A shot-processing device is provided, and by it they are effectively reused and prevented from being taken out of a cabinet and from scattering. A structure (40) for a flow path that connects the inside of the cabinet (12) and a suction port (70A) of a dust collector (70) includes a part of a route for circulation of a circulating machine (32) and a second flow path (40Y) that connects a chamber for blowing air and the suction port (70A). In the structure for the flow path a classifying part (35) is provided. It includes a first cyclone (36) that classifies particulate objects that include shots as shots that have a diameter that makes them reusable and as the other particulate objects and includes a part of the first flow path (40X), and a second cyclone (44) that includes a part of the second flow path.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a shot-processing device.

BACKGROUND ART

A shot-processing device that has a separator or a settling chamber has been known (for example, see Patent Literature 1). In such a device the separator or the settling chamber is provided to the route to circulate the shots to separate the shots that are reusable from other particulate objects. Thus, the device effectively contributes to the reuse of the shots.

However, in such device preventing the shots from being taken out of the cabinet or from scattering is not considered. Thus, there is room to improve the device in preventing shots from being taken out of the cabinet and from scattering.

By considering the above facts, the present invention was invented to provide a shot-processing device by which they can be effectively reused and prevented from being taken out of the cabinet and from scattering.

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A shot-processing device of a first aspect of the present invention comprises a cabinet in which multiple chambers are formed. It also comprises a transporter that transports an object to be processed in a set direction for transportation within at least the cabinet. It also comprises a shot-projecting machine that is placed in a chamber for projecting the shots, which is one of the multiple chambers, and that projects the shots onto the object to be processed that has been transported into the chamber for projecting the shots. It also comprises an air-blowing machine that is placed in a chamber for blowing air, which is one of the multiple chambers, that is downstream of the chamber for projecting the shots in the direction for transportation, which machine blows air onto the object to be processed that has been transported into the chamber for blowing air. It also comprises a circulating machine that circulates the shots that have a diameter that makes them reusable among the shots that have been projected by the shot-projecting machine and have dropped on a bottom of the chamber for projecting the shots. It also comprises a dust collector that is connected to the cabinet to suction air therein that contains dust. It also comprises a structure for a flow path that consists of a first flow path that forms a part of a flow path to connect the inside of the cabinet with a suction port of the dust collector and is configured to be a part of a route for circulation of the circulating machine and of a second flow path that connects the chamber for blowing air with the suction port of the dust collector. It also comprises a classifying part that is provided in the structure for the flow path, which includes a part of the first flow path and a part of the second flow path, and that classifies the particulate objects that include the shots as shots that have a diameter that makes them reusable and as the other particulate objects.

Incidentally, the first flow path and the second flow path may be separately constructed without having a portion that is used for both the first and second parts of the flow path or may be constructed with a portion that is used for both of them.

By the above configuration, the multiple chambers are formed within the cabinet. The transporter transports the object to be processed in the set direction for transportation, at least in the cabinet. In the chamber for projecting the shots that is formed in the cabinet the shot-projecting machine is provided to project the shots onto the object to be processed that has been transported into that chamber. In the cabinet, the chamber for blowing air is formed downstream of the chamber for projecting the shots in the direction for transportation. The air-blowing machine that is provided in the chamber for blowing air blows air onto the object to be processed that has been transported into that chamber. Further, the circulating machine is provided to the shot-processing device of the present invention to circulate to the shot-projecting machine the shots that have been projected by the shot-projecting machine and have dropped on the bottom of the chamber for projecting the shots.

The dust collector that is connected to the cabinet suctions air in the cabinet that contains dust. The structure for the flow path that forms a flow path to connect the inside of the cabinet with the suction port of the dust collector includes the first flow path, which is a part of the route for circulation of the circulating machine. The classifying part that is provided in the structure for the flow path includes a part of the first flow path and classifies the particulate objects that include the shots as shots that have a diameter that makes them reusable and as the other particulate objects. Thus, the circulating machine can circulate the shots that have a diameter that makes them reusable to the shot-projecting machine.

Further, the structure for the flow path includes the second flow path. It connects the chamber for blowing air with the suction port of the dust collector. The classifying part includes a part of the second flow path. Thus, the particulate objects that have been stirred up from the object to be processed, etc., by the air that is blown by the air-blowing machine in the chamber for blowing air, are suctioned to the second flow path so as to be classified as shots that have a diameter that makes them reusable and as the other particulate objects. Thus, the shots are prevented from being taken out of the cabinet, and are effectively reused.

By the shot-processing device of a second aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect, the classifying part comprises a first classifier that includes a part of the first flow path and a second classifier that is a separate body from the first classifier and includes a part of the second flow path. The first classifier is located nearer the cabinet than is the second classifier.

By the above configuration, the first classifier, which includes a part of the first flow path, is located nearer the cabinet than is the second classifier, which includes a part of the second flow path. Thus, the shots can be circulated with little loss.

By the shot-processing device of a third aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first or second aspect, the structure for the flow path comprises a third flow path that connects a chamber for taking out an object to be processed with the suction port of the dust collector, wherein the chamber for taking out an object to be processed is one of the multiple chambers in the cabinet that is located at a side for taking out the object to be processed. The classifying part includes a part of the third flow path.

Incidentally, the third flow path may not include any part that is used for both the first flow path and the second flow path, but may include a part that is used for either the first flow path or the second flow path.

By the above configuration, even when the particulate objects are conveyed to the chamber for taking out an object to be processed without suctioning all the particulate objects in the chamber for blowing air, the particulate objects in the chamber for taking out an object to be processed are suctioned through a flow path that is formed by the third flow path. The suctioned particulate objects are classified into the shots that have a diameter that makes them reusable and the other particulate objects by the classifying part. Thus, the shots are prevented from being taken out of the chamber for taking out an object to be processed and are effectively reused.

By the shot-processing device of a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the third aspect, which refers to the second aspect, the classifying part that constitutes a part of the third flow path is the second classifier.

By the above configuration, since in the third flow path the particulate objects are classified by the second classifier, the configuration is not complicated, and the shots are prevented from being taken out of the chamber for taking out an object to be processed and effectively reused.

The shot-processing device of a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of any of the first to fourth aspects, comprises a jig for holding the object to be processed, on which jig the object to be processed is placed, wherein the jig has supporting parts that support the object to be processed from the lower part and are provided with a gap in the circumferential direction in the plan view of the device. The air-blowing machine has a blowing part in which a direction for blowing is set so that air that is blown therefrom passes between adjacent supporting parts.

By the above configuration, the jig for supporting the object to be processed supports that object by means of the supporting parts that are provided with a gap in the circumferential direction in the plan view of the device. The air-blowing machine has a blowing part in which a direction for blowing is set so that air that is blown from it passes between the adjacent supporting parts. Thus, the particulate objects that have adhered to the lower part of the object to be processed are blown off and away by the air that is blown from the blowing part. The particulate objects are suctioned by a flow path that is formed by the second flow path. Thus, the particulate objects that have adhered to the lower part of the object to be processed can be effectively removed.

The shot-processing device of a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the fifth aspect, comprises a tubular hood that is located outside the object to be processed in the plan view of the device and comprises jigs for the hood that support the hood from the bottom. The jigs are provided with a gap in the circumferential direction in the plan view of the device. In the blowing part the direction for blowing is set so that air that is blown therefrom passes between adjacent jigs for supporting the hood.

By the above configuration, since the tubular hood is provided outside the object to be processed in the plan view of the device, the shots can be prevented from hitting the outside of the object to be processed. The jigs for the hood are provided with a gap in the circumferential direction in the plan view of the device to support the hood from the bottom. The direction for blowing of the blowing part is set so that air that is blown from it passes between the adjacent jigs for supporting the hood. Thus, even when the hood is provided outside of the object to be processed, the particulate objects that have adhered to the lower part of the object to be processed are blown off and away by the air that is blown from the blowing part of the air-blowing machine. The particulate objects are suctioned by a flow path that is formed by the second flow path. Thus, even when the hood is provided, the particulate objects that have adhered to the lower part of the object to be processed can be effectively removed.

The shot-processing device of a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of any of the first to sixth aspects, comprises a receiving part at the side for taking out that protrudes from the cabinet under a port for taking out, in the plan view of the device. It also comprises a duct for taking out that connects the receiving part at the side for taking out with the cabinet and causes the shots that have dropped on the receiving part at the side for taking out to flow to the upstream side of the route for circulation in the cabinet.

By the above configuration, the receiving part at the side for taking out protrudes from the cabinet under the port for taking out of the cabinet in the plan view of the device. Thus, even when the particulate objects fall from the port for taking out or near it, they are received by means of the receiving part at the side for taking out. Further, the receiving part at the side for taking out is connected to the cabinet by means of the duct for taking out. The duct for taking out causes the shots that have dropped on the receiving part at the side for taking out to flow to the upstream side of the route for circulation in the cabinet. Thus, the shots that have fallen near the port for taking out can be returned to the shot-projecting machine.

The shot-processing device of an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of any of the first to seventh aspects, comprises an access door to open and close a side opening of the cabinet. It also comprises a receiving part at a side wall under the side opening, which part protrudes from the cabinet in the plan view of the device. It also comprises a duct at the side wall that connects the receiving part at the side wall with the cabinet and causes the shots that have dropped on the receiving part at the side wall to flow to the upstream side of the route for circulation in the cabinet.

By the above configuration, the access door can open and close the side opening of the cabinet. The receiving part at the side wall is provided under the side opening to protrude from the cabinet in the plan view of the device. Thus, even when the particulate objects drop from the side opening or near it when the access door is opened for checking or cleaning the inside of the cabinet or the like, the particulate objects are received by means of the receiving part at the side wall. The receiving part at the side wall and the cabinet are connected by means of the duct at the side wall. The duct causes the shots that have dropped on the receiving part at the side wall to flow in the upstream direction of the route for circulation in the cabinet. Thus, the shots that drop from the side opening or near it can be returned to the shot-projecting machine.

The shot-processing device of a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of any of the first to eighth aspects, comprises a cylindrical ventilator that is provided to the ceiling of the cabinet and that takes ambient air in. It also comprises a cartridge that is placed in the ventilator and has a filter that is pleated and faces horizontally.

By the above configuration, the cylindrical ventilator that takes ambient air in is provided to the ceiling of the cabinet. The cartridge that has a filter that is pleated and faces horizontally is placed in the ventilator. Thus, clogging of the ventilator is prevented.

As discussed above, by the shot-processing device of the present invention excellent effects, such that the shots are effectively reused and prevented from being taken out of the cabinet or from scattering, are achieved.

The basic Japanese patent application, No. 2017-187864, filed Sep. 28, 2017, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety in the present application.

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given below. However, the detailed description and the specific embodiments are only illustrations of the desired embodiments of the present invention, and so are given only for an explanation. Various possible changes and modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art on the basis of the detailed description.

The applicant has no intention to dedicate to the public any disclosed embodiment. Among the disclosed changes and modifications, those which may not literally fall within the scope of the present claims constitute, therefore, a part of the present invention in the sense of the doctrine of equivalents.

The use of the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” and similar referents in the specification and claims are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural form of a noun, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention, and so does not limit the scope of the invention, unless otherwise stated.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A shot-peening device10, which is a shot-processing device as an embodiment of the present invention, is below discussed with reference toFIGS.1-7. In the drawings, the arrows FR, UP, and LH denote the front direction, the upper direction, and the left direction in a front view of the device, respectively. The shot-peening device10is, for example, a device for shot-peening a pulley for a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

Configuration of Embodiment

FIG.1illustrates a front view of the shot-peening device10, which is an embodiment of the present invention. InFIG.1some elements (a receiving part80at the side for taking out, etc., which are discussed below) are shown as being transparent and their outlines are shown by two-dotted lines.FIG.2shows an enlarged side view taken along the line2-2inFIG.1.FIG.3shows an enlarged side view taken along the line3-3inFIG.1.

As inFIG.1, the shot-peening device10has a cabinet12that is formed like a box. In the cabinet12a part13for supplying the shots is provided. A port for supplying the shots is formed at the top of the part13for supplying the shots. In the cabinet12a port14for carrying an object W to be processed in and out of it is formed. The port for carrying in and out functions as a port for carrying the work W in the cabinet and as a port for carrying the work W out of the cabinet. At the lower position of the cabinet12a part50S for placing a product is provided to place the object W on it. The details of the part50S are discussed below.

As inFIG.2, in the cabinet12an access door18is provided. The access door18opens and closes a side opening16of the cabinet12.FIG.4illustrates a plan view of the shot-peening device10. As inFIG.4, as an example in the embodiment, the access doors18are located at the right and left sides and the rear side of the cabinet12. Incidentally, the access door18overlaps a peripheral wall of the cabinet12inFIG.4. Thus, the reference number “18” points to the overlapping position.

As inFIG.1, at the right side of the cabinet12an operator's panel100is provided. A control panel102that is connected to the operator's panel100includes a storage device that stores a program for controlling the shot-peening device10. The shot-peening device10is operated by running the program in accordance with the operation of a panel by an operator.

At the right side of the ceiling12U of the cabinet12a ventilator46, which is tubular, takes the outside air in. Inside the ventilator46a cartridge48is disposed. The cartridge48is a cartridge for a dust collector, which is converted to this use. It has a filter48F (the details are not shown), wherein a filter medium is horizontally folded in a zig-zag manner. Incidentally, the cartridge for the dust collector is disclosed, for example, in a Patent Gazette, U.S. Pat. No. 5,218,451.

As inFIG.4, in the cabinet12a transporter50is provided. The transporter50transports an object W to be processed (seeFIG.1) (below, a description of a figure to be referred to is arbitrarily omitted) in the set direction for transportation (the direction of the arrow X) within the cabinet12. The transporter50includes the part50S for placing a product. The details of the transporter50are discussed below.

Multiple chambers are formed in the cabinet12. At the rear side of the inside of the cabinet12a chamber24for projecting the shots is formed. At the front side of the inside of the cabinet12a chamber20for taking in and out is formed. In the chamber24for projecting the shots a surface treatment (specifically, a shot-peening treatment) on the object W to be processed is carried out by causing the shots to hit the object W. In the cabinet12the chamber20for taking in and out doubles as a chamber for taking in the object W and as a chamber for taking it out. In the cabinet12an idle chamber22is formed at the upstream side of the chamber24for projecting the shots in the direction for transportation (the direction of the arrow X). In the cabinet12a chamber26for blowing air is formed at the downstream side of the chamber24for projecting the shots in the direction for transportation (the direction of the arrow X). In the chamber26for blowing air gas is blown onto the object W.

The chamber20for taking in and out, the idle chamber22, the chamber24for projecting the shots, and the chamber26for blowing air, are divided by partitions28that are wall panels and are formed side by side about a vertical axis of the device (specifically, a rotating shaft62, which is later discussed). They may also be called “stations.” In other words, multiple stations are formed by equally dividing the inside of the cabinet12in the circumferential direction. Incidentally, the chambers are just divided by the partitions28and are not hermetically divided.

On the ceiling of the chamber24for projecting the shots a plurality of nozzles30A of a blasting machine (also called “an air-type accelerator”)30, as the shot-projecting machine, are provided (seeFIGS.2and3). The blasting machine30projects the shots onto the object W by blasting (“projecting” in a broader meaning) compressed air that includes the shots through the nozzles30A (seeFIGS.2and3). Here, the object W has been transported to the chamber24for projecting the shots. Incidentally, in this embodiment micro-shots of a particle size of about 50 microns are used as the shots.

The nozzles30A as inFIG.3are connected to Magna Valves30C (“flow control valves” in a broader meaning) through a piping30B. The Magna Valves30C are shown in the lower-left part ofFIG.3. They are connected to a part30D for supplying air (seeFIG.4) and to a pressurized tank30F through gate cutters30E. Parts30M for mixing that are located under the Magna Valves30C mix the shots from the pressurized tanks30F and compressed air from the part30D for supplying air (seeFIG.4). The pressurized tanks30F are connected to an upper-side hopper30H through gates30G for the shots that are located above the pressurized tanks30F. A pressure switch31A (seeFIG.1) is provided near the pressurized tanks30F. Incidentally, flowmeters31B for air are provided at the rear side of the device as inFIG.2. The upper-side hopper30H is located above the gates30G for the shots as inFIG.3. A level switch31C is provided to it.

In the shot-peening device10the circulating machine32is provided. It circulates the shots to the blasting machine30by transporting to the upper-side hopper30H the shots that have a diameter that makes them reusable out of the shots that have been projected (projected in a broader meaning) through the nozzles30A by the blasting machine30and have dropped on the bottom of the chamber24for projecting the shots. The shots that have a diameter that makes them reusable are those that have a diameter by which a desired effect (more than a set level) on a surface treatment can be obtained when they are projected (projected in a broader meaning). They include at least the shots that have a diameter that is equivalent to (substantially equal to) the diameter of unused shots, which are not yet supplied to the shot-peening device10(the shot-processing device in a broader meaning) to be projected (projected in a broader meaning). The shots that have a diameter that makes them reusable do not include, for example, the shots that have been broken in the chamber24for projecting the shots. As inFIG.7, the circulating machine32has a hopper32A that collects the shots at the lower side of the chamber24for projecting the shots. A lower-side screw conveyor32B is provided at the lower end of the hopper32A.

As inFIG.1, the lower-side screw conveyor32B is horizontally positioned so that its longitudinal axis runs from the right d to the left in the device. By being rotated around the axis by being driven by a motor, it transports the shots that have dropped from the hopper32A (seeFIG.7) in the left direction of the device. The downstream end of the lower-side screw conveyor32B is located next to a box32C for collection, which is shown inFIG.3. In the box32C for collection a lower end of a duct34A, which is vertically elongated, is located. The upper end of the duct34A is connected to a first cyclone36as the first classifier that constitutes a part of the classifying part35. That is, the first cyclone36is located in the route for circulation of the circulating machine32.

As inFIG.1, the first cyclone36has a cyclone-case36H. The top of the cyclone-case36H is connected to the suction port70A of the dust collector70through a duct34B. The dust collector70has a fan. It is connected to the cabinet12through the duct34B, the first cyclone36, and the duct34A (seeFIG.3) to suction air that contains dust in the cabinet12by activating the fan. The upper part36A of the cyclone-case36H is formed as a vertical cylinder. Its lower part36B is formed as a cone, which has a smaller diameter, as it is lower. As inFIG.3, on the side wall of the upper part36A of the cyclone-case36H a part36X for inflow is formed to cause air to flow along the inner wall of the upper part36A. The part36X for inflow is formed approximately as a cylinder and is connected to the duct34A, which is discussed above.

As inFIG.1, the lower part36B of the cyclone-case36H is connected to a box36Z for collection. By the above configuration, the first cyclone36classifies the particulate objects that include the shots as shots that have a diameter that makes them reusable and as the other particulate objects. The box36Z for collection is connected to a receiving box32E through a pipe32D. The receiving box32E is provided at the lower end of the bucket elevator32F. That is, the shots that have a diameter that makes them reusable are classified by means of the first cyclone36and are supplied to the lower end of the bucket elevator32F through the pipe32D and the receiving box32E. In the drawing the middle part of the pipe32D is omitted and drawn by a dotted line. A vibrating sieve (not shown) may be provided between the box36Z for collection and the receiving box32E.

Since the bucket elevator32F is publicly known, the detailed discussion on its configuration is omitted. In it an endless belt (not shown) is looped around pulleys that are disposed to be vertically separated. Many buckets (not shown) are attached to the endless belt. The pulleys are rotated by being driven by a motor. By the above configuration, the bucket elevator32F can scoop the shots by the buckets and transport them from the lower part of the device to the upper part (above the cabinet12) by rotating the pulleys. The upper end of the bucket elevator32F is connected to the upper end of the upper-side hopper30H through a receiving box32G and a pipe32H. That is, the shots that are thrown from the upper end of the bucket elevator32F are supplied to the upper-side hopper30H through the receiving box32G and the pipe32H.

From the cabinet12, under the port14for carrying in and out, the receiving part80at the side for taking out protrudes as in the plan view of the device ofFIG.4. Above the receiving part80at the side for taking out, a part of a machine90for taking the object W in and out of the cabinet12moves. The receiving part80at the side for taking out is made of a hopper-like container. Its bottom is open.

FIG.7illustrates a side view of the receiving part80at the side for taking out and its surrounding area. In it a hatching of cross-sections of the cabinet12and its surrounding area is omitted. As inFIG.7, the bottom of the receiving part80at the side for taking out and that of the chamber24for projecting the shots of the cabinet12are connected by the duct82for taking out. The duct82for taking out causes the shots that have dropped in the receiving part80at the side for taking out to flow to the lower part of the chamber24for projecting the shots (the upstream side of the route for circulation in the circulating machine32) within the cabinet12. In addition, the end of the duct82for taking out at the side near the cabinet12is located slightly higher than the end at the side near the receiving part80at the side for taking out. Since the inside of the chamber24for projecting the shots is a vacuum, as it is suctioned by the dust collector70(seeFIG.1), the duct82for taking out causes the shots to flow from the receiving part80at the side for taking out to the cabinet12.

From the cabinet12under the side opening16as inFIG.2, a receiving part84at the side wall protrudes in the plan view of the device ofFIG.4. As inFIG.2, the receiving part84at the side wall and the cabinet12are connected through the duct86at the side wall. The end of the duct86at the side wall at the cabinet12is located lower than the end of it at the receiving part84at the side wall. The duct86at the side wall downwardly inclines from the receiving part84at the side wall to the cabinet12to cause the shots that have dropped in the receiving part84at the side wall to fall to the lower part of the cabinet12(the upstream side of the route for circulation in the circulating machine32).

Next, the transporter50as inFIG.1, and the part50S for placing a product that constitutes it, are discussed.

In the part50S for placing a product, a large table (also called “a turntable” or “a revolving table”)52that is circular as inFIG.4is provided. A plurality of (four in this embodiment) small tables (also called “rotating tables”)54are annularly provided with a constant distance between them in the outer circumference on the top of the large table52. That is, the part50S for placing a product has a configuration of so-called multiple tables. The large table52can revolve about the vertical rotating shaft62. The plurality of the small tables54have a smaller diameter than the large table52and are rotatable on the large table52. The object W to be processed is held on each of them. Rotating shafts55(seeFIG.7) of the small tables54are parallel to the rotating shaft62of the large table52. The partitions28may rotate together with the large table52.

The small table54as inFIG.4comes in, and goes out of, the chamber20for taking in and out, the idle chamber22, the chamber24for projecting the shots, the chamber26for blowing air, and the chamber20for taking in and out, in this order, when the large table52rotates. In the partitions28notches are formed to cause the small tables54and the object W to pass therethrough when the large table52rotates. In a sheet-like cover that is provided at the outer circumference of the large table52in the cabinet12apertures (not shown) are formed to pass through them.

The blasting machine30projects the shots onto the object W that is held on the small table54that enters the chamber24for projecting the shots. As inFIG.7, a first part59A for engagement is fixed under the small tables54and fixed coaxially with the rotating shaft55. Under the area to be projected in the large table52a second part59B for engagement that engages the first part59A for engagement is provided. The second part59B for engagement is rotated about the rotating shaft by a driving mechanism (not shown). That is, when the small table54is located at a set position in the chamber24for projecting the shots, the first part59A for engagement engages the second part59B for engagement so that a driving force that is originated by the driving mechanism is transmitted to the first part59A for engagement to rotate the small table54.

The lower end of the rotating shaft62of the large table52is placed on a base65through a bearing64. The upper end of it is connected to an indexing machine60(an element that is known as a rotating mechanism in a broader meaning) through a coupling (not shown).

Since the indexing machine60is one that is publicly known, the detailed illustration is omitted. It has a servomotor that intermittently rotates the large table52as inFIG.4. By this configuration the indexing machine60rotates the large table52about the rotating shaft62at an angle (90° in this embodiment) that is determined based on the arrangement of the small tables54. That is, the indexing machine60intermittently rotates the large table52at an angle that is determined based on the positions of the small tables54. When the indexing machine60temporarily stops the large table52(when it is in the position to stop the rotating), the small tables54are located at each of the set positions of the chamber20for taking in and out, the idle chamber22, the chamber24for projecting the shots, and the chamber26for blowing air. Incidentally, a machine for intermittently rotating that has a driving motor with a brake for intermittently rotating the large table52, a clamp for positioning the large table52, and a cylinder for positioning the clamp, may be used instead of the indexing machine60, which has a servomotor.

FIG.5illustrates a sectional view of the chamber26for blowing air of the shot-peening device10. In it the hatching of cross-sections is omitted.FIG.6illustrates a simplified plan view of the chamber26for blowing air that holds the object W. As inFIGS.5and6, the small tables54are equipped with a jig56for holding the object W on which the object W is placed. Incidentally, the cross-sections of the jig56and its surrounding area as inFIG.5show a reduced sectional view along the line5-5inFIG.6. The jig56has multiple supporting parts56A (for example, three in this embodiment) that support the object W from below and are disposed with a gap in the circumferential direction between them in the plan view of the device. In the jig56the spans between the supporting parts56A that are next to each other in the circumferential direction are formed as a notch that opens upwardly.

In this embodiment a tubular hood57is provided outside the object W in the plan view of the device. Multiple jigs58for the hood (for example, four in this embodiment) are provided to support the hood57from below. The jigs58for the hood are disposed with a gap in the circumferential direction, in the plan view of the device.

At the upper part of the chamber24for projecting the shots as inFIG.3, a mechanism66for pressing (a jig for pressing) is provided. Since it is a known structure, the detailed explanation is omitted. Below, its outline is discussed. The mechanism66for pressing has a part68A for pressing that presses the object W on the small tables54from above. The part68A for pressing is the lower end of a shaft68for pressing. The upper end of the shaft68for pressing is supported by a bearing (not shown). The shaft68for pressing cannot vertically move in relation to the bearing. But it can rotate about its central axis in relation to it. By this configuration the part68A for pressing can rotate about a vertical axis. The bearing can be vertically moved by a cylinder (an element that is recognized as “a vertically moving mechanism”), which is not shown. That is, by the action of the cylinder, the part68A for pressing can be displaced between a position to press the object W and a retracted position that is higher than the position to press.

For example, the cylinder is a measuring device so that the mechanism66for pressing can detect the object W. Thus, shot-peening is carried out when the object W is definitely pressed.

As inFIG.5, an air-blowing machine72is provided to the chamber26for blowing air. The air-blowing machine72has nozzles74A,74B,74C. The nozzles74A,74B,74C are connected to a part for supplying compressed air, which is not shown, through hoses76A,76B,76C. By this configuration the air-blowing machine72blows gas through the nozzles74A,74B,74C against the object W that has been transported to the chamber26for blowing air. In the air-blowing machine72the nozzles74A,74B,74C can be vertically moved by means of a vertically moving mechanism, which is not shown.

As inFIG.6, by the nozzle74C, which is the blowing part of the air-blowing machine72, the direction of the gas to be blown (the arrow74X) is set so that the gas passes through a gap between the adjacent supporting parts56A. Further, by the nozzle74C the direction of the gas to be blown (the arrow74X) is set so that the gas passes through a gap between the adjacent jigs58for the hood.

Next, a connection between the cabinet12and the dust collector70as inFIGS.1and4is discussed.

A structure40for the flow path that connects the inside of the cabinet12and the suction port70A of the dust collector70includes a first flow path40X that constitutes a part of the route for circulation of the circulating machine32(the duct34A inFIG.3and the first cyclone36). In the structure40for the flow path, the classifying part35is provided that classifies the particulate objects that include the shots as shots that have a diameter that makes them reusable and as the other particulate objects. The first cyclone36, which constitutes a part of the classifying part35, includes a part of the first flow path40X.

The structure40for the flow path includes a second flow path40Y that connects the chamber26for blowing air (seeFIG.4) and the suction port70A (seeFIG.1) of the dust collector70. In the second flow path40Y a second cyclone44as a second classifier is provided. That is, the second cyclone44includes a part of the second flow path40Y. It constitutes a part of the classifying part35. The second cyclone44and the first cyclone36are positioned apart from each other. The first cyclone36is nearer from the cabinet12than the second cyclone44is.

As inFIG.1, the second cyclone44has a cyclone-case44H. The top of the cyclone-case44H is connected to the suction port70A of the dust collector70through a duct42C and the duct34B. One end of the duct42C is connected to the top of the cyclone-case44H and the other end is connected to the flow path of the duct34B.

The upper part44A of the cyclone-case44H is formed as a vertical cylinder and the lower part44B is formed as a cone, which has a smaller diameter, as it is lower. On the side wall of the upper part44A of the cyclone-case44H a part44X for inflow is formed to cause air to flow along the inner surface of the upper part44A. The part44X for inflow has an approximately cylindrical shape. One end of a duct42B is connected to it. The other end of it is connected to the ceiling of the chamber20for taking in and out (seeFIG.4). One end of a duct42A is connected to the flow path of the duct42B at a position that is near the other end. In other words, the structure40for the flow path includes a third flow path40Z that connects the chamber20for taking in and out (seeFIG.4) and the suction port70A of the dust collector70. The second cyclone44includes a part of the third flow path40Z. As inFIG.4, the other end of the duct42A is connected to the ceiling of the chamber26for blowing air.

As inFIG.1, the lower opening of the lower part44B of the cyclone-case44H is connected to a box44Z for collection. By the above configuration, the second cyclone44classifies the particulate objects that include the shots as shots that have a diameter that makes them reusable and as the other particulate objects. As inFIG.2, the box44Z for collection is connected through a pipe32J to the receiving box32E that is provided at the lower end of the bucket elevator32F. That is, the shots that have a diameter that makes them reusable and that have been separated by the second cyclone44are supplied to the lower end of the bucket elevator32F through the pipe32J and the receiving box32E. In the figure, the middle part of the pipe32J is omitted and drawn by a dotted line.

Functions and Advantageous Effects of Embodiment

Next, the functions and advantageous effects of the embodiment are discussed.

The object W to be processed is transported by the machine90for taking in and out as inFIG.4to the chamber20for taking in and out in the cabinet12. The object W that has been taken in the cabinet12is transported by the transporter50in the set direction for transportation (the arrow X). After it stays for a time in the idle chamber22, it is transported to the chamber24for projecting the shots. The object W that has been transported to the chamber24for projecting the shots is pressed by the mechanism66for pressing (seeFIG.3). Then the blasting machine30projects the shots onto the object W. After projecting the shots for a set time, the object W is released from the mechanism66for pressing (seeFIG.3) that presses it. It is transported to the chamber26for blowing air. The air-blowing machine72as inFIG.5blows gas on the object W that has been transported to the chamber26for blowing air. Then the object W is transported to the chamber20for taking in and out as inFIG.4. It is taken out of the cabinet12from the chamber20for taking in and out by the machine90for taking in and out.

The shots that have been projected by the blasting machine30as inFIG.3, etc., and have dropped on the bottom of the chamber24for projecting the shots are transported by means of the lower-side screw conveyor32B to the box32C for collection. The shots that have been transported to the box32C for collection are supplied to the lower end of the bucket elevator32F through the duct34A, the first cyclone36, the pipe32D as inFIG.1, and the receiving box32E. After having been transported above the device by the bucket elevator32F, they are supplied to the upper-side hopper30H through a receiving box32G and a pipe32H. That is, the shots that have been projected by the blasting machine30as inFIG.3and have dropped on the bottom of the chamber24for projecting the shots are circulated to the blasting machine30by means of the circulating machine32.

The dust collector70as inFIG.4, which is connected to the cabinet12, suctions air in the cabinet12that contains dust. The structure40for the flow path, which connects the inside of the cabinet12and the suction port70A (seeFIG.1) of the dust collector70includes the first flow path40X that constitutes a part of the route for circulation of the circulating machine32. The first cyclone36includes a part of the first flow path40X. The first cyclone36classifies the particulate objects that include the shots as shots that have a diameter that makes them reusable and as the other particulate objects. Thus, the circulating machine32can circulate the shots that have a diameter that makes them reusable to the blasting machine30.

The structure40for the flow path includes the second flow path40Y that connects the chamber26for blowing air and the suction port70A (seeFIG.1) of the dust collector70. The second cyclone44includes a part of the second flow path40Y. Thus, the particulate objects that are stirred up from the object W, etc., because of air-blowing caused by the air-blowing machine72(seeFIG.5) in the chamber26for blowing air, are suctioned to the second flow path40Y. They are classified as shots that have a diameter that makes them reusable and as the other particulate objects by means of the second cyclone44. Thus, the shots are prevented from being taken out of the cabinet or from scattering, so that the shots can be effectively reused.

In the present embodiment, the second cyclone4includes a part of the third flow path40Z and is connected to the chamber20for taking in and out in the cabinet12through the duct42B. Thus, even if the particulate objects in the chamber26for blowing air are not all suctioned and transported to the chamber20for taking in and out, the particulate objects in the chamber20for taking in and out are suctioned to the duct42B, which is connected to the chamber20. The particulate objects that have been suctioned are classified as shots that have a diameter that makes them reusable and as the other particulate objects by means of the second cyclone44. Thus, the shots are prevented from being taken out of the chamber20for taking in and out or from scattering, so that the shots can be effectively reused.

In the present embodiment, the first cyclone36, which includes a part of the first flow path40X, is located nearer from the cabinet12than the second cyclone44is, which includes a part of the second flow path40Y. Thus, the shots can be circulated with less loss.

In the present embodiment, the jig56for the object W as inFIG.6has multiple supporting parts56A that are located with a gap in the circumferential direction between them in the plan view of the device and that support the object W from below. The direction of blowing air (the arrow74X) through the nozzle74C of the air-blowing machine72is set to cause the air to pass through a gap between the adjacent supporting parts56A. Thus, the particulate objects that have adhered to the lower part of the object W are blown off and away by gas that is blown through the nozzle74C of the air-blowing machine72, to be suctioned to the duct42A (seeFIG.4). Thus, the particulate objects that have adhered to the lower part of the object W can be effectively removed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the tubular hood57is provided outside the object W in the plan view of the device so that no shots hit the outside of the object W. Multiple jigs58for the hood that are located with a gap in the circumferential direction in the plan view of the device support the hood57from below. The direction of blowing air (the arrow74X) through the nozzle74C is set to cause the air to pass through a gap between the adjacent jigs58for the hood. Thus, when the hood57is provided outside the object W, the particulate objects that have adhered to the lower part of the object W are blown off and away by gas that is blown through the nozzle74C, to be suctioned to the duct42A (seeFIG.4). Thus, the particulate objects that have adhered to the lower part of the object W can be effectively removed.

In the present embodiment, the receiving part80at the side for taking out as inFIG.2protrudes from a position under the port14for carrying in and out (seeFIG.1) of the cabinet12in the plan view of the device as inFIG.4. Thus, if the particulate objects drop from the port14for carrying in and out (seeFIG.1) or its surrounding area when the object W is taken out of the cabinet12, they are received by the receiving part80at the side for taking out. Thus, the floor in front of the port14for carrying in and out (seeFIG.1) is prevented from becoming dirty from the particulate objects. As inFIG.7, the receiving part80at the side for taking out is connected to the cabinet12by means of the duct82for taking out. The duct82for taking out causes the shots that have dropped on the receiving part80at the side for taking out to flow to the lower part of the chamber24for projecting the shots (the upstream side of the route for circulation of the circulating machine32) in the cabinet12. Thus, the shots that have dropped from the port14for carrying in and out (seeFIG.1) or its surrounding area can be returned to the blasting machine30(seeFIG.3).

In the present embodiment, the access door18, which is shown inFIG.2, etc., can open and close the side opening16of the cabinet12. The receiving part84at the side wall protrudes from a position under the side opening16of the cabinet12in the plan view of the device as inFIG.4. Thus, if the particulate objects drop from the side opening16or its surrounding area when the access door18is opened to check or clean the inside of the cabinet12, the particulate objects are received by the receiving part84at the side wall. Thus, the part of the cabinet under the side opening16is prevented from becoming dirty. The receiving part84at the side wall is connected to the cabinet12through the duct86at the side wall. The duct86at the side wall causes the shots that have dropped on the receiving part84at the side wall to flow to the lower part of the cabinet12(the upstream side of the route for circulation of the circulating machine32). Thus, the shots that have dropped from the port16for carrying in and out (seeFIG.1) or its surrounding area can be returned to the blasting machine30(seeFIG.3).

As discussed above, by the shot-peening device10of the present embodiment the shots are effectively reused and are prevented from being taken out of the cabinet12or from scattering.

As a supplement, since micro-shots are expensive when used as the shots, there is a need to effectively reuse the shots. For example, the object to be processed is assumed to be a pulley for a CVT. If a pulley for a CVT is taken out of the cabinet, while the micro-shots adhere to it, and is used as a part of a machine, the machine may cause trouble. By the present embodiment, the shots are effectively reused and the object to which the shots adhere is prevented, or is effectively suppressed, from being taken out.

In the present embodiment, a cylindrical ventilator46for taking in the outside air is provided to the ceiling12U of the cabinet12as inFIG.1. In the ventilator46the cartridge48is provided. The cartridge48has the filter48F, wherein a filter medium is horizontally folded in a zig-zag manner. Thus, the ventilator46is prevented from clogging.

Supplemental Explanation of Embodiment

By the above embodiment, the shot-processing device is the shot-peening device10. However, it may be a shot-blasting device or a device for both shot-peening and shot-blasting.

By the above embodiment, the shot-projecting machine is the blasting machine30of an air-nozzle type as inFIG.4, etc. However, it may be a shot-projecting machine other than the blasting machine30, such as a shot-projecting machine of a centrifugal type.

By the above embodiment, the shots are micro-shots that are very fine particles. However, shots other than the micro-shots may be used for the shot-processing device. Further, by the above embodiment, the classifiers are the first cyclone36and the second cyclone44. However, the classifiers may be ones other than cyclones.

By the above embodiment, the transporter50transports the object W in the circumferential direction in the cabinet12. However, the transporter as a modified example may linearly transport the object in the set direction for transportation, wherein the upstream end or downstream end of the route for transportation is outside the cabinet and the cabinet is in the route for transportation. In such a cabinet, the chamber for projecting the shots, the chamber for blowing air, and the chamber for taking out, are formed in this order from the upstream side.

By the above embodiment, the second cyclone44is connected to the chamber26for blowing air and to the chamber20for taking in and out, through the ducts42B and42A. However, in a modified example, the second cyclone44, as a second classifier, which includes a part of the second flow path40Y, may be connected to the chamber26for blowing air through a duct, but need not be connected to the chamber20for taking in and out.

By the above embodiment, both the first cyclone36and the second cyclone44are provided. However, as a modified example, a classifier that includes a part of the first flow path40X and a classifier that includes a part of the second flow path40Y may be integrated.

By the above embodiment, the first flow path40X and the second flow path40Y are separately formed without any combined part. However, they may be formed with a combined part. By the above embodiment, the third flow path40Z has a part that is used as the second flow path40Y (a part combined with the second flow path40Y). However, the third flow path may be formed without any part that is used as the second flow path40Y. In such a case a classifier (an element that is a part of a classifying part) that includes a part of the third flow path may be separately formed. By the above embodiment, the third flow path40Z has no part that is used as the first flow path40X. However, it may be formed with a part that is used as the first flow path.

By the above embodiment the jig56as inFIG.6has multiple supporting parts56A that support the object from below and are located with a gap in the circumferential direction in the plan view of the device. Though this configuration is preferable, the jig may have a supporting part that supports the object from below and is formed as a ring in the plan view of the device.

By the above embodiment, the tubular hood57is provided outside the object in the plan view of the device. However, such a hood does not need to be provided, depending on the purpose of the surface treatment.

By the above embodiment, multiple jigs58for the hood support the hood57from below and are located with a gap in the circumferential direction in the plan view of the device. Though this configuration is preferable, as a modified example a jig for the hood may support the hood from below and may be formed as a ring in the plan view of the device.

By the above embodiment, the receiving part80at the side for taking out and the duct82for taking out are provided as inFIG.7. Though this configuration is preferable, as a modified example they are not necessarily provided.

By the above embodiment, the receiving part84at the side wall and the duct86at the side wall are provided as inFIG.2, etc. Though this configuration is preferable, as a modified example they are not necessarily provided.

By the above embodiment, the cartridge48is provided in the ventilator46for taking in the outside air as inFIG.1. Though this configuration is preferable, a sponge-like element that is made of a stainless steel may be provided in it.

As a modified example of the above embodiment, the bucket elevator32F is not provided and the lower end of the first cyclone36and the upper-side hopper30H may be connected by means of a pipe.

The above embodiment and any of the above-mentioned modifications may be appropriately combined.

Above an embodiment of the present invention is discussed. The present invention is not limited by the above discussions. It can be obviously implemented with any modifications other than those specified in the above discussion, insofar as it does not deviate from the gist of the invention.

Below, the reference signs used in the present specification and the drawings are listed.10the shot-peening device (the shot-processing device)12the cabinet12U the ceiling of the cabinet14the port for carrying in and out (the port for taking out)16the side opening18the access door20the chamber for taking in and out (the chamber for taking out an object to be processed)24the chamber for projecting the shots26the chamber for blowing air30the projecting machine (the shot-projecting machine)32the circulating machine35the classifying part36the first cyclone (the first classifier)40the structure for the flow path40X the first flow path40Y the second flow path40Z the third flow path44the second cyclone (the second classifier)46the ventilator48the cartridge48F the filter50the transporter56the jig56A the supporting parts57the hood58the jigs for the hood70the dust collector70A the suction port of the dust collector72the air-blowing machine74C the nozzle (the blowing part)74X the direction of the gas to be blown80the receiving part at the side for taking out82the duct for taking out84the receiving part at the side wall86the duct at the side wallW the object to be processed