Particle sizing device

Abstract

To provide a particle sizing device which can size particles included in particle water in a short time.SOLUTION: The particle sizing device is provided, comprising: a tank (11) which stores particle water; a pump (12) which pumps up the particle water from the tank; a centrifugal separation unit (13) which obtains particles from the particle water conveyed by the pump; a setting portion (41) which sets size of the obtaining-target particles; a data table (T) in which quantity of water conveyed by pump with respect to the size of the particle is set; a selecting portion (43) which selects the quantity of water conveyed by the pump while referring to the data table, in accordance with the size of the particles set by the setting portion; and a controlling portion (44) which controls the pump in such a manner that the pump conveys water having quantity selected by the selecting portion. The centrifugal separation unit conveys the particle water into cylinders (20 and 30) each having shape of a megaphone which extends in a vertical direction and has contracted lower side, swirls the particle water along an inner side surface thereof, and obtains, as particles (Pa and Pb) with predetermined sizes, particles included in the particle water flowing out from lower openings (204 and 304) opening to lower ends of the cylinders.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a particle size sorting device for obtaining particles of a predetermined size from particle-containing water. [Background technology]

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a grindstone for grinding a workpiece is formed by mixing a large number of abrasive grains and a bond. When a workpiece is ground using the grindstone while supplying a processing fluid, the processing fluid containing the abrasive grains and processing waste is discharged.

[0003] By sieving abrasive grains of various sizes contained in used machining fluid, etc., using a particle size sorting device such as that disclosed in Patent Document 2, it is possible to obtain abrasive grains of a uniform, specified size. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-192927 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-277439 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The particle size sorting device in Patent Document 2 is equipped with a mesh filter and is configured to collect abrasive grains of a predetermined size or less that have passed through the filter. However, with this particle size sorting device, abrasive grains of a size that cannot pass through the mesh of the filter remain near the filter, preventing abrasive grains of a size that can pass through the mesh of the filter from passing through the filter, so it takes time to pass the abrasive grains that can pass through the filter and collect them. In other words, there is a problem that particle size sorting takes a long time.

[0006] Therefore, a particle size sorting device that obtains particles of a predetermined size from particulate water has a problem of performing the size sorting in a short period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A particle size classification device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a tank for storing particle water containing particles, a pump for pumping the particle water from the tank, a centrifuge unit for acquiring the particles from the particle water delivered by the pump, a setting unit for setting the size of the particles to be acquired, a data table for setting the amount of water delivered by the pump for the size of the particles, a selection unit for selecting the amount of water delivered by the pump by referring to the data table with the particle size set in the setting unit, and a control unit for controlling the pump to the amount of water delivered selected by the selection unit. The centrifuge unit includes a megaphone-shaped tube extending vertically and contracting at the bottom, a lower opening at the bottom end of the tube, an inlet opening on the side wall of the tube for delivering the particle water into the tube and swirling the particle water along the inner surface, a top plate for closing the top end of the tube, and an outlet located in the center of the top plate, and the particles contained in the particle water discharged from the lower opening are acquired as particles of a predetermined size.

[0008] It is preferable that the centrifugation unit includes at least two units, a first centrifugation unit and a second centrifugation unit, and a connecting pipe connecting an outlet of the first centrifugation unit and an inlet of the second centrifugation unit, and obtains first particles contained in the first particle water discharged from a lower opening of the first centrifugation unit, and second particles having a particle diameter smaller than that of the first particles contained in the second particle water discharged from a lower opening of the second centrifugation unit. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the particle size classification device of the present invention, it is possible to obtain particles contained in the particle water and classify them in a short time by utilizing the swirling flow in the cylinder of the centrifugal separator unit. Also, by referring to a data table and selecting the amount of water to be sent by the pump, it is possible to efficiently obtain particles of a predetermined size.

[0010] Furthermore, by providing at least the first centrifugal separation unit and the second centrifugal separation unit, particles of different sizes can be collected simultaneously. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a particle size sorting device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a particle size sorting device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the particle size classification device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Fig. 1 shows a particle size classification device 10 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a particle size classification device 50 according to a second embodiment. The particle size classification device 10 and the particle size classification device 50 are devices for classifying and obtaining particles of a predetermined size from particle water containing particles of different sizes.

[0013] A first embodiment of a particle size classification device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The particle size classification device 10 includes a tank 11, a pump 12, and a centrifugal separation unit 13. The centrifugal separation unit 13 includes a first centrifugal separation unit 14 and a second centrifugal separation unit 15, and the first centrifugal separation unit 14 and the second centrifugal separation unit 15 can capture particles of different sizes.

[0014] Particle water containing particles is stored in the tank 11. The particle water is waste liquid discharged from a processing device. For example, the processing device is a polishing device that polishes a workpiece, and is equipped with a grindstone, which is a processing tool, and polishes the workpiece by rotating the grindstone and bringing it into contact with the workpiece. The grindstone is formed by mixing a large number of abrasive grains and a bond. In the polishing device, a processing liquid (polishing water) is supplied to the contact point between the grindstone and the workpiece during polishing. When polishing is performed, abrasive grains that have fallen off the grindstone and fine processing chips of the workpiece are included in the processing liquid, and become processing waste liquid. By using the particle sorting device 10 to collect abrasive grains of a predetermined size from the processing waste liquid, the abrasive grains can be reused and waste can be reduced. In this case, the processing waste liquid discharged from the polishing device becomes the particle water, and the abrasive grains included in the processing waste liquid become the particles to be obtained.

[0015] The processing equipment that discharges the particle water that is subjected to particle size classification by the particle size classification device 10 is not limited to the polishing equipment. For example, cutting equipment and grinding equipment also discharge particle water containing abrasive grains that constitute the processing tool during cutting and grinding processes, so particle size classification using the particle size classification device 10 is possible.

[0016] The sizing device 10 can be attached to a processing device such as a polishing device, and the particulate water discharged from the processing device can be sent via piping to the tank 11. Alternatively, the sizing device 10 can be installed at a location away from the processing device, and the particulate water discharged from the processing device can be transported to the location of the sizing device 10 and then stored in the tank 11.

[0017] In addition, the particle water is not limited to wastewater discharged from a processing device. When manufacturing a grinding wheel, the particle water may be made by mixing abrasive grains with water to ensure that the grains of the prepared abrasive grains are uniform.

[0018] The pump 12 pumps up the particulate water from the tank 11 and sends it to the centrifugal separation unit 13. The pump 12 includes a motor with a vertical rotating shaft and a blade portion provided at the end of the rotating shaft, and generates a water flow by the rotation of the blade portion to pump the particulate water.

[0019] A pair of support columns 16 extend upward from a housing that accommodates the tank 11. The first centrifugal separation unit 14 and the second centrifugal separation unit 15 are supported horizontally side-by-side via a support portion 17 that spans between the pair of support columns 16 and extends horizontally.

[0020] The first centrifugal separation unit 14 includes a first cylinder 20 supported by a support portion 17. The first cylinder 20 has a megaphone shape that extends vertically and contracts at the bottom, and includes a cylindrical upper cylinder portion 201 with a substantially constant diameter, and a truncated cone-shaped lower cylinder portion 202 whose diameter decreases as it extends downward from the bottom end of the upper cylinder portion 201. The top end of the upper cylinder portion 201 is closed by a top plate 203. A lower opening 204 that opens downward is formed at the bottom end of the lower cylinder portion 202.

[0021] An inlet 21 for taking in particle water is provided on the side near the top end of the first cylinder 20. An introduction pipe 22 connects a delivery outlet 111 provided on the outer surface of the housing of the tank 11 to an injection port 211 provided in the inlet 21. When the pump 12 is driven, the particle water is sent from the tank 11 through the introduction pipe 22 to the inlet 21.

[0022] The inlet 21 opens into the side wall of the first cylinder 20 and has a flow path extending in a horizontal direction that is approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction. The particulate water sent from the inlet 21 into the first cylinder 20 is directed to flow along a tangent to the cylindrical surface of the upper cylinder portion 201. Therefore, the particulate water pumped by the pump 12 and sent from the inlet 21 into the first cylinder 20 forms a swirling flow Ra that swirls in the circumferential direction along the inner surface of the first cylinder 20. The swirling flow Ra moves downward while swirling under the action of gravity.

[0023] An outlet 23 is provided in the center of the top plate 203 of the first cylinder 20. The outlet 23 penetrates the top plate 203 in the vertical direction, and discharges particulate water (upward flow Sa) moving from the bottom to the top inside the first cylinder 20 from the outlet 23.

[0024] A connecting part 24 is provided which connects to the bottom opening 204 of the first cylinder 20. A flow path which communicates in the vertical direction is formed in the connecting part 24, and the flow path in the connecting part 24 can be opened and closed by a hand valve 25. The hand valve 25 has a lever 251, and can be opened and closed manually via the lever 251. When the lever 251 is in the upright position as shown in FIG. 1, the hand valve 25 is opened. When the lever 251 is laid down to the side, the hand valve 25 is closed.

[0025] Recovery bottle 26 is connected to the lower part of connecting part 24. A connection port 261 that can be attached to and detached from connecting part 24 is provided at the upper end of recovery bottle 26. Connection port 261 is attached to connecting part 24 by a screw-in structure or the like. The connection part between connecting part 24 and connection port 261 has a watertight structure that does not leak water to the outside. Recovery bottle 26 has a cylindrical storage part 262 below connection port 261.

[0026] The second centrifugal separation unit 15 includes a second cylinder 30 supported by the support portion 17. The second cylinder 30 has a megaphone shape that extends vertically and contracts at the bottom, and includes a cylindrical upper cylinder portion 301 with a substantially constant diameter, and a truncated cone-shaped lower cylinder portion 302 whose diameter decreases as it extends downward from the bottom end of the upper cylinder portion 301. The top end of the upper cylinder portion 301 is closed by a top plate 303. A lower opening 304 that opens downward is formed at the bottom end of the lower cylinder portion 302.

[0027] The diameter Db of the second cylinder 30 of the second centrifugal separation unit 15 is smaller than the diameter Da of the first cylinder 20 of the first centrifugal separation unit 14.

[0028] An inlet 31 for taking in particle water is provided on the side near the top end of the second cylinder 30. A connecting pipe 32 connects the outlet 23 provided at the top end of the first cylinder 20 to an inlet 311 provided at the inlet 31 of the second cylinder 30. When the pump 12 is driven, the particle water coming out of the outlet 23 of the first cylinder 20 is sent to the inlet 31 through the connecting pipe 32.

[0029] The inlet 31 opens into the side wall of the second cylinder 30 and has a flow path extending in a horizontal direction that is approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction. The particulate water sent from the inlet 31 into the second cylinder 30 is directed to flow along a tangent to the cylindrical surface of the upper cylinder portion 301. Therefore, the particulate water pumped by the pump 12 and sent from the inlet 31 into the second cylinder 30 forms a swirling flow Rb that swirls in the circumferential direction along the inner surface of the second cylinder 30. The swirling flow Rb moves downward while swirling under the action of gravity.

[0030] An outlet 33 is provided in the center of the top plate 303 of the second cylinder 30. The outlet 33 penetrates the top plate 303 in the vertical direction, and discharges particulate water (upward flow Sb) moving from the bottom to the top inside the second cylinder 30 from the outlet 33. A drain pipe 18 connected to the outlet 33 is connected to a drainage facility 19.

[0031] A connecting part 34 is provided which connects to the bottom opening 304 of the second cylinder 30. A flow path which communicates in the vertical direction is formed in the connecting part 34, and the flow path in the connecting part 34 can be opened and closed by the hand valve 35. The hand valve 35 has a lever 351, and can be opened and closed manually via the lever 351. When the lever 351 is in the upright position as shown in FIG. 1, the hand valve 35 is opened. When the lever 351 is laid down to the side, the hand valve 35 is closed.

[0032] Recovery bottle 36 is connected to the lower part of connecting part 34. A connection port 361 that can be attached to and detached from connecting part 34 is provided at the upper end of recovery bottle 36. Connection port 361 is attached to connecting part 34 by a screw-in structure or the like. The connection between connecting part 34 and connection port 361 has a watertight structure that does not leak water to the outside. Recovery bottle 36 has a cylindrical storage part 362 below connection port 361.

[0033] Various containers can be used for the collection bottle 26 of the first centrifugal separation unit 14 and the collection bottle 36 of the second centrifugal separation unit 15. For example, a container bottle for drinking water may be used as the collection bottle 26 or the collection bottle 36. It is also possible to prepare a plurality of types of coupling parts 24 and connecting parts 34 corresponding to a plurality of mounting standards, and select and use the coupling part 24 or connecting part 34 corresponding to the standard of the connection port 261 of the collection bottle 26 or the connection port 361 of the collection bottle 36 to be used.

[0034] In addition, when the accumulation state of particles inside the collection bottle 26 or the collection bottle 36 is determined by observation from the outside (visual inspection by an operator or photographing with an imaging device), it is preferable to form the collection bottle 26 or the collection bottle 36 from a transparent or translucent material.

[0035] In the centrifugal separation unit 13, the particulate water pumped up from the tank 11 by the operation of the pump 12 passes through the inlet pipe 22 into the first cylinder 20 from the inlet 21 of the first centrifugal separation unit 14, exits from the outlet 23 at the top of the first cylinder 20, passes through the connecting pipe 32 into the second cylinder 30 from the inlet 21 of the second centrifugal separation unit 15, exits from the outlet 33 of the second cylinder 30, and is discharged through the drain pipe 18 to the drainage equipment 19.

[0036] The particle size classification device 10 is provided with a control unit 40. The control unit 40 has at least a processor and a memory as hardware, and controls the operation of the particle size classification device 10 according to a control program stored in the memory. The control unit 40 has a setting section 41, a storage section 42, a selection section 43, and a control section 44 as functional blocks. The functions of these functional blocks are realized by the cooperation of the processor and memory with various electronic components associated therewith. For example, the function of the storage section 42 can be performed by the memory. The function of the control section 44 can be performed by a motor driver that controls the drive of the motor of the pump 12, and a processor that sends a control signal to the motor driver.

[0037] The operation and control of the size-classifying device 10 configured as above will now be described. When using the size-classifying device 10, the collection bottle 26 of the first centrifugal separation unit 14 and the collection bottle 36 of the second centrifugal separation unit 15 are each filled with water. In addition, the collection bottle 26 is connected to the connecting part 24 and the hand valve 25 is opened, and the collection bottle 36 is connected to the connecting part 34 and the hand valve 35 is opened.

[0038] Next, the control section 44 of the control unit 40 operates the pump 12. The particulate water pumped up from the tank 11 by the pump 12 passes through the inlet pipe 22 into the first centrifugal separation unit 14 and enters the first cylinder 20 from the inlet 21.

[0039] In the first centrifugal separation unit 14, the particle water pumped by the force of the pump 12 is sent from the inlet 21 facing horizontally to the first cylinder 20, whereby the particle water swirls along the inner surface of the first cylinder 20 to form a swirling flow Ra. The particle water flowing as the swirling flow Ra descends from the upper cylinder portion 201 side to the lower cylinder portion 202 side along the inner surface of the first cylinder 20, exits from the lower opening 204 and enters the collection bottle 26. The particle water exiting from the lower opening 204 and entering the collection bottle 26 is referred to as first particle water Wa.

[0040] The water in the collection bottle 26 enters the first cylinder 20 to replace the first particle water Wa, and an upward ascending current Sa is formed in the first cylinder 20. The lower opening 204 of the first cylinder 20, which is connected to the collection bottle 26 via the connecting portion 24, is located in the center of the first cylinder 20 in the radial direction, so that the upward ascending current Sa rising from the collection bottle 26 side advances upward through the center of the first cylinder 20.

[0041] The particle water contains particles with different particle sizes. In other words, it contains various particles with a wide particle size distribution. When the swirling flow Ra is formed in the first cylinder 20, the particles contained in the particle water are subjected to the action of centrifugal force and pass through positions in the first cylinder 20 according to the particle size and specific gravity. Since a large centrifugal force is applied to particles with a large particle size, the particles with a large particle size rotate and descend along the inner surface of the first cylinder 20, and enter the collection bottle 26 as the first particle water Wa that exits from the lower opening 204. The particles contained in the first particle water Wa are deposited in the collection bottle 26 as first particles Pa with a large particle size.

[0042] Among the particles contained in the particle water injected into the first cylinder 20, particles with a small particle diameter are subjected to a small centrifugal force when the swirling flow Ra is formed, and therefore pass through a position close to the center of the first cylinder 20. Therefore, particles with a particle diameter smaller than that of the first particles Pa are not deposited in the recovery bottle 26, but ride on the upward flow Sa and proceed upward through the center of the first cylinder 20, reach the top plate 203, and are discharged from the outlet 23.

[0043] In this manner, in the first centrifugal separation unit 14, the first particles Pa contained in the particulate water and having a size equal to or larger than a predetermined size (i.e., a large particle diameter) are separated from the flow of the particulate water and collected in the collection bottle 26. The particulate water after the first particles Pa are collected in the collection bottle 26 is discharged from the outlet 23, still containing particles smaller than the first particles Pa, passes through the connecting pipe 32 to the second centrifugal separation unit 15, and enters the second cylinder 30 from the inlet 31.

[0044] In the second centrifugal separation unit 15, the particle water pumped by the force of the pump 12 is fed from the inlet 31 facing horizontally into the second cylinder 30, whereby the particle water swirls along the inner surface of the second cylinder 30 to form a swirling flow Rb. The particle water flowing as the swirling flow Rb descends from the upper cylinder portion 301 side to the lower cylinder portion 302 side along the inner surface of the second cylinder 30, exits from the lower opening 304 and enters the collection bottle 36. The particle water exiting from the lower opening 304 and entering the collection bottle 36 is referred to as the second particle water Wb.

[0045] The water in the collection bottle 36 enters the second cylinder 30 to replace the second particulate water Wb, and an upward ascending flow Sb is formed in the second cylinder 30. The lower opening 304 of the second cylinder 30, which is connected to the collection bottle 36 via the connecting portion 34, is located in the center of the second cylinder 30 in the radial direction, so that the upward flow Sb rising from the collection bottle 36 side advances upward through the center of the second cylinder 30.

[0046] When the swirling flow Rb is formed in the second cylinder 30, the particles contained in the particle water are subjected to the action of centrifugal force and pass through a position in the second cylinder 30 according to the particle diameter and specific gravity. Since the diameter Db of the second cylinder 30 in the second centrifugal separation unit 15 is smaller than the diameter Da of the first cylinder 20 in the first centrifugal separation unit 14, particles having a particle diameter smaller than the first particles Pa collected in the first centrifugal separation unit 14 descend while swirling along the inner surface of the second cylinder 30, and enter the collection bottle 36 as contained in the second particle water Wb exiting from the lower opening 304. The particles contained in the second particle water Wb are deposited in the collection bottle 36 as second particles Pb having a particle diameter smaller than the first particles Pa.

[0047] Among the particles contained in the particle water injected into the second cylinder 30, particles (including fine powder and foreign matter other than abrasive grains) having a particle diameter smaller than that of the second particles Pb pass through a position close to the center of the second cylinder 30 because the centrifugal force acting when the swirling flow Rb is formed is small. Therefore, the particles having a particle diameter smaller than that of the second particles Pb are not deposited in the recovery bottle 36, but ride on the upward flow Sb and proceed upward through the center of the second cylinder 30 to reach the top plate 303, and are discharged from the outlet 33.

[0048] In this manner, in the second centrifugal separation unit 15, among the particles contained in the particulate water, the second particles Pb of a predetermined size, which have a particle diameter smaller than that of the first particles Pa and are not so fine as to be discharged on the ascending flow Sb, are collected in the collection bottle 36. The particulate water after the second particles Pb have been collected in the collection bottle 36 is discharged from the outlet 33 and passed through the drain pipe 18 to be drained into the drainage equipment 19.

[0049] The drainage equipment 19 removes fine particles and other impurities remaining in the particulate water discharged from the centrifugal separation unit 13 by filtration, centrifugation, or other means, or performs purification processes other than filtration or centrifugation on the particulate water to turn it into purified water. The purified water can be returned to the processing equipment for reuse, or discharged outside after meeting environmental standards.

[0050] In the particle size classification device 10, by changing the amount of water sent by the pump 12, the flow rate of the swirling flow Ra in the first cylinder 20 and the flow rate of the swirling flow Rb in the second cylinder 30 change, and the magnitude of the centrifugal force acting on the particles contained in the particle water changes according to the change in these flow rates. Therefore, when the amount of water sent by the pump 12 is changed, the distribution of particles in the particle water in the first cylinder 20 changes according to the centrifugal force, and the particle size of the first particles Pa contained in the first particle water Wa and deposited in the collection bottle 26 changes. In addition, when the amount of water sent by the pump 12 is changed, the distribution of particles in the particle water in the second cylinder 30 changes according to the centrifugal force, and the particle size of the second particles Pb contained in the second particle water Wb and deposited in the collection bottle 36 changes.

[0051] Specifically, in both the first centrifugal separation unit 14 and the second centrifugal separation unit 15, when the water supply rate of the pump 12 is increased, the flow rate of the swirling flow Ra and the flow rate of the swirling flow Rb increases, and when the water supply rate of the pump 12 is decreased, the flow rate of the swirling flow Ra and the flow rate of the swirling flow Rb decreases.

[0052] When the flow velocities of the swirling flows Ra and Rb increase, the centrifugal force acting on the particles increases, and the particle diameters of the particles that can be collected by each of the first centrifugal separation unit 14 and the second centrifugal separation unit 15 become smaller. That is, in the first centrifugal separation unit 14, the lower limit of the particle diameter of the first particles Pa deposited in the collection bottle 26 becomes smaller. Also, in the second centrifugal separation unit 15, the upper and lower limits of the particle diameter of the second particles Pb deposited in the collection bottle 36 become smaller.

[0053] When the flow velocities of the swirling flows Ra and Rb decrease, the centrifugal force acting on the particles decreases, and the particle diameters of the particles that can be collected by each of the first centrifugal separation unit 14 and the second centrifugal separation unit 15 increase. That is, in the first centrifugal separation unit 14, the lower limit of the particle diameter of the first particles Pa deposited in the collection bottle 26 increases. Also, in the second centrifugal separation unit 15, the upper and lower limits of the particle diameter of the second particles Pb deposited in the collection bottle 36 increase.

[0054] The particle diameter of the first particles Pa obtained by the first centrifugal separation unit 14 is determined based on the dimensions of the first cylinder 20 (particularly, the diameter Da) and the water feed rate of the pump 12 (the amount of water fed from the inlet 21 into the first cylinder 20 per unit time). The particle diameter of the second particles Pb obtained by the second centrifugal separation unit 15 is determined based on the dimensions of the second cylinder 30 (particularly, the diameter Db) and the water feed rate of the pump 12 (the amount of water fed from the inlet 31 into the second cylinder 30 per unit time). The dimensions of the first cylinder 20 and the dimensions of the second cylinder 30 are conditions preset in the particle size classification device 10, and a data table T showing the relationship between the size of the first particles Pa and the size of the second particles Pb and the amount of water fed by the pump 12 when the amount of water fed by the pump 12 is changed under these set conditions is created in advance and stored in the memory unit 42 of the control unit 40.

[0055] The setting section 41 of the control unit 40 sets the particle size to be acquired by the centrifugal separation unit 13. For example, when an operator who operates the particle size classification device 10 inputs a desired particle size into an input section (not shown), the setting section 41 sets the input value as the particle size to be acquired.

[0056] Alternatively, the setting unit 41 may automatically set the particle size to be obtained according to predetermined control conditions. For example, data on the grindstone of the polishing device is input to the control unit 40, and the setting unit 41 automatically selects the size of the abrasive grains to be obtained based on the data on the grindstone.

[0057] The selection section 43 of the control unit 40 refers to the data table T based on the particle size set in the setting section 41, and selects the water supply amount of the pump 12 that corresponds to the set particle size.

[0058] The control section 44 of the control unit 40 controls the pump 12 to feed the particulate water to the centrifugal separation unit 13 at the feed rate selected by the selection section 43 .

[0059] By executing the above-mentioned control and operation, the particle size classification device 10 can obtain particles of the size set by the setting unit 41. By changing the value set in the setting unit 41, it can be used to obtain particles of various sizes.

[0060] When the first particles Pa accumulated in the storage section 262 of the collection bottle 26 or the second particles Pb accumulated in the storage section 362 of the collection bottle 36 becomes large in the centrifugal separation unit 13, the collection bottle 26 or the collection bottle 36 is removed to collect the first particles Pa or the second particles Pb.

[0061] The collection bottle 26 or the collection bottle 36 is formed of a transparent or semi-transparent material, and the inside of the storage section 262 or the storage section 362 can be observed from the outside. An operator who operates the particle size sorting device 10 visually observes the deposition state inside the storage section 262 or the storage section 362, and determines that it is time to replace the collection bottle 26 or the collection bottle 36 when the first particles Pa or the second particles Pb reach a predetermined position in the storage section 262 or the storage section 362. An indicator (a line or a mark) indicating the deposition amount, which serves as a guide for when to replace the collection bottle 26 or the collection bottle 36, may be provided on the collection bottle 26 or the collection bottle 36.

[0062] Furthermore, instead of visual confirmation by an operator, the collection bottle 26 and the collection bottle 36 may be photographed by an imaging device, and the deposition state of the first particles Pa and the second particles Pb may be detected by image analysis.

[0063] When removing collection bottle 26, pump 12 is stopped and then the operator tilts lever 251 to the side to close hand valve 25. This prevents particle water from leaking from first cylinder 20 through bottom opening 204 even if connection port 261 of collection bottle 26 is removed from connecting part 24 while particle water is still in first cylinder 20. Then, after connecting port 261 of collection bottle 26 to be used next to connecting part 24, the operator turns lever 251 upward to open hand valve 25.

[0064] When removing the collection bottle 36, the pump 12 is stopped and then the operator tilts the lever 351 to the side to close the hand valve 35. This prevents the particle water in the second cylinder 30 from leaking out from the lower opening 304 even if the connection port 361 of the collection bottle 36 is removed from the connecting part 34 while there is particle water in the second cylinder 30. Then, after connecting the connection port 361 of the next collection bottle 36 to be used to the connecting part 34, the operator turns the lever 351 upward to open the hand valve 35.

[0065] When the next collection bottle 26 or 36 to be used is attached to the connecting part 24 or 34, the collection bottle 26 or 36 is filled with water, so that the particle water can immediately be classified by the particle classification device 10.

[0066] It is also possible to attach the next collection bottle 26 or collection bottle 36 to the connecting part 24 or connecting part 34 when it is empty and without adding water, and to use the particle sorting device 10 from this state. In this case, after attaching the collection bottle 26 or collection bottle 36 to the connecting part 24 or connecting part 34, the lever 251 or lever 351 is operated to open the hand valve 25 or hand valve 35, so that the particle water in the first cylinder 20 falls into the collection bottle 26, and the particle water in the second cylinder 30 falls into the collection bottle 36. After a while, the particles in the particle water settle in the collection bottles 26 and 36, and the upper parts of the collection bottles 26 and 36 become mainly filled with water.

[0067] In this state, when the pump 12 is driven to newly supply particulate water from the inlet 21 to the first cylinder 20, the first particles Pa are stored in the collection bottle 26 and the second particles Pb are stored in the collection bottle 36, and the particulate water after the first particles Pa and the second particles Pb have been collected can be discharged from the outlet 23.

[0068] As described above, the particle size sorting device 10 does not use a mesh filter, but instead utilizes fluid flows such as swirling flows Ra, Rb and upward flows Sa, Sb to separate and recover particles from particle water, so that particles of a specified size can be obtained in a short period of time without clogging the filter.

[0069] Furthermore, the control unit 40 of the particle size classification device 10 has a data table T that sets the water supply amount of the pump 12 for the size of particles to be obtained (the data table T is stored in the memory unit 42), and the selection unit 43 selects the water supply amount of the pump 12 by referring to the data table T for the size of particles to be obtained set by the setting unit 41, and the control unit 44 controls the pump 12 to the water supply amount selected by the selection unit 43. In this way, the water supply amount of the pump 12 is selected according to the size of particles to be obtained based on the data table T, so that particles of the desired size can be efficiently obtained by software control without requiring a complex device configuration.

[0070] In the particle size classification device 10 of the present embodiment, the first centrifugal separation unit 14 and the second centrifugal separation unit 15 are provided, each of which has a different diameter for the first cylinder 20 and the second cylinder 30, so that the first particles Pa and the second particles Pb, which have different sizes, can be simultaneously obtained in a series of processes. This allows the size of the particles to be obtained to be selected more strictly.

[0071] In particular, for the second particles Pb, the upper limit of the particle size is determined by the size classification in the first centrifugal separation unit 14, and the lower limit of the particle size is determined by the size classification in the second centrifugal separation unit 15, so that it is possible to strictly set the range of particle sizes to be obtained as the second particles Pb. Therefore, for example, it can be used in applications such as extracting and obtaining abrasive grains with a uniform particle size from abrasive grains of various sizes contained in a grinding wheel for polishing.

[0072] The number of centrifugal separation units provided in the particle size classification device is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, it is possible to provide only one centrifugal separation unit and not separate the particle sizes obtained in one process into multiple ranges. Alternatively, it is possible to provide three or more centrifugal separation units with different cylinder diameters and separate and obtain three or more types of particles with different sizes in one process.

[0073] Next, a particle size classification device 50 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. In the particle size classification device 50, parts that share the same functions as the particle size classification device 10 are given the same reference numerals as the components of the particle size classification device 10, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. Fig. 2 shows only the connection relationship between the control unit 40 and the pump 12, but each part other than the pump 12 is also connected to the control unit 40 so that signals can be sent and received. Fig. 2 also shows schematic diagrams of pipes that pass liquids and air.

[0074] The centrifugal separation unit 51 of the particle size classification device 50 obtains particles from particle water by using the same configuration and principle as the centrifugal separation unit 13 of the particle size classification device 10 described above, and includes a first centrifugal separation unit 52 and a second centrifugal separation unit 53. The diameter Da of the first cylinder 20 of the first centrifugal separation unit 52 is larger than the diameter Db of the second cylinder 30 of the second centrifugal separation unit 53, so that the first centrifugal separation unit 14 obtains first particles Pa having a large particle diameter, and the second centrifugal separation unit 15 obtains second particles Pb having a small particle diameter.

[0075] In the first centrifugal separation unit 52, a connecting part 60 is connected to the lower opening 204 of the first cylinder 20, and an upper end of a collection bottle 61 is connected to the connecting part 60. Unlike the collection bottle 26 of the first centrifugal separation unit 14 shown in FIG 1, the collection bottle 61 is fixedly connected to the connecting part 60, and the collection bottle 61 cannot be attached or detached.

[0076] A connecting valve 62 is provided in the connecting part 60, and the connecting valve 62 can open and close the flow path in the connecting part 60. An air supply port 63 for introducing air into the upper part of the collection bottle 61 is provided below the connecting valve 62. The air supply port 63 communicates with the air supply source 55 via the air supply path 54. An air valve 64 is provided at the point where the air supply path 54 connects to the air supply port 63, and air can be supplied from the air supply port 63 into the collection bottle 61 by opening the air valve 64.

[0077] A discharge part 65 and a discharge valve 66 are provided at the bottom end of the collection bottle 61. The discharge part 65 opens downward, and the opening of the discharge part 65 can be opened and closed by the discharge valve 66.

[0078] A detection sensor 67 is provided to detect the accumulation of particles in the collection bottle 61. The detection sensor 67 is provided on the upper part of the collection bottle 61, and detects particles accumulated in the collection bottle 61 when they reach the position of the detection sensor 67.

[0079] A collection container 68 is provided below the discharge portion 65. The collection container 68 is a container that opens upward, and particles (first particles Pa) discharged from the discharge portion 65 of the collection bottle 61 are stored in the collection container 68. The collection container 68 is detachable from a position below the collection bottle 61.

[0080] In the second centrifugal separation unit 53, a connecting part 70 is connected to the lower opening 304 of the second cylinder 30, and an upper end of a collection bottle 71 is connected to the connecting part 70. Unlike the collection bottle 36 of the second centrifugal separation unit 15 shown in Fig. 1, the collection bottle 71 is fixedly connected to the connecting part 70, and the collection bottle 71 cannot be attached or detached.

[0081] A connecting valve 72 is provided in the connecting part 70, and the connecting valve 72 can open and close the flow path in the connecting part 70. An air supply port 73 for introducing air into the upper part of the collection bottle 71 is provided below the connecting valve 72. The air supply port 73 communicates with the air supply source 55 via the air supply path 54. An air valve 74 is provided at the point where the air supply path 54 connects to the air supply port 73, and air can be supplied from the air supply port 73 into the collection bottle 71 by opening the air valve 74.

[0082] A discharge part 75 and a discharge valve 76 are provided at the bottom end of the collection bottle 71. The discharge part 75 opens downward, and the opening of the discharge part 75 can be opened and closed by the discharge valve 76.

[0083] A detection sensor 77 is provided to detect the accumulation of particles in the collection bottle 71. The detection sensor 77 is provided on the upper part of the collection bottle 71, and detects particles accumulated in the collection bottle 71 when they reach the position of the detection sensor 77.

[0084] A collection container 78 is provided below the discharge portion 75. The collection container 78 is a container that opens upward, and particles (second particles Pb) discharged from the discharge portion 75 of the collection bottle 71 are stored in the collection container 78. The collection container 78 is detachable from the collection bottle 71 at a position below the collection bottle 71.

[0085] In the particle size sorting device 50, the process from acquisition to recovery of the first particles Pa and the second particles Pb in the centrifugal separation unit 13 is automatically performed under the control of the control unit 40. The control unit 40 includes, as functional blocks, a valve control unit 45 and an air supply source control unit 46 in addition to the setting unit 41, the storage unit 42, the selection unit 43, and the control unit 44 described above.

[0086] The connecting valve 62, air valve 64, and discharge valve 66 in the first centrifugal separation unit 52, and the connecting valve 72, air valve 74, and discharge valve 76 in the second centrifugal separation unit 53 are each electrically operated, and each valve is controlled by the valve control section 45 of the control unit 40. The operation of the air supply source 55 is controlled by the air supply source control section 46 of the control unit 40. In addition, detection signals from the detection sensors 67 and 77 are input to the control unit 40.

[0087] The control and operation of the particle size classification device 50 configured as above will be described. When performing particle size classification processing of particle water in the centrifugal separation unit 51, the valve control section 45 of the control unit 40 opens the connecting valve 62 and closes the air valve 64 and the discharge valve 66 in the first centrifugal separation unit 14. The valve control section 45 of the control unit 40 also opens the connecting valve 72 and closes the air valve 74 and the discharge valve 76 in the second centrifugal separation unit 15. The collection bottles 61 and 71 are also filled with water.

[0088] Next, the control unit 44 of the control unit 40 operates the pump 12. The particle water pumped up from the tank 11 by the pump 12 proceeds through the inlet pipe 22 to the first centrifugal separation unit 52, enters the first cylinder 20 from the inlet 21, and the particle water swirls along the inner surface of the first cylinder 20 to form a swirling flow (a swirling flow similar to the swirling flow Ra shown in FIG. 1). The particle water flowing as a swirling flow proceeds from the upper cylinder portion 201 side to the lower cylinder portion 202 side along the inner surface of the first cylinder 20. Then, the first particles Pa having a large particle diameter contained in the first particle water (a flow similar to the first particle water Wa shown in FIG. 1) that leaves the lower opening 204 and enters the collection bottle 61 is deposited in the collection bottle 61.

[0089] The water in the collection bottle 61 enters the first cylinder 20 to replace the first particle water, and an upward flow (an upward flow similar to the upward flow Sa shown in FIG. 1) is formed in the first cylinder 20.

[0090] In this manner, the first particles Pa contained in the particle water are deposited in the collection bottle 61. Particles having a particle diameter smaller than that of the first particles Pa are not deposited in the collection bottle 61, but ride on the upward flow in the first cylinder 20 and move upward.

[0091] The upward flow in the first cylinder 20 is discharged from the outlet 23. The particle water discharged from the outlet 23 proceeds to the second centrifugal separation unit 53 through the connecting pipe 32, enters the second cylinder 30 from the inlet 31, and the particle water swirls along the inner surface of the second cylinder 30 to form a swirling flow (similar to the swirling flow Rb shown in FIG. 1). The particle water flowing as a swirling flow proceeds from the upper cylinder portion 301 side to the lower cylinder portion 302 side along the inner surface of the second cylinder 30. Then, the second particles Pb (particles having a particle diameter smaller than that of the first particles Pa) contained in the second particle water (a flow similar to the second particle water Wb shown in FIG. 1) that exits the lower opening 304 and enters the collection bottle 71 are deposited in the collection bottle 71.

[0092] The water in the recovery bottle 71 enters the second cylinder 30 to replace the second particle water, and an upward flow (an upward flow similar to the upward flow Sb shown in Figure 1) is formed in the second cylinder 30.

[0093] In this manner, the second particles Pb contained in the particulate water are deposited in the collection bottle 71. Particles having a particle diameter smaller than that of the second particles Pb are not deposited in the collection bottle 71, but ride on the upward flow in the second cylinder 30 and move upward.

[0094] The upward flow in the second cylinder 30 is discharged from the outlet 33. The particulate water discharged from the outlet 33 passes through the drain pipe 18 and is drained to the drainage equipment 19.

[0095] When the pump 12 is operated to supply particle water from the tank 11 in a state where no water is stored in the collection bottle 61 of the first centrifugal separation unit 52 or the collection bottle 71 of the second centrifugal separation unit 53, water is exchanged between the first cylinder 20 and the collection bottle 61 and between the second cylinder 30 and the collection bottle 71 after a predetermined amount of particle water is delivered and the collection bottle 61 and the collection bottle 71 are filled with water. In other words, the particle water can be separated in the centrifugal separation unit 51 even if the collection bottle 61 and the collection bottle 71 are not filled with water in advance.

[0096] In the first centrifugal separation unit 52, when a predetermined amount or more of the first particles Pa accumulates in the collection bottle 61, the accumulation of the first particles Pa is detected by the detection sensor 67. When a detection signal is input from the detection sensor 67, the control unit 40 controls the valve control unit 45 and the air supply source control unit 46 to perform an operation to discharge the particles.

[0097] In the particle discharge operation of the first centrifugal separation unit 52, the connecting valve 62 is closed, the air valve 64 and the discharge valve 66 are opened, and air is sent from the air supply source 55. By closing the connecting valve 62, particle water does not enter the collection bottle 61 from the first cylinder 20. By opening the discharge valve 66, the first particles Pa accumulated in the collection bottle 61 can fall downward through the discharge part 65. Even if the first particles Pa do not fall naturally due to gravity, the first particles Pa in the collection bottle 61 are pushed out by air being supplied from the air supply port 63 to the upper part of the collection bottle 61, and are forcibly discharged downward from the discharge part 65. In this way, the first particles Pa are discharged from the collection bottle 61 to the collection container 68.

[0098] When the discharge of the first particles Pa is completed, the control unit 40 stops the supply of air from the air supply source 55, opens the connecting valve 62, and closes the air valve 64 and the discharge valve 66. This returns the first centrifugal separation unit 52 to a state in which it can perform size separation processing of the particle water.

[0099] In the second centrifugal separation unit 53, when a predetermined amount or more of the second particles Pb accumulates in the collection bottle 71, the accumulation of the second particles Pb is detected by the detection sensor 77. When a detection signal is input from the detection sensor 77, the control unit 40 controls the valve control unit 45 and the air supply source control unit 46 to perform an operation of discharging the particles.

[0100] In the discharge operation of the particles of the second centrifugal separation unit 53, the connecting valve 72 is closed, the air valve 74 and the discharge valve 76 are opened, and air is sent from the air supply source 55. By closing the connecting valve 72, the particle water does not enter the collection bottle 71 from the second cylinder 30. By opening the discharge valve 76, the second particles Pb accumulated in the collection bottle 71 can fall downward through the discharge part 75. Even if the second particles Pb do not fall naturally due to gravity, the second particles Pb in the collection bottle 71 are pushed out by air being supplied from the air supply port 73 to the upper part of the collection bottle 71, and are forcibly discharged downward from the discharge part 75. In this way, the second particles Pb are discharged from the collection bottle 71 to the collection container 78.

[0101] When the discharge of the second particles Pb is completed, the control unit 40 stops the supply of air from the air supply source 55, opens the connecting valve 72, and closes the air valve 74 and the discharge valve 76. This returns the second centrifugal separation unit 53 to a state in which it can perform size separation processing of the particle water.

[0102] As described above, in the particle size classification device 50, the process of obtaining particles from the particle water and the process of discharging particles accumulated in the collection bottle 61 and the collection bottle 71 are automatically executed under the control of the control unit 40. This allows the particle size classification process of the particle water to be performed continuously without the operator having to constantly check the state of the centrifugal separation unit 51 visually or perform the work of attaching and detaching the collection bottle 61 and the collection bottle 71.

[0103] Furthermore, by injecting air supplied from air supply source 55 into recovery bottle 61 or recovery bottle 71, particles can be discharged from recovery bottle 61 or recovery bottle 71 quickly and reliably.

[0104] The collection container 68 and the collection container 78 are separated from the collection bottle 61 and the collection bottle 71, and the first particles Pa collected in the collection container 68 and the second particles Pb collected in the collection container 78 do not affect the size classification process in the first centrifugal separation unit 52 and the second centrifugal separation unit 53. Therefore, even if the first particles Pa and the second particles Pb are accumulated in the collection container 68 and the collection container 78, the size classification process capacity in the centrifugal separation unit 51 does not decrease. Specifically, the size classification process in the centrifugal separation unit 51 can be continuously performed as long as the first particles Pa discharged into the collection container 68 do not block the opening of the discharge part 65, and the second particles Pb discharged into the collection container 78 do not block the opening of the discharge part 75.

[0105] As described above, the particle size classification device 10 and the particle size classification device 50 of each embodiment can separate particles from particle water and obtain the particles in a short time without causing clogging of the filter, etc. Also, based on the data table T that sets the water supply amount of the pump 12 for the size of the particles to be obtained, the water supply amount of the pump 12 is selected for the set particle size, and the pump 12 is controlled to the selected water supply amount, so that it is possible to efficiently and reliably obtain particles of a predetermined size from the particle water.

[0106] In addition, by providing a plurality of centrifugal separation units (first centrifugal separation unit 14 and second centrifugal separation unit 15, first centrifugal separation unit 52 and second centrifugal separation unit 53) for separating particles of different sizes from the particulate water, it is possible to simultaneously obtain particles of different sizes (first particles Pa and second particles Pb) in a single process. This allows particles of a desired size to be obtained efficiently.

[0107] In each of the above embodiments, the diameters of the tubes (the first tube 20 and the second tube 30) included in each of the multiple centrifugation units are made different to make the sizes of the particles separated by each centrifugation unit different. It is also possible to make the sizes of the particles separated by each centrifugation unit different by a different configuration. For example, the number of first tubes constituting the first centrifugation unit and the number of second tubes constituting the second centrifugation unit may be made different. By making the number of tubes different, a difference is generated between the flow speed in the first tube and the flow speed in the second tube, and the particle diameter of the first particle obtained by the first centrifugation unit and the particle diameter of the second particle obtained by the second centrifugation unit can be made different.

[0108] As described above, the number of centrifugation units provided in the particle size classification device to which the present invention is applied is not limited to two, and may be one centrifugation unit, or three or more centrifugation units. When three or more centrifugation units are provided, in addition to the type in which the diameters of the cylinders of each centrifugation unit are different as in the above embodiment, it is also possible to apply a type in which the number of cylinders of each centrifugation unit is different as in the above modified example.

[0109] The particle size sorting device 10 and the particle size sorting device 50 of the above embodiment are applied to recovering and reusing abrasive grains of a predetermined size from processing waste liquid discharged from a processing device such as a polishing device. However, the use of the particle size sorting device of the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to other purposes besides separating and obtaining abrasive grains from processing waste liquid. The particle size sorting device of the present invention can be applied to all particle size sorting processes in which particles of different sizes are contained in particle water and it is required to obtain particles of a predetermined size from the water.

[0110] The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications, and may be modified, substituted, or altered in various ways without departing from the spirit of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Furthermore, if the technical idea of ​​the present invention can be realized in a different way due to technological progress or a derived technology, the present invention may be implemented using that method. Therefore, the claims cover all embodiments that may be included within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0111] As described above, the particle size sorting device of the present invention can quickly sort particles of different sizes from water containing particles of different sizes to obtain particles of a desired size. In particular, by attaching the particle size sorting device of the present invention to a processing device that processes a workpiece with a processing tool containing abrasive grains, it is possible to efficiently recover and obtain abrasive grains of a desired size, which is highly useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 10: Particle sizing device 11: Tank 12: Pump 13: Centrifugal separation unit 14: First centrifuge unit 15: Second centrifuge unit 16: Support pillar 17: Support part 18: Drain pipe 19: Drainage equipment 20: 1st tube (tube) 201: Upper cylinder part 202: Lower cylinder part 203: Tabletop 204: Lower opening 21:Entrance 22:Introduction tube 23:Exit 24:Connection part 25: Hand valve 26: Collection bottle 30: 2nd tube (tube) 301: Upper cylinder part 302: Lower cylinder part 303: Tabletop 304: Lower opening 31: Entrance 32: Connecting pipe 33:Exit 34:Connection part 35: Hand valve 36: Collection bottle 40: Control unit 41: Setting section 42: Storage section 43: Selection section 44: Control section 45: Valve control section 46: Air supply source control section 50: Particle sizing device 51: Centrifugal separation unit 52: First centrifuge unit 53: Second centrifuge unit 54: Air supply line 55: Air supply source 60:Connection part 61: Collection bottle 62: Connection valve 63: Air supply port 64: Air valve 65: Discharge section 66: Exhaust valve 67: Detection sensor 68: Collection container 70:Connection part 71: Collection bottle 72: Connection valve 73: Air supply port 74: Air valve 75: Discharge section 76: Exhaust valve 77: Detection sensor 78: Collection container Pa: 1st particle Pb: 2nd particle Ra: swirl flow Rb: swirl flow Sa: Upward current Sb: Upward flow T : Data table Wa: 1st particle water Wb: Second particle water

Claims

1. A particle size dividing device, A tank for storing particle water containing particles; A pump for pumping the particulate water from the tank; a centrifugal separation unit for collecting the particles from the particle water delivered by the pump; A setting unit for setting the size of particles to be acquired; a data table that sets the amount of water delivered by the pump relative to the size of the particles; a selection unit that selects the water supply amount of the pump by referring to the data table based on the particle size set in the setting unit; a control unit that controls the pump to the water supply amount selected by the selection unit, The centrifugal separation unit includes a megaphone-shaped cylinder extending in a vertical direction and contracting at the bottom, a lower opening at the bottom end of the cylinder, an inlet opening at a side wall of the cylinder for feeding the particle water into the cylinder and swirling the particle water along the inner surface, a top plate closing the top end of the cylinder, and an outlet located at the center of the top plate, A particle size sorting device that collects the particles contained in the particle water coming out of the lower opening as particles of a predetermined size.

2. The centrifuge unit comprises: At least two of a first centrifugal separation unit and a second centrifugal separation unit, and a connecting pipe connecting an outlet of the first centrifugal separation unit and an inlet of the second centrifugal separation unit, first particles contained in a first particle water discharged from a lower opening of the first centrifugal separation unit; second particles having a particle diameter smaller than that of the first particles contained in the second particle water discharged from a lower opening of the second centrifugal separation unit; The particle size sorting device according to claim 1 ,

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