Continuous powder processing equipment

Abstract

To provide a continuous powder treatment device containing a rotary container.SOLUTION: A continuous powder treatment device 1A used for mixing powder and producing granules from wet powder includes a cylindrical rotary container 2 extending laterally, and a stationary member 3 that fits into one opening 2a of the rotary container 2. The stationary member 3 is provided with a supply hole 3a. The supply hole 3a has a screw 5 disposed therein. The rotary container 2 has a rotary shaft 4 disposed therein. In the rotary container 2, the rotary shaft 4 is provided with a plurality of vanes 6. Each vane 6 is provided with a knife edge that gives sending force to powder or wet powder toward the other opening 2b of the rotary container 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a continuous powder processing apparatus used for mixing powders or producing granules from wet powders. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in the fields of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food, etc., multiple types of powders have been mixed and then moistened to produce granules from the wet powder. Powders are difficult to handle as they are, so making them into granules can improve their handleability.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a continuous powder processing apparatus (referred to as a "continuous stirring processing apparatus" in Patent Document 1) used to produce granules from wet powder. Such a continuous powder processing apparatus can also be used only for mixing multiple types of powders.

[0004] Specifically, the continuous powder processing apparatus of Patent Document 1 includes a cylindrical, stationary processing vessel extending laterally, and a rotating shaft with multiple blades attached, disposed within the processing vessel. The processing vessel has a supply port at one end, through which powder is fed. A screw feeder is used to feed the powder.

[0005] Furthermore, multiple scrapers (referred to as "scraping blades" in Patent Document 1) are arranged inside the treatment vessel to move the wet powder in the axial direction of the treatment vessel. Each scraper is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the treatment vessel and rotates around a rotating shaft.

[0006] Patent Document 1 describes that the addition of the treatment liquid to moisten the powder may be performed either inside or outside the treatment container, and also describes that the treatment container may be rotated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-7571 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, Patent Document 1 does not describe how the continuous powder processing apparatus should be configured when the processing vessel is rotated.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a continuous powder processing apparatus including a rotary container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the continuous powder processing device of the present invention is a continuous powder processing device used for mixing powders or producing granules from wet powder, and is characterized by comprising: a cylindrical rotary container extending laterally; a stationary member having a supply hole that fits into one opening of the rotary container and communicates with the interior of the rotary container; a screw arranged in the supply hole; a rotary shaft arranged in the rotary container and extending in the axial direction of the rotary container; and a plurality of blades attached to the rotary shaft within the rotary container, each blade having a knife edge that imparts a feeding force to the powder or the wet powder toward the other opening of the rotary container.

[0011] According to the above configuration, when the continuous powder processing apparatus is used to produce granules from wet powder, when the powder or wet powder is fed into the feed hole, the powder or wet powder is fed into the rotary container by the screw. When the powder is fed into the feed hole, a processing liquid is added to the powder in the rotary container to wet the powder. In the rotary container, the rotary container rotates to cause the wet powder to flow, and the blades rotate together with the rotating shaft to move the wet powder toward the other opening of the rotary container while mixing and crushing it. This produces granules, which are then discharged from the other opening of the rotary container.

[0012] On the other hand, when a continuous powder processing device is used to mix powders, the powder is fed into the feed hole and then fed into the rotary container by the screw. In the rotary container, the powder is fluidized by the rotation of the rotary container, and the blades rotate together with the rotary shaft, so that the powder is mixed and crushed while moving toward the other opening of the rotary container, and the mixed powder is discharged from the other opening of the rotary container. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, there is provided a continuous powder processing apparatus including a rotating vessel. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a continuous powder processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] (a) is a front view of the blade, and (b) is a front view of the spacer. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the main parts of a continuous powder processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a front cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 8(a) and 8(b) are diagrams showing a modified example of the second embodiment, where 8(a) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of the modified continuous powder processing apparatus, and 8(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIIB-VIIIB in 8(a). [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the main parts of a continuous powder processing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a main part of a continuous powder processing apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 1(a) is a side view of a modified screw, and FIG. 1(b) is a cross-sectional view of the screw. [Figure 13] FIG. 12(b) is a front view of the screw shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] (First embodiment) 1 and 2 show a continuous powder processing apparatus 1A according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the continuous powder processing apparatus 1A is used to produce granules from wet powder. For example, the powder before wetting (generally a mixture of multiple types of powder) has an average particle size of 30 to 70 μm, and the average particle size of the granules is 80 to 250 μm.

[0016] Specifically, the continuous powder processing apparatus 1A includes a cylindrical rotating container 2 that extends laterally, and a frame 11 that rotatably supports the rotating container 2. The frame 11 includes a base 11a located on the side of the rotating container 2, and a pair of arms 11b and 11c that protrude from the base 11a. The arms 11b and 11c rotatably support the rotating container 2 via bearings 21 and 22.

[0017] An electric motor 71 that rotates the rotary vessel 2 is attached to the base 11a of the frame 11. Bevel gears 72 and 73 are provided on the output shaft of the electric motor 71 and on the outer circumferential surface of the rotary vessel 2, respectively, and these bevel gears 72 and 73 mesh with each other.

[0018] The rotating vessel 2 has an inlet-side opening 2a, which is one opening, and an outlet-side opening 2b, which is the other opening. The inlet-side opening 2a is formed at the inlet-side end of the inner circumferential surface 2c of the rotating vessel 2, and the outlet-side opening 2b is formed at the outlet-side end of the inner circumferential surface 2c. In this embodiment, the inlet-side end of the inner circumferential surface 2c of the rotating vessel 2 protrudes radially inward, and the diameter of the inlet-side opening 2a is smaller than the diameter of the outlet-side opening 2b. In other words, the inner circumferential surface 2c of the rotating vessel 2 is a cylindrical surface with a constant diameter D except for the inlet-side end.

[0019] Furthermore, the continuous powder processing apparatus 1A includes a stationary member 3 that fits into the inlet opening 2a of the rotary vessel 2, and a rotary shaft 4 that is disposed inside the rotary vessel 2 as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 3. The rotary shaft 4 extends in the axial direction of the rotary vessel 2.

[0020] The stationary member 3 is provided with a cylindrical supply hole 3a that communicates with the interior of the rotary container 2. A screw 5 is disposed within the supply hole 3a. In this embodiment, the supply hole 3a extends along the central axis 40 (see FIG. 3) of the rotary shaft 4, and the rotary shaft 4 is also disposed within the supply hole 3a. The screw 5 is attached to the rotary shaft 4.

[0021] A support 16 is fixed to the base 11a of the frame 11, and an electric motor 75 for rotating the rotary shaft 4 is attached to this support 16.

[0022] Furthermore, a first closing member 12 that covers the bearing 21 and its inner surface is fixed to arm 11b of frame 11, and a second closing member 13 that covers the bearing 22 and its inner surface is fixed to arm 11c. In this embodiment, the first closing member 12 is disk-shaped and is integrated with the stationary member 3. The second closing member 13 is annular and passes through the rotating vessel 2. A cover 15 that covers the space between arms 11b and 11c of frame 11 is attached to arms 11b and 11c of frame 11.

[0023] Granules are produced in the rotary vessel 2 and are discharged from the outlet opening 2b. A chute 14 is attached to the second closing member 13 to guide the granules discharged from the outlet opening 2b of the rotary vessel 2.

[0024] Next, the structure inside and around the rotary vessel 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0025] In this embodiment, the central axis 20 of the rotating vessel 2 is parallel to the horizontal direction. However, the central axis 20 of the rotating vessel 2 may be inclined downward or upward from the inlet opening 2a to the outlet opening 2b. By inclining the central axis 20 of the rotating vessel 2 in this manner, the residence time of the wet powder in the rotating vessel 2 can be adjusted.

[0026] In this embodiment, the central axis 40 of the rotary shaft 4 is located below the central axis 20 of the rotary vessel 2. For example, the eccentricity e of the central axis 40 of the rotary shaft 4 with respect to the central axis 20 of the rotary vessel 2 is 1 / 6 to 1 / 12 of the diameter D of the inner circumferential surface 2c of the rotary vessel 2.

[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotation direction of the rotating shaft 4 is the same as the rotation direction of the rotating vessel 2, and the rotation speed of the rotating shaft 4 is faster than the rotation speed of the rotating vessel 2. The rotation speed of the rotating shaft 4 is set so that the peripheral speed at the tip of the blades 6, which will be described later, is approximately 5 to 13 m / s, and the rotation speed of the rotating vessel 2 is set so that the peripheral speed at the inner peripheral surface 2c of the rotating vessel 2 is approximately 0.5 to 1 m / s.

[0028] The stationary member 3 includes an eccentric portion 31 that fits into the inlet opening 2a of the rotary container 2, and a pipe portion 32 that is located farther from the rotary container 2 than the eccentric portion 31. The supply hole 3a is provided across the eccentric portion 31 and the pipe portion 32.

[0029] The contour of the eccentric part 31 is circular. The center of the eccentric part 31 coincides with the center of the rotary container 2, and the center of the tube part 32 (which is also the center of the supply hole 3a) coincides with the center of the rotary shaft 4. The stationary member 3 may be a single part or may be divided into multiple parts.

[0030] A first closing member 12 is joined to the end of the eccentric portion 31 on the tube portion 32 side. Compressed air is introduced from a compressor (not shown) into the space between the first closing member 12 and the inlet end face of the rotary vessel 2 to prevent powder or wet powder from flowing into the space through a gap between the inlet opening 2a of the rotary vessel 2 and the eccentric portion 31. This compressed air flows into the rotary vessel 2 through the gap between the inlet opening 2a of the rotary vessel 2 and the eccentric portion 31.

[0031] An upwardly opening inlet 3b is provided in the pipe portion 32 of the stationary member 3. A hopper 35 is connected to this inlet 3b. In this embodiment, wet powder moistened with the addition of a treatment liquid is introduced into the hopper 35.

[0032] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the rotary shaft 4 inside the supply hole 3a and inside the rotary vessel 2 is square. However, the shape of the rotary shaft 4 is not limited to this.

[0033] The screw 5 attached to the rotating shaft 4 inside the supply hole 3a includes a central tube 51 inserted into the rotating shaft 4 and spiral screw blades 52 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the central tube 51. The length of the screw 5 is approximately the same as the length of the supply hole 3a. As described above, since the cross section of the rotating shaft 4 inside the supply hole 3a is square, the cross section of the inner peripheral surface of the central tube 51 is also square.

[0034] In the rotary vessel 2, a plurality of blades 6 are attached to the rotary shaft 4. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5(a), each blade 6 is plate-shaped with a through-hole 6a through which the rotary shaft 4 is inserted. However, the shape of each blade 6 is not limited to this.

[0035] More specifically, each blade 6 has a generally diamond shape with a through-hole 6a formed in its center. That is, each blade 6 has a pair of blades protruding in opposite directions from the through-hole 6a. As described above, since the cross-sectional shape of the rotary shaft 4 in the rotary vessel 2 is square, the through-hole 6a is also square.

[0036] Furthermore, a knife edge 6b is formed on each blade of each blade 6 so as to be sharp in the direction of rotation. The knife edge 6b is inclined so as to approach the inlet opening 2a (away from the outlet opening 2b) in the direction of rotation. Therefore, when the blade 6 rotates, the knife edge 6b applies a feeding force to the wet powder toward the outlet opening 2b of the rotary container 2.

[0037] The length L of each blade 6 is set so that the shortest distance between each blade 6 and the inner surface 2c of the rotating vessel 2 (clearance directly below the central axis 20 of the rotating vessel 2) is about several millimeters (e.g., 1 to 5 mm).

[0038] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the blades 6 are attached to the rotating shaft 4 so that their orientations alternate by 90 degrees. Spacer rings 61 are arranged between adjacent blades 6. As shown in Figure 5(b), each spacer ring 61 has a square through-hole 61a similar to the through-hole 6a of the blade 6, and is inserted into the rotating shaft 4. A holding member 62 is attached to the tip of the rotating shaft 4.

[0039] In the continuous powder processing apparatus 1A configured as described above, when wet powder is introduced into the supply hole 3a through the hopper 35 and the introduction port 3b, the wet powder is supplied into the rotary vessel 2 by the screw 5. Within the rotary vessel 2, the rotation of the rotary vessel 2 causes the wet powder to flow, and the rotation of the blades 6 together with the rotary shaft 4 moves the wet powder toward the outlet opening 2b of the rotary vessel 2 while mixing and crushing it. In this way, granules are produced, and the produced granules are discharged from the outlet opening 2b of the rotary vessel 2.

[0040] In this embodiment, each blade 6 is plate-shaped and a spacer ring 61 is disposed between adjacent blades 6, which simplifies the shape of the blades 6 and reduces the manufacturing cost of the blades 6. Moreover, the blades 6 can be attached to the rotating shaft 4 at an appropriate pitch simply by passing the blades 6 and the spacer ring 61 alternately through the rotating shaft 4. Furthermore, the blades 6, spacer rings 61, and rotating shaft 4 can be easily disassembled, which makes cleaning easier.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the screw 5 is made up of the central tube 51 and the screw blades 52, so that the screw 5 can be attached to the rotating shaft 4 simply by passing the screw 5 through the rotating shaft 4. In addition, the screw 5 can be easily removed from the rotating shaft 4, and is easy to clean.

[0042] <Modification> The central axis 40 of the rotary shaft 4 does not necessarily have to be located below the central axis 20 of the rotary vessel 2, and these central axes 40 and 20 may coincide with each other. This modification is also applicable to the third embodiment described later.

[0043] However, if the central axis 40 of the rotating shaft 4 is positioned below the central axis 20 of the rotating vessel 2 as shown in Figure 3, a space is secured above the blades 6, and the wet powder that has risen following the inner peripheral surface 2c of the rotating vessel 2 detaches from the inner peripheral surface 2c of the rotating vessel 2 above the blades 6 and falls, colliding with the blades 6 and being crushed. Therefore, the granulation effect can be improved compared to when the central axis 40 of the rotating shaft 4 and the central axis 20 of the rotating vessel 2 are aligned.

[0044] The continuous powder processing apparatus 1A may be used to mix multiple types of powder. In this case, the powder is not wetted in the rotary container 2, and the knife edges 6b of the blades 6 apply a feeding force to the powder toward the outlet opening 2b of the rotary container 2. This modification is also applicable to the second and third embodiments described later.

[0045] When the continuous powder processing apparatus 1A is used to mix multiple types of powder, the powder is introduced into the supply hole 3a through the hopper 35 and the inlet 3b, and then the screw 5 supplies the powder into the rotary vessel 2. Inside the rotary vessel 2, the rotation of the rotary vessel 2 causes the powder to flow, and the rotation of the blades 6 together with the rotary shaft 4 causes the powder to move toward the outlet opening 2b of the rotary vessel 2 while being mixed and crushed, and the mixed powder is then discharged from the outlet opening 2b of the rotary vessel 2.

[0046] Even when the continuous powder processing apparatus 1A is used to mix multiple types of powder, if the rotation direction of the rotary shaft 4 and the rotation direction of the rotary container 2 are the same, the powder is less likely to accumulate at the bottom of the rotary container 2.

[0047] Furthermore, even when the continuous powder processing apparatus 1A is used to mix multiple types of powder, if the central axis 40 of the rotating shaft 4 is positioned below the central axis 20 of the rotating vessel 2, a space is secured above the blades 6, and the powder that has risen following the inner circumferential surface of the rotating vessel 2 detaches from the inner circumferential surface of the rotating vessel 2 above the blades 6 and falls, collides with the blades 6 and is crushed. Therefore, the mixing effect can be improved compared to when the central axis 40 of the rotating shaft 4 and the central axis 20 of the rotating vessel 2 are aligned.

[0048] (Second embodiment) Next, a continuous powder processing apparatus 1B according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Continuous powder processing apparatus 1B of this embodiment differs from continuous powder processing apparatus 1A of the first embodiment in that a scraper 8 is disposed in rotary vessel 2. In this embodiment and a third embodiment described later, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0049] The scraper 8 extends in the axial direction of the rotary vessel 2 above the blades 6. The scraper 8 serves to scrape off the wet powder adhering to the inner peripheral surface 2c of the rotary vessel 2.

[0050] One end of the scraper 8 is fixed to the eccentric portion 31 of the stationary member 3 via a first arm 81 and a second arm 83, and the other end is fixed to the chute 14 via an arm 82 and a rod 84.

[0051] The tip of the scraper 8 may or may not contact the inner peripheral surface 2c of the rotating vessel 2. If it does not contact, it is desirable that the clearance between the tip of the scraper 8 and the inner peripheral surface 2c of the rotating vessel 2 is as narrow as possible.

[0052] When the tip of the scraper 8 does not contact the inner peripheral surface 2c of the rotating vessel 2, the material of the scraper 8 may be any of metal (e.g., stainless steel), resin, and rubber. When the tip of the scraper 8 contacts the inner peripheral surface 2c of the rotating vessel 2, the material of the scraper 8 is preferably a resin with excellent sliding properties, such as a fluororesin (e.g., PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene)) or nylon.

[0053] In particular, if the material of the scraper 8 is a fluororesin, it is possible to prevent the wet powder from adhering to the scraper 8 itself. In order to prevent the wet powder from adhering to the scraper 8 itself, it is desirable that the surface area of ​​the scraper 8 be as small as possible.

[0054] This embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the scraper 8 can prevent the wet powder from adhering to the inner circumferential surface 2c of the rotating container 2 for a long period of time. This can prevent the growth of bacteria on the wet powder.

[0055] As explained in the modified example of the first embodiment, when the continuous powder processing apparatus 1B is used to mix multiple types of powder, the scraper 8 can prevent the powder from adhering to the inner surface 2c of the rotating container 2 for a long period of time.

[0056] <Modification> 8(a) and (b), the scraper 8 may be pressed against the inner peripheral surface 2c of the rotary vessel 2 by a spring 87. With this configuration, when an excessive force acts on the scraper 8, the scraper 8 moves away from the inner peripheral surface 2c of the rotary vessel 2 against the biasing force of the spring 87, thereby protecting the scraper 8.

[0057] 8(a) and (b), a shaft 85 passes through the eccentric portion 31 of the stationary member 3, and a second arm 83 is connected to one end of the shaft 85. This allows the scraper 8 to swing around the shaft 85. A lever 86 is connected to the other end of the shaft 85, and the lever 86 is biased by a spring 87. The structure using the spring 87 can be modified as appropriate.

[0058] (Third embodiment) Next, a continuous powder processing apparatus 1C according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. The continuous powder processing apparatus 1C of this embodiment differs from the continuous powder processing apparatus 1A of the first embodiment in that a ring plate 9 is attached to the end face on the outlet side of the rotating vessel 2.

[0059] The ring plate 9 covers the periphery of the outlet opening 2b of the rotary vessel 2. For example, the inner diameter d of the ring plate 9 is 65 to 85% of the diameter D of the inner peripheral surface 2c of the rotary vessel 2.

[0060] This embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the discharge of the produced granules is restricted by the ring plate 9, so that the residence time of the granules in the rotary vessel 2 can be secured to a certain extent. This makes it possible to homogenize the particle size of the granules.

[0061] <Modification> The ring plate 9 can also be combined with the scraper 8 of the second embodiment.

[0062] Furthermore, as explained in the modified example of the first embodiment, when the continuous powder processing apparatus 1C is used to mix a plurality of types of powder, the discharge of the mixed powder is restricted by the ring plate 9, so that the mixed powder can be kept in the rotary container 2 for a relatively long time. This allows the mixed powder itself to be homogenized.

[0063] (Other embodiments) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0064] For example, even when granules are produced from wet powder as in the first to third embodiments, dry powder may be charged into the hopper 35. In this case, the powder is charged into the supply hole 3a through the hopper 35 and the charging port 3b, and the powder is then supplied into the rotary vessel 2 by the screw 5. In the rotary vessel 2, a treatment liquid is added to the powder, so that the powder is moistened. That is, although not shown, a nozzle for spraying the treatment liquid is provided inside the rotary vessel 2.

[0065] Furthermore, the rotation direction of the rotary shaft 4 may be opposite to that of the rotary container 2, but in that case, the wet powder (powder when the continuous powder processing devices 1A to 1C are used to mix multiple types of powder) tends to accumulate in the lower part of the rotary container 2. In contrast, if the rotation direction of the rotary shaft 4 and the rotation direction of the rotary container 2 are the same as in the first to third embodiments, the wet powder is less likely to accumulate in the lower part of the rotary container 2.

[0066] It is also possible to appropriately change the drive mechanism for the rotary vessel 2 and the drive mechanism for the rotary shaft 4. For example, the rotary vessel 2 and / or the rotary shaft 4 may be rotated using a belt.

[0067] Furthermore, the rotating shaft 4 does not necessarily have to be disposed within the supply hole 3a. For example, in a continuous powder processing apparatus 1D shown in Fig. 11, when the central axis 40 of the rotating shaft 4 is located below the central axis 20 of the rotating vessel 2, the stationary member 3 may be provided with an insertion hole 3c for the rotating shaft 4 and with a supply hole 3a above the insertion hole 3c.

[0068] 11, a pipe 33 is connected to the stationary member 3 so as to form a continuous hole with the supply hole 3a, and an inlet 34 is provided in the pipe 33. A screw 5 is disposed in the continuous hole formed by the supply hole 3a and the pipe 33. In the configuration shown in FIG. 11, the extension direction of the supply hole 3a does not need to be parallel to the central axis 40 of the rotating shaft 4.

[0069] However, as in the first to third embodiments, if the rotating shaft 4 is disposed inside the supply hole 3a and the screw 5 is attached to this rotating shaft 4, a simple structure can be achieved.

[0070] In Figure 11, the rotating shaft 4 and the screw 5 are provided with gears 17 and 18 that mesh with each other, and the rotating shaft 4 and the screw 5 are rotated by a single electric motor 75 (see Figure 1), but the electric motor that rotates the screw 5 may be provided separately from the electric motor 75 that rotates the rotating shaft 4. In this case, if the electric motor 75 is attached to the chute 14, there is no need for the rotating shaft 4 to pass through the stationary member 3.

[0071] 1 to 11, the screw blades 52 of the screw 5 are continuous with a constant width, but as shown in FIGS. 12(a) to 13, a plurality of grooves 53 may be formed on the outer peripheral edge of the screw blade 52 so as to be aligned along the outer peripheral edge. Each groove 53 opens radially outward of the central tube 51. A protrusion 54 is formed between adjacent grooves 53.

[0072] The number of grooves 53 around the entire circumference of central tube 51 is preferably 0.8×P / t or more and 1.2×P / t or less, where P is the screw pitch of screw blade 52 and t is the thickness of screw blade 52. This is because when screw 5 makes one rotation, protrusions 54 can scrape almost the entire inner circumferential surface of supply hole 3a.

[0073] In the illustrated example, each protrusion 54 has a trapezoidal shape. More specifically, the side of each protrusion 54 facing the rotation direction of the screw 5 is perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the central tube 51, and the opposite side is inclined so that the width of the protrusion 54 becomes thinner toward the radially outer side of the central tube 51. However, the shape of each protrusion 54 may also be triangular. Alternatively, the side of each protrusion 54 facing the rotation direction of the screw 5 may be perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the central tube 51 so that the shape of each protrusion 54 is approximately rectangular.

[0074] If the screw 5 has continuous screw blades 52 of a fixed width, when the screw 5 rotates at high speed, the powder or wet powder is pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the feed hole 3a, and heat is generated by friction with the screw 5, which can cause the powder or wet powder to adhere to the inner circumferential surface of the feed hole 3a. In contrast, if a screw 5 having uneven outer edges of the screw blades 52 as shown in Figures 12(a) to 13 is used, the powder or wet powder can be prevented from being pressed against the inner circumferential surface of the feed hole 3a and friction between the powder or wet powder and the screw 5 can be reduced compared to when the screw blades 52 are continuous and of a fixed width. This makes it possible to prevent the powder or wet powder from adhering to the inner circumferential surface of the feed hole 3a.

[0075] (summary) The continuous powder processing device of the present invention is a continuous powder processing device used for mixing powders or producing granules from wet powder, and is characterized by comprising: a cylindrical rotary container extending laterally; a stationary member having a supply hole that fits into one opening of the rotary container and communicates with the interior of the rotary container; a screw disposed within the supply hole; a rotary shaft disposed within the rotary container and extending in the axial direction of the rotary container; and a plurality of blades attached to the rotary shaft within the rotary container, each blade having a knife edge that imparts a feeding force to the powder or the wet powder toward the other opening of the rotary container.

[0076] According to the above configuration, when the continuous powder processing apparatus is used to produce granules from wet powder, when the powder or wet powder is fed into the feed hole, the powder or wet powder is fed into the rotary container by the screw. When the powder is fed into the feed hole, a processing liquid is added to the powder in the rotary container to wet the powder. In the rotary container, the rotary container rotates to cause the wet powder to flow, and the blades rotate together with the rotating shaft to move the wet powder toward the other opening of the rotary container while mixing and crushing it. This produces granules, which are then discharged from the other opening of the rotary container.

[0077] On the other hand, when a continuous powder processing device is used to mix powders, the powder is fed into the feed hole and then fed into the rotary container by the screw. In the rotary container, the powder is fluidized by the rotation of the rotary container, and the blades rotate together with the rotary shaft, so that the powder is mixed and crushed while moving toward the other opening of the rotary container, and the mixed powder is discharged from the other opening of the rotary container.

[0078] The rotation direction of the rotary shaft may be the same as the rotation direction of the rotary container, and the rotation speed of the rotary shaft may be faster than the rotation speed of the rotary container. The rotation directions of the rotary shaft and the rotary container may be opposite, but in this case, the powder or wet powder is likely to accumulate in the lower part of the rotary container. In contrast, if the rotation directions of the rotary shaft and the rotary container are the same, the powder or wet powder is less likely to accumulate in the lower part of the rotary container.

[0079] The central axis of the rotating shaft may be located below the central axis of the rotating container. With this configuration, a space is secured above the blades, so that when the powder or wet powder that has been lifted up along the inner circumferential surface of the rotating container separates from the inner circumferential surface of the rotating container above the blades and falls, it collides with the blades and is crushed. Therefore, the mixing effect or granulation effect can be improved compared to when the central axis of the rotating shaft and the central axis of the rotating container are aligned.

[0080] The continuous powder processing apparatus may further include a scraper extending above the blades in the axial direction of the rotary container to scrape off powder or wet powder adhering to the inner circumferential surface of the rotary container. This configuration can prevent powder or wet powder from adhering to the inner circumferential surface of the rotary container for a long period of time. In particular, when granules are produced from wet powder, the growth of bacteria in the wet powder can be prevented.

[0081] The scraper may be pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the rotary container by a spring. With this configuration, when an excessive force acts on the scraper, the scraper moves away from the inner peripheral surface of the rotary container against the biasing force of the spring, thereby protecting the scraper.

[0082] Each of the plurality of blades may be plate-shaped with a through hole through which the rotating shaft is inserted, and a spacer ring inserted onto the rotating shaft may be disposed between adjacent blades among the plurality of blades. This configuration simplifies the shape of the blades and reduces the manufacturing cost of the blades. Moreover, the blades can be attached to the rotating shaft at an appropriate pitch simply by passing the blades and spacer rings alternately onto the rotating shaft. Furthermore, the blades, spacer rings, and rotating shaft can be easily disassembled, making cleaning easy.

[0083] The supply hole may extend along the central axis of the rotary shaft, the rotary shaft may be disposed within the supply hole, and the screw may be attached to the rotary shaft. This configuration can achieve a simple structure.

[0084] The screw may include a central tube inserted into the rotating shaft and spiral screw blades provided on the outer circumferential surface of the central tube. With this configuration, the screw can be attached to the rotating shaft simply by passing the screw through the rotating shaft. Furthermore, the screw can be easily removed from the rotating shaft, making it easy to clean.

[0085] The outer peripheral edge of the screw flight may be formed with a plurality of grooves aligned along the outer peripheral edge and opening radially outward from the central tube. The number of grooves around one circumference of the central tube may be 0.8×P / t or more and 1.2×P / t or less, where P is the screw pitch of the screw flight and t is the thickness of the screw flight. This configuration can reduce the pressing of the powder or wet powder against the inner peripheral surface of the feed hole and friction between the powder or wet powder and the screw, compared to when the screw flight is continuous with a constant width. This can prevent the powder or wet powder from adhering to the inner peripheral surface of the feed hole.

[0086] The rotary container may be provided with a ring plate that covers the periphery of the other opening of the rotary container. With this configuration, the discharge of the mixed powder or the produced granules is restricted by the ring plate, so that the residence time of the mixed powder or the granules in the rotary container can be secured to a certain extent. This allows the particle size of the mixed powder itself or the granules to be homogenized. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1A~1C Continuous powder processing equipment 2. Rotating vessel 20 center axis 2a,2b opening 2c Inner surface 3 Stationary members 3a supply hole 4 rotating shaft 40 center axis 5 screws 51 Central canal 52 screw blade 53 Groove 6. Feathers 6a center hole 6b Knife Edge 61 Spacer ring 8 scraper 87 Spring 9 Ring Plate

Claims

1. A continuous powder processing apparatus used for mixing powders or producing granules from wet powders, a cylindrical rotating container extending laterally; a stationary member provided with a supply hole communicating with the interior of the rotary container, the supply hole being fitted into one opening of the rotary container; a screw disposed within the feed hole; a rotary shaft disposed within the rotary vessel and extending in the axial direction of the rotary vessel, the central axis of the rotary shaft being located below the central axis of the rotary vessel; a plurality of blades attached to the rotary shaft within the rotary container, each blade having a knife edge formed thereon for applying a force to the powder or the wet powder toward the other opening of the rotary container; a rod-shaped scraper extending in the axial direction of the rotary container above the plurality of blades, for scraping off powder or wet powder adhering to the inner circumferential surface of the rotary container; A continuous powder processing apparatus comprising:

2. The rotation direction of the rotary shaft is the same as the rotation direction of the rotary container, The continuous powder processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the rotation speed of the rotary shaft is faster than the rotation speed of the rotary container.

3. 3. The continuous powder processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the scraper is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the rotary container by a spring.

4. each of the plurality of blades is a plate-like member having a through hole through which the rotary shaft is inserted; 4. The continuous powder processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a spacer ring is disposed between adjacent blades of the plurality of blades, the spacer ring being inserted through the rotary shaft.

5. the supply hole extends along the central axis of the rotating shaft; The rotatable shaft is also disposed within the supply hole; The linked powder processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the screw is attached to the rotating shaft.

6. 6. The continuous powder processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the screw includes a central tube inserted into the rotary shaft and a spiral screw blade provided on the outer circumferential surface of the central tube.

7. a plurality of grooves are formed in an outer peripheral edge portion of the screw blade, the grooves being aligned along the outer peripheral edge portion and opening outward in the radial direction of the central tube; 7. The continuous powder processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the number of the plurality of grooves around one circumference of the central tube is 0.8×P / t or more and 1.2×P / t or less, where P is a screw pitch of the screw blade and t is a thickness of the screw blade.

8. 8. The continuous powder processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a ring plate is attached to the rotary container to cover the peripheral edge of the other opening of the rotary container.

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