Plastic blending equipment and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a control method of plastic blending equipment, which comprises the following steps of: configuring a material level detection device in a material bin of the plastic blending equipment, acquiring a rotation angle of the material level detection device, and obtaining a first angle interval corresponding to a full bin signal output by a material level sensor triggered when plastic particles in the material bin reach a set bin position; the method is characterized in that when the plastic blending equipment is restarted after material shortage alarm and processing are completed, the following control is executed in sequence: step S1, a stock bin is controlled to execute a feeding action; s2, after feeding is completed, the stock bin is controlled to execute the discharging action; in the blanking action process, monitoring signal output of the material level sensor: (i) if the material level detection device rotates in a first angle interval and triggers the material level sensor to output a full-bin signal, controlling the plastic blending equipment to execute blending operation; (ii) if the material level sensor is not triggered in the blanking action process, controlling the plastic blending equipment to execute waste discharge operation; and the operation reliability of the plastic blending equipment is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of plastic blending technology, and more specifically to a control method for plastic blending equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Plastic blending equipment is a core component in industrial production processes such as plastic particle mixing and coloring. The hopper of this equipment receives the plastic particles from the conveyor and transports them to the mixing chamber for further mixing. The precise metering of plastic particles within the hopper directly impacts subsequent blending steps and is crucial for production continuity. For example, when coloring plastics, the plastic particles and color powder must be precisely mixed to achieve the target color.

[0003] In existing technologies, photoelectric switches are often used for level detection in plastic pellet silos. However, these switches are susceptible to changes in material accumulation patterns or dust interference, often resulting in misjudgments and potentially triggering a stop signal prematurely, leading to insufficient plastic masterbatch quantity to meet demand. To address this issue, a detection device is installed inside the silo. By monitoring changes in the rotation angle of this device, the device determines whether the silo is full.

[0004] However, when existing plastic blending equipment restarts after a material shortage alarm, if some plastic particles remain in the hopper, these residual plastic particles may support the material level detection device, preventing the plastic particles in the subsequent feeding process from pushing the detection device and thus failing to trigger the material level sensor to output a full hopper signal. At this time, the plastic particles in the hopper are in a full hopper state, but the full hopper signal cannot be triggered, causing the equipment to be unable to perform blending operations normally.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to propose a new technical solution to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention provides a control method for plastic blending equipment, which effectively solves the problem in the prior art where residual material supports the material level detection device, causing the full-load signal to fail to trigger.

[0007] This invention provides a control method for a plastic blending equipment. A material level detection device is installed in the hopper of the plastic blending equipment. The rotation angle of the material level detection device is collected to obtain a first angle range corresponding to when the plastic particles in the hopper reach a set hopper level, triggering the material level sensor to output a full-hopper signal. When the plastic blending equipment restarts after completing a material shortage alarm and processing, the following controls are executed sequentially: Step S1. First, control the hopper to perform a feeding action; Step S2. After feeding is completed, control the hopper to perform the material dropping action; During the material feeding process, the signal output of the material level sensor is monitored: (i) If the material level detection device rotates within the first angle range and triggers the material level sensor to output a full warehouse signal, then the plastic mixing equipment is controlled to perform a mixing operation; (ii) If the material level sensor is not triggered during the material feeding process, the plastic dispensing equipment is controlled to perform a waste discharge operation.

[0008] Several alternative methods are provided below, but they are not intended as additional limitations on the overall solution above. They are merely further additions or optimizations. Provided there are no technical or logical contradictions, each alternative method can be combined individually with respect to the overall solution above, or multiple alternative methods can be combined with each other.

[0009] Optionally, in step S2, after the material level sensor is not triggered and a waste discharge operation is performed during the material feeding process, the plastic mixing equipment performs a feeding operation. During the material feeding process, the signal output of the material level sensor is monitored: (iii) If the material level detection device rotates within the first angle range and triggers the material level sensor to output a full warehouse signal, then the plastic mixing equipment is controlled to perform a mixing operation; (iv) If the material level sensor is not triggered during the feeding action, the plastic dispensing equipment is controlled to alarm for material shortage or to perform the feeding action again.

[0010] Optionally, after the feeding action is performed again in (iv), the plastic mixing equipment performs step S2.

[0011] Optionally, after the feeding action is performed again in (iv), if the material level sensor is not triggered during the material dropping action, the plastic dispensing equipment is controlled to perform a waste discharge operation and a material shortage alarm.

[0012] Optionally, the detection device has an angular reference value. When the material level detection device deflects relative to the angular reference value and the deflection angle is not less than 3 degrees, the material level detection device enters the first angular range.

[0013] Optionally, the material level detection device includes a detection plate configured to rotate about a set axis; The plastic particles in the hopper can trigger the rotation of the detection plate.

[0014] Optionally, the angle between the detection plate and the vertical axis is 30 to 60 degrees, and the plastic particles in the hopper are located above the detection plate to drive the detection plate to rotate.

[0015] Optionally, a mixing chamber is provided below the plastic mixing equipment; The allocation operation includes: Control the plastic particles in the hopper to enter the mixing chamber; The mixing chamber is controlled to perform a mixing action on the plastic particles.

[0016] Optionally, the allocation operation further includes: The plastic mixing equipment is controlled to add color powder to the mixing chamber.

[0017] Optionally, the hopper has an inlet valve at the top and an outlet valve at the bottom; In step S1, the feed valve is opened and the discharge valve is closed; In step S2, the feed valve is closed and the discharge valve is opened.

[0018] This invention discloses a control method for a plastic blending equipment. By performing feeding and discharging operations in stages and combining dynamic angle range monitoring of the material level detection device, the method effectively solves the problem in the prior art where residual material supports the material level detection device, causing the full-bin signal to fail to trigger. This ensures that the plastic blending equipment can accurately identify the full-bin status and perform blending operations after restarting from a material shortage, or eliminate abnormal states through waste discharge operations, thereby improving the reliability of the plastic blending equipment operation. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0020] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a control method for a plastic blending device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a plastic mixing equipment; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a plastic mixing equipment; Figure 4 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the intermediate silo; Figure 5 for Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the intermediate silo.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 10. Plastic blending equipment; 20. Silo; 30. Material level detection device; 31. Rotary shaft; 32. Detection plate; 40. Mixing bin; 41. Mixing paddle; 50. Color powder conveying mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this patent document shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this patent specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms "an," "a," or "the" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising" or "including" indicate that the element or object preceding "comprising" encompasses the element or object listed following "comprising" or its equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. Terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly. These terms are only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention.

[0025] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 2As shown, this application provides a control method for a plastic mixing equipment 10. A material level detection device 30 is installed in the hopper 20 of the plastic mixing equipment 10. The rotation angle of the material level detection device 30 is collected to obtain the first angle range corresponding to when the plastic particles in the hopper 20 reach a set hopper level, triggering the material level sensor to output a full-hopper signal. When the plastic mixing equipment 10 restarts after completing a material shortage alarm and processing, the following controls are executed sequentially: Step S1. First, control the hopper 20 to perform the feeding action; Step S2. After feeding is completed, control the hopper 20 to perform the material dropping action; During the material feeding process, monitor the signal output of the material level sensor: (i) If the material level detection device 30 rotates within the first angle range and triggers the material level sensor to output a full warehouse signal, then the plastic mixing equipment 10 is controlled to perform a mixing operation. (ii) If the material level sensor is not triggered during the material feeding process, the plastic dispensing equipment 10 is controlled to perform a waste discharge operation.

[0027] After the plastic mixing equipment 10 triggers a material shortage alarm, the operator adds material to the feeder and then restarts the plastic mixing equipment 10 to enter the restart process. After the plastic mixing equipment 10 starts, the hopper 20 first performs the feeding action, which continues for a preset time (e.g., 3 seconds) and then stops; then the hopper 20 begins to discharge material into the discharge stage; if the material level detection device 30 triggers the material level sensor to output a full hopper signal during the discharge process, the plastic mixing equipment 10 performs the mixing operation; if the material level sensor is not triggered, it is determined that the hopper 20 has not reached the full hopper state, and the plastic mixing equipment 10 starts the waste discharge program to remove plastic particles from the hopper 20 to ensure the accuracy of subsequent operations.

[0028] The plastic blending equipment 10 effectively solves the problem in the prior art where residual material supports the material level detection device 30, causing the full-bin signal to fail to be triggered. This is achieved by performing feeding and unloading operations in stages and by combining the dynamic angle range monitoring of the material level detection device 30. This ensures that the plastic blending equipment 10 can accurately identify the full-bin status and perform blending operations after restarting from a material shortage, or eliminate abnormal states through waste discharge operations, thereby improving the reliability of the plastic blending equipment 10.

[0029] In this embodiment, in step S2, after the material level sensor is not triggered and a waste discharge operation is performed during the material feeding process, the plastic mixing equipment 10 performs a feeding operation. At this time, the plastic granules in the hopper 20 may be in two states: full hopper or not full hopper. Therefore, during the material feeding process, the signal output of the material level sensor is monitored. (iii) If the material level detection device 30 rotates within the first angle range and triggers the material level sensor to output a full warehouse signal, then the plastic mixing equipment 10 is controlled to perform a mixing operation. (iv) If the material level sensor is not triggered during the feeding process, the plastic dispensing equipment 10 will be controlled to trigger a material shortage alarm or the feeding action will be executed again.

[0030] In this embodiment, in (iv), if a material shortage alarm is triggered, the operator needs to add material to the feeder, and then restart the plastic mixing equipment 10 to enter the restart process. When restarting, steps 1 and 2 are executed sequentially.

[0031] In this embodiment, after the waste discharge operation in step S2, some plastic particles may enter the hopper 20 after the plastic mixing equipment 10 performs the feeding action. If the feeding action is performed again in (iv), the residual material will support the material level detection device 30, causing the full hopper signal to fail to trigger. Therefore, if the feeding action is performed again in (iv), the plastic mixing equipment 10 performs step S2 to re-determine whether the hopper 20 is full of plastic particles. Then, if the material level sensor is not triggered during the material feeding process after the feeding action is performed again in (iv), the plastic mixing equipment 10 is controlled to perform the waste discharge operation and the material shortage alarm.

[0032] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the actual trigger point of the full hopper signal of the hopper 20 may be at or below the theoretical full hopper state; as long as the amount of plastic particles accumulated in the hopper 20 reaches or is just before reaching the full hopper state, the material level detection device 30 can trigger the full hopper signal by changing the rotation angle of the detection plate 32.

[0033] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the top of the hopper 20 has a feed valve and the bottom has a discharge valve; in step S1, the feed valve is opened and the discharge valve is closed to control the hopper 20 to perform a feeding action; in step S2, the feed valve is closed and the discharge valve is opened to control the hopper 20 to perform a dropping action.

[0034] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the detection device has an angular reference value. When the material level detection device 30 deflects relative to the angular reference value and the deflection angle is not less than 3 degrees, the material level detection device 30 enters the first angular range. The angular reference value is the natural static position of the detection device when no external force is applied. When the feeding action is performed, the falling plastic particles hit the material level detection device 30 and cause it to swing. At this time, the detection device deflects relative to the angular reference value. If the critical value between the angular reference value and the first angular range is set too small, it is easy to cause false triggering due to slight vibration or material impact, leading to the system incorrectly determining the full state. Preferably, the material level detection device 30 deflects relative to the angular reference value and the deflection angle is not less than 5 degrees.

[0035] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the material level detection device 30 includes a detection plate 32 configured to rotate about a predetermined axis; wherein, plastic particles in the hopper 20 can trigger the rotation of the detection plate 32. The angle between the detection plate 32 and the vertical axis is 30 degrees to 60 degrees, and the plastic particles in the hopper 20 are positioned above the detection plate 32 to drive its rotation. When the accumulation of plastic particles in the hopper 20 reaches its full capacity, the plastic particles positioned above the detection plate 32 will push the detection plate 32 to rotate around its axis.

[0036] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the set axis of the detection plate 32 is located on one side of the feed inlet at the top of the hopper 20, so that the plastic particles entering the hopper 20 fall onto one side of the detection plate 32, so that when the amount on one side of the detection plate 32 reaches a certain value, it will push the detection plate 32 to deflect to the first angle range.

[0037] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the material level detection device 30 also includes a rotating shaft 31, with one side of the detection plate 32 fixed on the rotating shaft 31; both ends of the rotating shaft 31 are rotatably mounted on the inner wall of the hopper 20; a material level sensor is used to detect the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 31. The material level sensor can be an angle sensor or a micro switch.

[0038] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 2 As shown, a mixing chamber 40 is disposed below the plastic mixing equipment 10; the structure of the mixing chamber 40 can adopt existing technology, as long as the mixing chamber 40 can mix the plastic particles. For example, a mixing paddle is provided inside the mixing chamber 40.

[0039] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the mixing operation includes: controlling the plastic particles in the hopper 20 to enter the mixing chamber 40; controlling the mixing chamber 40 to perform a mixing action on the plastic particles. The discharge valve is opened to allow the plastic particles in the hopper 20 to enter the mixing chamber 40, and then the mixing paddle 41 in the mixing chamber 40 is controlled to mix the plastic particles.

[0040] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the mixing operation also includes: controlling the plastic mixing equipment 10 to add color powder to the mixing chamber 40. The color powder is conveyed into the mixing chamber 40 through the color powder conveying mechanism 50; the mixing chamber 40 mixes the plastic particles and the color powder so that the color powder colors the plastic particles.

[0041] In this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 2 As shown, when the plastic mixing equipment 10 performs the waste discharge operation, the mixing chamber 40 will not perform a mixing action, and the plastic particles will be directly discharged from the plastic mixing equipment 10 after passing through the mixing chamber 40.

[0042] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A control method for a plastic blending equipment, wherein a material level detection device is configured in the hopper of the plastic blending equipment, and the rotation angle of the material level detection device is collected to obtain a first angle range corresponding to when the plastic particles in the hopper reach a set hopper level, triggering the material level sensor to output a full hopper signal; characterized in that... When the plastic mixing equipment restarts after triggering a material shortage alarm and completing the processing, the following controls are executed sequentially: Step S1. First, control the hopper to perform a feeding action; Step S2. After feeding is completed, control the hopper to perform the material dropping action; During the material feeding process, the signal output of the material level sensor is monitored: (i) If the material level detection device rotates within the first angle range and triggers the material level sensor to output a full warehouse signal, then the plastic mixing equipment is controlled to perform a mixing operation; (ii) If the material level sensor is not triggered during the material feeding process, the plastic dispensing equipment is controlled to perform a waste discharge operation.

2. The control method for a plastic mixing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S2, when the material level sensor is not triggered and a waste discharge operation is performed during the material feeding process, the plastic mixing equipment performs a feeding operation. During the material feeding process, the signal output of the material level sensor is monitored: (iii) If the material level detection device rotates within the first angle range and triggers the material level sensor to output a full warehouse signal, then the plastic mixing equipment is controlled to perform a mixing operation; (iv) If the material level sensor is not triggered during the feeding action, the plastic dispensing equipment is controlled to alarm for material shortage or to perform the feeding action again.

3. The control method for a plastic blending equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, After the feeding action is performed again in (iv), the plastic mixing equipment performs step S2.

4. The control method for a plastic mixing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, If the material level sensor is not triggered during the material dropping process after the feeding action is performed again in (iv), the plastic dispensing equipment is controlled to perform waste discharge operation and material shortage alarm.

5. The control method for a plastic mixing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection device has an angular reference value. When the material level detection device deflects relative to the angular reference value and the deflection angle is not less than 3 degrees, the material level detection device enters the first angular range.

6. A control method for a plastic blending equipment according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, The material level detection device includes a detection plate, which is configured to rotate about a set axis. The plastic particles in the hopper can trigger the rotation of the detection plate.

7. The control method for a plastic mixing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The angle between the detection plate and the vertical axis is 30 to 60 degrees, and the plastic particles in the hopper are located above the detection plate so as to drive the detection plate to rotate.

8. The control method for a plastic blending equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plastic mixing equipment is equipped with a mixing chamber at the bottom; The allocation operation includes: Control the plastic particles in the hopper to enter the mixing chamber; The mixing chamber is controlled to perform a mixing action on the plastic particles.

9. The control method for a plastic mixing equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The allocation operation also includes: The plastic mixing equipment is controlled to add color powder to the mixing chamber.

10. The control method for a plastic blending equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hopper has an inlet valve at the top and an outlet valve at the bottom; In step S1, the feed valve is opened and the discharge valve is closed; In step S2, the feed valve is closed and the discharge valve is opened.

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