A phase change material feeding mechanism and a microparticle extruder

Abstract

This invention provides a phase change material feeding mechanism and a microparticle extruder. The phase change material feeding mechanism includes a hopper, a cover plate, a mixing mechanism, a positive pressure component, and a circulating drying component. The cover plate is detachably connected to the top of the hopper. The mixing mechanism is mounted on the cover plate and has a mixing end for mixing the material in the hopper. The positive pressure component has an injection end connected to the mixing end for injecting inert gas into the hopper following the mixing of the mixing end, thus creating a positive pressure environment within the hopper. This invention uses the cover plate to seal the top of the hopper, forming a sealed structure. The cover plate rotates and mixes with the mixing mechanism, uniformly injecting inert gas to provide a positive pressure environment within the hopper and prevent the entry of external humid air. After reaching the positive pressure condition, the circulating drying component guides the internal gas to circulate and dry the material. Combined with the mixing structure, this provides an air gap, effectively guiding gas flow and internal drying.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of phase change material preparation technology, specifically to a phase change material feeding mechanism and a microparticle extruder. Background Technology

[0002] Phase change materials (PCMs) are substances that undergo a physical state change (e.g., from solid to liquid, or vice versa) at a specific temperature (phase change temperature), absorbing or releasing a large amount of latent heat in the process. Extruders are commonly used equipment in the preparation of PCM microparticles, allowing PCMs to be combined with other materials to prepare composite PCMs. For example, Chinese patent CN202222905683.8 discloses a PCM extrusion device, including an extruder body and a feeding mechanism connected to the feed end of the extruder body. The feeding mechanism assists in accelerating the transport of the PCM into the extruder body.

[0003] However, inorganic hydrated salt PCM is prone to deliquescence when it enters the melting and plasticizing section of the extruder. Deliquescence causes some of the water of crystallization to detach from the crystal structure, which changes the chemical formula of the hydrated salt and significantly reduces the latent heat of phase transition. In addition, the deliquescent particles agglomerate and can easily cause blockage at the feeding point. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and propose a phase change material feeding mechanism and a microparticle extruder to solve the technical problem that inorganic hydrated salt PCM is prone to deliquescence when it is fed into the melting and plasticizing section of the extruder.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a phase change material feeding mechanism, comprising:

[0007] hopper;

[0008] A cover plate, which is detachably attached to the top of the hopper;

[0009] A mixing mechanism, which is mounted on the cover plate, has a mixing end for mixing the material in the hopper;

[0010] A positive pressure component, having an injection end connected to the stirring end, for injecting inert gas into the hopper following the stirring of the stirring end, and creating a positive pressure environment within the hopper; and

[0011] A circulating drying assembly, mounted on the cover plate, is used to draw gas from the hopper, circulate it, and dry it.

[0012] In some embodiments, the positive pressure assembly includes a nitrogen storage tank and an on / off valve, the on / off valve being installed at the opening of the nitrogen storage tank and connected to the stirring end via a pipeline.

[0013] In some embodiments, the mixing mechanism includes a rotary drive mechanism, a rotary joint, and a stirring paddle. The rotary drive mechanism is mounted on the cover plate. The rotary joint has a fixed end and a rotating end, and the fixed end and the rotating end are respectively provided with an air inlet and an air outlet. The fixed end of the rotary joint is connected to the cover plate, and the air inlet is connected to the on / off valve through a pipe. The rotating end of the rotary joint is connected to the stirring paddle. The stirring paddle has an internal air passage, and the outside of the stirring paddle has several exhaust holes communicating with the air passage. The air outlet is connected to the air passage. The movable end of the rotary drive mechanism is connected to the rotating end of the rotary joint, driving the rotating end of the rotary joint to rotate.

[0014] In some embodiments, the rotary joint has two air outlets, and the circulating drying assembly has an air blowing end and an air extraction end for blowing air and extraction air respectively. The extraction end is disposed on the cover plate, and the air blowing end is disposed on another air outlet of the rotary joint, forming a reverse gas internal circulation flow path in the hopper where air is discharged from the lower part and extracted from the top.

[0015] In some embodiments, the circulating drying assembly includes an exhaust pipe, an exhaust pipe, a circulating air pump, and a drying assembly. The drying assembly is disposed on the exhaust pipe. The exhaust pipe and the exhaust pipe are respectively connected to the air inlet and air outlet of the circulating air pump. The other end of the exhaust pipe is connected to the corresponding air inlet of the rotary joint. The exhaust pipe is disposed on the top of the cover plate.

[0016] In some embodiments, both air outlets are equipped with solenoid valves.

[0017] In some embodiments, the bottom of the hopper is provided with a rotary valve.

[0018] In some embodiments, the drying assembly includes a drying chamber and a desiccant pack, the drying chamber having a removable drawer, the desiccant pack being inserted inside the drawer.

[0019] In some embodiments, a cooling mechanism is also included, which is disposed on the exhaust pipe or the exhaust pipe for cooling the circulating gas.

[0020] Secondly, this utility model also provides a microparticle extruder, including a phase change material feeding mechanism as described in any one of the above.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the phase change material feeding mechanism provided by this utility model covers the top of the hopper with a cover plate to form a sealed structure. Following the mixing and rotation of the mixing mechanism, inert gas is uniformly injected to provide a positive pressure environment inside the hopper and prevent external humid air from entering. After the positive pressure condition is reached, the internal gas is guided to circulate and dry through the circulating drying component. Together with the stirring structure, it can provide an air gap to fully guide the gas flow and internal drying, while avoiding blockage. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the phase change material feeding mechanism provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the phase change material feeding mechanism provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the phase change material feeding mechanism provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a front sectional view of the phase change material feeding mechanism provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a partial schematic diagram of the phase change material feeding mechanism provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0028] 1. Hopper; 101. Rotary valve;

[0029] 2. Cover plate;

[0030] 3. Mixing mechanism; 31. Rotary drive mechanism; 32. Rotary joint; 33. Stirring paddle; 331. Air passage; 332. Exhaust port; 301. Air inlet; 302. Air outlet; 303. Solenoid valve;

[0031] 4. Positive pressure assembly; 41. Nitrogen storage tank; 42. Opening and closing valve;

[0032] 5. Circulating drying assembly; 51. Exhaust pipe; 52. Exhaust pipe; 53. Circulating air pump; 54. Drying assembly; 541. Drying chamber; 542. Desiccant pack; 543. Drawer;

[0033] 6. Cooling mechanism; 61. Cooling medium circulation joint; 62. Cooling medium circulation pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0035] To address the technical problem of deliquescence in inorganic hydrated salt PCMs when fed into the melting and plasticizing section of an extruder, this invention provides a phase change material feeding mechanism. This mechanism creates a sealed structure by covering the top of the hopper with a cover plate. Following the mixing mechanism's rotation, inert gas is uniformly injected to provide a positive pressure environment within the hopper, preventing the entry of external humid air. After achieving positive pressure, a circulating drying component guides the internal gas circulation and drying process. This, combined with the mixing structure, provides an air gap to effectively guide gas flow and internal drying while preventing blockages.

[0036] Please see Figure 1-5 This utility model provides a phase change material feeding mechanism, which includes a hopper 1, a cover plate 2, a mixing mechanism 3, a positive pressure component 4, and a circulating drying component 5. The cover plate 2 is detachably connected to the top of the hopper 1. It is threaded by an external thread on the outside of the hopper 1 and an internal thread on the inside of the cover plate 2. A sealing ring is provided on the inside of the cover plate 2. After the cover plate 2 is threadedly connected to the hopper 1, it is sealed by the sealing ring. A pressure relief valve is provided on the cover plate 2 or the hopper 1 to facilitate disassembly by first releasing pressure. The mixing mechanism 3 is installed on the cover plate 2 and has a mixing end for mixing the material in the hopper 1. Through mixing, it can... The mixing of materials is facilitated, and the stirring action provides an air gap to facilitate gas flow. The positive pressure component 4 has an injection end connected to the stirring end, which is used to inject inert gas into the hopper 1 in accordance with the stirring action of the stirring end, and to form a positive pressure environment in the hopper 1, so that the gas can fully contact the material and meet the purpose of rushing into the hopper 1 to provide positive pressure. The circulating drying component 5 is installed on the cover plate 2, which is used to draw the gas in the hopper 1 for circulation and drying. Under the suction of the circulating drying component 5, the gas is circulated in the hopper 1 and dried. The flow of gas carries moisture for drying, further improving the drying environment in the hopper.

[0037] In this embodiment, the mixing mechanism 3, the positive pressure component 4, and the circulating drying component 5 are all installed on the cover plate 2, which makes it easy to add them to the original hopper 1 without making too many adjustments to the original structure, simplifying the cost of equipment upgrades and replacements. In addition, it is easy to adapt and install them on old equipment for use.

[0038] Understandably, the connection structure between the cover plate 2 and the hopper 1 can also adopt other locking structures, and the positive pressure component 4 and the circulating drying component 5 can also be installed inside the hopper 1, separate from the mixing mechanism 3. Positive pressure is provided inside the hopper 1, and the internal gas can circulate under positive pressure.

[0039] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 4 To provide inert gas for injection into the hopper 1, the positive pressure assembly 4 includes a nitrogen storage tank 41 and an on / off valve 42. The nitrogen storage tank 41 is a high-pressure tank. The on / off valve 42 is installed at the opening of the nitrogen storage tank 41 and is connected to the stirring end via a pipeline. When the on / off valve 42 is opened, high-pressure nitrogen passes through the on / off valve 42 and the pipeline, and is discharged from the vent on the stirring end into the hopper 1, thus increasing the internal pressure. After the high-pressure tank is opened, nitrogen is continuously injected into the sealed hopper. The on / off valve 42 can be a pressure reducing valve.

[0040] Furthermore, in order to automatically close the opening and closing valve 42 in a set micro-pressure environment, a pressure sensor can be installed at the bottom of the cover plate 2 to detect the pressure value, and a controller can be installed on the cover plate 2. The controller, the pressure sensor and the opening and closing valve 42 are electrically connected. According to the set pressure value, the opening and closing valve 42 is controlled. The above control method is a conventional operation method of the prior art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0041] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 4 The mixing mechanism 3 includes a rotary drive mechanism 31, a rotary joint 32, and a stirring paddle 33. The rotary drive mechanism 31 is mounted on the cover plate 2, and its rotary drive shaft extends through the cover plate 2 to the bottom of the cover plate 2. The rotary joint 32 has a fixed end and a rotating end, and the fixed end and the rotating end are respectively provided with an air inlet 301 and an air outlet 302. The fixed end of the rotary joint 32 is connected to the cover plate 2, and the air inlet 301 is connected to the opening and closing valve 42 through a pipe. The rotating end of the rotary joint 32 is connected to the stirring paddle 33. The stirring paddle 33 has an internal air passage 331, and the outside of the stirring paddle 33 has several exhaust holes 332 that communicate with the air passage 331. The air outlet 302 communicates with the air passage 331. The movable end of the rotary drive mechanism 31 is connected to the rotating end of the rotary joint 32, driving the rotating end of the rotary joint 32 to rotate. Among them, the air passage 331, the air inlet 301 and the air outlet 302 of the rotary joint 32 constitute the passage for inert gas to be injected into the hopper 1.

[0042] Understandably, the rotary joint 32 can be a dual-pass rotary joint, with two input passages, allowing at least inert gas to be injected into the gas flow channel 331 through the rotary joint 32 and discharged from the outlet 302.

[0043] It should be noted that the rotary drive mechanism 31 can be a drive motor. The output of the drive motor is connected to the rotating end of the rotary joint 32, driving the rotating end of the rotary joint 32 to rotate, while the fixed end of the rotary joint 32 remains stationary, providing a stable gas supply. Alternatively, the rotary drive mechanism 31 can also use a drive motor and a transmission assembly for transmission. The drive motor is connected to the input end of the transmission assembly, and the output end of the transmission assembly is connected to the rotating end of the rotary joint 32 to drive its rotation. For example, a transmission belt and transmission pulleys could be used. One transmission pulley is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor, and the other transmission pulley is coaxially connected to the rotating end of the rotary joint 32. The transmission belt is sleeved on the outside of the two transmission pulleys for transmission.

[0044] Furthermore, in order to use a set of injection flow paths for gas circulation and nitrogen injection, the rotary joint 32 has two outlets 302. The circulating drying component 5 has an air blowing end and an air extraction end for air blowing and air extraction, respectively. Its extraction end is set on the cover plate 2, and its air blowing end is set on the other outlet 302 of the rotary joint 32, forming a reverse gas internal circulation flow path in the hopper 1 with air outlet at the bottom and air extraction at the top. That is, after nitrogen injection and reaching a positive pressure environment, nitrogen injection is stopped, and the circulating drying component 5 is started again. The air extraction end extracts air, which is discharged from the air blowing end through the air passage 331 and the exhaust port 332 after passing through the pipeline. This can achieve the effect of uniformly distributing the circulating airflow injection.

[0045] Both of the gas outlets 302 are equipped with solenoid valves 303 to facilitate switching of the circuit and switching between nitrogen injection and gas drying cycle.

[0046] Furthermore, the circulating drying assembly 5 includes an extraction pipe 51, an outlet pipe 52, a circulating air pump 53, and a drying assembly 54. The drying assembly 54 is disposed on the outlet pipe 52. The extraction pipe 51 and the outlet pipe 52 are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet ends of the circulating air pump 53. The other end of the outlet pipe 52 is connected to the corresponding inlet 301 of the rotary joint 32. The extraction pipe 51 is disposed on the top of the cover plate 2. During the circulation of the circulating airflow through the entire circulation path, the gas is drawn in from the extraction pipe 51, guided through the circulating air pump 53 to the outlet pipe 52, circulated through the outlet pipe 52 to the drying assembly 54 for drying, and then enters the rotary joint 32, and is discharged through the air passage 331 and the exhaust port 332, forming a circulation.

[0047] Understandably, the extraction pipe 51 can be a ring pipe.

[0048] Furthermore, the drying assembly 54 includes a drying chamber 541 and a desiccant pack 542. The drying chamber 541 is provided with a removable drawer 543, and the desiccant pack 542 is inserted into the drawer 543. The desiccant pack 542 can be easily replaced by pulling out the drawer 543. By allowing gas to circulate and come into contact with the desiccant pack 542, a drying and moisture-absorbing effect on the air can be achieved.

[0049] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 The bottom of the hopper 1 is equipped with a rotary valve 101. The rotary valve can be an existing rotary valve such as RVG250, which can achieve the purpose of rotating and discharging materials, avoid causing too much fluctuation in the internal air pressure, and reduce the impact of nitrogen gas on subsequent extrusion.

[0050] In addition, to facilitate material feeding, a feeding valve can be installed on the cover plate 2 for feeding, and the valve can be closed after feeding.

[0051] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 5 In order to provide air cooling effect, a cooling mechanism 6 is also included. The cooling mechanism 6 is disposed on the exhaust pipe 51 or the exhaust pipe 52 and is used to cool the circulating gas.

[0052] The cooling mechanism 6 can use water cooling to cool the exhaust pipe 51. The cooling medium circulation pipe 62, which surrounds the outside of the exhaust pipe 51, is connected to the water cooling box through two cooling medium circulation joints 61 for introducing and discharging the cooling medium, respectively, so as to carry out water cooling circulation.

[0053] Understandably, the cooling mechanism 6 can use existing mature equipment with cooling effects such as water cooling or liquid cooling. In the air circulation, the gas is cooled, which can form a circulating cooling effect on the inside of the hopper 1 and control the internal temperature.

[0054] To better understand this utility model, the following is combined with... Figures 1 to 5 The technical solution of this utility model is described in detail as follows: Phase change material and other composite materials are added into hopper 1, and then the cover plate 2 is closed for sealing. The raw materials in hopper 1 are stirred by the stirring paddle 33 of the stirring mechanism 3, and the opening and closing valve 42 is opened simultaneously. Nitrogen gas is injected into the gas passage 331 through the nitrogen storage tank 41, enters the interior of hopper 1 through the exhaust port 332, and closes the opening and closing valve 42 when the positive pressure set value is reached inside. Then, the circulating air pump 53 is turned on to draw air from the air extraction pipe 51. The air flows through the gas passage 331 through the circulating air pump 53 and flows out through the exhaust port 332, and circulates in hopper 1. During the circulation, the gas flows through the drying box 541 and is dried by the desiccant pack 542.

[0055] This utility model provides a microparticle extruder, including a phase change material feeding mechanism as described in any of the above embodiments. The microparticle extruder adopts a twin-screw extruder and is connected to the melting and plasticizing section of the extruder through the phase change material feeding mechanism to feed the raw material with moisture protection and dehumidification, thereby ensuring the performance of inorganic hydrated salt PCM in the preparation stage.

[0056] The specific embodiments of this utility model described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made based on the technical concept of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A phase change material feeding mechanism, characterized in that, include: hopper; A cover plate, which is detachably attached to the top of the hopper; A mixing mechanism, which is mounted on the cover plate, has a mixing end for mixing the material in the hopper; A positive pressure component having an injection end connected to the stirring end for injecting inert gas into the hopper following the stirring of the stirring end, and forming a positive pressure environment in the hopper; as well as A circulating drying assembly, mounted on the cover plate, is used to draw gas from the hopper, circulate it, and dry it.

2. The phase change material feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positive pressure component includes a nitrogen storage tank and an on / off valve. The on / off valve is installed at the opening of the nitrogen storage tank and connected to the stirring end via a pipeline.

3. The phase change material feeding mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mixing mechanism includes a rotary drive mechanism, a rotary joint, and a stirring paddle. The rotary drive mechanism is mounted on the cover plate. The rotary joint has a fixed end and a rotating end, with an air inlet and an air outlet respectively on the fixed end and the rotating end. The fixed end of the rotary joint is connected to the cover plate, and the air inlet is connected to the on / off valve via a pipe. The rotating end of the rotary joint is connected to the stirring paddle. The stirring paddle has an internal air passage, and several exhaust holes communicating with the air passage are opened on the outside of the stirring paddle. The air outlet is connected to the air passage. The movable end of the rotary drive mechanism is connected to the rotating end of the rotary joint, driving the rotating end of the rotary joint to rotate.

4. The phase change material feeding mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The rotary joint has two air outlets, and the circulating drying component has an air blowing end and an air extraction end for blowing air and extraction air respectively. The extraction end is located on the cover plate, and the air blowing end is located on the other air outlet of the rotary joint, forming a reverse gas internal circulation flow path in the hopper where air is discharged from the lower part and extracted from the top.

5. The phase change material feeding mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, The circulating drying assembly includes an exhaust pipe, an exhaust pipe, a circulating air pump, and a drying component. The drying component is mounted on the exhaust pipe. The exhaust pipe and the exhaust pipe are respectively connected to the air inlet and air outlet of the circulating air pump. The other end of the exhaust pipe is connected to the corresponding air inlet of the rotary joint. The exhaust pipe is mounted on the top of the cover plate.

6. The phase change material feeding mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, Both of the air outlets are equipped with solenoid valves.

7. The phase change material feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the hopper is equipped with a rotary valve.

8. The phase change material feeding mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drying assembly includes a drying chamber and a desiccant pack. The drying chamber has a removable drawer, and the desiccant pack is inserted inside the drawer.

9. The phase change material feeding mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a cooling mechanism, which is disposed on the exhaust pipe or the exhaust pipe and is used to cool the circulating gas.

10. A microparticle extruder, characterized in that, Includes the phase change material feeding mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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