Automatic reactor coupling and separation powder coating apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automatic reactor coupling and separation powder coating apparatus capable of maximizing automation efficiency and productivity, comprising: a process chamber which accommodates a cylindrical reactor laid horizontally, and is provided with an opening / closing type upper cover such that the reactor can be carried in and out through a vertical movement operation; a roller which is provided under the process chamber, and comes into contact with the outer circumference of the reactor from the lower side to transfer a rotational force; a lower heater which is provided under the reactor along with the roller, and is formed in a semi-tubular shape of which the inner circumference faces upward so as to heat the reactor while surrounding the lower portion of the outer circumference of the reactor; and an upper heating element which is installed integrally with the upper cover of the process chamber, so as to heat the reactor from the upper side while the upper cover is closed and to be outside a carrying-in / out path of the reactor along with the upper cover while the upper cover is opened.

Description

Reactor automatic coupling and separation type powder coating device

[0001] The present invention relates to a powder coating device, and more particularly to a reactor automatic coupling and separation type powder coating device capable of maximizing automation efficiency and productivity.

[0002] Generally, powder coating devices are devices that improve physical and chemical properties by forming a thin film on the surface of powder-form materials, and are widely used in high-tech industries.

[0003] However, due to the specialized nature of powder as the coating target, efficient automation technology for mass production has not yet been sufficiently developed.

[0004] In particular, when the powder particle size is small, the coating process must be carried out by housing a reactor within the process chamber; however, there was a problem of reduced productivity because it was difficult to concisely automate the operation of connecting and disconnecting the reactor to and from the roller and heater during the process of repeatedly loading and unloading the reactor into and out of the process chamber.

[0005] Accordingly, the present invention is proposed to resolve the aforementioned conventional problems, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a reactor automatic coupling and separation type powder coating device in which components are optimally arranged by considering the entry and exit paths of the reactor to the process chamber.

[0006] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a reactor automatic coupling and separation type powder coating device that enables the loading and unloading, as well as the coupling and separation of rollers and heaters, to be performed automatically in one go solely through the lifting and lowering motion of the reactor by a transfer robot.

[0007] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a reactor automatic coupling and separation type powder coating device capable of maximizing automation efficiency and productivity.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, a powder coating device according to the technical concept of the present invention comprises: a process chamber having an openable upper cover that accommodates a cylindrical reactor in a horizontal position and enables the reactor to be brought in and taken out by a lifting operation;

[0009] The technical configuration features include: a roller positioned at the lower side of the process chamber and transmitting rotational force by contacting the outer surface of the reactor from below; a lower heater positioned at the lower side of the reactor together with the roller, formed in a semi-tubular shape with an inner surface facing upward, and heating while encircling the lower outer surface of the reactor; and an upper heating element integrally installed on the upper cover of the process chamber, which heats the reactor from above when the upper cover is closed and moves away from the reactor's entry and exit path together with the upper cover when the upper cover is open; wherein, with the upper cover of the process chamber open, the reactor is lifted by a transfer robot to enable entry and exit of the reactor into and out of the process chamber, and simultaneously, the connection and separation of the roller and the lower heater with the reactor are achieved.

[0010] Here, the gas supply member for supplying reaction gas to one end of the reactor and the discharge control member for controlling the discharge of reaction gas from the other end of the reactor may be characterized by being positioned in close proximity to the reactor at the front and rear sides centered on the reactor within the process chamber, spaced apart from the reactor, so as not to interfere with the lifting and lowering operation of the reactor.

[0011] In addition, the cross-sections of the gas supply member and the discharge control member in the longitudinal direction of the reactor may each have a smaller area than the cross-sections of one end and the other end of the reactor.

[0012] In addition, the gas supply member and the discharge control member are positioned in close proximity to face the reactor in the central region, excluding the edge regions of one end and the other end of the reactor, and the gripper of the transfer robot may be characterized by being able to lift and lower by gripping a portion of the edge regions of one end and the other end of the reactor as is.

[0013] In addition, the process chambers may be provided in multiple quantities, so that while the powder coating process of the reactor is performed in some of the process chambers, the reactor is removed by a transfer robot in other process chambers to perform subsequent processes including the recovery of the coated powder and the cleaning of the reactor.

[0014] In addition, the upper cover may be hinged to the upper part of the chamber body so as to secure the path for bringing in and taking out the reactor with only one rotational movement while opening and closing the chamber body.

[0015] In addition, the upper cover is a flat member, and the upper heating element is provided as a planar heating element in close contact with the upper cover, so that it is positioned away from the entry and exit path of the reactor when the upper cover is open.

[0016] In addition, for the opening and closing operation of the upper cover, a cylinder installed near the process chamber; a lever arm with one end rotatably coupled to the tip of the reciprocating arm of the cylinder; and a hinge bracket rotatably coupled to the other end of the lever arm and fixed to the upper surface of the upper cover; wherein the upper cover is characterized by opening when rotated 90 degrees or more from a closed state.

[0017] In addition, the roller may be characterized by having a long-axis rod shape and being formed long in the front-rear direction to support the outer surface of the reactor in the longitudinal direction, and by having a plurality of rollers arranged in pairs spaced apart from each other.

[0018] In addition, the left and right sides of the lower heater each have long longitudinal cuts formed, and the roller is installed in a form that partially protrudes from the outer lower side of the lower heater through the cuts toward the inner surface of the lower heater, and the reactor is supported by contact with the protruding part.

[0019] In addition, the lower heater may further comprise a plurality of flanges protruding outward along an arc from the outer surface of the front and rear ends, respectively, and the flanges may be characterized by having a rolling groove formed in communication with the cut portion, such that the roller partially protrudes through the cut portion while fitted into the rolling groove.

[0020] In addition, an inner groove is formed along the circumference on the inner surface of the lower heater, and the inner grooves are formed in multiple locations spaced apart from each other at points symmetrical to each other with respect to the center of the lower heater; a plurality of guide projection lines are formed on the outer surface of the reactor, protruding along the circumference and guiding rotational displacement while inserted into the inner groove of the lower heater; and a guide groove is formed on the outer surface of the roller, along the circumference, into which the guide projection lines of the reactor are seated.

[0021] According to embodiments of the present invention, the arrangement of each component can be optimized by considering the entry and exit paths of the reactor to the process chamber.

[0022] In addition, according to embodiments of the present invention, loading and unloading, as well as the coupling and separation of rollers and heaters, can be performed automatically and without interference in a single step solely through the lifting and lowering motion of the reactor by the transfer robot. This increases automation efficiency and maximizes productivity.

[0023] FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams of a powder coating system including a powder coating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a reactor in a powder coating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a reactor in a powder coating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a reactor in a powder coating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the combined state of a reactor and a roller in a powder coating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a roller in a powder coating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a usage diagram illustrating the configuration of the guide projection line of the reactor in a powder coating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a reference diagram showing the introduction and removal of a reactor to and from a process chamber in a powder coating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a reference diagram for explaining a reactor grasped by a transfer robot in a powder coating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of one end of a reactor and a gas supply member in a powder coating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the other end of the reactor and the discharge control member in a powder coating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views of a process chamber accommodating a reactor in a powder coating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a process chamber in a powder coating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a state in which a reactor is seated on a roller and a lower heater assembly in a powder coating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a roller and a lower heater assembly in a powder coating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 18 is a rear view of a roller and a lower heater assembly in a powder coating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a lower heater in a powder coating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] <Explanation of Symbols>

[0041] 100: Reactor 200: Process Chamber

[0042] 300: Rotation module 400: Bottom heater

[0043] 500: Gas supply module 600: Gas exhaust module

[0044] 700: Opening / closing and cleaning module 1000: Transfer robot

[0045] A powder coating apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Since the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and may take various forms, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific disclosed forms, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Similar reference numerals have been used for similar components in the description of each drawing. In the attached drawings, the dimensions of the structures are shown enlarged or reduced to the actual size to ensure clarity of the present invention or to understand the schematic configuration.

[0046] Additionally, terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. Meanwhile, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0047] <Example>

[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a powder coating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a powder coating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] As described above, a powder coating device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a reactor (100), which is a cylindrical container for receiving powder to improve reactivity; a process chamber (200) for receiving the reactor (100); a rotation module (300) for rotating the reactor (100) received inside the process chamber (200); and a semi-tubular lower heater (400) installed inside the process chamber (200).

[0050] Additionally, the powder coating device according to an embodiment of the present invention further comprises a gas supply module (500) having a gas supply member (510) for supplying reaction gas into a reactor (100) contained within a process chamber (200), and a gas discharge module (600) having a discharge control member (610) for controlling the discharge degree of reaction gas discharged through the reactor (100).

[0051] Additionally, the powder coating device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an opening and closing and cleaning module (700) for opening and closing and cleaning a reactor (100) and a transfer robot (1000) for transferring the reactor (100) to another designated process location inside the process chamber (200) and outside the process chamber (200).

[0052] Among these, the reactor (100), which plays a pivotal role in the powder coating process, includes a cylindrical reactor body (110) that accommodates powder as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, and a first cap (120) that is installed so as to be detachably attached to one end of the reactor body (110) and capable of opening and closing one end of the reactor body (110) by having a first mesh member (122). In addition, the reactor (100) includes a plurality of blades (140) installed on the inner surface of the reactor body (110). The reactor (100) may further include a second cap (130) installed at the other end of the reactor body (110) by having a second mesh member (132).

[0053] In the following description, a first cap (120) and a second cap (130) are installed at each end of the reactor body (110). However, the first cap (120) may be installed only at one end of the reactor body (110), and at the other end, instead of the second cap (130), a different shielding member may be provided to shield the other end of the reactor body (110). For example, at the other end of the reactor body (110), a plate or sheet having at least one gas passage connected to a nozzle or pipe of a gas supply module (500) or a gas discharge module (600) may be installed to close the other end of the reactor body (110).

[0054] Additionally, in the following description, the first cap (120) placed at one end of the reactor (100) is placed at the inlet where the reaction gas flows in, and the second cap (130) is placed at the outlet where the reaction gas flows out, but they may be placed in the opposite way.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 5, the inner circumferential ends of the reactor body (110) are formed with inclined surfaces (112) such that the inner diameter narrows toward the ends. By providing a simple but inclined surface (112), the powder is induced to be gathered in the center and coated uniformly when the reactor (100) rotates, thereby improving the coating quality of the powder. Additionally, it helps to minimize the phenomenon of the powder shifting toward the first mesh member (122) and the second mesh member (132) when the reactor (100) rotates. This eliminates the troublesome problem of the powder getting stuck in the first mesh member (122) and the second mesh member (132) and requiring frequent replacement.

[0056] Here, the inclined surface (112) on the side of the second mesh member (132) located on the side of the reaction gas outlet can be formed with a deviation to have a higher slope than the inclined surface (112) on the side of the first mesh member (122) located on the side of the reaction gas inflow. In this way, problems caused by the tendency for a larger amount of powder to accumulate and get stuck, particularly in the case of the second mesh member (132) provided on the side of the reaction gas outlet compared to the first mesh member (122), can be minimized. Additionally, the inclined surface (112) located on the side of the reaction gas inflow allows for relatively smooth inflow of the reaction gas. On the other hand, the inclined surface (112) located on the side of the reaction gas outlet is optimized by strengthening the function of suppressing powder accumulation.

[0057] The blades (140) are spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the inner surface of the cylindrical reactor body (110). The blades (140) are formed to be elongated horizontally and are installed along the length of the reactor (100). The blades (140) are formed with upward inclined surfaces (144) that extend upwardly as they extend toward the ends, so as to make close contact with the inclined surfaces (112) formed at both ends of the inner surface of the reactor body (110). The ends of the blades (140) are formed as vertical surfaces perpendicular to the upper portion to ensure close contact with the first mesh member (122) and the second mesh member (132).

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first cap (120) provided on the reaction gas inlet side of one end of the reactor (100) consists of a first rim (121) in the shape of a circular ring corresponding to one end of the reactor body (110) and a first mesh member (122) installed in the opening in the center of the first rim (121). The second cap (130) provided on the reaction gas discharge side of the other end consists of a second rim (131) in the shape of a circular ring corresponding to the other end of the reactor body (110) and a second mesh member (132) installed in the opening in the center of the second rim (131). A groove (126) may be formed concavely along the circumference of the edge of one side of the rim (121) of the first cap (120) to allow the gripping module of the transfer robot (1000) to stably grip the first cap (120) and the second cap (130). The first cap (120) and the second cap (130) may have different shapes as illustrated, or they may have the same shape. Additionally, either the first cap (120) or the second cap (130) may be configured to be opened and closed on the reactor body (110), or both may be configured to be opened and closed.

[0059] In this way, the first cap (120) and the second cap (130) are configured to have a first rim (121) and a second rim (131) in addition to the first mesh member (122) and the second mesh member (132), so that the Y-axis gripper (1410) of the transfer robot (1000) can stably grip the reactor (100) without damaging the first mesh member (122) and the second mesh member (132) and move up and down.

[0060] The above Y-axis gripper (1410) includes a long bar-shaped Y-axis gripper frame (1411) coupled to each Y-axis extension rod (1421), and a Y-axis gripper member (1412) installed at the end of the Y-axis gripper frame (1411) to grip a portion of the edge of the reactor first cap (120) and second cap (130). In this configuration in which the transfer robot (1000) is equipped with a Y-axis gripper (1410), a portion of the first rim (121) and second rim (131) located at the edge areas of both ends of the reactor (100) which is placed in a lying position in the process chamber (200) is gripped as is. Subsequently, the transfer robot (1000) can immediately raise the reactor (100) without any other operation and move it to an area for a subsequent process. To this end, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, it is preferable that the gas supply member (510) and the discharge control member (610), which are positioned close to the reactor (100), each have an area smaller than the end portion and the other end portion of the reactor (100) and are configured to face the central portion portion excluding the edge portions of the end portion and the other end portion of the reactor (100). Then, the Y-axis gripper (1410) of the transfer robot (1000) can grasp a portion of the first rim (121) and the second rim (131) located at the edge portions of both ends of the reactor (100) without separate position adjustment of the gas supply member (510) and the discharge control member (610).

[0061] The above Y-axis gripping module (1400) is located on a different surface orthogonal to the surface where the X-axis gripping module (1300) of the head part (1200) is installed, and includes a Y-axis actuator (1420). The Y-axis actuator (1420) has a pair of Y-axis reciprocating rods (1421) that reciprocate in the Y-axis direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction. The above Y-axis gripping module (1400) includes a Y-axis gripper (1410) that is coupled to each Y-axis reciprocating rod (1421) and grips one side of the edge of the first cap (120) and the second cap (130) coupled to both ends of the reactor (100). The above Y-axis gripper (1410) includes a long bar-shaped Y-axis gripper frame (1411) coupled to each Y-axis reciprocating rod (1421). A Y-axis gripper member (1412) is installed at the end portion of the above Y-axis gripper frame (1411) to grip one side of the edge of the first cap (120) and the second cap (130). As shown in FIG. 10, a first grip protrusion (1413) and a second grip protrusion (1414) are formed on the Y-axis gripper member (1412). These protrusions are arranged at a predetermined interval so as to be inserted into and supported by the grooves (126) of the first rim (121) and the second rim (131) located in the edge area of ​​the first cap (120) and the second cap (130).

[0062] A guide projection line (111) protruding along the circumference is formed on the outer surface of the reactor body (110). As shown in FIG. 6, when the reactor (100) is seated on the roller (310), the guide projection line (111) guides the reactor (100) to be seated in the correct position by being drawn into the guide groove (311) formed along the circumference on the outer surface of the roller (310). The guide projection line (111) is provided in multiple locations spaced apart from each other at points symmetrical to each other with respect to the center of the cylindrical rotating body. According to this configuration, in which the reactor (100) is seated in the correct position on the roller (310) by having multiple guide projection lines (111), the reactor (100) can rotate by receiving rotational force stably from the roller (310) without being affected by eccentricity. The guide projection line (111) is formed in a shape corresponding to the guide groove (311) of the roller (310). As shown in the enlarged section of FIG. 5, the guide projection line (111) gradually narrows in cross-sectional width toward the top, allowing for smooth seating and contact.

[0063] A pair of stopper grooves (111a) are formed in the guide projection line (111) of the reactor (100). As shown in FIG. 8, these stopper grooves (111a) are configured so that a pair of stopper projections (731) can be fitted into them when the reactor (100) is standing on the first support (720a) of the work table (710). Through this, when the cap opening / closing means (810) shown in FIG. 10 performs the process of opening / closing one end of the reactor (100) by rotating the first cap (120), the reactor body (110) is fixed so that it does not rotate. The separated first cap (120) is temporarily placed on the second support (720b) ​​during operation.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 8, an alignment mark (111b) is formed on the guide projection line (111) to align the rotation angle of the reactor (100) when the reactor (100) is moved to a predetermined position by a transfer robot. The alignment mark (111b) is provided as a groove or hole formed in the guide projection line (111) so that a laser beam (LB) irradiated along the longitudinal direction of the reactor body (110) can pass through it. (The drawing shows an example where the alignment mark (111b) is provided as a groove.) By using the guide projection line (111) to form the stopper groove (111a) and the alignment mark (111b), there is an advantage that the outer surface of the reactor body (110) does not need to be deformed or separate parts installed.

[0065] In this way, when the reactor (100) is equipped with a guide projection line (111) having a stopper groove (111a) and an alignment mark (111b), it becomes easier to automate the process of connecting and disconnecting to the roller (310) by a transfer robot. Additionally, it becomes easier to automate the process of adjusting the rotation angle while the reactor (100) is transferred to a predetermined position, and the process of connecting and disconnecting by rotating the first cap (120) while the reactor body (110) is fixed.

[0066] It should be noted that the roller (310) serves to transmit rotational force from the drive unit to the reactor (100), and additionally, it also serves to fully support the reactor (100) by seating it without the aid of a separate member. To this end, the roller (310) is positioned on the lower side of the reactor (100) as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The roller (310) has a long-axis rod shape formed in the front-rear direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the reactor (100). The roller (310) is installed in pairs spaced apart from left to right to transmit rotational force while in contact with and supporting the outer surface of the reactor (100) from below. Although the configuration in which the roller (310) is formed in the shape of a long-axis rod may appear simple at first glance, it holds great technical significance. That is, by a configuration equipped with a pair of rollers (310) formed in the shape of a long axis rod longer than the reactor (100), the reactor (100) is seated and stably supported without the need for additional separate components. Based on this, rotational force is transmitted uniformly across the entire reactor (100). Furthermore, even if a reactor (100) of a different size is adopted, rotational force can be transmitted while stably seated and supported with high adaptability, close to universality.

[0067] In this way, the roller (310) is configured to stably support the reactor (100) by placing it directly on the roller without any additional components, thereby enabling the transmission of rotational force. According to this configuration, as shown in FIG. 9, the connection and separation between the reactor (100) and the roller (310) are smoothly achieved solely through the lifting motion of the transfer robot (1000) to bring in and take out the reactor (100), without any additional operation or movement.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 7, the roller (310) has a plurality of guide grooves (311) formed along its circumference, corresponding to the guide projection line (111) of the reactor (100). As a result, the reactor (100) is seated in the correct position relative to the roller (310) and receives rotational force. It is also preferable that the guide grooves (311) of the roller (310) be formed in a shape that gradually narrows in width as they go inward, corresponding to the guide projection line (111) of the reactor (100).

[0069] The roller (310) is formed to be longer than the reactor (100) and is inserted into the process chamber (200) through the through hole (211) of the process chamber (200) and mounted. When the roller (310) is mounted in the process chamber (200), one end of the roller (310) protrudes outside the process chamber (200) as shown in FIG. 14. This protruding part is simply connected to an external drive device, such as a motor. The roller (310), formed in the shape of a long rod, transmits rotational force into the process chamber (200) on its own without any separate components, as long as it is connected to an external drive device, such as a timing pulley and a belt, from outside the process chamber (200). This has the advantage of not only being able to rotate the reactor (100) but also uniformly transmitting rotational force to the entire reactor (100).

[0070] Here, one end of the roller (310) forms a multi-step structure having progressively smaller diameters toward the end, as shown in FIG. 7. The first reduction section (312a) formed by this multi-step structure extends across the through hole (211, see FIG. 15) of the process chamber (200). A magnetic fluid seal (not shown) may be installed in the second reduction section (312b). A timing pulley (not shown) for receiving power from a driving device may be installed in the last third reduction section (312c). Meanwhile, at the other end of the roller (310), a second reduction section (312d) is formed at the end by a step structure in which the diameter is reduced. The second reduction section (312d) is mounted in a position that allows it to move back and forth in a mounting hole (212) formed in the other side wall of the process chamber (200). This accommodates expansion and contraction due to temperature changes occurring along the longitudinal direction of the roller (310). It is preferable that an unillustrated guide bush be additionally installed on the other side reduction portion (312d) of the above mounting hole (212) or roller (310).

[0071] The process chamber (200) serves to accommodate the cylindrical reactor (100) so that it can rotate in a horizontal position. To this end, the process chamber (200) has an internal space capable of accommodating the cylindrical reactor (100) in a horizontal position, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15. The process chamber (200) is equipped with an openable upper cover (210a) so that the reactor (100) can be brought in and taken out while being lifted by a transport robot (1000).

[0072] Here, the upper cover (210a) is provided as a flat member that is hinged (210b) to the upper part of the chamber body (210) to open and close the chamber body (210). To open and close the upper cover (210a), as shown in FIG. 14, it includes a cylinder (220) installed vertically near the process chamber (200), a lever arm (222) with one end rotatably connected to the tip of the reciprocating arm (221) of the cylinder (220), and a hinge bracket (223) rotatably connected to the other end of the lever arm (222) and fixed to the upper surface of the upper cover (210a). According to this configuration, when the reciprocating arm (221) of the cylinder (220) moves forward in the upward direction, the upper cover (210a) rotates around the hinge (210b) to close, and when the reciprocating arm (221) moves backward in the downward direction, the upper cover (210a) rotates in the opposite direction around the hinge (210b) to open. When the upper cover (210a) rotates more than 90 degrees from the closed state according to the reciprocating movement of the cylinder (220) reciprocating arm (221), it opens completely without covering the upper surface of the chamber body (210). When this state is reached, a path is secured through which the transfer robot (1000) can lift and move the reactor (100) from the process chamber (200) to bring in and take out. That is, the path for bringing in and taking out the reactor (100) is secured with only a single rotational movement of the upper cover (210a).

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the upper cover (210a) is integrally equipped with an upper heating element (213) that indirectly heats the upper part of the reactor (100) by heating the air inside the process chamber (200). Here, the upper heating element (213) is provided as a planar heating element that is in close contact with the upper cover (210a), so that when the upper cover (210a) is opened, it is completely removed from the inlet and outlet path of the reactor (100) together with the upper cover (210a).

[0074] Looking at the configuration in which the upper cover (210a) and the upper heating element (213) are combined, the upper cover (210a) of the process chamber (200) includes a heat diffusion plate (212a) made of aluminum, which is a thermally conductive metal. The upper heating element (213) has a size corresponding to that of the heat diffusion plate (212a) and is bonded to the upper surface of the heat diffusion plate (212a). The upper heating element (213) uniformly heats the inside of the process chamber (200) through the heat diffusion plate (212a) while supplementing the heat amount that is insufficient with only the lower heater (400).

[0075] In addition, an upper plate (212b) may be further provided with a planar upper heating element (213) interposed between it and a heat diffusion plate (212a). The upper heating element (213) may be provided as a rubber heater in which an electric heating element is embedded in a planar heating body made of rubber material. A temperature sensor (214) for detecting the temperature inside the process chamber (200) is installed on the upper cover (210a).

[0076] According to the configuration in which the upper cover (210a) that opens and closes in this manner and the upper heating element (213) on a planar surface are combined, the upper cover (210a) can be opened with a single rotational motion by the cylinder (220), thereby securing a movement path for bringing in and taking out the reactor (100). Furthermore, the upper heating element (213) is a flat planar heating element that uniformly heats the inside of the process chamber (200) while being integrated with the upper cover (210a) and moving together, without interfering with the movement path of the reactor (100) at all. Accordingly, the bringing in and taking out of the reactor (100) into the process chamber (200) is carried out quickly, and automation efficiency and productivity can be increased.

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 16 to 19, the lower heater (400) is positioned on the lower side of the reactor (100) in combination with the roller (310) and serves to heat the lower outer surface while closely surrounding it. The lower heater (400) is formed in a semi-tubular shape with its inner surface facing upward, and heats the lower outer surface of the reactor (100) through radiant heat while closely surrounding it at a predetermined distance. According to the configuration equipped with such a semi-tubular lower heater (400), the reactor (100) is heated in close proximity, yet no interference occurs when the reactor (100) is grasped and raised by the transfer robot (1000).

[0078] On the left and right sides of the lower heater (400), a longitudinal cut (411a) is formed. A roller (310) is installed so as to partially protrude from the outer lower side of the lower heater (400) through the cut (411a) toward the inner circumference of the lower heater (400). The reactor (100) is supported in contact by the partially protruding part of the roller.

[0079] The lower heater (400) is formed as shown in FIG. 19 and consists of a heater body (410) having a semi-tubular body and heat conductivity, and a lower heating element (420) mounted inside the heater body (410). The heater body (410) has a plurality of mounting holes (411c) formed along the longitudinal direction, avoiding the cut portion (411a) on the left and right sides. The lower heating element (420) has a rod-shaped body and is inserted and mounted into the mounting holes (411c) of the heater body (410). When the lower heating element (420) is provided in the form of a detachable rod-shaped cartridge, it is possible to secure a sufficient level of heating capacity by mounting it in a dispersed manner avoiding the cut portion (411a) on the heater body (410), and it is also advantageous for maintenance and repair.

[0080] The outer surface of the front and rear portions of the heater body (410) is further provided with a plurality of flanges (412) that protrude outward along an arc. As shown in FIG. 19, a rolling groove (412a) is formed in the flange (412) that communicates with the cut portion (411a). Thus, a roller (310) having a long-axis rod shape is fitted into the rolling groove (412a) of the flange (412) of the heater body (410) and mounted. At this time, the outer surface of the roller (310) is partially protruded toward the inner surface of the heater body (410) through the cut portion (411a) of the heater body (410), thereby contacting and supporting the outer surface of the reactor (100). According to this configuration, the roller (310) is simply pushed into the inside through the through hole (211) formed in one side wall of the process chamber (200) and is fitted into the rolling groove (412a) of the lower heater (400) installed inside the process chamber (200), and has the advantage of being easily mounted and detached when the opposite is done.

[0081] An inner groove (411b) is formed along the circumference on the inner surface of the lower heater (400), and a guide projection line (111) formed along the circumference on the outer surface of the reactor (100) is inserted into the inner groove (411b) of the lower heater (400) to guide rotational displacement. Here, the inner groove (411b) is formed in multiple locations spaced apart at points symmetrical to each other with respect to the center of the lower heater (400). According to the configuration in which the inner groove (411b) is formed on the inner surface of the heater body (410) to correspond to the guide projection line (111) of the reactor (100), the reactor (100), which is repeatedly brought into and taken out of the process chamber (200), is allowed to be seated in the correct position relative to the lower heater (400) and the roller (310) each time.

[0082] As described above, when a roller (310) having a long-axis rod shape and a semi-tubular lower heater (400) are combined to form a rotating and heating structure for mounting the reactor (100), sufficient rotational force and heating performance can be secured for the reactor (100) inside the process chamber (200). In addition, the coupling and separation of the roller (310) and the lower heater (400), as well as the loading and unloading of the process chamber (200), can be accomplished all at once solely by the lifting and lowering motion of the reactor (100) by a transfer robot, thereby maximizing automation efficiency and productivity.

[0083] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention may use various variations, modifications, and equivalents. It is clear that the present invention can be applied in the same way by appropriately modifying the above embodiments. Therefore, the above description does not limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the limitations of the following claims.

Claims

1. In a powder coating device, A process chamber equipped with an openable upper cover that accommodates a cylindrical reactor in a horizontal position and enables the reactor to be brought in and taken out by lifting and lowering movements; A roller positioned below the process chamber and transmitting rotational force by contacting the outer surface of the reactor from below; A lower heater disposed at the lower side of the reactor together with the roller, formed in a semi-tubular shape with an inner surface facing upward, and heating while encircling the lower outer surface of the reactor; and An upper heating element integrally installed on the upper cover of the process chamber, which heats the reactor from the upper side when the upper cover is closed and moves away from the inlet and outlet path of the reactor together with the upper cover when the upper cover is open; A powder coating device characterized by raising and lowering the reactor with a transfer robot while the upper cover of the process chamber is open to allow the reactor to be brought into and taken out of the process chamber, and simultaneously allowing the roller and lower heater to be combined and separated from the reactor.

2. In Paragraph 1, A powder coating apparatus characterized in that a gas supply member for supplying reaction gas to one end of the reactor and an exhaust control member for controlling the discharge of reaction gas from the other end of the reactor are positioned in close proximity to the reactor at the front and rear sides centered on the reactor within the process chamber, spaced apart from the reactor, so as not to interfere with the lifting and lowering operation of the reactor.

3. In Paragraph 2, A powder coating device characterized in that, in the longitudinal direction of the reactor, the cross-sections of the gas supply member and the discharge control member each have a smaller area than the cross-sections of one end and the other end of the reactor.

4. In Paragraph 3, A powder coating device characterized in that the gas supply member and the discharge control member are positioned in close proximity to face the reactor in the central region, excluding the edge regions of the one end and the other end of the reactor, and the gripper of the transfer robot is configured to grasp a portion of the edge regions of the one end and the other end of the reactor and raise and lower it.

5. In Paragraph 1, A powder coating device characterized by having a plurality of process chambers, wherein while a powder coating process of a reactor is performed in some process chambers, the reactor is removed by a transfer robot in other process chambers to perform subsequent processes including the recovery of coated powder and cleaning of the reactor.

6. In Paragraph 1, A powder coating device characterized by the fact that the upper cover is hinge-connected to the upper part of the chamber body, thereby enabling the chamber body to be opened and closed while securing the path for the introduction and outflow of the reactor with only one rotational movement.

7. In Paragraph 6, A powder coating device characterized in that the upper cover is a flat plate-shaped member, and the upper heating element is provided as a planar heating element in close contact with the upper cover, so that the upper cover is kept out of the inlet and outlet path of the reactor when the upper cover is open.

8. In Paragraph 7, For opening and closing the upper cover, a cylinder installed near the process chamber; a lever arm, one end of which is rotatably coupled to the tip of the reciprocating arm of the cylinder; and a hinge bracket, which is rotatably coupled to the other end of the lever arm and fixed to the upper surface of the upper cover; are provided. A powder coating device characterized by the upper cover opening when rotated more than 90 degrees from a closed state.

9. In Paragraph 7, A powder coating device characterized by the fact that the roller has a long-axis rod shape and is formed long in the front-rear direction to support the outer surface of the reactor in the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of rollers are arranged in pairs spaced apart from each other.

10. In Paragraph 9, On the left and right sides of the lower heater, a long incision is formed in the longitudinal direction, and A powder coating device characterized by the above roller being installed in a partially protruding form on the inner circumferential side of the lower heater through the cut portion at the outer lower portion of the lower heater, and supporting the reactor in contact with the said protruding portion.

11. In Paragraph 10, The powder coating device is characterized in that the lower heater further comprises a plurality of flanges protruding outward along an arc on the outer surface of the front and rear ends, respectively, and a rolling groove is formed in the flange that communicates with the cut portion, so that the roller partially protrudes through the cut portion while being fitted into the rolling groove.

12. In Paragraph 10, An inner groove is formed along the circumference on the inner surface of the lower heater, and the inner grooves are formed in multiple locations spaced apart at points symmetrical to each other with respect to the center of the lower heater. A plurality of guide projection lines are formed on the outer surface of the reactor, protruding along the circumference and guiding rotational displacement while inserted into the inner groove of the lower heater. A powder coating device characterized by having a guide groove formed on the outer surface of the roller along the circumference, into which a guide projection line of the reactor is seated.

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