Resin pellet manufacturing facility

Abstract

A resin pellet manufacturing facility (1) comprises: a kneading machine (3); a pelletizer (6); first and second separating devices (7, 8) which are provided in parallel with each other on the downstream side of the pelletizer (6) and which separate pellet transport water and resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer (6); and first and second flexible hoses (51, 52) respectively connected to the first and second separating devices (7, 8); first and second detection target parts which are respectively provided to the first and second hoses (51, 52); a detection unit which is attached to the pelletizer (6) and detects the presence of the first and second detection target parts or identification information of the first and second detection target parts; and a controller that identifies which of the first and second hoses (51, 52) is connected to the pelletizer (6) on the basis of the detecting result of the detection unit.

Description

Resin pellet manufacturing equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a resin pellet manufacturing facility.

[0002] Conventionally, resin pellet manufacturing equipment for pelletizing a resin material has been known. Patent Document 1 discloses, as an example of a resin pellet manufacturing equipment, equipment including a kneader that melts and kneads the resin material, a pelletizer that pelletizes the resin discharged from the kneader to form resin pellets and discharges the formed resin pellets downstream together with pellet-carrying water, and a first separator and a second separator arranged in parallel downstream of the pelletizer.

[0003] A discharge line (discharge path) for discharging pellet-carrying water is provided downstream of the pelletizer. This discharge line branches into a first conveying line in which a first separator is disposed and a second conveying line in which a second separator is disposed. The first separator and the second separator are each configured to receive pellet-carrying water containing resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer and separate the resin pellets from the pellet-carrying water. The first separator is used to separate colored resin pellets, and the second separator is used to separate uncolored resin pellets. A switching unit is provided at the branch point between the first and second conveying lines, which selectively switches the discharge line for pellet-carrying water (carrying water containing resin pellets) discharged from the pelletizer between the first and second conveying lines. The switching unit switches the discharge line for pellet-carrying water to the first conveying line when producing colored resin pellets, and switches the discharge line for pellet-carrying water to the second conveying line when producing uncolored resin pellets. By supplying the colored resin pellets and the uncolored resin pellets to different separation devices, the resin pellets of different colors are prevented from mixing with each other.

[0004] As described above, in the resin pellet manufacturing equipment shown in Patent Document 1, the discharge line is switched between the first conveying line and the second conveying line in order to sort the resin pellets by color. However, the purpose of switching the discharge line is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Patent Document 2, when the manufactured resin pellets are subjected to different subsequent processes, the purpose may be to separate the resin pellets from different locations for each process (see paragraph

[0023] of Patent Document 2).

[0005] In addition, as shown in Patent Document 3, for example, the purpose may be to sort the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer together with the pellet transport water into those that meet predetermined standards and those that do not.

[0006] Although Patent Document 1 does not disclose the specific configuration of the switching unit, Patent Document 2, for example, discloses a three-way valve as a component equivalent to the switching unit.

[0007] However, as in Patent Document 1, when the destination of the pellet transport water (transport water containing resin pellets) discharged from the pelletizer is selectively switched between the first separator and the second separator using a switching unit (for example, a three-way valve in Patent Document 2), in addition to the parts cost of the switching unit itself, a controller or the like is separately required to drive the switching unit, which results in an increase in costs.

[0008] To avoid this problem, it is conceivable to manually switch the destination of the pellet transport water (transport water containing resin pellets) discharged from the pelletizer, but in this case, there is a risk of the pellet transport water being discharged to the wrong destination due to human error by the operator.

[0009] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-524507 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-276843 German Patent Application Publication No. 102012003890

[0010] The object of the present invention is to operate a resin pellet manufacturing facility in a state where the destination of pellet-carrying water containing resin pellets discharged from a pelletizer is switched correctly to either the first separation device or the second separation device.

[0011] A resin pellet manufacturing facility according to one aspect of the present invention includes a kneader that melts and kneads a resin material and discharges it; a die that receives the resin discharged from the kneader and extrudes it through a die hole; a pelletizer that has a cutting cutter that cuts the resin extruded from the die underwater to produce resin pellets, and discharges the resin pellets downstream together with pellet-carrying water; a first separator and a second separator that are arranged in parallel downstream of the pelletizer and are capable of receiving the pellet-carrying water containing the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer and separating the resin pellets from the pellet-carrying water; and a separator that has one end connected to an inlet for the pellet-carrying water of the first separator and one end connected to a discharge outlet for the pellet-carrying water of the pelletizer. The device comprises: a flexible first hose having one end connected to the pellet transport water inlet of the second separation device and the other end configured to be detachable; a flexible second hose having one end connected to the pellet transport water inlet of the second separation device and the other end configured to be detachable attached to the discharge outlet of the pelletizer; a first detectable portion provided on the first hose; a second detectable portion provided on the second hose; a detection portion attached to the pelletizer and detecting the presence or absence of the first detectable portion and the second detectable portion, or identification information previously assigned to the first detectable portion and the second detectable portion; and a controller that performs an identification process to identify whether the other end of the first hose or the other end of the second hose is connected to the discharge outlet of the pelletizer based on the detection result by the detection portion.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a resin pellet manufacturing facility includes a kneader that melts and kneads a resin material and discharges it; a die that receives the resin discharged from the kneader and extrudes it through a die hole; a pelletizer that has a cutting cutter that cuts the resin extruded from the die underwater to produce resin pellets, and discharges the resin pellets downstream together with pellet-carrying water; a first separator and a second separator that are arranged in parallel downstream of the pelletizer and are capable of receiving the pellet-carrying water containing the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer and separating the resin pellets from the pellet-carrying water; a flexible first hose that has one end connected to an inlet for the pellet-carrying water of the first separator and the other end configured to be attachable to and detachable from a drain outlet for the pellet-carrying water of the pelletizer; The device is equipped with: a flexible second hose having one end connected to the pellet transport water inlet in the second separation device and the other end configured to be attachable and detachable to the drain outlet of the pelletizer; a detectable portion provided on the pelletizer; a first detection sensor attached to the first hose so as to detect the detectable portion when the other end of the first hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer; a second detection sensor attached to the second hose so as to detect the detectable portion when the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer; and a controller that executes an identification process to identify whether the other end of the first hose or the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer based on the detection results by the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, a resin pellet manufacturing facility includes a kneader that melts and kneads a resin material and discharges the melted resin, a die that receives the resin discharged from the kneader and extrudes it through a die hole, and a pelletizer that has a cutting cutter that cuts the resin extruded from the die underwater to produce resin pellets, and discharges the resin pellets downstream together with pellet-carrying water, a first separator and a second separator that are provided in parallel on the downstream side of the pelletizer and are capable of receiving the pellet-carrying water containing the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer and separating the resin pellets from the pellet-carrying water, a first water conduit that is connected to a pellet-carrying water inlet of the first separator and that guides the pellet-carrying water to the inlet, and a second water conduit that is connected to a pellet-carrying water inlet of the second separator. a second water conduit that conducts pellet-carrying water to the water inlet; a flexible hose having one end connected to a discharge outlet for the pellet-carrying water in the pelletizer and the other end that can be selectively attached and detached to the first water conduit and the second water conduit; a detectable portion provided on the hose; a first detection sensor attached to the first water conduit so as to detect the detectable portion when the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit; a second detection sensor attached to the second water conduit so as to detect the detectable portion when the other end of the hose is connected to the second water conduit; and a controller that executes an identification process to identify whether the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit or the second water conduit based on the detection results of the first and second detection sensors.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a resin pellet manufacturing facility includes a kneader that melts and kneads a resin material and discharges the melted resin material; a die that receives the resin discharged from the kneader and extrudes it through a die hole; a pelletizer that has a cutting cutter that cuts the resin extruded from the die underwater to produce resin pellets, and discharges the resin pellets downstream together with pellet-carrying water; a first separator and a second separator that are provided in parallel on the downstream side of the pelletizer and are capable of receiving the pellet-carrying water containing the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer and separating the resin pellets from the pellet-carrying water; a first water conduit that is connected to a pellet-carrying water inlet of the first separator and that guides the pellet-carrying water to the inlet; a second water conduit connected to a water inlet for pellet carrying water in the pelletizer and for conducting pellet carrying water to the water inlet; a flexible hose having one end connected to a discharge outlet for the pellet carrying water in the pelletizer and the other end selectively attachable to and detachable from the first water conduit and the second water conduit; a first detectable part provided in the first water conduit; a second detectable part provided in the second water conduit; a detection part fixed to the hose and detecting the presence or absence of the first detectable part and the second detectable part or identification information previously assigned to the first detectable part and the second detectable part; and a controller that executes an identification process to identify whether the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit or the second water conduit based on the detection result by the detection part.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a resin pellet manufacturing facility according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a connection portion showing a state in which a first hose is connected to a pelletizer drain outlet. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the connection portion showing a state in which a first hose is connected to a pelletizer drain outlet. FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram (corresponding to the view in the direction of arrow IV in FIG. 2) showing a state in which a first identification member is positioned at a detection position when a first hose is connected to the pelletizer drain outlet. FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram (corresponding to the view in the direction of arrow IV in FIG. 2) showing a state in which a second hose is connected to the pelletizer drain outlet and a second identification member is positioned at a detection position when a second hose is connected to the pelletizer drain outlet. FIG. 5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 2, showing a first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram (corresponding to the cross section along line VI-VI in FIG. 5) showing a state in which a first hose is connected to a pelletizer drain outlet in the first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram (corresponding to a cross section taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5 ) showing a state in which a second hose is connected to a drain outlet of the pelletizer in Modification 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a first hose is connected to a drain outlet of the pelletizer in Modification 2 of the first embodiment. FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a second hose is connected to a drain outlet of the pelletizer in Modification 2 of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 showing the second embodiment. FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a hose is connected to a first water conduit in the second embodiment. FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a hose is connected to a second water conduit in the second embodiment. FIG. 10A is a view corresponding to FIG. 9A showing Modification 1 of the second embodiment. FIG. 10B is a view corresponding to FIG. 9B showing Modification 1 of the second embodiment. FIG. 11A is a view corresponding to FIG. 9A showing Modification 2 of the second embodiment. FIG. 11B is a view corresponding to FIG. 9B showing Modification 2 of the second embodiment. Fig. 12 is a view corresponding to Fig. 4B showing another embodiment, Fig. 13 is a view taken in the direction of arrow XIII in Fig. 12, and Fig. 14 is a view corresponding to Fig. 6A showing another embodiment.

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0017] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a resin pellet manufacturing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The resin pellet manufacturing system 1 is configured to be capable of manufacturing resin pellets of two different colors (in this example, uncolored and black), and is configured to discharge the resin pellets of each color from separate discharge paths.

[0018] Specifically, the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1 includes a kneader 3 that kneads and melts raw resin supplied from a feeder 2 and sends it downstream, a gear pump 4 that pressurizes the molten resin sent out from the kneader 3 and pushes it further downstream, a screen changer 5 that removes foreign matter from the molten resin pushed out by the gear pump 4, a pelletizer 6 that pelletizes the molten resin that has passed through the screen changer 5 and discharges it together with pellet transport water, a first separator 7 and a second separator 8 that are selectively connected to a drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6 via a first hose 51 or a second hose 52, and a controller 100 (see FIG. 3 ).

[0019] The pelletizer 6 has a die 61 that receives the resin discharged from the kneader 3 and extrudes it through a die hole (not shown), a water chamber 62, and a cutting cutter 63 that cuts the resin extruded from the die 61 in the water (pellet transport water) in the water chamber 62 to produce resin pellets. A water inlet 6a that receives pellet transport water and the drain outlet 6b that discharges the resin pellets produced by the cutting cutter 63 together with the pellet transport water are formed on the wall surface that constitutes the water chamber 62.

[0020] The first separator 7 and the second separator 8 are provided in parallel to each other downstream of the pelletizer 6. The first separator 7 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6 via a first hose 51 when producing uncolored resin pellets. The second separator 8 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6 via a second hose 52 when producing black resin pellets.

[0021] The first separator 7 and the second separator 8 receive the pellet-carrying water containing resin pellets discharged from the discharge port 6b of the pelletizer 6 via a first hose 51 and a second hose 52, respectively. The first separator 7 and the second separator 8 separate the resin pellets from the pellet-carrying water by, for example, centrifugal force, and dry the resin pellets by taking in air using fans 9 and 10 connected to the separators 7 and 8, respectively.

[0022] The first separation device 7 and the second separation device 8 discharge the resin pellets separated from the pellet transport water into the first sorting machine 11 and the second sorting machine 12, respectively, and return the separated pellet transport water to the first water storage tank 20 and the second water storage tank 21, respectively.

[0023] The first sorting machine 11 and the second sorting machine 12 each use a mesh member to sift the resin pellets supplied from the first separation device 7 and the second separation device 8, thereby selecting and discharging only resin pellets of a size that meets predetermined standards.

[0024] The first water storage tank 20 is connected to the water inlet 6a of the pelletizer 6 via a first water supply line 22. A first water supply pump 23 is disposed on this first water supply line 22. The second water storage tank 21 is connected to the water inlet 6a of the pelletizer 6 via a second water supply line 24. A second water supply pump 25 is disposed on this second water supply line 24. A three-way valve 26 is provided at the junction of the first water supply line 22 and the second water supply line 24. This three-way valve 26, the first water supply pump 23, and the second water supply pump 25 are controlled by a controller 100 (see FIG. 3).

[0025] [Details of First Hose and Second Hose] The first hose 51 has an upstream end (corresponding to the other end) that is detachably connected to the pellet transport water outlet 6b (see FIG. 1 ) of the pelletizer 6, and a downstream end (corresponding to one end) that is constantly connected to the pellet transport water inlet 7a of the first separation device 7. In this example, the downstream end of the first hose 51 is non-detachably connected (fixed) to the water inlet 7a of the first separation device 7. In contrast, the upstream end of the first hose 51 is formed by an upstream flange portion 51b, which is attached to the pelletizer 6 outlet 6b only when producing uncolored resin pellets and is detached from the pelletizer 6 outlet 6b when producing black resin pellets. The attachment and detachment of this upstream flange portion 51b is performed by an operator.

[0026] Specifically, the first hose 51 has a flexible hose body 51a and an upstream flange portion 51b. The upstream flange portion 51b protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the hose body 51a in a brim-like shape. The upstream flange portion 51b has bolt insertion holes 51e (shown only in FIG. 5, which will be described later) formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. When connecting the first hose 51 to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6, the worker coaxially butts the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 against the drain flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6, and then inserts bolts 13 into the bolt insertion holes 51e and screws them into screw holes (not shown) provided in the drain flange portion 64b. On the other hand, when removing the first hose 51 from the discharge port 6 b of the pelletizer 6 , the worker loosens the bolt 13 to separate the upstream flange portion 51 b of the first hose 51 from the discharge side flange portion 64 b of the pelletizer 6 .

[0027] Similarly, the second hose 52 has an upstream end that is detachably connected to the pellet transport water outlet 6b (see FIG. 1) of the pelletizer 6, and a downstream end (corresponding to one end) that is constantly connected to the pellet transport water inlet 8a of the second separation device 8. In this example, the downstream end of the second hose 52 is constantly and irremovably connected to the water inlet 8a of the second separation device 8. In contrast, the upstream end of the second hose 52 is formed by an upstream flange portion 52b, which is attached to the pelletizer 6 outlet 6b only when black resin pellets are produced, and is detached from the pelletizer 6 outlet 6b when uncolored resin pellets are produced. The attachment and detachment of this upstream flange portion 52b is performed by an operator.

[0028] The second hose 52 has a flexible hose body 52a and an upstream flange portion 52b. The upstream flange portion 52b protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the hose body 52a in a brim-like shape. The upstream flange portion 52b has bolt insertion holes (not shown) arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. When connecting the second hose 52 to the discharge port 6b of the pelletizer 6, the worker coaxially butts the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52 against the discharge side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6, and then inserts bolts 13 into the bolt insertion holes and threads them into threaded holes (not shown) provided in the discharge side flange portion 64b. On the other hand, when removing the second hose 52 from the discharge port 6b of the pelletizer 6, the worker loosens the bolts 13 to separate the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52 from the discharge side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6.

[0029] [Configuration of Identification Member] FIGS. 2 and 3 are enlarged perspective views of the connection portion, showing the state in which the first hose 51 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6. FIG.

[0030] The resin pellet production equipment 1 further includes a first identification member 30 attached to the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51, a second identification member 33 (see FIG. 4B described later) attached to the second hose 52 (not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3), and a first detection sensor 15 and a second detection sensor 16 attached to the outer surface of the housing main body 64a of the pelletizer 6. The first identification member 30 and the second identification member 33 are members that allow the controller 100 to identify whether the first hose 51 or the second hose 52 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6. The first identification member 30 and the second identification member 33 have the same configuration and differ only in length.

[0031] The first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are disposed near the discharge-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 64. The first detection sensor 15 is a sensor for detecting the first identification member 30 provided on the first hose 51 and is constituted, for example, by a proximity sensor. The second detection sensor 16 is a sensor for detecting the second identification member 33 provided on the second hose 52 and is constituted, for example, by a proximity sensor. The first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are disposed side by side, one above the other, with their respective detection surfaces 15a, 16a facing laterally (horizontally). In this example, the second detection sensor 16 is disposed below the first detection sensor 15.

[0032] The first identification member 30 is configured to be rotatable up and down around a pivot bolt 32 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upstream flange portion 51 b of the first hose 51 as a fulcrum.

[0033] The pivot bolt 32 is attached to a support bracket 31 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upstream flange portion 51b. The support bracket 31 is an L-shaped bent metal fitting having an attachment plate portion 31a and a support plate portion 31b. The attachment plate portion 31a is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the upstream flange portion 51b. The support plate portion 31b is connected to the edge of the attachment plate portion 31a and protrudes radially outward from the upstream flange portion 51b in a plan view. The pivot bolt 32 penetrates perpendicularly to the support plate portion 31b. The pivot bolt 32 extends in a tangential direction of the upstream flange portion 51b in a plan view. The first identification member 30 is rotatably supported by the pivot bolt 32.

[0034] Specifically, the first identification member 30 is a generally L-shaped plate-like member. The first identification member 30 is configured to be rotatable between a detection position (position indicated by a thick solid line in FIGS. 2 and 3 ) in which it hangs vertically downward with the pivot bolt 32 as a fulcrum, and a retracted position (position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIGS. 2 and 3 ) in which it is inverted upside down from the detection position with the pivot bolt 32 as a fulcrum. The first identification member 30 has a rectangular rotating plate portion 30a whose base end is supported by the pivot bolt 32, and a first detectable plate portion 30b connected to its tip end so as to intersect with the rotating plate portion 30a at a right angle.

[0035] When the first identification member 30 is in the retracted position (the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2 ), the first detectable plate 30b is retracted further away from the pelletizer (upper in this example) than the upstream flange 51b of the first hose 51. On the other hand, when the identification member 30 is in the detection position, the first detectable plate 30b is positioned further toward the pelletizer (lower in this example) than the upstream flange 51b of the first hose 51, and faces the detection surface 15a of the first detection sensor 15 with a gap between them. This allows the first detection sensor 15 to detect the first detectable plate 30b.

[0036] Next, a description will be given of the second identification member 33. The configuration of the second identification member 33 is similar to the configuration of the first identification member 30 shown in Figures 2 and 3, and only the length is different.

[0037] That is, the second identification member 33 has a rotating plate portion 33a and a detected plate portion 33b that are rotatably supported on a pivot bolt 37 (see FIG. 4B described later). Details of the second identification member 33 can be similarly described in the above descriptions of FIGS. 2 and 3 by substituting the pivot bolt 32 with the pivot bolt 37, the rotating plate portion 30a with the rotating plate portion 33a, and the detected plate portion 30b with the detected plate portion 33b. Therefore, only the difference will be described below. This difference is the length of the rotating plate portion 33a. That is, the length of the rotating plate portion 33a of the second identification member 33 is set so that, when the second identification member 33 is in the detection position, the second detected plate portion 33b connected to the tip of the rotating plate portion 33a faces the detection surface 16a of the second detection sensor 16 with a gap therebetween.

[0038] [Setup Work] When producing uncolored resin pellets using the resin pellet production equipment 1, an operator performs a preliminary setup work of connecting the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 to the discharge side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6. When making this connection, the operator positions the first identification member 30 in a retracted position in advance, and moves the first identification member 30 to the detection position after completing the connection work (i.e., the work of tightening the bolt 13 described above).

[0039] On the other hand, when black resin pellets are produced using the resin pellet production equipment 1, the worker performs a preliminary setup operation of connecting the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52 to the discharge side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6. When making this connection, the worker positions the second identification member 33 in a retracted position in advance, and moves the second identification member 33 to the detection position after completing the connection operation (i.e., the above-mentioned operation of fastening the bolt 13).

[0040] [Explanation of Detection Position] Fig. 4A is a view seen in the direction of arrow IV in Fig. 2 when the first identification member 30 is positioned at the detection position with the first hose 51 connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6. Fig. 4B is a view corresponding to Fig. 4A when the second identification member 33 is positioned at the detection position with the second hose 52 connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6.

[0041] 4A , when the first identification member 30 attached to the first hose 51 is in the detection position, the detection plate portion 30b of the first identification member 30 faces the detection surface 15a of the first detection sensor 15. The first detection sensor 15 outputs a detection signal when it detects the detection plate portion 30b at a position facing the detection surface 15a, and outputs a non-detection signal when it does not detect the detection plate portion 30b. The detection signal or non-detection signal output from the first detection sensor 15 is input to the controller 100. Note that the first detection sensor 15 may be configured not to output any signal instead of outputting a non-detection signal.

[0042] 4B , when the second identification member 33 attached to the second hose 52 is in the detection position, the detection plate portion 33b of the second identification member 33 faces the detection surface 16a of the second detection sensor 16. The second detection sensor 16 outputs a detection signal when it detects the detection plate portion 33b at a position facing the detection surface 16a, and outputs a non-detection signal when it does not detect the detection plate portion 33b. The detection signal or non-detection signal output from the second detection sensor 16 is input to the controller 100. Note that the second detection sensor 16 may be configured not to output any signal instead of outputting a non-detection signal.

[0043] [Configuration of Controller] The controller 100 (see FIG. 3) is configured by a computer having a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The controller 100 is connected to an operation panel (not shown) via a signal line. The operation panel is provided with a start button for starting production by the resin pellet production equipment 1 and a setting operation unit that enables an operator to set production conditions, including the color of the resin pellets to be produced. Operation signals from the start button and the setting operation unit are transmitted from the operation panel to the controller 100. When the controller 100 receives an operation signal from the operation panel indicating that the start button has been operated, it executes a predetermined control program to cause the resin pellet production equipment 1 to carry out the resin pellet production process.

[0044] The controller 100 is further connected to the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 via a signal line, and performs an identification process to identify whether the first hose 51 or the second hose 52 is connected to the discharge outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6 (whether the upstream end of the first hose 51 or the upstream end of the second hose 52 is connected) based on the signals (detection signal and non-detection signal) received from the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16.

[0045] Specifically, when the controller 100 receives a detection signal from the first detection sensor 15 and a non-detection signal from the second detection sensor 16, it determines (identifies) that the first hose 51 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6, whereas when the controller 100 receives a non-detection signal from the first detection sensor 15 and a detection signal from the second detection sensor 16, it determines (identifies) that the second hose 52 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6. Furthermore, when the controller 100 receives non-detection signals from both the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16, it determines (identifies) that neither the first hose 51 nor the second hose 52 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6.

[0046] If the controller 100 determines (identifies) in the identification process that the first hose 51 or the second hose 52 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6, and determines that the hose 51 or 52 is different from the hose corresponding to the color of the resin pellets set by the operator on the setting operation unit (for example, if the identification result indicates that the first hose 51 used to manufacture uncolored pellets is connected to the pelletizer 6, but the color of the resin pellets set on the setting operation unit is black), the controller 100 executes an alarm process to notify this fact via a touch panel, speaker, etc., and prohibits the execution of the control program (i.e., prohibits the execution of the manufacturing process by the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1).

[0047] In addition, if the controller 100 determines (identifies) through the identification process that neither the first hose 51 nor the second hose 52 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6, it similarly executes the notification process and prohibits the execution of the control program.

[0048] As described above, in this embodiment, the discharge path of the pellet carrying water containing resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer 6 is switched by simply reconnecting the hose connected to the discharge port 6b of the pelletizer 6 (by reconnecting the first hose 51 and the second hose 52). This allows the resin pellet production equipment 1 to be constructed at a lower cost than when a three-way valve or the like is used to switch the discharge path. Furthermore, when a three-way valve is used, if the three-way valve breaks down, both discharge paths become unusable for maintenance. However, with the detachable system of the first hose 51 and the second hose 52 as in this embodiment, even if one of the hoses 51 or 52 has a problem, the other hose 51 or 52 can be used to produce resin pellets. This allows for flexible response to production emergencies such as breakdowns.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the controller 100 is configured to perform an identification process to identify whether the first hose 51 or the second hose 52 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6. Based on the results of this identification process, it is possible to prevent the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1 from operating in a state where the hoses have been connected incorrectly due to human error by an operator.

[0050] As an example, in this embodiment, if such a hose connection error occurs, the controller 100 performs a notification process to notify the operator of the error and prohibits execution of the control program (i.e., prohibits execution of the manufacturing process by the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1). This allows the operator to recognize the hose connection error through the notification process and urges them to correct the hose connection error. Furthermore, prohibiting execution of the control program also prohibits operation of the first feedwater pump 23 and the second feedwater pump 25 (see FIG. 1 ). Therefore, for example, pellet transport water intended for the first separator 7 can be prevented from being supplied to the second separator 8 due to an operator connecting a hose to the wrong destination.

[0051] In this embodiment, the height position of the detected plate portion 30b of the first identification member 30 when the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6 is different from the height position of the detected plate portion 33b of the second identification member 33 when the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6. The first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are disposed at positions corresponding to the height positions of the detected plate portion 30b and the detected plate portion 33b (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0052] According to this configuration, the first detection sensor 15 for detecting the detection plate portion 30b of the first identification member 30 and the second detection sensor 16 for detecting the detection plate portion 33b of the second identification member 33 can be integrated at the same circumferential location (one location) around the axis of the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6. Therefore, compared to when the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are positioned at different circumferential locations, there is no need to position the first hose 51 and the second hose 52 in the circumferential direction, which simplifies the device configuration and reduces costs. That is, according to this configuration, the first identification member 30 and the second identification member 33 can be easily added by simply fixing the support bracket 31 to the circumferential surfaces of the upstream flange portions 51b, 52b by spot welding or the like, without requiring extensive additional processing such as forming positioning grooves in the upstream flange portions 51b, 52b of the first hose 51 and the upstream flange portions 52b of the second hose 52. Therefore, the cost required for additional processing can be significantly reduced.

[0053] In this embodiment, the first identification member 30 and the second identification member 33 are supported rotatably around the pivot bolts 32 and 37 relative to the first hose 51 and the second hose 52, respectively (see FIGS. 4A and 4B ), and each identification member 30, 33 is configured to be rotatable between a detection position and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the detection plate portion 30b of the first identification member 30 and the detection plate portion 33b of the second identification member 33 are retracted to the side opposite the pelletizer from the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 and the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52, respectively.

[0054] According to this, when the first hose 51 is not in use, the first identification member 30 can be flipped up around the pivot bolt 32 to be positioned in the retracted position, thereby preventing the first identification member 30 from colliding with other parts and being damaged. Similarly, when the second hose 52 is not in use, the second identification member 33 can be flipped up around the pivot bolt 32 to be positioned in the retracted position, thereby preventing the second identification member 33 from colliding with other parts and being damaged.

[0055] 5, 6A, and 6B each show Modification 1 of the first embodiment. Modification 1 differs from the first embodiment in that the circumferential positions of the first detectable portion provided on the first hose 51 and the second detectable portion provided on the second hose 52 are different. Note that, apart from this point, the other configurations and control processing in the controller 100 are similar to those of the first embodiment, and therefore, in the following modifications, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, the first hose 51 has a hose main body 51a, an upstream flange portion 51b, and a first detectable plate portion 51c (corresponding to the first detectable portion) protruding radially outward from the circumferential surface of the upstream flange portion 51b.

[0057] A positioning groove 51d that opens radially outward is formed at one location in the circumferential direction of the upstream flange portion 51b. A positioning pin 38 protrudes from the upper surface of the discharge-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6, and the positioning groove 51d of the upstream flange portion 51b engages with this positioning pin 38, thereby positioning the first hose 51 circumferentially about the hose axis. In other words, when the circumferential positioning of the first hose 51 is complete, a specific circumferential position of the first hose 51 (a position on the main body corresponding to the positioning groove 51d) coincides with a specific circumferential position of the discharge-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6 (in other words, the position corresponding to the positioning pin 38 in this example). This prevents the circumferential position of the first detectable plate portion 51c from varying each time the first hose 51 is connected. It is also possible to eliminate the positioning pin 38 and the positioning groove 51d and perform positioning visually using markings (marker positions).

[0058] Similar to the first hose 51 shown in Figure 5, the second hose 52 has a hose main body 52a (see Figure 6B), an upstream flange portion 52b, and a second detectable plate portion 52c (corresponding to the second detectable portion) protruding radially outward from the circumferential surface of the upstream flange portion 52b.

[0059] A positioning groove (not shown) that opens radially outward is formed at one circumferential location on the upstream flange portion 52b. The positioning groove engages with the positioning pin 38, thereby positioning the second hose 52 circumferentially about the hose axis. That is, once the circumferential positioning of the second hose 52 is complete, a specific circumferential position of the second hose 52 (a position on the main body corresponding to the positioning groove) coincides with a specific circumferential position of the discharge-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6 (i.e., the discharge port 6b) (a position on the main body corresponding to the positioning pin 38). This prevents the circumferential position of the second detectable plate portion 52c (see FIG. 6B ) from varying each time the second hose 52 is connected. Alternatively, the positioning pin 38 and the positioning groove 51d may be eliminated and visual positioning may be performed using markings (marker positions).

[0060] The central position in the plate width direction of the first detectable plate portion 51c when the circumferential positioning of the first hose 51 is complete and the central position in the plate width direction of the second detectable plate portion 52c when the circumferential positioning of the second hose 52 is complete are 90° out of phase in the circumferential direction around the axis of the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6.

[0061] 6A, the first detection sensor 15 is disposed so that the detection surface 15a of the first detection sensor 15 faces the lower surface of the first detected plate portion 51c with a gap therebetween when the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 is connected to the discharge side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6. In this example, the first detection sensor 15 is fixed to the peripheral surface of the discharge side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6 via a sensor bracket 41.

[0062] 5, the sensor bracket 41 is an L-shaped bent metal member having a mounting plate portion 41a and a support plate portion 41b. The mounting plate portion 41a is fixed to the peripheral surface of the discharge-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6. The support plate portion 41b supports the first detection sensor 15 with its detection surface 15a facing upward.

[0063] 6B, the second detection sensor 16 is disposed so that the detection surface 16a of the second detection sensor 16 faces the lower surface of the second detected plate portion 52c with a gap therebetween when the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52 is connected to the discharge side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6. In this example, the second detection sensor 16 is fixed to the peripheral surface of the discharge side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6 via the sensor bracket 42.

[0064] 5, the sensor bracket 42 is an L-shaped bent metal member having a mounting plate portion 42a and a support plate portion 42b. The mounting plate portion 42a is fixed to the peripheral surface of the discharge-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6. The support plate portion 42b supports the second detection sensor 16 with its detection surface 16a facing upward.

[0065] Then, the controller 100 executes an identification process to identify whether the first hose 51 or the second hose 52 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6, based on the signals received from the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16. The details of this identification process are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described in detail again.

[0066] As described above, in this modified example, the first detectable plate 51c and the second detectable plate 52c are fixed to the upstream flange 51b of the first hose 51 and the upstream flange 52b of the second hose 52, respectively, so that the circumferential position of the first detectable plate 51c about the hose axis when the upstream flange 51b of the first hose 51 is connected to the discharge-side flange 64b of the pelletizer 6 (i.e., the discharge port 6b) is different from the circumferential position of the second detectable plate 52c about the hose axis when the upstream flange 52b of the second hose 52 is connected to the discharge-side flange 64b of the pelletizer 6 (i.e., the discharge port 6b) (see FIGS. 6A and 6B). The first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are disposed at positions corresponding to the circumferential positions of the first detectable plate 51c and the second detectable plate 52c, respectively.

[0067] According to this configuration, when the first hose 51 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6, the first detection sensor 15 detects the first detectable plate portion 51c and outputs a detection signal to the controller 100. When the second hose 52 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6, the second detection sensor 16 detects the detectable plate portion 52c and outputs a detection signal to the controller 100. The controller 100 then performs the same identification process as in the first embodiment based on the signals received from the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16, thereby identifying whether the first hose 51 or the second hose 52 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6. Therefore, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained in this modified example.

[0068] Moreover, in this modified example, the first detected plate 51c and the detected plate 52c are formed so as to protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surfaces of the upstream flange 51b of the first hose 51 and the upstream flange 52b of the second hose 52, respectively, so that the detected plate 52c, 52c are less likely to interfere with other components when the hose is not in use, compared to the configuration in which the detected plate extends in the hose axial direction as in the first embodiment. Therefore, there is no need to provide a mechanism for switching the first detected plate 51c and the detected plate 52c between the detection position and the retracted position, as in the first embodiment, and therefore the device configuration can be simplified and costs can be reduced.

[0069] 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams showing a state in which the first hose 51 and the second hose 52 are connected to the drainage port 6b of the pelletizer 6 in the resin pellet production equipment 1 according to Modification 2 of the first embodiment. Modification 2 is similar to Modification 1 in that the first hose 51 and the second hose 52 are positioned in the circumferential direction, but differs from Modification 1 in that a detection plate 64c is provided on the pelletizer 6, and the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are provided on the first hose 51 and the second hose 52, respectively (the positional relationship between the detection plate and the detection sensors is reversed).

[0070] That is, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the pelletizer 6 has a housing main body 64a, a drainage side flange portion 64b, and one detection plate portion 64c (corresponding to the detection portion) that protrudes horizontally radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the drainage side flange portion 64b.

[0071] 7A, the first detection sensor 15 is disposed so that the detection surface 15a of the first detection sensor 15 faces the upper surface of the detection target plate 64c with a gap therebetween when the first hose 51 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6. In this example, the first detection sensor 15 is fixed to the upstream flange 51b of the first hose 51 via a sensor bracket 43.

[0072] 7B , the second detection sensor 16 is disposed so that the detection surface 16a of the second detection sensor 16 faces the upper surface of the detection target plate 64c with a gap therebetween when the second hose 52 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6. In this example, the second detection sensor 16 is fixed to the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52 via the sensor bracket 44.

[0073] According to this modification, when the first hose 51 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6, the first detection sensor 15 attached to the upstream flange 51b of the first hose 51 detects the detection plate 64c provided on the drainage side flange 64b of the pelletizer 6, and outputs a detection signal to the controller 100. When the second hose 52 is connected to the drainage outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6, the second detection sensor 16 attached to the upstream flange 52b of the second hose 52 detects the detection plate 64c provided on the drainage side flange 64b of the pelletizer 6, and outputs a detection signal to the controller 100. The controller 100 then performs the same identification process as in the first embodiment and modification 1 based on the signals received from the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16, thereby identifying whether the first hose 51 or the second hose 52 is connected to the drainage outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6. Therefore, in this modification, the same effects as those of the first embodiment and modification 1 can be obtained.

[0074] (Second embodiment) Fig. 8 is a view showing a second embodiment, corresponding to Fig. 1. In this embodiment, one flexible hose 50 (hereinafter simply referred to as the hose 50) is connected in advance to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6, and an operator changes the connection destination of the hose 50, thereby selectively switching the destination of the pellet-carrying water discharged from the drain outlet 6b to either the first separator 7 or the second separator 8. This is different from the first embodiment.

[0075] The hose 50 has an upstream end (corresponding to one end) connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6, and a downstream end (corresponding to the other end) selectively connected to either the first water conduit 71 extending from the first separation device 7 or the second water conduit 81 extending from the second separation device 8.

[0076] The first water conduit 71 is arranged so as to take in pellet-carrying water from an opening at its upstream end and discharge it from an opening at its downstream end, leading it to the water inlet 7a of the first separation device 7. The second water conduit 81 is arranged so as to take in pellet-carrying water from an opening at its upstream end and discharge it from an opening at its downstream end, leading it to the water inlet 8a of the second separation device 8.

[0077] The upstream end of the hose 50 is permanently and irremovably connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6. On the other hand, the downstream end of the hose 50 is constituted by a downstream flange 50b connected to a hose body 50a, and this downstream flange 50b is connected to an introduction flange 71a provided at the upstream end of the first water conduit 71 when producing uncolored resin pellets, and to an introduction flange 81a provided at the upstream end of the second water conduit 81 when producing black resin pellets. The connection of the downstream flange 50b is performed by coaxially butting the downstream flange 50b and the introduction flange 71a or 81a and fastening them with bolts, similar to the connection of the hoses 51, 52 in the first embodiment.

[0078] Figure 9A is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the downstream flange portion 50b of the hose 50 is connected to the inlet flange portion 71a of the first water conduit 71, and Figure 9B is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the downstream flange portion 50b of the hose 50 is connected to the inlet flange portion 81a of the second water conduit 81.

[0079] 9A , one detection plate 50c is provided to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the downstream flange 50b of the hose 50. The detection plate 50c protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the downstream flange 50b of the hose 50.

[0080] The first detection sensor 15 is fixed via a sensor bracket 45 to the outer peripheral surface of the inlet flange 71a of the first water conduit 71. The first detection sensor 15 is positioned so as to face the upper surface of the detection plate 50c with a gap therebetween (in other words, so as to detect the detection plate 50c) when the downstream flange 50b of the hose 50 is connected to the inlet flange 71a of the first water conduit 71.

[0081] 9B , the second detection sensor 16 is fixed via a sensor bracket 46 to the outer peripheral surface of the inlet flange 81a of the second water conduit 81. The second detection sensor 16 is positioned so as to face the upper surface of the detection plate 50c with a gap therebetween (in other words, so as to detect the detection plate 50c) when the downstream flange 50b of the hose 50 is connected to the inlet flange 81a of the second water conduit 81.

[0082] When the controller 100 receives a detection signal from the first detection sensor 15 and a non-detection signal from the second detection sensor 16, the controller 100 determines that the hose 50 is connected to the first water conduit 71. When the controller 100 receives a non-detection signal from the first detection sensor 15 and a detection signal from the second detection sensor 16, the controller 100 determines that the hose 50 is connected to the second water conduit 81. When the controller 100 receives non-detection signals from both the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16, the controller 100 determines (identifies) that the hose 50 is not connected to either the first water conduit 71 or the second water conduit 81.

[0083] If the controller 100 identifies in the identification process that the hose 50 is connected to the first water conduit 71 or the second water conduit 81, and determines that the identified water conduit 71 or 81 is different from the water conduit corresponding to the color of the resin pellets set by the operator on the setting operation unit (for example, if the identification result indicates that the hose 50 is connected to the first water conduit 71 used for uncolored resin pellets, but the color of the resin pellets set on the setting operation unit is set to black), the controller 100 executes an alarm process to notify the operator of this via a touch panel, speaker, etc., and prohibits the execution of the control program (i.e., prohibits the execution of the manufacturing process by the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1).

[0084] In addition, if the controller 100 determines (identifies) through the identification process that the hose 50 is not connected to either the first water conduit 71 or the second water conduit 81, it similarly executes the notification process and prohibits the execution of the control program.

[0085] According to the resin pellet production equipment 1 of this embodiment configured as described above, a flexible hose 50 is connected in advance to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6, and the downstream end of the hose 50 is selectively connected to either the first water conduit 71 or the second water conduit 81, thereby switching the destination of the pellet-carrying water discharged from the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6 to either the first separator 7 or the second separator 8. This allows the resin pellet production equipment 1 to be configured more inexpensively than when a three-way valve or the like is used to switch the discharge path. Moreover, instead of using two hoses, the first hose 51 and the second hose 52, as in the first embodiment, it is only necessary to change the connection destination of a single hose 50, thereby reducing the number of hoses used and reducing costs.

[0086] In this embodiment, the controller 100 performs an identification process to identify whether the hose 50 is connected to the first water conduit 71 or the second water conduit 81. Based on the results of this identification process, it is possible to prevent the hose 50 from being connected incorrectly due to human error by an operator. For example, in this embodiment, if such a hose connection error occurs, the controller 100 performs a notification process to notify the operator of the error and prohibits the execution of the manufacturing process (execution of the control program) by the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1. As a result, if the hose 50 is connected incorrectly, the notification process can alert the operator to the error and prompt them to correct the hose 50 connection error. Furthermore, if the hose 50 is connected to the wrong destination, the prohibition of execution of the control program also prohibits the operation of the first water supply pump 23 and the second water supply pump 25 (see FIG. 1 ), thereby preventing the erroneous delivery of pellet transport water.

[0087] (Variation 1) Figures 10A and 10B are diagrams corresponding to Figures 9A and 9B, illustrating Variation 1 of the second embodiment. This Variation 1 differs from the second embodiment in that a first identification member 34 and a second identification member 36 are attached to the first water conduit 71 and the second water conduit 81, respectively, and a first detection sensor 15 and a second detection sensor 16 are attached to the hose 50 in order to identify the connection destination of the hose 50. Except for this point, the other configurations and control processes of the controller 100 are similar to those of the second embodiment. Therefore, in the following variation, the same components as those of the second embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The basic identification principle of Variation 1 is similar to that of the first embodiment (Figures 4A and 4B).

[0088] That is, as shown in FIG. 10A, the first identification member 34 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the inlet flange portion 71a of the first water conduit 71 to be identified via a support bracket (not shown).

[0089] The first identification member 34 is a generally L-shaped plate-like member. The first identification member 34 is configured to be rotatable between a detection position where it hangs down vertically with the pivot bolt 35 as a fulcrum and a retracted position (not shown) where it is turned upside down from the detection position with the pivot bolt 35 as a fulcrum. The first identification member 34 has a rectangular rotating plate portion 34a whose base end is supported by the pivot bolt 35, and a first detectable plate portion 30b connected to its tip end so as to intersect with the rotating plate portion 34a at a right angle.

[0090] When the first identification member 34 is in the retracted position, the first detectable plate 34b is retracted further away from the hose (upper in this example) than the introduction flange 71a of the first water conduit 71. On the other hand, when the first identification member 34 is in the detection position, the first detectable plate 34b is positioned closer to the hose (lower in this example) than the introduction flange 71a of the first water conduit 71, and faces the detection surface 15a of the first detection sensor 15 with a gap between them (see FIG. 10A ). This allows the first detection sensor 15 to detect the first detectable plate 34b.

[0091] Next, the second identification member 36 will be described with reference to Fig. 10B. The configuration of the second identification member 36 is similar to the configuration of the first identification member 34, and only the length is different.

[0092] That is, the second identification member 36 has a rotating plate portion 36a and a detected plate portion 36b (see FIG. 10B ). The configuration of the rotating plate portion 36a and the detected plate portion 36b can be described in the same manner as in the description of the first identification member 34 above, by replacing the rotating plate portion 34a with the rotating plate portion 36a and the detected plate portion 34b with the detected plate portion 36b. Therefore, only the difference will be described below. This difference is the length of the rotating plate portion 36a. The length of the rotating plate portion 36a of the second identification member 36 is set so that, when the second identification member 36 is in the detection position, the second detected plate portion 36b connected to the tip of the rotating plate portion 36a faces the detection surface 16a of the second detection sensor 16 with a gap therebetween.

[0093] The first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are fixed to the downstream flange portion 50b of the hose 50 via a sensor bracket 47. The first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are arranged vertically side by side with their respective detection surfaces 15a, 16a facing sideways (horizontally). In this example, the second detection sensor 16 is arranged below the first detection sensor 15.

[0094] In the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1 according to the first modified example, when the hose 50 is connected to the inlet flange 71a of the first water conduit 71 (see FIG. 10A ), the first detection sensor 15 attached to the hose 50 detects the first detectable plate 34b of the first identification member 34 attached to the first water conduit 71 and outputs a detection signal to the controller 100. When the hose 50 is connected to the second water conduit 81 (see FIG. 10B ), the second detection sensor 16 attached to the hose 50 detects the second detectable plate 36b of the second identification member 36 attached to the second water conduit 81 and outputs a detection signal to the controller 100. The controller 100 then performs the same identification process as in the second embodiment based on the signals received from the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16, thereby identifying whether the hose 50 is connected to the first water conduit 71 or the second water conduit 81. Therefore, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be achieved in the present modified example.

[0095] 11A and 11B are views corresponding to FIGS. 9A and 9B and show a second modification of the second embodiment. This modification differs from the second embodiment in that the first and second water conduits 71 and 81 are provided with first and second detection plates 71b and 81b at different circumferential positions, respectively, to identify the connection destination of the hose 50, and the first and second detection sensors 15 and 16 are attached to the hose 50. The basic identification principle of this modification is similar to that of the first modification of the first embodiment ( FIGS. 6A and 6B ).

[0096] 11A, a first detectable plate 71b is provided at one location in the circumferential direction of the introduction flange 71a of the first water conduit 71. The first detectable plate 71b (corresponding to the first detectable portion) protrudes horizontally radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the introduction flange 71a.

[0097] A positioning mechanism (not shown) is provided between the downstream flange 50b of the hose 50 and the introduction flange 71a of the first water conduit 71 for circumferential positioning by, for example, engaging a positioning pin with a positioning groove. When the hose 50 has been positioned circumferentially, a specific position on the hose 50 (the position corresponding to the positioning groove in this example) coincides with a specific position on the introduction flange 71a (i.e., the upstream opening of the first water conduit 71) (the position corresponding to the positioning pin in this example). Note that the positioning pin and positioning groove may be eliminated and positioning may be performed visually using markings (marker positions).

[0098] 11B, a second detectable plate 81b is provided at one circumferential location on the introduction flange 81a of the second water conduit 81. The second detectable plate 81b (corresponding to the second detectable portion) protrudes horizontally radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the introduction flange 81a. The circumferential position (phase) of the second detectable plate 81b about the water conduit axis is different from the circumferential position (phase) of the first detectable plate 71b about the water conduit axis.

[0099] A positioning mechanism (not shown) is provided between the downstream flange 50b of the hose 50 and the introduction flange 81a of the second water conduit 81 for circumferential positioning by, for example, engaging a positioning pin with a positioning groove. When the hose 50 has been positioned circumferentially, a specific position on the hose 50 (the position corresponding to the positioning groove in this example) coincides with a specific position on the introduction flange 81a (i.e., the upstream opening of the second water conduit 81) (the position corresponding to the positioning pin in this example). Note that the positioning pin and positioning groove may be eliminated and positioning may be performed visually using markings (marker positions).

[0100] As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are attached to different circumferential positions on the downstream flange portion 50b of the hose 50 via sensor brackets 48 and 49, respectively.

[0101] As shown in Figure 11A, the first detection sensor 15 is positioned so that when the downstream flange portion 50b of the hose 50 is connected to the inlet flange portion 71a of the first water conduit 71, the detection surface 15a of the first detection sensor 15 faces the underside of the first detected plate portion 71b with a gap therebetween (so as to detect the first detected plate portion 71b).

[0102] As shown in Figure 11B, when the downstream flange portion 50b of the hose 50 is connected to the discharge side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6, the second detection sensor 16 is positioned so that the detection surface 16a of the second detection sensor 16 faces the underside of the second detection plate portion 81b with a gap therebetween (so as to detect the second detection plate portion 81b).

[0103] As described above, in the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1 according to the second modification, when the hose 50 is connected to the inlet flange 71a (see FIG. 11A ) of the first water conduit 71, the first detection sensor 15 attached to the hose 50 detects the first detectable plate 71b provided on the first water conduit 71 and outputs a detection signal to the controller 100. When the hose 50 is connected to the second water conduit 81 (see FIG. 11B ), the second detection sensor 16 attached to the hose 50 detects the second detectable plate 81b provided on the second water conduit 81 and outputs a detection signal to the controller 100. The controller 100 then performs the same identification process as in the second embodiment based on the signals received from the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16, thereby identifying whether the hose 50 is connected to the first water conduit 71 or the second water conduit 81. Therefore, the second modification can also achieve the same effects as those of the second embodiment.

[0104] Other Embodiments Although the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and the following embodiments, for example, can be adopted.

[0105] (1) In each of the above embodiments and variants, the first detectable plate portion 30b, the first detectable plate portion 51c, or the first detectable plate portion 71b is used as an example of the first detectable portion of the present invention, the second detectable plate portion 33b, the second detectable plate portion 52c, or the second detectable plate portion 81b is used as an example of the second detectable portion, and the detectable plate portion 64c or the detectable plate portion 50c is used as an example of the detectable portion, but this is not limited to this, and the first detectable portion, the second detectable portion, and the detectable portion may be, for example, a sign consisting of a mark, letters, or a pattern.

[0106] (2) Furthermore, the shape and position of the first detectable plate 30b, the first detectable plate 51c, or the first detectable plate 71b as an example of the first detectable portion, the shape and position of the second detectable plate 33b, the second detectable plate 52c, or the second detectable plate 81b as an example of the second detectable portion, and the shape and position of the detectable plate 64c or the detectable plate 50c as an example of the detectable portion are not limited to the above-described configurations. That is, for example, in the first embodiment, the first detectable plate 30b is arranged so as to face only the detection surface 15a of the first detection sensor 15 (see FIG. 4A ). However, the first detectable plate 30b may be formed long in the vertical direction so as to face the detection surface 16a of the second detection sensor 16 in addition to the detection surface 15a of the first detection sensor 15. In this case, the controller 100 may be configured to determine that the first hose 51 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6 when it receives detection signals from both the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16, and to determine that the second hose 52 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6 when it receives a detection signal only from the second detection sensor 16.

[0107] (3) In the first embodiment (see FIGS. 4A and 4B ), the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 attached to the pelletizer 6 detect the presence or absence of the first detectable plate 30b attached to the first hose 51 and the presence or absence of the second detectable plate 33b attached to the second hose 52, respectively, and identify whether the first hose 51 or the second hose 52 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6 based on the detection results. However, this is not limited to this. As an example, the first detectable plate 30b and the second detectable plate 33b may each be configured with a barcode label containing pre-assigned identification information (barcode information), and the identification information of each barcode label may be read by a barcode reader (corresponding to a detection unit) attached to the pelletizer 6, and the controller 100 may perform the identification process based on the read identification information. In this case, it is not necessary to provide two sensors, the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16, as in the first embodiment, and only one barcode reader is required, thereby reducing the number of parts and improving space efficiency. Note that the identification information is not limited to barcode information and may be, for example, letters, numbers, patterns, etc. In this case, an image sensor or the like can be used instead of the barcode reader. Note that a configuration using the barcode reader or the like can also be used in Modification 1 of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 6A and 6B ).

[0108] (4) Similarly, in the first modification of the second embodiment (see FIGS. 10A and 10B ), the first and second detection sensors 15 and 16 attached to the hose 50 detect the presence or absence of the first and second detectable plates 34b and 36b on the first and second water conduits 71 and 81, respectively, and identify whether the hose 50 is connected to the first and second water conduits 71 and 81 based on the detection results. However, this is not a limitation. As an example, the first and second detectable plates 34b and 36b may each be configured with a barcode label containing pre-assigned identification information (barcode information). The identification information on each barcode label may be read by a barcode reader (corresponding to a detector) fixed to the hose 50, and the controller 100 may perform the identification process based on the read identification information. In this case, a single barcode reader may be used instead of the first and second detection sensors 15 and 16. The identification information is not limited to barcode information, but may be, for example, letters, numbers, patterns, etc. In this case, an image sensor or the like can be used instead of the barcode reader. Note that a configuration using the barcode reader or the like can also be used in Modification 2 of the second embodiment (see FIGS. 11A and 11B ).

[0109] (5) In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1 is configured with two separation devices, the first separator 7 and the second separator 8. However, this is not limited to this, and the equipment may have three or more separation devices. When a configuration with three or more separation devices is applied to the first embodiment, the number of hoses becomes three or more, and the number of detection sensors also becomes three or more. However, even in this case, the controller 100 still performs a process of identifying at least the first hose 51 and the second hose 52 based on the detection results of each detection sensor. Therefore, a configuration with three or more separation devices is also included in the present invention. Similarly, when a configuration with three or more separation devices is applied to the second embodiment, the number of hoses remains one, but the number of water conduits becomes three or more. However, even in this case, the controller 100 still performs a process of identifying whether the hose 50 is connected to the first water conduit 71 or the second water conduit 81 based on the detection results of each detection sensor. Therefore, a configuration with three or more separation devices is also included in the present invention. That is, the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1 may have a configuration including at least two separation devices 7 and 8 .

[0110] (6) In each of the above embodiments and variants, the destination of the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer 6 is switched between the first separator 7 and the second separator 8 in order to sort the resin pellets by color. However, the purpose of switching the destination between the separators 7 and 8 is not limited to this. For example, it may be for the purpose of discharging the resin pellets to different locations according to the subsequent processes when the manufactured resin pellets are subjected to different processes, or for the purpose of sorting the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer 6 together with the pellet transport water into those that meet predetermined standards and those that do not.

[0111] (7) In each of the above embodiments and modifications, the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are configured as proximity sensors. However, this is not limited to this and may be configured as, for example, an image sensor or a distance sensor. Furthermore, the first detection sensor 15 is not limited to such a non-contact sensor and may be a contact sensor. As an example, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , limit switches 151 and 161 with detection levers 151 a and 161 a that swing up and down may be used as the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16. As another example, in Modification 1 of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14 , limit switches 155 and 165 with detection levers 155 a and 165 a that swing up and down may be used as the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16.

[0112] (8) In each of the above-described embodiments and variations, the first hose 51, the second hose 52, and the hose 50 are configured to be connected to the connection object by bolts via the upstream flange portion 51b, the upstream flange portion 52b, and the downstream flange portion 50b provided on each hose. However, the connection structure is not necessarily limited to the use of flange portions and bolts. For example, a collet-type connection structure using a connection sleeve may be adopted.

[0113] (9) In the first embodiment and each of the modified examples of the first embodiment, the first hose 51 and the second hose 52 may be directly connected to the water inlet 7a of the first separation device 7 and the water inlet 8a of the second separation device 8, respectively, or may be indirectly connected, for example, via other fixed piping.

[0114] (10) In the second embodiment and each modified example of the second embodiment, the hose 50 may be directly connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6, or may be indirectly connected, for example, via another fixed pipe.

[0115] (11) In the first embodiment and each modified example of the first embodiment, the controller 100 determines whether the first hose 51 or the second hose 52 determined (identified) in the identification process is different from the hose corresponding to the color of the resin pellets set by the operator via the setting operation unit. However, this is not limited to this, and simpler control may be adopted. That is, if the hose determined (identified) in the identification process is the first hose 51, the controller 100 may form an interlock to prohibit operation of the second separation device 8 and the second water supply pump 25, which are connected downstream of the second hose 52, and to prohibit operation of the first separation device 7 and the first water supply pump 23, which are connected downstream of the first hose 51, if the hose determined (identified) in the identification process is the second hose 52. In this way, if a hose is connected incorrectly, the equipment corresponding to the manufacturing conditions expected by the operator (the equipment corresponding to the color of the resin pellets expected by the operator) will not operate, and the inoperation of the equipment can alert the operator to the hose connection error.

[0116] (12) In the second embodiment and each modified example of the second embodiment, the controller 100 determines whether the first water conduit 71 or the second water conduit 81 determined (identified) in the identification process is different from the hose corresponding to the color of the resin pellets set by the operator via the setting operation unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and simpler control may be adopted. That is, an interlock may be formed in the controller 100 so that if the water conduit determined (identified) in the identification process is the first water conduit 71, the operation of the second separation device 8 and the second water supply pump 25, which are connected downstream of the second water conduit 81, is prohibited, and if the hose determined (identified) in the identification process is the second water conduit 81, the operation of the first separation device 7 and the first water supply pump 23, which are connected downstream of the first water conduit 71, is prohibited. According to this, if the hose is connected incorrectly, the equipment corresponding to the manufacturing conditions assumed by the worker (the equipment corresponding to the color of the resin pellets assumed by the worker) will not operate, and the fact that the equipment does not operate will make the worker aware that the hose is connected incorrectly.

[0117] (13) In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1 may further include a display that changes the display format based on the type of hose (first hose 51 or second hose 52) or the type of water conduit (first water conduit 71 or second water conduit 81) determined (identified) in the identification process by the controller 100. This display is preferably placed in a location that is easily visible to workers in the factory, and may be configured, for example, by a display or a plurality of lamps of different colors.

[0118] The above-described specific embodiments mainly include inventions having the following configurations.

[0119] The resin pellet manufacturing equipment according to the first invention includes a kneader that melts and kneads a resin material and discharges the melted resin, a die that receives the resin discharged from the kneader and extrudes it through a die hole, and a pelletizer that has a cutting cutter that cuts the resin extruded from the die underwater to produce resin pellets, and discharges the resin pellets downstream together with pellet-carrying water, a first separator and a second separator that are provided in parallel on the downstream side of the pelletizer and are capable of receiving the pellet-carrying water containing the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer and separating the resin pellets from the pellet-carrying water, and a separator that is detachably connected to an inlet for the pellet-carrying water of the first separator and a drainage outlet for the pellet-carrying water of the pelletizer. a flexible first hose having one end connected to the pellet carrying water inlet of the second separation device and the other end configured to be detachable; a flexible second hose having one end connected to the pellet carrying water inlet of the second separation device and the other end configured to be detachable to the discharge outlet of the pelletizer; a first detectable portion provided on the first hose; a second detectable portion provided on the second hose; a detection portion attached to the pelletizer and detecting the presence or absence of the first detectable portion and the second detectable portion, or identification information previously assigned to the first detectable portion and the second detectable portion; and a controller that executes an identification process to identify whether the other end of the first hose or the other end of the second hose is connected to the discharge outlet of the pelletizer based on the detection result by the detection portion.

[0120] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the discharge destination of pellet-carrying water containing resin pellets discharged from a pelletizer can be switched between the first separator and the second separator without error using an inexpensive configuration. Specifically, this invention switches the discharge path between the first separator and the second separator by simply switching the hose connected to the pelletizer's drain outlet (switching between the first and second hoses). This eliminates the need for a three-way valve and a drive mechanism for operating the three-way valve, thereby reducing costs. Furthermore, when the first or second hose is connected to the pelletizer, a detector attached to the pelletizer detects the presence or absence of the first and second detectable portions provided on each hose, or the identification information (e.g., barcode information) previously assigned to each detectable portion. Based on the detection results from the detector, the controller identifies whether the other end of the first hose or the other end of the second hose (i.e., whether the first hose or the second hose) is connected to the pelletizer's drain outlet.

[0121] The resin pellet manufacturing equipment of the second invention is the resin pellet manufacturing equipment of the first invention, wherein the detection unit detects the presence or absence of the first detectable portion and the second detectable portion, and includes a first detection sensor attached to the pelletizer so as to detect the first detectable portion when the other end of the first hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer, and a second detection sensor attached to the pelletizer so as to detect the second detectable portion when the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer, and it is preferable that the controller is configured to perform the identification process based on the detection results by the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor.

[0122] According to the second invention, the detection unit is composed of a first sensor and a second sensor that detect the presence or absence of the first detectable part and the second detectable part, so that the identification process by the controller can be realized with a cheaper configuration than using a detection unit (for example, an image sensor or barcode reader with a high enough resolution to detect barcodes, letters, numbers, patterns, etc. in an identifiable manner) that detects identification information (for example, barcodes, letters, numbers, patterns, etc.) that has been previously assigned to the first detectable part and the second detectable part in the identification process.

[0123] The resin pellet manufacturing equipment of the third invention is preferably the second invention, wherein the first detectable portion and the second detectable portion are fixed to the first hose and the second hose, respectively, so that the height position of the first detectable portion when the other end of the first hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer is different from the height position of the second detectable portion when the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer, and the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are arranged at positions corresponding to the height positions of the first detectable portion and the second detectable portion, respectively.

[0124] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the height of the first detectable portion when the first hose is connected to the pelletizer drain outlet is different from the height of the second detectable portion when the second hose is connected, so that the positions of the first detectable portion and the second detectable portion relative to the pelletizer drain outlet can be concentrated at the same location (one location) in the circumferential direction about the axis of the drain outlet. This allows the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor for detecting the first detectable portion and the second detectable portion to also be concentrated at the same location (one location) in the circumferential direction about the axis of the pelletizer drain outlet.

[0125] The resin pellet manufacturing equipment of the fourth invention is the third invention, and further comprises a rotating member including the first detectable portion, which is supported rotatably around a predetermined axis relative to the first hose, and it is preferable that the rotating member is configured to be rotatable between a detection position in which, when the other end of the first hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer, the first detectable portion is positioned closer to the pelletizer than the other end of the first hose, thereby enabling detection of the first detectable portion by the first detection sensor provided on the pelletizer, and a retracted position in which the first detectable portion is retracted to the opposite side of the pelletizer than the other end of the first hose.

[0126] According to the fourth invention, the rotating member is moved to the detection position only when the first hose is connected to the discharge outlet of the pelletizer (i.e., when the first hose is used), and when the first hose is not in use, the rotating member is moved to the retracted position, thereby preventing the rotating member from colliding with other parts and being damaged.

[0127] The resin pellet manufacturing equipment of the fifth invention is preferably the resin pellet manufacturing equipment of the third or fourth invention, further comprising a rotating member including the second detectable portion, which is supported rotatably around a predetermined axis relative to the second hose, and the rotating member is preferably configured to be rotatable between a detection position in which, when the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer, the second detectable portion is positioned closer to the pelletizer than the other end of the second hose, thereby enabling detection of the second detectable portion by the second detection sensor provided on the pelletizer, and a retracted position in which the second detectable portion is retracted to the opposite side of the pelletizer than the other end of the second hose.

[0128] According to the fifth invention, the rotating member is moved to the detection position only when the second hose is connected to the discharge outlet of the pelletizer (i.e., when the second hose is used), and when the second hose is not in use, the rotating member is moved to the retracted position, thereby preventing the rotating member from colliding with other parts and being damaged.

[0129] The resin pellet manufacturing equipment of the sixth invention is preferably such that, in the second invention, the first detectable portion and the second detectable portion are fixed to the first hose and the second hose, respectively, so that the circumferential position of the first detectable portion around the hose axis when the other end of the first hose is connected to the pelletizer drain outlet so that a specific circumferential position of the first hose coincides with a specific circumferential position of the drain outlet, and the circumferential position of the second detectable portion around the hose axis when the other end of the second hose is connected to the pelletizer drain outlet so that a specific circumferential position of the second hose coincides with a specific circumferential position of the drain outlet, are different from each other, and the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are preferably arranged at positions corresponding to the circumferential positions of the first detectable portion and the second detectable portion, respectively.

[0130] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, by differentiating the circumferential positions of the first and second detectable portions, the first and second detectable portions, which are the detection targets of the first and second detection sensors, can be detected without error. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the heights of the first and second detectable portions are different, the first and second detectable portions can be prevented from protruding toward the pelletizer from the other ends of the first and second hoses. Therefore, interference between the first and second detectable portions and other components when the hoses are not in use can be minimized.

[0131] A resin pellet manufacturing facility according to a seventh aspect of the present invention includes a kneader that melts and kneads a resin material and discharges it; a die that receives the resin discharged from the kneader and extrudes it through a die hole; a pelletizer that has a cutting cutter that cuts the resin extruded from the die underwater to produce resin pellets, and discharges the resin pellets downstream together with pellet-carrying water; a first separator and a second separator that are provided in parallel on the downstream side of the pelletizer and are capable of receiving the pellet-carrying water containing the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer and separating the resin pellets from the pellet-carrying water; a flexible first hose that has one end connected to an inlet for the pellet-carrying water of the first separator and the other end configured to be detachable from a drain outlet for the pellet-carrying water of the pelletizer; The device is equipped with: a flexible second hose having one end connected to the pellet transport water inlet in the second separation device and the other end configured to be attachable and detachable to the discharge outlet of the pelletizer; a detectable portion provided on the pelletizer; a first detection sensor attached to the first hose so as to detect the detectable portion when the other end of the first hose is connected to the discharge outlet of the pelletizer; a second detection sensor attached to the second hose so as to detect the detectable portion when the other end of the second hose is connected to the discharge outlet of the pelletizer; and a controller that executes an identification process to identify whether the other end of the first hose or the other end of the second hose is connected to the discharge outlet of the pelletizer based on the detection results of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor.

[0132] According to the seventh invention, similar to the first invention, the discharge destination of the pellet-carrying water can be easily switched by selectively connecting either the first hose connected to the first separation device or the second hose connected to the second separation device to the pelletizer's drain outlet. This differs from the first invention in that the first and second detection sensors are fixed to the first and second hoses, respectively, and the detection target is provided on the pelletizer. Thus, when the first hose is connected to the pelletizer's drain outlet, the detection target on the pelletizer is detected by the first detection sensor attached to the first hose, and when the second hose is connected to the pelletizer's drain outlet, the detection target on the pelletizer is detected by the second detection sensor attached to the second hose. Therefore, the controller can identify the hose connected to the pelletizer by, for example, determining whether the detection target is detected by the first detection sensor or the second detection sensor. Moreover, according to this configuration, it is only necessary to provide the pelletizer with one detection target portion, so the pelletizer can be simplified in shape and its molding costs can be reduced.

[0133] A resin pellet manufacturing facility according to an eighth aspect of the present invention includes a kneader that melts and kneads a resin material and discharges it; a die that receives the resin discharged from the kneader and extrudes it through a die hole; a pelletizer that has a cutting cutter that cuts the resin extruded from the die underwater to produce resin pellets, and discharges the resin pellets downstream together with pellet-carrying water; first and second separators that are provided in parallel downstream of the pelletizer and are capable of receiving the pellet-carrying water containing the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer and separating the resin pellets from the pellet-carrying water; a first water conduit that is connected to a pellet-carrying water inlet of the first separator and that guides the pellet-carrying water to the inlet; and a second water conduit that is connected to a pellet-carrying water inlet of the second separator. a second water conduit that conducts pellet-carrying water to the water inlet; a flexible hose having one end connected to a discharge outlet of the pellet-carrying water in the pelletizer and the other end selectively attachable to and detachable from the first water conduit and the second water conduit; a detectable portion provided on the hose; a first detection sensor attached to the first water conduit so as to detect the detectable portion when the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit; a second detection sensor attached to the second water conduit so as to detect the detectable portion when the other end of the hose is connected to the second water conduit; and a controller that executes an identification process to identify whether the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit or the second water conduit based on the detection results of the first and second detection sensors.

[0134] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the destination of pellet-carrying water containing resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer can be switched to either the first separator or the second separator with no error using an inexpensive configuration. That is, in this invention, by connecting a flexible hose to the pelletizer's drain outlet in advance and selectively connecting the downstream end of the hose to either the first or second water conduit, the destination of pellet-carrying water discharged from the pelletizer's drain outlet can be easily switched to either the first separator or the second separator. This eliminates the need for a three-way valve and the drive components for operating the three-way valve, thereby reducing costs. Furthermore, since only one hose is required, the space required for handling and temporarily storing the hose can be reduced. According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when the hose is connected to the first water conduit, the detectable portion of the hose is detected by a first detection sensor attached to the first water conduit, and when the hose is connected to the second water conduit, the detectable portion of the hose is detected by a second detection sensor attached to the second water conduit, and the controller identifies whether the other end of the hose is connected to the first separation device or the second separation device based on the detection results from each detection sensor.

[0135] A ninth aspect of the present invention provides a resin pellet manufacturing facility comprising: a kneader that melts and kneads a resin material and discharges the melted and kneaded resin material; a die that receives the resin discharged from the kneader and extrudes it through a die hole; a pelletizer that has a cutting cutter that cuts the resin extruded from the die underwater to produce resin pellets, and discharges the resin pellets downstream together with pellet-carrying water; a first separator and a second separator that are provided in parallel to each other downstream of the pelletizer and are capable of receiving the pellet-carrying water containing the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer and separating the resin pellets from the pellet-carrying water; a first water conduit that is connected to a pellet-carrying water inlet of the first separator and that guides the pellet-carrying water to the inlet; and a second water conduit connected to a water inlet for pellet carrying water in the pelletizer and for conducting pellet carrying water to the water inlet; a flexible hose having one end connected to a discharge outlet for the pellet carrying water in the pelletizer and the other end selectively attachable to and detachable from the first water conduit and the second water conduit; a first detectable part provided on the first water conduit; a second detectable part provided on the second water conduit; a detection part fixed to the hose and detecting the presence or absence of the first detectable part and the second detectable part or identification information previously assigned to the first detectable part and the second detectable part; and a controller that executes an identification process to identify whether the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit or the second water conduit based on the detection result by the detection part.

[0136] According to the ninth invention, similar to the eighth invention, by selectively connecting the downstream end of the hose to either the first conduit or the second conduit, the destination of the pellet-carrying water discharged from the pelletizer outlet can be easily switched to either the first separator or the second separator. This differs from the eighth invention in that the first and second detectable parts are fixed to the first and second conduits, respectively, and the detector is fixed to the hose (i.e., the relative positions of the detectable parts and the detector are reversed). When the hose is connected to the first or second conduit, the detector on the hose detects the presence or absence of the first and second detectable parts on each conduit, or the identification information (e.g., barcode information) previously assigned to each detectable part. Based on the detection results from the detector, the controller determines whether the other end of the hose is connected to the first or second conduit.

[0137] The resin pellet manufacturing equipment of the tenth invention is the ninth invention, wherein the detection unit detects the presence or absence of the first detectable part and the second detectable part, and includes a first detection sensor attached to the hose so as to detect the first detectable part when the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit, and a second detection sensor attached to the hose so as to detect the second detectable part when the other end of the hose is connected to the second water conduit, and it is preferable that the controller is configured to perform the identification process based on the detection results by the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor.

[0138] According to the tenth invention, the detection unit is composed of a first sensor and a second sensor that detect the presence or absence of the first detectable part and the second detectable part, so that the identification process by the controller can be realized with a cheaper configuration than using a detection unit (e.g., an image sensor or barcode reader with a high enough resolution to detect barcodes, letters, numbers, patterns, etc. in an identifiable manner) that detects identification information (e.g., barcodes, letters, numbers, patterns, etc.) that has been previously assigned to the first detectable part and the second detectable part in the identification process.

[0139] The resin pellet manufacturing equipment of the eleventh invention is preferably such that, in the tenth invention, the first detectable part and the second detectable part are fixed to the first water conduit and the second water conduit, respectively, so that the relative height position of the first detectable part with respect to the hose when the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit is different from the relative height position of the second detectable part with respect to the hose when the other end of the hose is connected to the second water conduit, and the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are arranged at positions corresponding to the respective height positions of the first detectable part and the second detectable part.

[0140] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor that constitute the detection section can be concentrated in the same location (one location) in the circumferential direction.

[0141] The resin pellet manufacturing equipment according to a twelfth invention is preferably the tenth invention, wherein the first detectable part and the second detectable part are fixed to the first water conduit and the second water conduit, respectively, so that when the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit so that a specific circumferential position of the hose coincides with a specific circumferential position of the first water conduit, the circumferential position of the first detectable part relative to the hose is different from when the other end of the hose is connected to the second water conduit so that a specific circumferential position of the hose coincides with a specific circumferential position of the second water conduit, and the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are arranged at positions corresponding to the circumferential positions of the first detectable part and the second detectable part, respectively.

[0142] According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, by differentiating the circumferential positions of the first and second detectable portions, the first and second detectable portions can be detected by the first and second detection sensors without error. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the first and second detectable portions are different in height, the first and second detectable portions are prevented from protruding further toward the hose than the first and second conduits. Therefore, collision of the first and second detectable portions with other components when the hose is not in use can be minimized.

[0143] The resin pellet manufacturing equipment according to the thirteenth invention is preferably any one of the second to eighth inventions and the tenth to twelfth inventions, wherein the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are proximity sensors.

[0144] According to the thirteenth aspect, by using proximity sensors as the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor, costs can be reduced compared to when an image sensor or the like is used.

Claims

1. A kneader that melts and kneads a resin material and discharges it; a die that receives the resin discharged from the kneader and extrudes it through a die hole; a pelletizer that has a cutting cutter that cuts the resin extruded from the die underwater to form resin pellets, and discharges the resin pellets downstream together with pellet transport water; a first separation device and a second separation device that are arranged in parallel on the downstream side of the pelletizer and can receive the pellet transport water containing the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer and separate the resin pellets from the pellet transport water; a flexible first hose having one end connected to the pellet transport water inlet of the first separation device and the other end configured to be detachable to the pellet transport water outlet of the pelletizer; a flexible second hose having one end connected to the pellet transport water inlet of the second separation device and the other end configured to be detachable to the pellet transport water outlet of the pelletizer; a first detectable part provided on the first hose; a second detectable part provided on the second hose; a detection part attached to the pelletizer and detecting the presence or absence of the first detectable part and the second detectable part, or identification information previously assigned to the first detectable part and the second detectable part; and a controller that executes an identification process to identify whether the other end of the first hose or the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer based on the detection result by the detection part.

2. A resin pellet manufacturing equipment as described in claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects the presence or absence of the first detectable part and the second detectable part, and includes a first detection sensor attached to the pelletizer so as to detect the first detectable part when the other end of the first hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer, and a second detection sensor attached to the pelletizer so as to detect the second detectable part when the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer, and the controller is configured to execute the identification process based on the detection results by the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor.

3. In the resin pellet manufacturing equipment described in claim 2, the first detectable part and the second detectable part are fixed to the first hose and the second hose, respectively, so that the height position of the first detectable part when the other end of the first hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer is different from the height position of the second detectable part when the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer, and the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are arranged at positions corresponding to the respective height positions of the first detectable part and the second detectable part.

4. The resin pellet manufacturing equipment described in claim 3 further comprises a rotating member including the first detectable part, which is supported rotatably around a predetermined axis relative to the first hose, and the rotating member is configured to be rotatable between a detection position in which, when the other end of the first hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer, the first detectable part is positioned closer to the pelletizer than the other end of the first hose, thereby enabling the first detectable part to be detected by the first detection sensor provided on the pelletizer, and a retracted position in which the first detectable part is retracted to the opposite pelletizer side than the other end of the first hose.

5. The resin pellet manufacturing equipment described in claim 3 further comprises a rotating member including the second detectable part, which is supported rotatably around a predetermined axis relative to the second hose, and the rotating member is configured to be rotatable between a detection position in which, when the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer, the second detectable part is positioned closer to the pelletizer than the other end of the second hose, thereby enabling the second detectable part to be detected by the second detection sensor provided on the pelletizer, and a retracted position in which the second detectable part is retracted to the opposite pelletizer side than the other end of the second hose.

6. A resin pellet manufacturing equipment as described in claim 2, wherein the first detectable portion and the second detectable portion are fixed to the first hose and the second hose, respectively, so that a circumferential position about the hose axis of the first detectable portion when the other end of the first hose is connected to the pelletizer drain outlet such that a circumferential position of a specific circumferential position of the first hose coincides with a circumferential position of a specific circumferential position of the drain outlet is different from a circumferential position about the hose axis of the second detectable portion when the other end of the second hose is connected to the pelletizer drain outlet such that a circumferential position of a specific circumferential position of the second hose coincides with a circumferential position of a specific circumferential position of the drain outlet, and the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are arranged at positions corresponding to the circumferential positions of the first detectable portion and the second detectable portion, respectively.

7. A kneader that melts and kneads a resin material and discharges it; a die that receives the resin discharged from the kneader and extrudes it from a die hole; a pelletizer that has a cutting cutter that cuts the resin extruded from the die underwater to produce resin pellets, and discharges the resin pellets downstream together with pellet transport water; a first separation device and a second separation device that are provided in parallel to each other on the downstream side of the pelletizer and are capable of receiving the pellet transport water containing the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer and separating the resin pellets from the pellet transport water; a flexible first hose having one end connected to the pellet transport water inlet of the first separation device and the other end configured to be detachable to the pellet transport water outlet of the pelletizer; a flexible second hose having one end connected to the pellet transport water inlet of the second separation device and the other end configured to be detachable to the pellet transport water outlet of the pelletizer; a detectable portion provided on the pelletizer; a first detection sensor attached to the first hose so as to detect the detected portion when the other end of the first hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer; a second detection sensor attached to the second hose so as to detect the detected portion when the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer; and a controller that executes an identification process to identify whether the other end of the first hose or the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer based on detection results by the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor.

8. A kneader which melts and kneads a resin material and discharges it; a die which receives the resin discharged from the kneader and extrudes it from a die hole; a pelletizer which has a cutting cutter which cuts the resin extruded from the die underwater to produce resin pellets, and discharges the resin pellets downstream together with pellet carrying water; a first separation device and a second separation device which are provided in parallel on the downstream side of the pelletizer and receive the pellet carrying water containing the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer and are capable of separating the resin pellets from the pellet carrying water; a first water guide pipe which is connected to a water inlet for the pellet carrying water in the first separation device and which guides the pellet carrying water to the water inlet; a second water guide pipe which is connected to a water inlet for the pellet carrying water in the second separation device and which guides the pellet carrying water to the water inlet; and a flexible hose having one end which is connected to a discharge outlet for the pellet carrying water in the pelletizer and the other end which is selectively attached to and detached from the first water guide pipe and the second water guide pipe. a first detection sensor attached to the first water conduit so as to detect the detectable part when the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit; a second detection sensor attached to the second water conduit so as to detect the detectable part when the other end of the hose is connected to the second water conduit; and a controller that executes an identification process to identify whether the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit or the second water conduit based on detection results by the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor.

9. A kneader which melts and kneads a resin material and discharges it; a die which receives the resin discharged from the kneader and extrudes it from a die hole; a pelletizer which has a cutting cutter which cuts the resin extruded from the die underwater to produce resin pellets, and discharges the resin pellets downstream together with pellet transport water; a first separation device and a second separation device which are provided in parallel with each other on the downstream side of the pelletizer and are capable of receiving the pellet transport water containing the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer and separating the resin pellets from the pellet transport water; a first water guide pipe which is connected to a pellet transport water inlet of the first separation device and which guides the pellet transport water to the inlet; a second water guide pipe which is connected to a pellet transport water inlet of the second separation device and which guides the pellet transport water to the inlet; and a flexible hose having one end which is connected to a pellet transport water outlet of the pelletizer and the other end which is selectively attached and detached to the first water guide pipe and the second water guide pipe. a first detectable part provided on the first water conduit; a second detectable part provided on the second water conduit; a detection part fixed to the hose and detecting the presence or absence of the first detectable part and the second detectable part or identification information previously assigned to the first detectable part and the second detectable part; and a controller that performs an identification process to identify whether the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit or the second water conduit based on a detection result by the detection part.

10. A resin pellet manufacturing equipment as described in claim 9, wherein the detection unit detects the presence or absence of the first detectable part and the second detectable part, and includes a first detection sensor attached to the hose so as to detect the first detectable part when the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit, and a second detection sensor attached to the hose so as to detect the second detectable part when the other end of the hose is connected to the second water conduit, and the controller is configured to execute the identification process based on the detection results by the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor.

11. Resin pellet manufacturing equipment as described in claim 10, wherein the first detectable part and the second detectable part are fixed to the first water conduit and the second water conduit, respectively, so that the relative height position of the first detectable part with respect to the hose when the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit is different from the relative height position of the second detectable part with respect to the hose when the other end of the hose is connected to the second water conduit, and the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are arranged at positions corresponding to the respective height positions of the first detectable part and the second detectable part.

12. A resin pellet manufacturing equipment as described in claim 10, wherein the first detectable part and the second detectable part are fixed to the first water conduit and the second water conduit, respectively, such that a circumferential position of the first detectable part relative to the hose when the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit such that a specific circumferential position of the hose coincides with a specific circumferential position of the first water conduit, and a circumferential position of the second detectable part relative to the hose when the other end of the hose is connected to the second water conduit such that a specific circumferential position of the hose coincides with a specific circumferential position of the second water conduit, are different from each other, and the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are arranged at positions corresponding to the circumferential positions of the first detectable part and the second detectable part, respectively.

13. A resin pellet manufacturing equipment as described in claim 2, wherein the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are constituted by proximity sensors.

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