Powder container

Abstract

The powder container includes: a container main body for containing fine powder; a lid portion capable of opening and closing an opening portion of the container main body, and capable of airtightly closing the opening portion of the container main body; a pipe having one end connected to the lid portion and opening on an inner side surface of the container main body of the lid portion, and capable of attracting gas in the container main body to reduce pressure; a filter portion having a filter member capable of preventing the fine powder from passing installed in a frame body in a circular ring shape, the frame body being placed on a protruding portion in a circular ring shape protruding from an inner peripheral surface of the container main body at the opening portion, and being disposed at the opening portion and covered by the lid portion; and a sealing member disposed between the frame body and the protruding portion and between the frame body and the lid portion, respectively, and airtightly sealing the protruding portion and the lid portion from the frame body, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a powder container. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a rotary container mixer-dryer in which a filter section is provided at the connection between the circumference of the container supplying the internal processing section for powders or granules and the suction pipe that draws in gas from the container to reduce pressure. The container of the rotary container mixer-dryer is sealed in an airtight manner by means of a suction port that can be opened and closed by a lid, and a suction pipe is connected to the lid in such a way that the front end of the suction pipe does not protrude into the container.

[0003] In addition, a filter section is provided on the inner side of the cover so as to cover the suction front end face of the suction tube, and an ejection pipe is provided for ejecting gas from the outer side of the container toward the inner side toward the filter section.

[0004] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-292102.

[0005] However, when the concentration of powders (especially flammable solid particles) in the air increases, it can sometimes cause powder hazards, which are caused by obstructions or the composition of the powder. For example, if the cap is removed to maintain the piping connected to the container containing the powder, thus releasing the airtightness of the container, the powder inside the container may leak out, creating an environment that can lead to powder hazards. Therefore, there is room for improvement in suppressing powder leakage during the maintenance of the piping connected to the container. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention was made in view of the above facts, and its purpose is to provide a powder container that can suppress internal powder leakage during the maintenance of connected piping and other protection purposes.

[0007] A powder container according to a first embodiment for achieving the above-mentioned objective comprises: a container body for containing fine powder particles; a lid capable of opening and closing an opening of the container body, thereby achieving an airtight seal by closing the opening of the container body; a pipe, one end of which is connected to the lid and has an opening on the inner side of the container body of the lid, capable of drawing in gas within the container body for depressurization; a filter section, in which a filter member capable of preventing the passage of the fine powder particles is mounted on an annular frame, the frame being placed on an annular protrusion protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the container body at the opening of the container body, disposed at the opening and covered by the lid; and a sealing member, respectively disposed between the frame and the protrusion, and between the frame and the lid, thereby airtightly sealing the protrusion and the lid to the frame.

[0008] In the powder container of the first embodiment, a cover is provided at the opening of the container body containing the fine powder, which can be opened and closed. The cover is airtightly sealed by closing the opening of the container body. In addition, at one end of the cover connected to a pipe, the pipe has an opening on the inner side of the container body of the cover, which can draw in the gas inside the container body to reduce pressure.

[0009] Here, a filter section with a filter element capable of preventing fine powder particles from passing through the frame is disposed in the container body. The filter section is mounted on a protrusion that protrudes in a ring shape from the inner circumferential surface of the opening of the container body and is disposed within the opening, and is covered by a cover. In addition, sealing members are respectively disposed between the frame of the filter section and the protrusion and between the filter section and the cover, thereby airtightly sealing the frame of the filter section and the protrusion and between the filter section and the cover.

[0010] Therefore, when gas inside the container body is drawn out by the piping, the use of the filter element prevents fine powder from being drawn into the piping, thus improving the maintainability of the piping. In addition, since sealing members are provided between the protrusion inside the container body and the frame of the filter element, and between the cover and the frame of the filter element, fine powder will not leak out of the container body when the cover is removed from the container body.

[0011] The present invention has the effect of preventing the leakage of tiny powder particles from the container body even after the lid that seals the container body is removed and the opening is released. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the container involved in this embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the filter assembly.

[0014] Figure 3 A top view showing a general outline of the filter components. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] The powder container and the container 10, which serves as a drying container in this embodiment, are suitable for containing microparticles that are fine powders, slurries formed by the turbidity of microparticles (fine powders), or substrates that support microparticles by coating such slurries, which are objects to be processed (hereinafter referred to as processing objects). In addition, the container 10 is suitable for processing such as drying the contained processing objects.

[0017] As a processing object contained within container 10, it can be used for applications such as slurries containing active materials used in secondary batteries like lithium-ion batteries as microparticles, or substrates coated with slurries for forming electrodes. Container 10 can be used for drying processing of the processing object.

[0018] It should be noted that the treatment object can be made of microparticles containing flammable or combustible volatile components, slurries containing flammable volatile components, and substrates supporting them. Furthermore, the treatment object can be made of at least microparticles, slurries containing microparticles that have become turbid, or various substrates supporting them.

[0019] exist Figure 1 In the figure, a cross-sectional view is used to show the general structure of container 10.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, container 10 has a container body 12 and a lid 14 as a cover. In the accompanying drawings, the direction of the axis (center line) C of the container body 12 is indicated by arrow S. The axis of the container body 12 is in the direction of arrow S, and one direction of the axis is upward. Furthermore, the direction of the container body 12 about its axis will be defined as circumferential, and the direction intersecting the axis of the container body 12 will be defined as radial.

[0021] The container body 12 is formed as a cylindrical peripheral wall 16, one side of which is closed by a bottom plate 18 in the shape of a roughly circular plate, and the other side of which is open as a roughly circular opening 20. The overall shape (appearance) of the container body 12 is formed as a bottomed, roughly cylindrical shape.

[0022] The cover 14 is formed in a generally circular plate shape, and its diameter is larger than that of the container body 12, making it large enough to close the opening 20 of the container body 12. The cover 14 is positioned opposite the opening 20 of the container body 12, and its axis overlaps with the axis of the container body 12. Furthermore, the container body 12 can open and close the opening 20 through the cover 14, which is positioned to close the opening 20 of the container body 12. By pressurizing the container body 12 during installation, an airtight seal can be achieved.

[0023] An exhaust section 22 is provided on the cover 14. The exhaust section 22 includes a pipe 24, one end of which is connected to a pressure reducing unit, a negative pressure supply unit, or a suction unit (not shown; hereinafter referred to as the suction unit). The other end of the pipe 24 is connected to the cover 14, and the pipe 24 has an opening on the side of the container body 12 of the cover 14. In addition, a connector (quick connector) 26 is installed on the end of the pipe 24 opposite to the cover 14, and a valve (ball valve) 28 is installed between the cover 14 and the connector 26.

[0024] On the valve 28, couplings 30 are installed on the inlet and outlet sides respectively. A pipe 24A is screwed onto one coupling 30 to the cover 14 side of the valve 28. Conversely, a pipe 24B is screwed onto the connector 26 side of the valve 28 to the other coupling 30. Furthermore, pipe 24B is screwed onto a coupling 32 installed on the connector 26 on the opposite side from the valve 28. Thus, in the exhaust section 22, communication is possible between the container body 12 and the connector 26 via pipes 24 (pipe 24A, valve 28, and pipe 24B).

[0025] The valve 28 can open and close the flow path of the piping 24 (between piping 24A and piping 24B) and adjust the opening area of ​​the flow path by rotating the operating handle 28A. In addition, the piping (not shown) connected to the suction unit at one end of the connector 26 can be installed and removed. The connector 26 connects the suction unit to the piping 24 by connecting the piping and tightly seals the piping 24 by removing the piping.

[0026] Thus, in container 10, with the suction unit connected to connector 26, valve 28 is opened, thereby allowing the gas in container body 12 to be drawn out via pipe 24 and depressurized. By closing valve 28, airtightness (depressurized state) can be maintained.

[0027] On the other hand, the container 10 has a filter assembly 40 as a filter section, which is installed at the opening 20 of the container body 12. Figure 2 In the diagram, a radial cross-sectional view is used to represent the outline of filter assembly 40. Figure 3 In the diagram, a top view of the axial view is used to represent the general outline of the filter assembly 40.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, an annular protrusion 34 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the container body 12. The protrusion 34 protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the container body 12, and the protrusion 34 is formed all over the circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the container body 12.

[0029] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the filter assembly 40 has an annular frame 42. The outer diameter of the frame 42 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the opening 20 of the container body 12. The frame 42 is inserted into and installed in the container body 12 through the opening 20. At this time, the filter assembly 40 abuts against the protrusion 34 inside the container body 12 and is disposed within the opening 20.

[0030] In the filter assembly 40, multiple filters (filter materials) are arranged as filter components within the frame 42. The filter assembly 40 is configured to obtain the required particle compensation probability for the tiny particles contained within the container body 12.

[0031] As an example, an ULPA (Ultra Low Penetration Air) filter 44 is used among the filters provided in the filter assembly 40. Additionally, a medium-performance filter 46 and a porous metal filter (or mesh filter) 48 are disposed in the filter assembly 40, separated from the ULPA filter 44. Therefore, in the filter assembly 40, the porous metal filter 48, the medium-performance filter 46, the ULPA filter 44, the medium-performance filter 46, and the porous metal filter 48 are stacked in this order.

[0032] The porous metal filter 48 suppresses damage such as abrasions in the ULPA filter 44 and the medium-performance filter 46, while the medium-performance filter 46 suppresses damage such as abrasions caused by the porous metal filter 48 in the ULPA filter 44.

[0033] The peripheral portions of the ULPA filter 44, the medium-performance filter 46, and the porous metal filter 48 are embedded in the frame 42 and installed by bonding with adhesives or the like.

[0034] Furthermore, in the filter assembly 40, as a sealing component, a gasket 50 is disposed on one axial side (upper side), and a gasket 52 is disposed on the other axial side. Gaskets 50 and 52 are made of silicone sponge or the like and are formed into annular shapes with an inner diameter that is the same as or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the frame 42, and an outer diameter that is the same as or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the frame 42. Additionally, the outer diameter of gasket 52 is larger than the inner diameter of the protrusion 34 within the container body 12.

[0035] The filter assembly 40 is embedded in the opening 20 of the container body 12 with the gasket 52 as its lower side, and the gasket 50 overlaps on its upper side, with at least a portion (upper part) of the gasket 52 protruding from the opening 20. Furthermore, in the filter assembly 40, the gaskets 50 and 52 are compressed respectively by pressing the cover 14 against the container body 12. Additionally, a handle (handle) or similar device can be installed on the cover 14 of the container 10, thereby enabling handling within the container 10.

[0036] In the container 10 configured in this way, the filter assembly 40 is installed at the opening 20 while the object to be processed is contained within the container body 12, and then closed using the cover 14. At this time, within the container 10, the gaskets 50 and 52 are compressed by applying pressure to the cover 14 toward the container body 12.

[0037] Various structures can be applied in the installation of such a cover 14 onto the container body 12. For example, a flange portion protruding radially outward from the peripheral wall 16 can be provided at the periphery of the opening 20 of the container body 12, and the flange portion can be fastened to the periphery of the cover 14 using bolts and nuts.

[0038] Alternatively, a clamp can be provided between the cover 14 and the peripheral wall 16 of the container body 12, and the cover 14 can be installed while being pressurized against the container body 12 using the clamp. Furthermore, and not limited to this, various structures that can install the cover 14 while pressurizing the container body 12 can be applied.

[0039] In container 10, the cover 14 is installed by pressurizing it toward container body 12, and the gasket 52 is compressed between itself and frame 42 and between itself and protrusion 34. Thus, in container 10, the inner circumferential surface of opening 20 and the outer circumferential surface of frame 42 of filter assembly 40 are airtightened by gasket 52 relative to the interior of container body 12. Furthermore, in container 10, when container body 12 is closed by cover 14, cover 14 is installed by pressurizing it toward container body 12. Thus, in container 10, gasket 50 is compressed, and the space between cover 14 and filter assembly 40 is airtightened relative to the periphery of container body 12.

[0040] Additionally, the object to be processed is contained within the container body 12 in the container 10. At this time, the object to be processed can be contained from the opening 20 of the container body 12 before the filter assembly 40 is installed, for example, preferably from the bottom plate 18 side.

[0041] At this time, for example, the base plate 18 can be installed after the object to be processed is removed from the peripheral wall 16 and housed in the container body 12. In addition, if the object to be processed is a small particle or a slurry with small particle turbidity, a supply port (or supply pipe) can be provided on the base plate 18, and the supply port (or supply pipe) can be tightly sealed after the object to be processed is housed in the container body 12.

[0042] In container 10, the object to be processed can be dried by simultaneously heating and depressurizing the material within the container body 12. During the heating process in the drying process, various drying methods can be used, such as heating plates (using heaters), hot air drying, or drying using infrared light. Furthermore, a stirring mechanism that agitates the gas within the container body 12 can also be used during the drying of the object.

[0043] Furthermore, in container 10, an exhaust vent 22 is provided on the cover 14. An intake unit is connected to connector 26 in the exhaust vent 22. When the intake unit is operational, valve 28 is opened, thereby drawing out gas from the container body 12 and reducing pressure within the container body 12. As a result, since the gas generated by heating the object being treated is discharged through pipe 24 in container 10, the drying of the object being treated is promoted.

[0044] Here, a filter assembly 40 is installed on the container body 12 at the opening 20, and the gas drawn into the piping 24 passes through the filter assembly 40. Therefore, even if fine particles are generated by drying the object being processed, the ULPA filter 44 and the like arranged in the filter assembly 40 prevent the passage of fine particles. Thus, the intake of fine particles into the piping 24 is suppressed within the container 10.

[0045] Additionally, a connector 26 and a valve 28 are provided on the piping 24. Therefore, in the container 10, by closing the valve 28 to disconnect the connection with the suction unit based on the connector 26, the container body 12 and the like can be moved. At this time, by closing the valve 28, gas leakage from the piping 24 (24A) is prevented.

[0046] Furthermore, by removing the cover 14 from the container body 12, maintenance (such as cleaning) of the piping 24 can be performed within the container 10. At this time, a filter assembly 40 is installed at the opening 20 of the container body 12, and a gasket 50 is provided between the cover 14 and the filter assembly 40, and a gasket 52 is provided between the filter assembly 40 and the protrusion 34 of the container body 12.

[0047] Therefore, even if the cover 14 is removed from the container body 12, the microparticles inside the container body 12 will not leak out of the container body 12. Furthermore, the filter assembly 40 prevents microparticles from being drawn into the piping 24 (24A) of the cover 14. Thus, even if the cover 14 is removed from the container body 12, leakage of microparticles contained within the container body 12 is prevented, and no powder obstruction is caused by leaked microparticles.

[0048] That is, if static electricity or other factors occur when the concentration of fine particles in the air is high, static electricity may sometimes trigger powder obstruction. However, the container 10 can prevent such powder obstruction from occurring. Therefore, the container 10 can improve the safety when handling fine particles.

[0049] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the washer 52 abuts against the annular protrusion 34. However, the washer 52 only needs to make surface contact with the protrusion protruding from the container body 12 at least three points in the circumferential direction.

[0050] In this embodiment, gaskets 50 and 52 are used to ensure the airtightness of the container body 12 when the filter assembly 40 is installed. However, O-rings can also be used as sealing components. In this case, as long as grooves for O-ring installation are formed between the frame 42 of the filter assembly 40 and the protrusion 34 of the container body 12, and between the frame 42 and the cover 14, O-rings can be inserted into each groove and compressed by the cover 14.

[0051] On the other hand, in this embodiment, a filter assembly 40 is inserted into the opening 20 of the container body 12. However, the filter assembly 40 can also be installed by pressing the frame 42 into the opening 20 of the container body 12 or by embedding the frame 42 into the opening 20 of the container body 12. In this case, it is sufficient to make the outer diameter of the frame 42 of the filter assembly 40 approximately the same as or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the opening 20 of the container body 12. As a result, when the cover 14 is removed, it is possible to prevent the filter assembly 40 from detaching from or floating up from the opening 20 of the container body 12, and to prevent the leakage of tiny powder particles adhering to the filter assembly 40 due to detachment or floating up from the opening 20.

[0052] Furthermore, regarding the installation of the filter assembly 40 into the opening 20 of the container body 12, various structures can be applied as long as the configuration can prevent the filter assembly 40 from floating when the cover 14 is removed from the container body 12.

[0053] For example, an external thread can be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the frame 42 of the filter assembly 40, and an internal thread can be engraved on the inner peripheral surface of the opening 20 of the container body 12. The filter assembly 40 is then screwed into the container body 12 and embedded in the opening 20. At this time, the filter assembly 40 is used to compress the washer 52. As a result, when the cover 14 is removed from the container body 12, the filter assembly 40 can be prevented from falling off or floating, and the leakage of fine powder from the container body 12 can be further effectively suppressed.

Claims

1. A powder container, characterized in that, Include: The main body of the container is used to hold tiny powder particles; The lid is capable of opening and closing the opening of the container body, thereby sealing it airtightly by closing the opening of the container body. A piping unit, one end of which is connected to the cover and has an opening on the inner side of the container body of the cover, is capable of drawing in gas from the container body for depressurization. The filter section has a filter component that can prevent the fine powder from passing through mounted on a ring-shaped frame. The frame is placed on a ring-shaped protrusion that protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the container body at the opening of the container body, and is disposed at the opening and covered by the cover. Sealing components are respectively disposed between the frame and the protrusion, and between the frame and the cover, to airtightly seal the protrusion and the cover to the frame.

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