Magnetic substance removal device and cleaning jig

Abstract

To provide a magnetic substance removal device capable of easily and efficiently collecting and cleaning / removing magnetically adsorbed magnetic substances down to fine particles.SOLUTION: A magnetic adsorption portion 4 is housed inside a suction pipe 5 until it comes into contact with a suction ring 6 provided at a fixed end of the magnetic adsorption portion 4, and suction is started. The suction ring 6 is adsorbed to a distal end of the suction pipe 5 by suction force, and in that state, the suction pipe 5 is withdrawn. The suction ring 6 is formed such that an inner diameter thereof includes a portion substantially equal to, or slightly larger than, an outer diameter of the magnetic adsorption portion 4. During suction, the opening diameter of the suction pipe 5 becomes narrowed, and air in a storage container 1 is drawn in through a limited space serving as a gap between the suction ring 6 and the magnetic adsorption portion 4. Accordingly, air flow velocity in the gap portion is remarkably increased, thereby obtaining strong suction force, and magnetic substances 11 magnetically adsorbed on the magnetic adsorption portion 4 can be suctioned and removed even down to very fine particles.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a magnetic substance removal device that removes magnetic substances from materials by magnetic force, and a cleaning tool used to clean such a magnetic substance removal device. [Background technology]

[0002] When manufacturing products using materials such as pellets, powders, granules, or liquids, foreign matter such as metals may be mixed in the materials, which can cause malfunctions in the manufacturing equipment or result in defective products. For this reason, magnetic material removal devices are used to remove magnetic material such as metals from materials using magnetic force.

[0003] A magnetic material removal device removes magnetic material by magnetically adsorbing it to the surface of a magnet or the surface of a sleeve tube containing a magnet. Therefore, as the device continues to operate, removed magnetic material accumulates on the surface of the magnet or sleeve tube. As the amount of magnetically adsorbed magnetic material increases, the magnetic force acting on newly arriving magnetic material decreases, making it impossible to adequately magnetically adsorb the magnetic material, or magnetic material that has been magnetically adsorbed may fall off and re-enter the material, resulting in problems. Therefore, it is necessary to clean and remove the magnetic material that has accumulated on the surface at an appropriate time.

[0004] Magnetically attracted magnetic objects are removed outside the manufacturing line along with magnets and other tools while the production line is stopped for cleaning. However, the magnets used for magnetic object removal have a high magnetic flux density, making cleaning difficult. Magnetically attracted magnetic objects are usually cleaned by wiping them in one direction with a cloth, but magnetically attracted magnetic particles tend to remain. For this reason, a finishing cleaning is performed using adhesive tape or other tools to remove the magnetic particles. When performing this type of cleaning, it is difficult to reach deep into the structure where multiple magnets are arranged in a grid pattern, making the cleaning work time-consuming.

[0005] Automatic cleaning configurations have also been considered. For example, in Patent Document 1, the sleeve tube is pulled out with the magnet still inserted, and then the magnet is removed from the sleeve tube. Magnetic objects are magnetically attracted to the outer surface of the sleeve tube, but when the magnet is removed, the magnetic force on the sleeve tube surface disappears, and the magnetically attracted magnetic objects fall naturally. This cleans the sleeve tube surface.

[0006] Another method, as described in Patent Document 2, involves removing the magnet and then moving a scraper or other removal tool along the magnet's surface to scrape off the magnetic material magnetically attached to the surface. While this method scrapes off large magnetic particles, fine magnetic particles pass through the gaps in the scraper and cannot be scraped off. Reducing the gap between the scraper and the magnet surface or increasing the contact strength can remove even smaller magnetic particles, but this increases the resistance to the scraper's movement, making cleaning more difficult. This problem becomes more pronounced the smaller the gap between the scraper and the magnet surface. Furthermore, if magnetic material becomes trapped in the gap between the scraper and the magnet surface, continued use can increase the resistance to the scraper's movement and eventually make it impossible to move at all. The magnetic material trapped in the gap acts as an abrasive, wearing down the magnet, the surface of the sleeve tube, and the scraper. This can lead to problems such as the need for early replacement of the magnet or sleeve tube, or the generation of new magnetic metal foreign matter.

[0007] Another problem is that all previous cleaning methods required the complete shutdown of the production line, after which the magnets and their assemblies to which the magnetic material had been attracted were automatically or manually removed and cleaned. This meant that production had to be halted during cleaning, resulting in a decrease in production efficiency. Until now, no method had been devised for cleaning while the production line was running. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3426228 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-170845 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a magnetic material removal device that can easily and efficiently collect and clean away magnetically attracted magnetic material, even down to the fine particles, and a cleaning tool used to clean such a magnetic material removal device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The invention described in claim 1 of the present application is a magnetic material removal device that magnetically attracts and removes magnetic material contained in a material, and is characterized in that it has one or more magnetic attraction means that magnetically attracts magnetic material to a surface using magnetic force, and a suction tube that has an opening diameter larger than the magnetic attraction means and into which the magnetic attraction means is inserted, and by suctioning with the opening diameter of the end of the suction tube narrowed, the suction tube and the magnetic attraction means are moved relative to each other while suction is performed, thereby suctioning and removing the magnetic material magnetically attracted to the surface of the magnetic attraction means.

[0011] The invention described in claim 2 of the present application is a magnetic material removal device characterized in that, in addition to the configuration of the invention described in claim 1 of the present application, an attraction ring member that narrows the diameter during suction is provided at one end of each of the magnetic attraction means, and the magnetic attraction means is inserted into the suction tube from the other end side of the magnetic attraction means, and with the tip of the suction tube abutting the attraction ring member, the magnetic attraction means is pulled out from the suction tube and the attraction ring member while suction is being performed from the suction tube, thereby suctioning and removing magnetic material magnetically attracted to the surface of the magnetic attraction means.

[0012] The invention described in claim 3 of the present application is a magnetic material removal device according to the invention described in claim 1 of the present application, characterized in that the end of the suction tube is configured so that the opening diameter thereof is changeable, and the magnetic attraction means is inserted into the suction tube from the end of the magnetic attraction means while the end of the suction tube is kept open, and then the magnetic attraction means is pulled out of the suction tube while being sucked through the suction tube while the opening diameter of the end of the suction tube is narrowed, thereby sucking and removing the magnetic material magnetically attracted to the surface of the magnetic attraction means.

[0013] The invention described in claim 4 of the present application is a magnetic material removal device characterized in that the end of the suction tube in the invention described in claim 3 of the present application is configured so that the opening diameter is narrowed by the negative pressure of suction, and the magnetic adsorption means is housed inside the suction tube with the end of the suction tube open, and suction is started to narrow the opening diameter of the end of the suction tube.

[0014] The invention described in claim 5 of the present application is a magnetic material removal device according to the invention described in claim 1 of the present application, characterized in that the end of the suction tube is narrowed and at least a portion is provided with an opening diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the magnetic attraction means, and the magnetic attraction means is inserted into the suction tube from the narrowed end of the suction tube while suctioning from the suction tube, thereby suctioning and removing magnetic material magnetically attracted to the surface of the magnetic attraction means.

[0015] The invention described in claim 6 of the present application is a cleaning jig used to clean a magnetic material removal device that removes magnetic material contained in a material by magnetically attracting it to a magnetic attraction means, and is characterized in that one end is connected to a suction means and the other end is provided with an opening / closing part, which is open in a normal state and has an opening diameter larger than that of the magnetic attraction means, and the opening diameter shrinks when suction is performed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, by narrowing the opening diameter at the end of the suction tube, the suction force is increased, and this powerful suction force allows for easy and efficient removal and recovery of magnetic material, even down to minute particles, from the surface of the magnetic attraction means, thereby enabling cleaning of the magnetic attraction means. Furthermore, because cleaning can be performed by moving the suction tube and the magnetic attraction means relative to each other, it is possible, under certain conditions, to remove and clean magnetic material from the magnetic attraction means without stopping the production line. Furthermore, because magnetic material is removed by suction, magnetic material removed by the magnetic attraction means will not flow downstream in the production line. Of course, even if the production line is stopped and the magnetic attraction means is removed for cleaning, there is no need to reach into the gaps between the multiple magnetic attraction means, making cleaning easy.

[0017] The suction force can be increased with a simple configuration by using a suction ring member to narrow the opening diameter, by making the opening diameter at the end of the suction tube variable, or by narrowing the end of the suction tube so that there is at least a portion where the opening diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the magnetic attraction means. Each of the configurations in which the end of the suction tube is narrowed allows parts that require cleaning to be removed from the production line except when cleaning is required.

[0018] Furthermore, by using the cleaning jig of the present invention to clean the magnetic attraction means, the magnetic attraction means is accommodated with the opening / closing section open, and then the opening / closing section is closed to reduce the opening diameter, thereby increasing the suction force, and the strong suction force makes it possible to easily and efficiently remove and recover magnetic material, even down to the fine particles, from the surface of the magnetic attraction means, thereby achieving the effect of cleaning the magnetic attraction means.In addition to being able to perform such cleaning work automatically, the cleaning jig of the present invention can also be used when manually cleaning the magnetic attraction means of an existing magnetic material removal device, eliminating the need to reach into the gaps between multiple magnetic attraction means and making cleaning easier. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1]1 is a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a magnetically attracted portion. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a cleaning operation in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram (continued) illustrating an example of the cleaning operation in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of an example of a cleaning operation in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a suction tube according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a cleaning operation in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a suction tube according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a cleaning operation in the third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a magnetic attraction unit. In the figure, 1 is a storage container, 2 is an inlet, 3 is an outlet, 4 is a magnetic attraction unit, 5 is a suction tube, 6 is a suction ring, and 11 is a magnetic material. In this example, storage container 1 has inlet 2 at the top and outlet 3 at the bottom. Material is introduced through inlet 2, and the material from which the magnetic material has been removed is discharged through outlet 3.

[0021] The storage container 1 is provided with multiple magnetic attraction sections 4 that use magnetic force to attract magnetic objects 11 to the surface. In this example, multiple magnetic attraction sections 4 are provided in two upper and lower tiers. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper tier magnetic attraction sections 4 and the lower tier magnetic attraction sections 4 are positioned with their horizontal positions offset from each other, improving the efficiency of removing magnetic objects. Of course, three or more tiers may be provided, and the relative positions of the magnetic attraction sections 4 may be determined at the time of design.

[0022] Each magnetically attracted portion 4 is fitted with multiple magnets mounted inside a sleeve tube with the same poles facing each other. The magnetic flux density is greatest where the magnets' same poles face each other, and more magnetic material is attracted to the surface of the sleeve tube corresponding to that portion. As a result, the removed magnetic material 11 is attracted to the surface of the magnetically attracted portion 4 in a ring-like shape, as shown in the figure. The cross-sectional shape of the magnetically attracted portion 4 is often circular, but it may be various other shapes, such as oval, triangular, or teardrop-shaped. Alternatively, the magnet itself may be used as the magnetically attracted portion 4 without using a sleeve tube.

[0023] In this example, one end of the magnetically attracted part 4 is fixed to the wall of the container 1, and the other end is open. A suction ring 6 is attached to the end of the magnetically attracted part 4, which is fixed to the container 1, and is movable in the direction of extension of the magnetically attracted part 4. When cleaning the magnetically attracted part 4, the end of the suction tube 5 contacts the suction ring 6, which is attracted to the suction tube 5 by suction. The suction ring 6 moves along with the movement of the suction tube 5. The outer diameter of the suction ring 6 must be at least larger than the inner diameter of the suction tube 5 so that the suction tube 5 can contact it. The inner diameter of the suction ring 6 is formed so that there is a portion that is approximately equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the magnetically attracted part 4, which functions to narrow the diameter of the suction tube 5 during suction. For example, the inner diameter of the suction ring 6 may be formed so that there is a portion that is approximately 0.5 to 0.75 mm larger than the outer diameter of the magnetically attracted part 4. If this gap is formed around the entire circumference of the suction ring 6, it is possible that the suction ring 6 may move even when cleaning is not being performed. Therefore, it is preferable that the suction ring 6 is provided intermittently, and that it has a diameter large enough to contact the surface of the magnetic attraction portion 4 at at least several points. Of course, the size of the gap to be formed can be determined at the time of design. It is also preferable that the suction ring 6 is configured so that it does not move under normal conditions when cleaning is not being performed.

[0024] In this example, the suction tubes 5 are provided corresponding to the respective magnetically attracted portions 4 so as to be freely inserted and removed from the surface of the container 1 opposite the surface to which the magnetically attracted portions 4 are fixed. Each suction tube 5 has an opening diameter larger than the outer diameter of the magnetically attracted portion 4, allowing the magnetically attracted portion 4 to be inserted therein. One end of the suction tube 5 is inserted from the open end side of the magnetically attracted portion 4, and the other end of the suction tube 5 is connected to a suction device (not shown).

[0025] In this example, before starting cleaning, the magnetically attracted part 4 is inserted into the suction tube 5, and the tip of the suction tube 5 is brought into contact with the suction ring 6. As described above, magnetically attracted magnetic objects accumulate on the surface of the magnetically attracted part 4 before cleaning. When inserting the magnetically attracted part 4 into the suction tube 5, the suction tube 5 must not come into contact with the magnetic objects 11 magnetically attracted to the surface of the magnetically attracted part 4 and fall off. Therefore, the inner diameter of the suction tube 5 must be larger than the outer diameter of the magnetically attracted part 4. It is generally best to leave a gap of 2 to 3 mm from the surface of the magnetically attracted part 4. The size of this gap can be determined at the time of design, depending on the type of magnetic objects 11 to be magnetically attracted and to what extent.

[0026] The suction tube 5 may be inserted or removed into the storage container 1 manually or automatically. To prevent the suction tube 5 from coming into contact with the magnetic object 11 magnetically attracted to the surface of the magnetic attraction part 4 when the suction tube 5 is inserted or removed, for example, a guide for insertion or removal may be provided.

[0027] The container 1 may be configured so that the surface to which the magnetically adsorbed part 4 is fixed, the surface to which the suction tube 5 is provided, or both of these surfaces are removable, thereby improving ease of maintenance.

[0028] 3 and 4 are explanatory diagrams of an example of a cleaning operation in the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of the same. FIG. 3(A) shows the normal state before the cleaning operation, with the suction tube 5 pulled out from the container 1. In this state, material is introduced through the inlet 2, and the magnetic attraction unit 4 magnetically attracts and removes magnetic particles 11 attached to or mixed in the material. The material from which the magnetic particles 11 have been removed is then discharged through the outlet 3. Although suction from the suction tube 5 is not performed except during cleaning, the opening diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the magnetic attraction unit 4, so it is possible for material to enter the suction tube 5. To prevent this, the tip of the suction tube 5 slightly overlaps the open end of the magnetic attraction unit 4, thereby reducing the gap. Furthermore, the material supplied to this magnetic material removal device should preferably be small enough to not enter the suction tube 5, such as pellets.

[0029] When starting cleaning, first, the suction tube 5 is inserted into the container 1, and the magnetically attracted part 4 is accommodated inside the suction tube 5. As described above, the inner diameter of the suction tube 5 is made sufficiently larger than the outer diameter of the magnetically attracted part 4, so that the suction tube 5 will not come into contact with the magnetic object 11 magnetically attracted to the surface of the magnetically attracted part 4 and cause it to fall, and the magnetically attracted part 4 can be accommodated inside the suction tube 5 together with the magnetically attracted magnetic object 11.

[0030] The suction tube 5 is inserted until its tip abuts against the suction ring 6, as shown in Figure 3(B). The suction ring 6 is provided at the end opposite the open end of the magnetically attracted part 4, and by inserting the suction tube 5 until its tip abuts against the suction ring 6, the entire magnetically attracted part 4 is housed within the suction tube 5.

[0031] Then, suction begins with the tip of the suction tube 5 abutting against the suction ring 6. The suction ring 6 is then attracted to the tip of the suction tube 5 by suction force. In this state, the suction tube 5 and the magnetic attraction part 4 are moved relative to each other. In this case, the suction tube 5 is slowly pulled out. At this time, the suction ring 6, which is attracted to the tip of the suction tube 5, also moves along with the movement of the suction tube 5 while remaining attracted to the suction tube 5. The state where the suction ring 6 has moved partway is shown in Figure 3(C) and Figure 5.

[0032] By performing suction, the inside of the suction tube 5 becomes negative pressure, and air is drawn into the storage container 1. At this time, the suction ring 6 is attached to the tip of the suction tube 5 by suction force, so the opening diameter of the end of the suction tube 5 is narrowed by the suction ring 6, and air is drawn into the storage container 1 through the limited space, the gap between the suction ring 6 and the magnetic attraction unit 4, as shown in Figure 5. This significantly increases the air flow rate in the gap, and a powerful suction force can be obtained. This powerful suction force can suck and remove even the smallest magnetic objects 11 magnetically attracted to the magnetic attraction unit 4.

[0033] For example, it is possible to perform suction without constricting the end of the suction tube 5. However, as described above, the inner diameter of the suction tube 5 is large enough so that it does not come into contact with the magnetic object 11 magnetically attracted to the surface of the magnetic attraction portion 4. Therefore, it is not possible to obtain sufficient suction force to resist the magnetic force and peel off the magnetic object 11 magnetically attracted to the surface of the magnetic attraction portion 4, and small magnetic objects remain on the surface of the magnetic attraction portion 4. Alternatively, it is necessary to perform suction using an extremely powerful suction device. By constricting the end of the suction tube 5, in this example, by attracting the suction ring 6 by suction and reducing the gap with the magnetic attraction portion 4, a strong suction force can be obtained with a simple configuration without using a powerful suction device.

[0034] The inner diameter of the suction ring 6 is formed so that there is a portion that is almost equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the magnetically attracted portion 4. This is to increase the flow rate of the air that is sucked into the gap between the suction ring 6 and the magnetically attracted portion 4, as described above. Therefore, there is no need for the suction ring 6 to scrape off the magnetic material 11 that is magnetically attracted to the surface of the magnetically attracted portion 4. Of course, it is acceptable to move the suction ring 6 to scrape off the magnetic material 11 and make it easier to attract. However, it must be avoided that the magnetic material 11 gets caught between the suction ring 6 and the magnetically attracted portion 4, which impedes the movement of the suction ring 6 and makes it impossible to move while it is attracted to the suction tube 5.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4(A), when the suction ring 6 moves the suction tube 5 to the open end of the magnetically attracted part 4, the magnetic material 11 that has been magnetically attracted to the surface of the magnetically attracted part 4 is sucked and removed, completing the cleaning. Once the cleaning is complete, the suction is stopped.

[0036] After suction has stopped, the suction tube 5 is inserted again into the container 1 while pressing the suction ring 6. The suction tube 5 is inserted until the suction ring 6 reaches the end of the magnetically attracted part 4 opposite the open end. Note that, although this operation is performed after suction has stopped, the suction ring 6 may also be pushed in while suction is still being applied. In this case, it is advisable to insert the suction tube 5 slowly so as not to drop the magnetic object 11 that has been magnetically attracted to the surface of the magnetically attracted part 4 after cleaning.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4(B), when the suction ring 6 reaches the end of the magnetically attracted section 4 opposite the open end, the suction tube 5 is pulled out. If the suction ring 6 is pushed in while suction is being performed, suction must be stopped before the suction tube 5 is pulled out. If suction is not being performed, the suction ring 6 does not move with the suction tube 5 even when it is pulled out, and remains at the end of the magnetically attracted section 4 opposite the open end. As shown in Figure 4(C), when the suction tube 5 is pulled out near the open end of the magnetically attracted section 4, the device returns to its normal magnetic object removal operating state. In this way, a series of cleaning operations is performed, and magnetic objects 11 magnetically attracted to the surface of the magnetically attracted section 4 can be sucked in and cleaned away.

[0038] This series of cleaning operations can be performed even while the production line is in operation. If the material used in the production line to be removed from magnetic material is pellets or the like of a certain size, it will not be significantly affected by the suction during cleaning, and cleaning can be performed without stopping the production line. Note that depending on the material used, such as when the material is powder, the powder may be sucked into the suction pipe 5 due to suction, so cleaning operations while the production line is in operation should take into consideration the material being used. Of course, if the production line is stopped for cleaning, cleaning can be performed for any material, including powder.

[0039] Furthermore, when a series of cleaning operations such as those described above are performed while the production line is in operation, there is a concern that the function of removing the magnetic objects 11 being cleaned may be temporarily lost if all of the magnetically attractive portions 4 are cleaned at the same time. In such a case, by performing cleaning on one or more of the magnetically attractive portions 4 at a time, it is possible to reduce the decrease in the ability to magnetically attract the magnetic objects 11 during cleaning.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a suction tube. Duplicate descriptions of parts similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted. In the figure, 21 denotes an opening / closing portion, 22 denotes a claw portion, 23 denotes a protrusion portion, 24 denotes an elastic material, 25 denotes an operating portion, 26 denotes a closing member, and 27 denotes a holding portion. This second embodiment illustrates an example configured without the suction ring 6 of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the suction ring 6 must be installed in advance inside the container 1. However, some production line managers may wish to minimize the presence of foreign objects in the production line. While it is possible to insert the suction ring 6 after each cleaning, such a task is cumbersome and difficult given the location of the magnetically attracted portion 4. Furthermore, there is a risk of scraping off the magnetic material 11 magnetically attracted to the magnetically attracted portion 4. In this second embodiment, an opening / closing portion 21 is provided at the end of the suction tube 5, which performs the same function as the suction ring 6.

[0041] The opening / closing section 21 at the end of the suction tube 5 is divided into multiple sections and is configured to be openable and closable. Under normal conditions, each section rotates outward around its base as a fulcrum, preventing the magnetic object 11 magnetically attracted to the magnetic attraction section 4 from contacting the end of the suction tube 5 when the magnetic attraction section 4 is inserted into the suction tube 5. Therefore, the opening diameter of the opening / closing section 21 in its expanded state is preferably equal to or larger than the inner diameter of the suction tube 5. During cleaning, each section of the opening / closing section 21 is rotated inward around its base as a fulcrum to close the opening / closing section 21 and reduce the opening diameter. The opening diameter of the opening / closing section 21 in its closed state should be approximately equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the magnetic attraction section 4. As with the suction ring 6, a section that is approximately 0.5 to 0.75 mm larger than the outer diameter of the magnetic attraction section 4 is preferred. Of course, the size of the gap to be formed can be determined at the time of design. In this way, the opening and closing portion 21 divided into a plurality of parts can be opened and closed like a flower opening and closing.

[0042] The tip of the opening / closing part 21 is provided with a claw part 22, and the opening diameter when the opening / closing part 21 is closed is determined by this claw part 22. During cleaning, this claw part 22 faces the surface of the magnetically attracted part 4, narrowing the gap and thereby significantly improving the air speed during suction, thereby obtaining a strong suction force. It may also function as a scraper to scrape off magnetic objects 11 magnetically attracted to the surface of the magnetically attracted part 4.

[0043] The operating unit 25 opens and closes the opening / closing unit 21. When the operating unit 25 is retracted, the opening / closing unit 21 expands, and when the operating unit 25 is advanced toward the end, the opening / closing unit 21 closes and the opening diameter is narrowed. The operating unit 25 may be advanced or retracted by various well-known methods, such as by sliding it in the extension direction of the suction tube 5 or by rotating it like a screw. Furthermore, it may be controlled automatically or manually.

[0044] An example of the configuration of the opening / closing unit 21 and the operating unit 25 is shown in Figure 7. An elastic material 24 is attached to the opening / closing unit 21 and the portion of the suction tube 5 that continues from the opening / closing unit 21. This elastic material 24 is attached in a stretched state toward the opening / closing unit 21, and the elastic force of the elastic material 24 as it tries to contract pulls the opening / closing unit 21 toward the opposite side from the open end. As a result, the open end of the opening / closing unit 21 is normally open.

[0045] A closing member 26 is provided between the operating part 25 and the elastic material 24, and the closing member 26 also moves forward and backward as the operating part 25 moves forward and backward. When the tip of this closing member 26 moves backward beyond the base part of the opening / closing part 21, the movement of the opening / closing part 21 is released and the opening / closing part 21 is put into an open state. When the closing member 26 moves forward toward the end part beyond the base part of the opening / closing part 21, the movement of the opening / closing part 21 is restricted and the opening / closing part 21 is put into a closed state.

[0046] Furthermore, a protrusion 23 is provided on the opening / closing unit 21, and a holding portion 27 is provided at the end of the operating unit 25. When the opening / closing unit 21 is retracted and in an open state, the protrusion 23 of the opening / closing unit 21 engages with the holding portion 27 of the operating unit 25. This allows the opening / closing unit 21 to be kept in an open state.

[0047] FIG. 7A shows the open-close unit 21. When the operating unit 25 is retracted so that the tip of the closing member 26 retracts beyond the base of the open-close unit 21, the movement of the open-close unit 21 is released. As a result, the elastic force of the elastic material 24 as it contracts pulls the open-close unit 21 outward, causing it to rotate around the base, bringing the open-close unit 21 into an open state. When the open-close unit 21 is in an open state, the protrusion 23 on the open-close unit 21 engages with the retaining portion 27 on the end of the operating unit 25, allowing the open-close unit 21 to remain open without vibrating. For example, when the magnetically attracted unit 4 is inserted into the suction tube 5, the open-close unit 21 can be prevented from flapping and coming into contact with the magnetic object 11 magnetically attracted to the surface of the suction tube 5.

[0048] 7(B) shows the open-close unit 21 in a closed state. When the operating unit 25 is advanced and the tip of the closing member 26 advances beyond the base of the open-close unit 21, the movement of the open-close unit 21 is gradually restricted. As a result, the open-close unit 21 rotates inward with the base portion as a fulcrum, and the open-close unit 21 enters a closed state. As the operating unit 25 advances, the engagement between the protrusion 23 of the open-close unit 21 and the holding portion 27 of the operating unit 25 is released, allowing the open-close unit 21 to close without hindrance.

[0049] 8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams of an example of the cleaning operation in the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8A shows a normal state before the cleaning operation, with the suction tube 5 pulled out from the container 1. In this state, the opening / closing part 21 may be open or closed, but if it is closed, it is possible to prevent the materials used in manufacturing from entering the suction tube 5 to some extent.

[0050] When starting cleaning, if the opening / closing part 21 is normally closed, it is opened. Then, the suction tube 5 is inserted into the storage container 1, and the magnetically attracted part 4 is accommodated inside the suction tube 5. If the opening / closing part 21 is left open, the opening diameter is ensured to be equal to or larger than the inner diameter of the suction tube 5, so that the claws 22 of the opening / closing part 21 and the suction tube 5 do not come into contact with the magnetic object 11 magnetically attracted to the surface of the magnetically attracted part 4 and cause it to fall, and the magnetically attracted part 4 can be accommodated inside the suction tube 5 together with the magnetically attracted magnetic object 11.

[0051] As shown in Figure 8(B), once the magnetically attracted part 4 is housed inside the suction tube 5, the opening / closing part 21 is closed using the operating part 25 to narrow the opening diameter. Then, suction begins. In this state, the suction tube 5 and the magnetically attracted part 4 are moved relative to each other. In this case, the suction tube 5 is slowly pulled out. Figure 8(C) shows the state after it has been moved partway.

[0052] By performing suction, the inside of the suction tube 5 becomes negative pressure, and air is drawn into the storage container 1. At this time, the opening diameter is narrowed by the opening / closing part 21 provided at the end of the suction tube 5 due to the suction force, and air is drawn into the storage container 1 through the limited space, namely the gap between the claw part 22 at the tip of the opening / closing part 21 and the magnetic attraction part 4. This makes it possible to significantly increase the air flow rate in the gap, and to obtain a powerful suction force. This powerful suction force can suck and remove even the smallest magnetic objects 11 magnetically attracted to the magnetic attraction part 4.

[0053] The opening diameter of the opening / closing unit 21 when closed is formed so that there is a portion that is roughly equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the magnetically attracted unit 4. This is for the purpose of increasing the flow rate of the air sucked into the gap between the opening / closing unit 21, particularly the claws 22, and the magnetically attracted unit 4, as described above. Therefore, it is not necessary for the claws 22 to scrape off the magnetic material 11 that is magnetically attracted to the surface of the magnetically attracted unit 4. Of course, the claws 22 may function as scrapers that scrape off the magnetic material 11. The scraped magnetic material 11 can be sucked and removed as is. However, it must be avoided that the magnetic material 11 gets caught between the claws 22 and the magnetically attracted unit 4, which impedes the movement of the suction tube 5 and makes it even more difficult to move.

[0054] As shown in Figure 8(D), when the suction ring 6 moves the suction tube 5 to the open end of the magnetic attraction unit 4, the magnetic object 11 magnetically attracted to the surface of the magnetic attraction unit 4 is sucked and removed, completing the cleaning. Once cleaning is complete, suction is stopped. This second embodiment does not use the suction ring 6, and there is no need to return the suction ring 6 to its original position as in the first embodiment. The open / close unit 21 may remain closed after cleaning is complete, or may be opened to prepare for the next cleaning.

[0055] This series of cleaning operations can be performed even while the production line is in operation. Keeping the open / close unit 21 closed under normal conditions prevents materials from entering the suction tube 5 unless the material used in the production line is a fine powder. Furthermore, the suction during cleaning is not significantly affected, allowing cleaning to be performed without stopping the production line. Similarly to the first embodiment, when cleaning is performed while the production line is in operation, the cleaning is performed for each or multiple tubes, thereby reducing the decrease in the ability to magnetically attract the magnetic material 11 during cleaning. Of course, if the production line is stopped for cleaning, cleaning can be performed regardless of the material used, and all magnetically attractable units 4 can be cleaned at the same time.

[0056] As a modification of the second embodiment described above, for example, the opening / closing unit 21 itself may be formed of an elastic material, and the elastic material 24 may be eliminated. In this case, the opening / closing unit 21 is biased in an outward opening direction by an elastic force, and the opening / closing unit 21 may be closed by advancing the operating unit 25.

[0057] Furthermore, for example, the elastic force of opening / closing section 21 can be adjusted so that suction is applied during cleaning to close opening / closing section 21 and narrow the opening diameter. In this case, the configuration can be made without providing operating section 25, and cleaning work by suction can be performed with an even simpler configuration than the configuration of the second embodiment described above.

[0058] In this modified example, the open-close part 21 is normally open due to its elastic force. When cleaning is performed, the suction tube 5 is inserted into the open-close part 21 to house the magnetically attracted part 4 inside. When suction begins, the negative pressure pulls the open-close part 21 toward the inside of the suction tube 5. This closes the open-close part 21, narrowing the opening diameter. By pulling out the suction tube 5 in this state, the magnetic object 11 magnetically attracted to the surface of the magnetically attracted part 4 can be sucked and removed. When cleaning is completed and suction is stopped, the open-close part 21 opens again due to its elastic force, returning to its normal state.

[0059] Furthermore, for example, like the suction cap 31 in the third embodiment described below, the portion including the opening / closing portion 21 can be configured to be detachable from the end of the suction tube 5. Although several modified examples have been shown, it goes without saying that the configurations shown in the second embodiment and the modified examples are merely examples, and various other configurations are possible without being limited to these examples.

[0060] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a suction tube in a third embodiment of the present invention. A description of parts similar to those in the first and second embodiments will be omitted. In the figure, reference numeral 31 denotes a suction cap. In the first and second embodiments, the magnetically attracted part 4 is accommodated in the suction tube 5, and then the opening diameter is narrowed and cleaning is performed while the suction tube 5 is pulled out. In this third embodiment, the opening diameter at the end of the suction tube 5 is narrowed from the beginning, and the magnetically attracted part 4 and the suction tube 5 are moved relative to each other while suction is being performed. In this example, the suction tube 5 is inserted and the magnetically attracted part 4 is accommodated in the suction tube 5, thereby performing cleaning.

[0061] The suction cap 31 is provided at the end of the suction tube 5 to narrow the opening diameter of the suction tube 5. The opening diameter of the suction cap 31 is formed so that there is a portion that is approximately equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the magnetically attracted portion 4, and functions to narrow the diameter of the suction tube 5 during suction. As an example, the opening diameter of the suction cap 31 may be set so that a substantially constant gap is formed around the magnetically attracted portion 4, as shown in FIG. 9(B). Specifically, the opening diameter may be set to approximately the outer diameter of the magnetically attracted portion 4 + 0.5 to 0.75 mm. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9(C), for example, the opening diameter may be formed so that there is a portion that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the magnetically attracted portion 4. Of course, the size and extent of the gap to be formed can be determined at the time of design.

[0062] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a cleaning operation in the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10(A) shows the normal state before the cleaning operation, with the suction tube 5 pulled out from the storage container 1. To perform cleaning, suction is initiated and the suction tube 5 and the magnetically attracted part 4 are moved relative to each other. In this case, the suction tube 5 is inserted into the storage container 1, and the magnetically attracted part 4 is accommodated inside the suction tube 5. Suction creates a negative pressure inside the suction tube 5, drawing air from the storage container 1. At this time, the suction force narrows the opening diameter of the suction cap 31 attached to the end of the suction tube 5, drawing air from the storage container 1 through the limited space between the tip of the suction cap 31 and the magnetically attracted part 4. This significantly increases the air flow rate in the gap, generating a powerful suction force. This powerful suction force can suck and remove even the smallest magnetic objects 11 magnetically attracted to the magnetically attracted part 4. FIG. 10(B) shows the state after the suction tube has moved partway.

[0063] As described above, the suction cap 31 in this third embodiment is also intended to increase the flow rate of the sucked air, and is not required to scrape off the magnetic material 11 magnetically attracted to the surface of the magnetically attracting portion 4. It is, of course, acceptable to use the claws 22 to scrape off the magnetic material 11 to facilitate suction. However, it is necessary to avoid situations in which the magnetic material 11 becomes trapped between the claws 22 and the magnetically attracting portion 4, impeding the movement of the suction tube 5 and further preventing it from moving. Furthermore, the speed of movement of the suction tube 5 must be adjusted to prevent the scraped-off magnetic material 11 from flowing downstream in the production line without being sucked in. Alternatively, the outer diameter of the suction cap 31 may be protruded to receive the scraped-off magnetic material 11, and the suction force may be increased to some extent even in a position ahead of the gap of the suction cap 31.

[0064] In addition to scraping, in the configuration of the third embodiment, the opening diameter is narrowed by the suction cap 31, so that when the magnetic attraction unit 4 is inserted into the suction tube 5, the magnetic material 11 magnetically attracted to the surface of the magnetic attraction unit 4 may come into contact with the end of the suction cap 31, causing the magnetic material 11 to fly off. Therefore, when the suction cap 31 comes into contact with the magnetic material 11, it is necessary to limit the moving speed so that the magnetic material 11 is sucked in without flying off.

[0065] As shown in Figure 10(C), the suction cap 31 moves the suction tube 5 to the base end of the magnetically attracted portion 4, thereby suctioning and removing the magnetic object 11 that has been magnetically attracted to the surface of the magnetically attracted portion 4. Thereafter, as shown in Figure 10(D), the suction cap 31 moves the suction tube 5 to the open end of the magnetically attracted portion 4 and stops suction. This completes the series of cleaning operations. Note that suction may also be stopped when the suction cap 31 moves the suction tube 5 to the base end of the magnetically attracted portion 4, as shown in Figure 10(C).

[0066] The series of cleaning operations in the third embodiment can also be performed while the production line is in operation. The suction cap 31 prevents materials used in the production line from entering the suction tube 5 even during normal operation, and cleaning is not significantly affected by suction during cleaning, allowing cleaning to be performed without stopping the production line. Furthermore, as with the first embodiment, when cleaning is performed while the production line is in operation, the cleaning is performed for one or more tubes at a time, thereby reducing the decrease in the ability to magnetically attract the magnetic material 11 during cleaning. Of course, if the production line is stopped for cleaning, all the magnetic attraction units 4 can be cleaned at the same time.

[0067] Several embodiments have been described above. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be applied to various types of magnetic material removal devices. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, a magnetic material removal device is shown in which the material used in manufacturing is fed from the top, and the magnetic material is removed and discharged from the bottom. However, the present invention can also be applied to a magnetic material removal device in which the material is air-fed in a horizontal direction, for example.

[0068] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiments show examples in which cleaning can be performed even while the production line is operating, cleaning can also be performed by applying the cleaning method described in the above-described embodiments, even when, for example, the production line is stopped and the magnetically attracted unit 4 is removed for cleaning. For example, cleaning can be performed by using the suction tube 5 having the opening / closing unit 21 described in the second embodiment, manually attaching the suction tube 5 to the magnetically attracted unit 4 and pulling it out of the magnetically attracted unit 4 while sucking it, or by pulling out the magnet inside the magnetically attracted unit 4 while the suction tube 5 is still attached. Furthermore, cleaning can be performed by using the suction tube 5 having the suction cap 31 described in the third embodiment, manually inserting the magnetically attracted unit 4 into the suction tube 5 and sucking it.

[0069] This method of removing the magnetically attracted part 4 and performing cleaning can also be applied to various existing magnetic material removal devices. In one example, a cleaning task that took about five minutes using conventional cloth or adhesive tape could be completed in about 10 seconds using the present invention. Furthermore, a certain amount of magnetic material can be removed simply by contacting the suction tube 5 with the surface of the removed magnetically attracted part 4 and sucking it. However, it is not easy to evenly and uniformly apply the tip of the hose to a curved rod-shaped surface, and human error inevitably leads to magnetic material being left behind during collection. Furthermore, the need to insert a hand or the suction tube 5 into the gaps between multiple magnetically attracted parts 4 makes this a difficult task. According to the present invention, the process essentially involves simply inserting the suction tube 5 into the tip of the magnetically attracted part 4 and sucking it, thereby ensuring uniform and reliable suction removal of magnetic material 11.

[0070] Furthermore, when the magnetically attracted part 4 is removed to the outside for cleaning as described above, for example, when using the suction ring 6 used in the first embodiment, if a suction ring 6 corresponding to the magnetically attracted part 4 provided in each device is provided in advance, a device common to various magnetic substance removal devices can be used for the suction tube 5 side. Furthermore, if the opening / closing part 21 used in the second embodiment is configured to be detachable or the suction cap 31 used in the third embodiment is provided with an attachment corresponding to the magnetically attracted part 4 of each magnetic substance removal device, it can be easily and inexpensively adapted to various magnetic substance removal devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1...Storage container, 2...Inlet, 3...Outlet, 4...Magnetic adsorption part, 5...Suction tube, 6...Suction ring, 11...Magnetic material, 21...Opening and closing part, 22...Claw part, 23...Protrusion part, 24...Elastic material, 25...Operation part, 26...Closing member, 27...Holding part, 31...Suction cap.

Claims

1. A magnetic material removal device that magnetically attracts and removes magnetic material contained in a material, comprising one or more magnetic attraction means that magnetically attracts magnetic material to a surface using magnetic force, and a suction tube that has an opening diameter larger than that of the magnetic attraction means and into which the magnetic attraction means is inserted, and that attracts and removes magnetic material that has been magnetically attracted to the surface of the magnetic attraction means by moving the suction tube and the magnetic attraction means relatively while suctioning with the opening diameter of the end of the suction tube narrowed.

2. 2. The magnetic material removal device according to claim 1, wherein a suction ring member that narrows the diameter during suction is provided at one end of each of the magnetic attraction means, and the magnetic attraction means is inserted into the suction tube from the other end side of the magnetic attraction means, and the tip of the suction tube is abutted against the suction ring member, and while suction is being performed from the suction tube, the magnetic attraction means is pulled out from the suction tube and the suction ring member, thereby suctioning and removing magnetic material magnetically attracted to the surface of the magnetic attraction means.

3. The magnetic material removal device according to claim 1, wherein the end of the suction tube is configured so that its opening diameter can be changed, and the magnetic attraction means is inserted into the suction tube from the end of the magnetic attraction means with the end of the suction tube open and accommodated, and then the opening diameter of the end of the suction tube is narrowed and the magnetic attraction means is pulled out of the suction tube while being sucked through the suction tube, thereby suctioning and removing magnetic material magnetically attracted to the surface of the magnetic attraction means.

4. The magnetic material removal device according to claim 3, characterized in that the end of the suction tube is configured so that the opening diameter thereof is narrowed by the negative pressure of suction, and the magnetic attraction means is placed inside the suction tube with the end of the suction tube open, and suction is initiated to narrow the opening diameter of the end of the suction tube.

5. 2. The magnetic material removal device according to claim 1, wherein the end of the suction tube is narrowed and at least a portion is provided with an opening diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the magnetic attraction means, and the magnetic attraction means is inserted into the suction tube from the narrowed end of the suction tube while suctioning from the suction tube, thereby suctioning and removing magnetic material magnetically attracted to the surface of the magnetic attraction means.

6. A cleaning jig used to clean a magnetic material removal device that removes magnetic material contained in a material by magnetically attracting it to a magnetic attraction means, the cleaning jig having one end connected to a suction means and an opening / closing part at the other end, the opening / closing part being open in a normal state and having an opening diameter larger than that of the magnetic attraction means, and the opening diameter shrinking during suction.

Images