Level probe for powder container
AssigneeITW Gema AG
InventorsGuido Rutz, Hans Peter Michael
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention relates to a level detecting system for a powder container of a powder-coating apparatus. It contains an inductive proximity sensor (22) and an electrically insulating membrane (28) which is displaceable to-and-fro the proximity sensor and which is fitted on its inside surface opposite the proximity sensor with a metallic element (32) affixed to it and affecting the magnetic properties of the proximity sensor. The level detecting system operates regardless of any powder particles adhering to it.
Claims15
A level detecting system for a powder container in a powder spray-coating apparatus, said system comprising:
- an inductive proximity sensor (22);
- a membrane (28) disposed opposite said proximity sensor and being displaceable to-and-fro said proximity sensor, said membrane having an outer surface (34) adapted to be subject to a pressure of fluidized powder contained in the powder container and an inner surface facing said proximity sensor;
- a metallic element (32) made of a metal affecting a magnetic property of said proximity sensor, said metallic element being disposed on the inner surface of said membrane and connected to said membrane to attain common displacement of said membrane and said metallic element;
- and
- an electronic control unit (46) coupled to said proximity sensor for converting electrical signals received from the proximity sensor (22) into electric control signals controlling electrical components (86,90,94) of a pneumatic powder conveyor (166) of the powder spray-coating apparatus as a function of the pressure exerted by the fluidized powder on said membrane.
A level detecting system for a powder container in a powder spray-coating apparatus, said system comprising:
- a proximity sensor having a magnetic property and configured to generate an electrical signal as a function of the magnetic property;
- a membrane disposed opposite said proximity sensor and being displaceable to-and-fro said proximity sensor, said membrane having an outer surface exposed to an interior of said powder container and an inner surface facing said proximity sensor;
- an element made of a material affecting the magnetic property of said proximity sensor, said element being attached to said membrane to attain common displacement of said membrane and said element;
- a sensor head having a central axial bore and an end face;
- an affixation element fastened to the end face of said sensor head, said proximity sensor being attached to said affixation element to extend along the central axial bore of said sensor head;
- and
- an annular retaining element fastened to the end face of said sensor head to clamp said membrane between said retaining element and the end face of said sensor head;
- wherein said membrane, and hence said element, is not mechanically biased away from said proximity sensor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.