 can be restarted.

[0044] The extrusion section 26 is stopped when the crimping section 30 is formed, and the drive is restarted when the removal of the crimping section 30 is completed. The control of the extrusion section 26 can be performed by the control unit 48 or by other control units. Alternatively, the recovery unit 46 may have a mechanism that attracts the cut-off crimping section 30 together with or in place of the opening and closing gate. Furthermore, multiple crimping initiation units 36 may be provided.

[0045] As explained above, the powder conveying mechanism 8 of this embodiment includes: a conveying path 18 for compressing powder 16 into sheet-like powder 14; an extrusion section 26 that extrudes the powder 14 to the downstream side of the conveying path 18; and a bending initiation section 36 disposed in the conveying path 18 to facilitate local bending of the powder 14, thereby initiating bending at that location. Thus, by providing the bending initiation section 36, a reaction force F2 is input to the conveyed powder 14, and when the reaction force F2 exceeds the rigidity of the powder 14, a bending section 30 is formed at a predetermined location on the powder 14. This reduces the burden on the recovery operation of the conveyed powder 14 and shortens the operation time. Therefore, the operating rate of the powder conveying mechanism 8 can be increased. Furthermore, as a result, the throughput of the powder forming apparatus 1 equipped with the powder conveying mechanism 8 can be increased.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the conveying path 18 is a tunnel extending along the conveying direction A of the compressed powder 14. This makes it easier to maintain the shape of the compressed powder 14 during conveying. Additionally, the bending initiation section 36 is formed by a portion of the top surface 24 of the conveying path 18 that is partially raised. This allows for the initiation of bending with a simple structure.

[0047] Furthermore, the bending initiator 36 has a conical portion 38, the height of which decreases as it moves towards the downstream side of the conveying path 18. Thus, the bending portion 28, formed by the bending initiator 36, can gradually decrease in height as it moves downstream without bending. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the top of the bending portion 28 from being shaved off and the powder 16 from falling off. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of blockages in the conveying path 18.

[0048] Furthermore, the powder conveying mechanism 8 of this embodiment includes: a sensor 40 that detects the occurrence of compression in the compression initiation unit 36; and a removal unit 42 that removes the compressed portion 30 based on the detection result of the sensor 40. The removal unit 42 further includes: a cutting unit 44 that cuts the compressed portion 30 from other parts; and a recovery unit 46 that recovers the cut-off compressed portion 30. This automates the removal operation of the compressed portion 30. Therefore, the burden on the recovery operation of the powder conveying 14 can be further reduced, and the operation time can be further shortened. As a result, the operating rate of the powder conveying mechanism 8 can be further improved.

[0049] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above. The foregoing embodiments are not merely specific examples of implementing this disclosure. The content of the embodiments does not limit the technical scope of this disclosure, and various design changes, such as alterations, additions, and deletions of constituent elements, can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims. New embodiments with design changes combine the effects of both the combined embodiments and the variations. In the foregoing embodiments, the phrases "in this embodiment" and "in this embodiment" are added to emphasize the possibility of such design changes, but design changes are permissible even in the absence of such descriptions. Any combination of constituent elements included in each embodiment is valid as a solution of this disclosure. The shadows attached to the cross-sections of the drawings do not limit the material of the object to which the shadows are attached.

[0050] (Variation Example 1)

[0051] Figure 5 (A) is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the powder conveying mechanism 8 in Modified Example 1. The powder conveying mechanism 8 in this modified example has a bending initiation section 36, which is formed by a portion of the top surface 24 of the conveying path 18 that is partially open. That is, the bending initiation section 36 is formed by a through hole provided in the top surface 24. According to this modified example, bending can also be initiated at a specific location. Therefore, the same effect as in the embodiment can be achieved. Furthermore, in this modified example, a cone portion 38 can also be provided.

[0052] (Variation Example 2)

[0053] Figure 5(B) is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the powder conveying mechanism 8 in Modified Example 2. The powder conveying mechanism 8 in this modified example has a bending initiation section 36, which is formed by a portion of the top surface 24 of the conveying path 18 where the flexibility is locally increased. That is, the top surface 24 has a low-flexibility section 50 and a high-flexibility section 52, which has higher flexibility than the low-flexibility section 50. Furthermore, the high-flexibility section 52 constitutes the bending initiation section 36. The low-flexibility section 50 can be made of, for example, metals such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy, or ceramic materials such as silicon nitride, alumina, or zirconium oxide. The high-flexibility section 52 can be made of, for example, polyethylene (PE) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS) as general-purpose plastics, or resins such as polyoxymethylene (POM) or polycarbonate (PC) as engineering plastics. According to this modified example, bending can also be initiated at a specific location. Therefore, the same effect as in the embodiment can be achieved. In addition, a cone portion 38 can also be provided in this modified example.

[0054] Alternatively, the implementation method may be determined by the items described below.

[0055] [Project 1]

[0056] A powder conveying mechanism (8) includes:

[0057] The conveying path (18) through which powder (16) is compressed into sheet-like compressed powder (14),

[0058] The extrusion section (26) conveys the compressed powder (14) downstream of the conveying path (18) by extruding the compressed powder (14), and

[0059] A buckling initiation unit (36) is disposed in the conveying path (18) to facilitate local bending of the powder (14), thereby initiating buckling at that location.

[0060] [Project 2]

[0061] As described in Project 1, the powder conveying mechanism (8) includes,

[0062] The conveying path (18) is a tunnel extending along the conveying direction (A) of the compressed powder (14);

[0063] The bending initiation section (36) is composed of a portion of the top surface (24) of the conveying path (18) that is locally raised.

[0064] [Project 3]

[0065] As described in Project 2, the powder conveying mechanism (8) wherein,

[0066] The bending initiation part (36) has a cone (38) which is lower in height the further downstream it is from the conveying path (18).

[0067] [Project 4]

[0068] As described in Project 1, the powder conveying mechanism (8) includes,

[0069] The conveying path (18) is a tunnel extending along the conveying direction (A) of the compressed powder (14);

[0070] The bending initiation section (36) is composed of a portion of the top surface (24) of the conveying path (18) that is partially opened.

[0071] [Project 5]

[0072] As described in Project 1, the powder conveying mechanism (8) includes,

[0073] The conveying path (18) is a tunnel extending along the conveying direction (A) of the compressed powder (14);

[0074] The bending initiation part (36) is composed of a portion of the top surface (24) of the conveying path (18) that is locally raised in terms of flexibility.

[0075] [Project 6]

[0076] The powder conveying mechanism (8) as described in any one of items 1 to 5 includes:

[0077] Sensor (40) detects the occurrence of buckling in the buckling initiation section (36), and

[0078] The removal section (42) removes the bent section (30) based on the detection result of the sensor (40).

[0079] [Project 7]

[0080] As described in Project 6, the powder conveying mechanism (8) includes,

[0081] The removal part (42) has:

[0082] The cutting portion (44) cuts off the bent portion (30) from the other parts, and

[0083] The recycling section (46) recycles the cut-off bent portion (30).

[0084] [Project 8]

[0085] A powder forming device (1) includes:

[0086] The pressure roller (6) compresses the powder (16) into a sheet shape, and

[0087] The powder conveying mechanism (8) described in any one of items 1 to 7;

[0088] The pressure roller (6) also serves as the extrusion section (26) of the powder conveying mechanism (8).

[0089] [Industrial Availability]

[0090] This disclosure can be used in powder conveying mechanisms and powder forming devices.

[0091] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0092] 1. Powder forming device, 6. Pressure roller, 8. Powder conveying mechanism, 14. Powder, 16. Powder, 18. Conveying path, 24. Top surface, 26. Extrusion section, 30. Curling section, 36. Curling initiation section, 38. Cone section, 40. Sensor, 42. Removal section, 44. Cutting section, 46. Recycling section.

Claims

1. A compressed powder conveying mechanism comprising: a conveying path of a compressed powder in which a powder is compressed and formed into a sheet shape, an extruding section that conveys the compressed powder to a downstream side of the conveying path by extruding the compressed powder, and a buckling initiation section that is provided to the conveying path to easily cause the compressed powder to locally flex, thereby initiating buckling due to a reaction force in a direction opposite to an extruding force of the extruding section exceeding rigidity of the compressed powder at the position.

2. The compressed powder conveying mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: the conveying path is in a tunnel shape extending in a conveying direction of the compressed powder; and the buckling initiation section is constituted by a portion in which a top surface of the conveying path is locally raised.

3. The compressed powder conveying mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: the buckling initiation section has a tapered portion that is lower in height toward the downstream side of the conveying path.

4. The compressed powder conveying mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: the conveying path is in a tunnel shape extending in a conveying direction of the compressed powder; and the buckling initiation section is constituted by a portion in which a top surface of the conveying path is locally opened.

5. The compressed powder conveying mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: the conveying path is in a tunnel shape extending in a conveying direction of the compressed powder; and the buckling initiation section is constituted by a portion in which a flexibility of a top surface of the conveying path is locally raised.

6. The compressed powder conveying mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: a sensor that detects occurrence of the buckling in the buckling initiation section, and a removal section that removes the buckling portion based on a detection result of the sensor.

7. The compressed powder conveying mechanism according to claim 6, wherein: the removal section has: a cutting section that cuts the buckling portion from other portions, and a recovery section that recovers the cut buckling portion.

8. A compressed powder forming apparatus comprising: a compression roller that compresses and forms a powder into a sheet shape, and the compressed powder conveying mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7; the compression roller serving as the extruding section of the compressed powder conveying mechanism.

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