Rotary valve

Abstract

This invention provides a rotary valve that actively prevents powders containing moisture, such as rice bran, from adhering to the internal walls of a device during transport, thereby dramatically reducing maintenance burden. [Solution] The device body 10 is equipped with a casing 11 containing a high-speed rotating rotor 12, an inlet opening in a circular shape on the front of the casing 11, an outlet opening upward along the outer circumference on the ceiling surface of the casing 11, a high-speed rotating rotor 12 for transporting powder taken in from the inlet through the outlet, a drive unit for driving the high-speed rotating rotor 12, and a plurality of nozzles 40 for spraying compressed air along the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall inside the casing 11. The powder is transported by the swirling airflow generated by the high-speed rotating rotor 12, and the powder is prevented from adhering to the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall 11a by the compressed air intermittently sprayed from the nozzles 40.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotary valve that generates and conveys an air flow, rather than simply measuring and discharging, and particularly relates to a rotary valve that prevents powder from adhering to the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall inside the casing and realizes efficient conveyance when conveying powders containing moisture such as rice bran.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a rotary valve used for conveying powders containing moisture such as rice bran and wood chips, there has been a problem that the powder adheres to the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall inside the casing, causing clogging and a decrease in conveyance efficiency. Therefore, regular cleaning is required, and the burden of maintenance work is large.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a rotary valve in which at least a part of the body of the casing is movable in the extending direction of the rotary blades in order to solve the problem that the powder adheres to the inner peripheral surface of the body. The rotary valve of Patent Document 1 adopts a mechanical extrusion method using rotary blades, and when the powder adheres to the inner peripheral surface, the sliding part is moved to form a concave part, thereby alleviating the influence of the powder. In addition, Patent Document 1 also discloses a configuration in which a plurality of groove parts are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the body of the casing to buffer the influence of the pressing by the rotary blades.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the rotary valve described in Patent Document 1 is a mechanical conveying method that relies on contact between the rotating blades and the inner surface of the casing, which causes significant damage to the powder and is therefore unsuitable for conveying delicate materials such as rice bran. Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is based on the premise of powder and granular material adhesion and is a symptomatic treatment approach that minimizes its effects, rather than preventing adhesion itself. Therefore, in the end, regular cleaning work was unavoidable, and it did not fundamentally reduce the maintenance burden.

[0006] In other words, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a rotary valve that can dramatically reduce maintenance burden by reducing damage to the powder, preventing powder from adhering to the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall inside the casing, and reducing the burden of maintenance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The means for solving the problems of the present invention are as follows.

[0008] Firstly, A rotary valve for conveying powder, comprising a thin, box-shaped, substantially cylindrical casing that constitutes the main body of the device, and equipped with a high-speed rotating rotor, characterized in that it comprises an inlet opening in a circular shape on the front of the casing, an outlet opening upward along the outer circumference on the ceiling surface of the casing, a high-speed rotating rotor for transporting powder taken in from the inlet through the outlet, a drive unit for driving the high-speed rotating rotor, a plurality of nozzles for ejecting compressed air along the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall inside the casing, and a control unit for intermittently injecting compressed air from the plurality of nozzles.

[0009] Secondly, The rotary valve according to the first description, characterized in that the plurality of nozzles are arranged at three locations at intervals of 80 to 100 degrees in the direction of rotation, with reference to a nozzle installed at the apex of the high-speed rotating rotor.

[0010] Thirdly, The rotary valve according to the first or second, characterized in that the plurality of nozzles are formed by combining nozzle tubes, one end of which has a threaded structure and the other end of which is closed, with nozzle holes in the body, at both ends of a T-tube.

[0011] Fourth, The rotary valve according to any one of the first to third claims, characterized in that the control unit can variably set the spray interval and spray time, and the settings can be changed according to the moisture content or fluidity of the powder being conveyed.

[0012] Fifth, The rotary valve according to any one of the first to fourth, characterized in that the control unit sequentially injects compressed air from the plurality of nozzles in a predetermined order. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The present invention can achieve the following effects.

[0014] The rotary valve of the present invention employs an airflow conveying method that transports powder using a swirling airflow generated by a high-speed rotating rotor. Compared to conveying methods involving mechanical contact, such as those described in Patent Document 1, this method can significantly reduce damage to the powder. In particular, it enables efficient transportation while maintaining the quality of delicate materials such as rice bran. In the rotary valve described in Patent Document 1, the rotating blades rotate while sliding against or in close proximity to the inner circumferential surface of the casing, thus applying mechanical pressure to the powder. However, in the present invention, the powder is conveyed by riding on a swirling airflow, thus avoiding such mechanical pressure.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention employs a preventative approach that actively removes powder before it adheres to the inner surface of the outer perimeter wall by intermittently spraying compressed air along the inner surface of the outer perimeter wall inside the device at predetermined intervals, without detecting powder adhesion. Thus, unlike the passive measures that assume the formation of an adhesion layer as in Patent Document 1, the adhesion itself can be prevented in advance, so the maintenance frequency can be dramatically reduced.

[0016] Furthermore, the nozzle of the present invention can adjust the injection angle by a thread structure, and the injection interval and injection time can be variably set by the control unit. As a result, an optimal setting can be made according to various powder characteristics such as seasonal variations in the moisture content of rice bran and differences in the properties of wood chips, realizing high versatility and practicality.

[0017] In addition, since the present invention adopts an intermittent injection method of about once every 5 minutes for 0.5 to 0.6 seconds, the air consumption is small. Compared with the configuration of Patent Document 1 that requires continuous mechanical adjustment, the energy consumption can be significantly reduced, and it also has an advantage in terms of operating cost. That is, by intermittent injection, the consumption of compressed air can be reduced to one-tenth, and the annual operating cost can be significantly reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the rotary valve of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a side view of the device body and the drive unit of the rotary valve of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a front view of the device body of the rotary valve of the present invention, where (a) is a state diagram with the door closed and (b) is a state diagram with the door opened 90 degrees. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram showing the nozzle arrangement at three locations of the rotary valve of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is an external view of the nozzle of the present invention, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a front view, and (c) is a side view. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the nozzle of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In the attached drawings, identical components are denoted by the same reference numeral, and redundant explanations have been omitted. The description herein represents only one embodiment of the present invention, and therefore the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. [Examples]

[0020] As shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2, the rotary valve of the present invention mainly consists of a device body 10, a drive unit 20, a control unit 30, and a plurality of nozzles 40, and is used to transport rice bran as a powder.

[0021] The main body of the device 10 is responsible for the primary function of powder conveying, the drive unit 20 supplies rotational force, and the control unit 30 controls the ejection time, ejection pressure, ejection interval, and ejection order of compressed air ejected from multiple nozzles 40.

[0022] [Main unit of the device]

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the main body of the device 10 is a thin, box-shaped casing 11 with an outer shape that is roughly rectangular and has a roughly cylindrical space inside, and a high-speed rotating rotor 12 is installed inside it. This casing 11 is large enough to accommodate the high-speed rotating rotor 12, which is installed in a vertical position, within its outer wall, and the overall shape is roughly cylindrical when placed vertically. The drive unit 20 is connected to the rear side of the casing 11 (see Figure 2).

[0024] A door 14 that can open sideways is attached to the front side of the casing 11 by hinges 13 at two locations, one above and one below. A circular opening 14a is formed in the center of the door 14, which serves as an intake for powder. Although not shown in the diagram, a duct is connected to this opening 14a to transport the powder by a swirling airflow.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3(b), when the door 14 is opened 90 degrees, an inlet portion 15 is formed on the front side of the casing 11, which is a circular opening with a diameter larger than the opening 14a of the door 14 and larger than the outer circumference of the high-speed rotating rotor 12. Reference numeral 16 denotes an outlet portion formed on the outer periphery ceiling surface of the casing 11, which opens upward along the outer periphery in a rectangular shape. Although not shown in the diagram, a duct connected to a hopper or the like is connected to the outlet section 16.

[0026] By providing a door 14 that can be opened and closed horizontally, inspection and cleaning of the inside of the casing 11 can be easily performed. In the diagram, reference numeral 17 denotes a lock handle that seals and locks the door 14 to the casing 11 when it is closed.

[0027] The high-speed rotating rotor 12 rotates at high speed by the drive unit 20, which will be described later, making it possible to transport the powder taken in from the inlet 15 of the casing 11 out from the outlet 16.

[0028] [Drive unit]

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the drive unit 20 is located on the rear side of the main body 10 of the device, and drives and rotates the high-speed rotating rotor 12 as shown in Figure 4, using the power of a motor (not shown) via a pulley 21.

[0030] [Control Unit]

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the control unit 30 includes a control unit 31 and enables intermittent injection of compressed air from multiple nozzles 40 by variably controlling the injection time, injection pressure, injection interval, and injection order of compressed air from valves 32 connected to each of the three nozzles 40. Specifically, the control unit 30 controls the compressed air to be injected intermittently at predetermined time intervals (for example, once every 5 minutes) for a predetermined duration (for example, 0.5 to 0.6 seconds) in the order of the top nozzle 40, the middle nozzle 40, and the bottom nozzle 40, with the timing staggered. This intermittent injection system allows compressed air to be injected only at the minimum necessary timing, significantly reducing compressed air consumption and enabling economical operation. In other words, compared to a system that continuously injects compressed air, the intermittent injection system can reduce compressed air consumption to a fraction of a tenth.

[0032] Here, the control unit 30 can variably set the injection interval and injection time. The control unit 30 uses a commercially available controller, and various adjustments such as the injection interval and injection time can be made using a precision screwdriver or the like. This allows for on-site adjustments to the optimal settings, depending on the moisture content or fluidity of the powder being transported, while monitoring the situation. For example, in the case of powders with a high moisture content, the spraying interval can be shortened (e.g., once every 3 minutes) and the spraying time can be lengthened (e.g., 0.8 seconds). Conversely, for powders with low moisture content, the spraying interval can be lengthened (for example, once every 7 minutes) and the spraying time shortened (for example, 0.3 seconds).

[0033] Furthermore, the control unit 30 sequentially injects compressed air from the plurality of nozzles 40 according to a predetermined order. For example, by sequentially injecting from the three nozzles 40 shown in Figure 4 in the order of the peak, middle, and lowest point, it is possible to achieve gradual discharge in accordance with the rotation direction of the high-speed rotating rotor 12. Specifically, it is also possible to perform sequential control such as first the nozzle 40 at the top sprays for 0.5 seconds, then 0.1 seconds later the nozzle 40 in the middle sprays for 0.5 seconds, and then 0.1 seconds later the nozzle 40 at the bottom sprays for 0.5 seconds. This allows for more efficient preventative measures against powder adhering to the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall 11a.

[0034] [nozzle]

[0035] Multiple nozzles 40 eject compressed air controlled by the control unit 30 along the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall 11a inside the casing 11. As shown in Figure 4, the multiple nozzles 40 are positioned at three locations—the apex, the middle, and the lowest point—at 90-degree intervals in the direction of rotation, with reference to a nozzle 40 located near the apex of the high-speed rotating rotor 12. However, this interval does not need to be exactly 90 degrees; it can be set appropriately within a range of, for example, 80 to 100 degrees. By arranging the nozzles 40 at these three predetermined locations, it becomes possible to efficiently and uniformly spray compressed air onto the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall 11a inside the casing 11 where powder adhesion is expected.

[0036] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the nozzle 40 is formed by welding a T-tube 42 to an opening in the center of a rectangular mounting plate 41, and then combining a cylindrical nozzle tube 43, with one end closed at the tip, with the inner circumferential surface of the T-tube 42 at both ends. Two nozzle holes 43a are formed in the same linear pattern at two locations on the body of the nozzle tube 43. Furthermore, the position and number of nozzle holes 43a are not limited; two nozzle holes 43a can be arranged offset from each other, or there can be three or more.

[0037] A threaded portion 43b is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the end of the nozzle pipe 43 that is coupled with the T-pipe 42, as a threaded structure. By employing this threaded structure, the spray angle can be adjusted by rotating the nozzle tube 43. This angle adjustment function makes it possible to set the optimal spray angle according to the properties of the powder being conveyed (for example, the weight of the dust, the moisture content, etc.). For example, if the rice bran has a high moisture content, the spray angle can be adjusted to be closer to the wall surface, and if the moisture content is low, the spray angle can be adjusted to be closer to the center. Furthermore, in the case of coarse, fibrous powders such as wood chips, a sharper spray angle can be used to achieve a stronger blowing effect. Thus, the angle adjustment function provided by the threaded structure offers high versatility, enabling it to handle a wide variety of powders. Furthermore, the orientation of the nozzle holes 43a can be easily adjusted for each of the left and right nozzle tubes 43.

[0038] In the figure, 41a are mounting holes formed in a total of six locations at each corner and in the middle of the mounting plate 41, for fixing it to the casing 11 with bolts. As shown in Figure 5(c), by attaching the nozzle 40 to a position that constitutes the outer circumference of the casing 11 using the mounting plate 41, it becomes possible to position the nozzle 40 without disrupting the line of the outer peripheral wall 11a inside the casing 11.

[0039] Each nozzle 40 is connected to a compressed air supply source (not shown), and by controlling the valve 32 with the control unit 31 of the control unit 30, it is possible to intermittently eject compressed air.

[0040] [Effect]

[0041] As the high-speed rotating rotor 12 rotates at high speed in a sealed state, a swirling airflow is generated inside the duct (not shown) connected to the opening 14a of the door 14, and the airflow, along with the rice bran, enters the casing 11 from the inlet 15. The airflow containing rice bran that enters the casing 11 is transported to the outside through a duct (not shown) connected to the outlet 16.

[0042] Here, the heavier rice bran components move outward due to centrifugal force and come into contact with the inner surface of the outer wall 11a of the casing 11. However, adhesion can be prevented by compressed air (see dotted line in Figure 6) sprayed from the nozzle pipe 43 through the operation of the valve 32 controlled by the control unit 31 of the control unit 30. Furthermore, by controlling the sequence of the three nozzles 40 shown in Figure 4, in the order of the apex, middle, and bottom point, the nozzle 40 at the apex sprays for 0.5 seconds first, then the nozzle 40 in the middle sprays for 0.5 seconds 0.1 seconds later, and then the nozzle 40 at the bottom sprays for 0.5 seconds 0.1 seconds later, adhesion prevention can be achieved more effectively.

[0043] In Figure 4, arrows indicate how compressed air is ejected from the three nozzles 40 along the inner surface of the outer wall 11a. As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, even if the nozzle 40 is installed in the casing 11, the outer peripheral wall 11a forms a circular shape that is almost the same as the outer circumference of the high-speed rotating rotor 12, so that compressed air can be ejected along the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall 11a over almost the entire circumference.

[0044] The powder, which is being transported while being prevented from adhering to the inner surface by compressed air, is discharged from the outlet 16. This invention employs an airflow conveying system to minimize contact between the powder and the wall surface, thereby reducing damage to the powder.

[0045] Furthermore, compressed air can be used to blow away any powder that might adhere to the inner surface before it can. This prevents powder from sticking, thus preventing clogging and a decrease in conveying efficiency. In other words, with the rotary valve of this embodiment, by combining airflow conveyance by a high-speed rotating rotor 12 with intermittent compressed air injection by multiple nozzles 40, it is possible to achieve both efficient powder conveyance and prevention of adhesion.

[0046] As part of a pilot test, a rice shop implemented the system for six months, and the results showed a dramatic improvement: cleaning, which was previously required daily, was reduced to about once a month.

[0047] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications based on the technical concept of the present invention are possible. For example, the arrangement of the nozzles 40 is not limited to three locations; four or more locations can be provided depending on the properties of the powder being conveyed and the size of the device. Furthermore, the shape and number of blades of the high-speed rotating rotor 12 can also be changed as appropriate. For example, by curving the blades, a more efficient swirling airflow can be generated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 10 Main unit of the device 11 Casing 11a Outer wall 12 High-speed rotating rotor 13 Hinge 14 doors 14a opening 15 Entrance 16 Exit section 17 Locking handle 20 Drive unit 21 Pulley 30 Control Unit 31 Control Unit 32 valves 40 nozzles 41 Mounting plate 41a Mounting hole 42 T-tube 43 Nozzle tube 43a Nozzle hole 43b Threaded section

Claims

1. In a rotary valve that transports powder and has a high-speed rotating rotor inside the casing that constitutes the main body of the device, The entrance opening is circular on the front of the casing, An outlet opening upward along the outer perimeter on the casing ceiling surface, A high-speed rotating rotor for transporting the powder taken in from the inlet through the outlet, A drive unit for driving the aforementioned high-speed rotating rotor, Multiple nozzles that eject compressed air along the inner surface of the outer periphery wall inside the casing, A rotary valve characterized by comprising a control unit for intermittently injecting compressed air from the plurality of nozzles.

2. The rotary valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of nozzles are arranged at three locations at intervals of 80 to 100 degrees in the direction of rotation, with reference to the nozzle positioned at the apex of the high-speed rotating rotor.

3. The rotary valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plurality of nozzles are formed by combining nozzle tubes, one end of which has a threaded structure and the other end of which is closed and has a nozzle hole, at both ends of a T-tube.

4. The rotary valve according to claim 3, characterized in that the control unit can variably set the spray interval and spray time, and the settings can be changed according to the moisture content or fluidity of the powder being conveyed.

5. The rotary valve according to claim 4, characterized in that the control unit sequentially injects compressed air from the plurality of nozzles in a predetermined order.

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