Powder coating system

Abstract

To provide a powdering system which holds powder by brush bristles on a brush wheel, and carries powder from an upper position to a lower position to powder confectionery being transported.SOLUTION: There is provided a powdering system for powdering pieces of confectionery being transported at an interval, by transport means 4A, 4B, 4C. The powdering system comprises: a brush wheel 2 which has a cylindrical brush part 2B in which many brush bristles are arranged densely around a rotary axis 2A so as to protrude outward in a radial direction; a hopper 3 on which the brush wheel 2 is provided on a lower outlet, and into which powder is put from an upper putting hole 3a; an auxiliary plate 5 which is provided on an upper part of the brush wheel 2, is partially inserted into the brush part 2B and forms a gap into which the powder enters in a circumferential direction; and a shaft-shaped member 11 provided on a lower part of the brush wheel 2 and vibrates the brush bristles on the brush part 2B in the circumferential direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a powder sprinkling system using a brush wheel provided with a cylindrical brush portion around a rotating shaft.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, it is known to supply sprinkling powder to the brush hairs of a brush wheel by a feeder and sprinkle the powder with the brush hairs of the brush wheel (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The one described in Patent Document 1 rotates a plurality of brush wheels around a vertical axis, and transports the powder to the center side by the rotation of the brush wheels and drops it downward from the central portion to sprinkle the powder.

[0003] The inventor considered that if a brush wheel provided with a cylindrical brush portion in which a large number of brush hairs are densely arranged so as to protrude radially outward around a rotating shaft is rotated around a horizontally extending rotating shaft, and the powder is taken in by the brush hairs of the brush wheel at an upper position and transported to a lower position by rotation and sprinkled on confectionery, the powder can be efficiently sprinkled on the conveyed confectionery.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, when the powder is transported from an upper position to a lower position with brush hairs by the rotation of the brush wheel and sprinkled, simply placing the powder on the brush hairs of the brush wheel at the upper position cannot take in the powder at the upper position, transport it to the lower position, and sprinkle the powder well at the lower position.

[0006] Therefore, the inventor conceived the present invention by spreading the bristles of the brush part in the circumferential direction at the upper position and placing powders into the spread-out portion (gap). The flexibility of the bristles allows the powders to be effectively transported from the upper position to the lower position, and by vibrating the bristles at the lower position, the powders can be released from their grip and sprinkled.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a powder-sprinkling system that utilizes the flexibility of the brush bristles of a brush wheel to hold powders, thereby transporting powders from an upper position to a lower position and sprinkling the powders onto confectionery being transported. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The invention of claim 1 is a powder-sprinkling system for sprinkling powder onto confectionery items that are conveyed at intervals by a conveying means, Extends horizontally The device is characterized by comprising: a brush wheel having a cylindrical brush section in which numerous flexible brush bristles are densely arranged so as to protrude radially outward around a rotating axis; a hopper in which the brush wheel is rotatably mounted at the lower outlet and powders are fed in from the upper inlet; an auxiliary plate provided on the upper part of the brush wheel, in which a portion is inserted into the brush bristles of the brush wheel, forming a gap in the circumferential direction into which the powders enter; and a shaft-shaped member provided on the lower part of the brush wheel, which vibrates the brush bristles of the brush wheel in the circumferential direction. Here, the powders include granulated sugar, poppy seeds, brown sugar, etc. "Numerous flexible brush bristles are densely arranged so as to protrude radially outward" means that in normal conditions the brush bristles are densely packed to the extent that they can hold the powders due to the flexibility of the brush bristles when rotating.

[0009] In this way, the auxiliary plate at the upper position spreads the bristles of the brush wheel in the circumferential direction, picking up powder in the spread-out area. The holding function of the bristles carries the powder from the upper position to the lower position, and the shaft-shaped member vibrates the bristles of the brush wheel in the circumferential direction, causing the powder to fall and sprinkle onto the confectionery being transported.

[0010] If the auxiliary plate is provided in such a way that its insertion depth into the brush portion can be adjusted, the insertion depth into the brush portion can be adjusted according to the type of powder, thereby adjusting the amount of powder held by the brush bristles.

[0011] The conveying means has a portion located below the hopper and two portions located before and after the conveying direction of that portion. If the conveying speed of the portion located below the hopper is adjustable, the conveying speed of the portion located below the hopper can be adjusted according to the type of powder, thereby ensuring that the amount of powder sprinkled is efficient and avoids waste.

[0012] If a cylindrical guide member is provided on the lower side of the shaft-shaped member to guide the direction in which the powder falls, the powder will be guided as it falls, preventing it from scattering.

[0013] The guide member is formed in a cylindrical shape by combining a first member on the upstream side in the conveying direction and a second member on the downstream side. If the distance between the first and second members in the conveying direction is adjustable, the optimal distance can be adjusted according to the type and amount of powder.

[0014] By providing a detection sensor located upstream of the guide member to detect the passage of the confectionery, and a control means that receives a signal from the detection sensor and rotates the brush wheel for a set time corresponding to the length of the confectionery in the transport direction, the amount of powder that falls can be adjusted according to the length of the confectionery in the transport direction, thereby avoiding the unnecessary falling of powder.

[0015] If an opening through which the remaining powder that returns due to the rotation of the brush wheel can pass is provided along the rotation axis direction of the brush wheel in the lower part of the auxiliary plate, it is possible to avoid the powder that returns without falling from accumulating in the part of the auxiliary plate.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] In the present invention, the brush hairs of the brush wheel are spread in the circumferential direction at the upper position to put in powder, transported from the upper side to the lower side by the holding function of the brush hairs, and the powder is dropped by shaking the brush hairs of the brush wheel in the circumferential direction at the lower position. Therefore, powder can be sprinkled on the conveyed confectionery from the upper side.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the powder sprinkling system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the relationship between the brush wheel and the auxiliary plate. [Figure 3] It is an explanatory diagram of the guide member. [Figure 4] It is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the auxiliary plate.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the powder sprinkling system according to the present invention.

[0020] The powder sprinkling system according to the present invention sprinkles powder on confectionery that is conveyed at intervals by conveying means (for example, a belt conveyor).

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, this powder sprinkling system 1 includes a brush wheel 2 provided with a cylindrical brush portion 2B in which a large number of flexible brush bristles are densely arranged so as to project radially outward around a rotation axis 2A, a hopper 3 in which the brush wheel 2 is rotatably provided at a lower outlet and powders are introduced from an upper inlet 3a, and a substantially cylindrical lower cover 3A provided below the hopper 3 and covering substantially the lower half of the brush wheel 2. As will be described later, in this system 1, while intermittently rotating the brush wheel 2, the powders introduced from above into the hopper 3 are sprinkled onto confectionery A conveyed at intervals by conveying means 4A, 4B, 4C through a lower opening 3Aa extending in the axial direction of the lower cover 3A. That is, in accordance with the conveyance of the confectionery A, the rotation of a drive motor (not shown) for rotating the brush wheel 2 is controlled.

[0022] An auxiliary plate 5 is provided with respect to the upper part of the brush wheel 2. The lower part of this auxiliary plate 5 is bent and inserted into the brush portion 2B (brush bristles) of the brush wheel 2, and by the rotation of the brush wheel 2, a gap is formed in the circumferential direction in the brush portion 2B through which powders can enter. This gap is formed on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the auxiliary plate 5 due to the deformation of the flexible brush bristles.

[0023] The auxiliary plate 5 is provided so that the insertion depth into the brush portion 2B can be adjusted, and the size of the gap (the amount of powders that can be held) can be appropriately changed.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, openings 5a through which powders can pass are provided along the rotation axis direction of the brush wheel 2 in the lower part of the auxiliary plate 5, so that powders that return by rotation without falling do not accumulate on the upstream side of the auxiliary plate 5. That is, the powders that return by rotation move from the upstream side of the auxiliary plate 5 through the openings 5a to the downstream side of the auxiliary plate 5 and are carried to the lower position again.

[0025] Furthermore, a shaft-shaped member 11 with a circular cross-section is provided on the lower part of the brush wheel 2, extending along the entire axial length of the brush section 2B. When the brush wheel 2 rotates, the shaft-shaped member 11 comes into contact with the brush bristles of the brush section 2B, causing the bristles to vibrate in the circumferential direction and the carried powder to fall. The shaft-shaped member 11 is mounted parallel to the axis of the rotating shaft 2A, corresponding to the lower opening 3Aa of the lower cover 3A. As a result, the contact with the outer circumference of the brush wheel 2 causes the brush bristles to vibrate in the circumferential direction, causing the carried powder to fall through the lower opening 3Aa.

[0026] In this way, the bristles of the brush section 2B are spread out in the circumferential direction at the upper position, powders are placed in the spread-out area (gap), the powders are carried from the upper position to the lower position by the holding function of the flexible bristles, and the bristles are vibrated at the lower position to release the powders from being held by the bristles and sprinkle them.

[0027] The conveying mechanism for transporting confectionery items to which powder is to be sprinkled has a section 4B located below the hopper 3, and two sections 4A and 4C located before and after that section. The conveying speed of section 4B located below the hopper 3 can be adjusted. This allows the conveying speed when the powder is sprinkled to be adjusted.

[0028] A guide member 12 is provided on the lower side of the shaft-shaped member 11 to guide the direction in which the powder falls. This guide member 12 is cylindrical, and as the powder falls, it passes through this guide member 12, preventing the powder from scattering when sprinkling.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the guide member 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape by combining an upstream first member 13 and a downstream second member 14, and the distance between them is adjustable. Members 13 and 14 each have a main body portion 13a and 14a that form a cylindrical shape, and mounting portions 13b and 14b that are fixed to a pair of frames 16 and 16 (openings 16a and 16a) which are part of the support frame (not shown) of the hopper 3 and are provided on the upper part of the main body portions 13a and 14a, with one of the mounting portions 14b having a mounting hole 14bb (elongated hole). By using this mounting hole 14bb, the distance between members 13 and 14 can be adjusted, and the length of the cylindrical portion of the guide member 12 through which the powder passes can be changed in the conveying direction.

[0030] Furthermore, a detection sensor 15 is provided upstream of the guide member 12 to detect the passage of confectionery. Upon receiving a signal from the detection sensor 15, the brush wheel 2 is driven and controlled by a control means (not shown) to rotate for a set time corresponding to a predetermined length in the confectionery transport direction, thereby causing the powder to fall. This prevents the fall of excess powder.

[0031] According to the system described above, powders introduced into hopper 3 from above are stored in hopper 3. When the confectionery is being transported, the detection sensor 15 detects the confectionery as it passes below, causing the brush wheel 2 to rotate.

[0032] This rotation causes the auxiliary plate 5 to spread the brush bristles of the brush wheel 2 in the circumferential direction at the upper position, allowing powder to enter the spread-out area. The flexibility of the brush bristles holds the powder between them, and in this held state, the rotation carries it from the upper position to the lower position. At this time, the lower cover 3A prevents the powder held by the brush wheel 2 from scattering into the surroundings due to the rotation of the brush wheel 2.

[0033] When the brush wheel 2 is in the lower position, the shaft-shaped member 11 comes into contact with the brush bristles of the brush wheel 2. This contact causes the brush bristles to vibrate in the circumferential direction, releasing the hold and allowing the powder to fall. At this time, the appropriate amount of powder is efficiently sprinkled onto the confectionery (conveyed items) being transported, guided by the guide member 12. The rotation time of the brush wheel 2 is set based on the length of the confectionery being transported, which has been measured in advance, so that the powder falls only while the brush wheel is passing.

[0034] Each time the detection sensor 15 detects passage, the aforementioned operation is repeated, and powder is sprinkled onto the confectionery items being transported in sequence.

[0035] As described above, preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained with reference to the drawings, but various additions, modifications, or deletions are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. (i) As shown in Figure 4, multiple notched grooves Aa can be formed on the lower part of the auxiliary plate 5A so that powder is partially held by the brush part 2 and sprinkled, forming a striped pattern on the confectionery A. (ii) The shaft-shaped member is not limited to a circular cross-section; it can also have an elliptical cross-section, a triangular cross-section, a polygonal cross-section, etc. It is not particularly limited as long as the shape and support structure can vibrate the brush bristles of the brush part 2B in the circumferential direction and cause the powder to fall. (iii) It is also possible to install a sensor in the hopper 3 to detect the remaining amount of powder and to sound an alarm when the remaining amount falls below a set value. (iv) The same can be applied when confectionery is transported in two rows by transport means 4A, 4B, and 4C. (v) Depending on the type of powder to be sprinkled and the location where System 1 is installed, the scattering of powder due to the rotation of the brush wheel 2 may be small, in which case the lower cover 3A may be omitted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0036] 1. Powder coating system 2 brush cars 2A Rotation axis 2B Brush section 3 Hopper 3a Upper input port 3A Lower Cover 3Aa Lower opening 4A, 4B, 4C part 5. Auxiliary plate 11 Axial member 12 Guide members 15 Detection Sensors 16 frames 16a Open hole A. Confectionery

Claims

1. A powdering system for sprinkling powder onto confectionery items that are transported at intervals by a transport means, A brush wheel is provided with a cylindrical brush section in which numerous flexible brush bristles are densely arranged so as to protrude radially outward around a rotating axis that extends horizontally, The aforementioned brush wheel is rotatably mounted at the lower outlet and a hopper into which powders are fed from the upper inlet, An auxiliary plate is provided on the upper part of the brush wheel, and a portion of it is inserted into the brush bristles of the brush wheel, forming a gap in the circumferential direction into which the powder enters; A powder coating system characterized by comprising a shaft-shaped member provided on the lower portion of the brush wheel for vibrating the brush bristles of the brush wheel in the circumferential direction.

2. The powder application system according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary plate is provided so as to be able to adjust the insertion depth into the brush portion.

3. The powder coating system according to claim 1, wherein the conveying means has a portion located below the hopper and two portions located in front of and behind the conveying direction of that portion, and the conveying speed of the portion located below the hopper can be adjusted.

4. The powdering system according to claim 1, wherein a cylindrical guide member for guiding the direction in which the powder falls is provided on the lower side of the shaft-shaped member.

5. The guide member is formed in a cylindrical shape by combining a first member on the upstream side in the conveying direction and a second member on the downstream side. The powder coating system according to claim 4, wherein the spacing between the first and second members in the conveying direction is adjustable.

6. A detection sensor provided on the upstream side of the guide member for detecting the passage of the confectionery, The powder coating system according to claim 4, further comprising: a control means that receives a signal from the detection sensor and rotates the brush wheel for a set time corresponding to the length in the conveying direction of the confectionery.

7. The powder application system according to claim 1, wherein the lower portion of the auxiliary plate has an opening provided along the rotation axis of the brush wheel through which the remaining powder returned by the rotation of the brush wheel can pass.

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