A plastic particle feeding mechanism

Abstract

This utility model relates to an extruder and discloses a plastic particle feeding mechanism, including: a frame, a storage hopper, a cylinder shell, a drying cylinder, a motor, a sliding sleeve, a drive unit, and a drying unit. First, the sliding sleeve is in the feeding state, and the valve is open, allowing an appropriate amount of plastic particles to enter the drying cylinder. Next, the drive unit switches the sliding sleeve to the closed state, and the motor drives the drying cylinder to rotate. Under centrifugal force, the plastic particles adhere to the inner wall of the drying cylinder and are evenly spread out. Then, the drying unit allows hot air to pass through the drying cylinder, drying the plastic particles spread out on the inner wall. Finally, drying is complete, the motor stops the rotation of the drying cylinder, the drive unit switches the sliding sleeve to the closed state, and the dried plastic particles leave the drying cylinder. Compared to existing plastic particle feeding mechanisms, the rotation of the drying cylinder allows the plastic particles to be more evenly spread out on the inner wall, improving the drying effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to extruders, and more particularly to a plastic particle feeding mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Plastic particles, used as raw material in extruders, are fed into the extruder via a feeding mechanism. Under the action of the two screws, the particles move forward along the die direction. Heating rods melt the moving particles, and the molten particles pass through the die to form the desired shape. Moist plastic particles entering the extruder can easily form air bubbles during melting, affecting the quality of the finished product. Therefore, current feeding mechanisms generally also include a drying function.

[0003] The current drying method for feeding mechanisms typically involves connecting a separate storage bin below the hopper. Plastic particles are initially stored in this bin, and hot air is passed through it to dry the particles before they enter the extruder. However, this method suffers from several drawbacks: the plastic particles are piled up in the storage bin, resulting in mediocre drying performance and an inability to achieve both a short drying time and a high degree of dryness. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a plastic particle feeding mechanism that can solve the problem that the existing feeding mechanisms have a mediocre drying effect on plastic particles, while taking into account both a shorter drying time and a better degree of drying.

[0005] This application provides a plastic particle feeding mechanism, comprising:

[0006] Equipment rack;

[0007] The storage hopper is fixedly connected to the equipment frame; it has a first outlet with a valve at the bottom.

[0008] The cylindrical shell is fixedly connected to the equipment frame, with two ports facing each other in the horizontal direction; the top is connected to the first outlet, and the bottom has a second outlet aligned with the first outlet;

[0009] The drying cylinder is rotatably connected to the shell around a horizontal axis; a through groove is provided at the positions corresponding to the first outlet and the second outlet.

[0010] The electric motor is used to drive the drying drum to rotate;

[0011] A sliding sleeve is movably connected between the cylinder shell and the drying cylinder; it has a first connecting port and a second connecting port.

[0012] The drive unit is used to drive the sliding sleeve to move, so that the sliding sleeve switches between the following states: the feeding state where the first outlet is connected to the drying cylinder, the discharging state where the second outlet is connected to the drying cylinder, and the closed state where the sliding sleeve blocks all the through slots.

[0013] The drying unit includes: two connecting pipes installed at two ports of the cylinder shell and connected to the two ports of the drying cylinder, two filter elements installed at the two connecting pipes, an air inlet pipe connected to one of the connecting pipes, a fan, and a heating module.

[0014] In some embodiments, the movable connection between the sliding sleeve and the drying cylinder is an axial sliding connection.

[0015] In some embodiments, the drive unit includes: two cylinders, a triangular connecting plate; a sliding sleeve having a first connecting lug extending out of the cylindrical shell; a corner of the triangular connecting plate being hinged to the first connecting lug; the cylinder bodies of the two cylinders being hinged to the cylindrical shell, and the piston rods being respectively hinged to the remaining two corners of the triangular connecting plate.

[0016] In some embodiments, the drying unit further includes: a return air duct; the return air duct connects to the air inlet of another connecting pipe and the air inlet duct.

[0017] In some embodiments, the drying cylinder is narrow at both ends and wide in the middle, with the through groove located in the middle of the drying cylinder.

[0018] In some embodiments, rolling bearings are provided at both ends of the drying cylinder and between the cylinder shell; the outer wall of the drying cylinder has multiple reinforcing ribs that abut against the inner ring of the bearing; and the two connecting pipes have second flanges that abut against the outer ring of the bearing.

[0019] In summary, this application discloses a plastic particle feeding mechanism, comprising: a frame, a storage hopper, a cylinder shell, a drying cylinder, a motor, a sliding sleeve, a drive unit, and a drying unit. First, the sliding sleeve is in the feeding state, and the valve is open, allowing a suitable amount of plastic particles to enter the drying cylinder. Next, the drive unit switches the sliding sleeve to the closed state, and the motor drives the drying cylinder to rotate. Under centrifugal force, the plastic particles adhere to the inner wall of the drying cylinder and are evenly distributed within it. Then, the drying unit allows hot air to pass through the drying cylinder, drying the plastic particles distributed on the inner wall. Finally, drying is complete, the motor stops the rotation of the drying cylinder, the drive unit switches the sliding sleeve to the closed state, and the dried plastic particles leave the drying cylinder. Compared to existing plastic particle feeding mechanisms, the rotation of the drying cylinder allows the plastic particles to be more evenly distributed on the inner wall, improving the drying effect. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To better illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the background art, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application or the background art will be described below.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a front view of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the layout of the storage hopper, shell, and equipment frame;

[0023] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the cylinder shell, sliding sleeve, and drying cylinder;

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 3 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle;

[0025] Figure 5 Schematic diagrams showing the configuration of some embodiments of the sliding sleeve and drying cylinder;

[0026] Figure 6 Schematic diagrams showing the arrangement of other embodiments of the sliding sleeve and drying cylinder;

[0027] Figure 7 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the drive unit that mates with the middle sliding sleeve;

[0028] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of another state of the drive unit.

[0029] In the picture,

[0030] 1. Equipment rack;

[0031] 2. Storage hopper; 2a. First flange; 2b. Feeder; 2c. First outlet; 2d. Valve;

[0032] 3. Shell; 3a. Mounting base; 3b. Second inlet; 3c. Second outlet; 3d. First through-hole; 3e. Second through-hole; 3f. Third flange;

[0033] 4. Drying drum; 4a. Through groove; 4b. Rolling bearing; 4c. Reinforcing rib; 4d. Pulley;

[0034] 5. Electric motor;

[0035] 6. Sliding sleeve; 6a. First connecting port; 6b. Second connecting port; 6c. First connecting lug;

[0036] 7. Drive unit; 71. Cylinder; 72. Triangular connecting piece;

[0037] 8. Drying unit; 81. Connecting pipe; 81a. Second flange; 81b. Retaining ring; 82. Filter element; 83. Air inlet duct; 84. Fan; 85. Heating module; 86. Return air duct. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The following description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and not strictly to scale. Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure should be understood in their ordinary sense by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships, and these relative positional relationships may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described object changes. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments in this application can be combined with each other.

[0039] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 A plastic particle feeding mechanism includes: a frame 1, a storage hopper 2, a cylinder shell 3, a drying cylinder 4, a motor 5, a sliding sleeve 6, a drive unit 7, and a drying unit 8.

[0040] Please see Figure 2 The equipment frame 1 can be composed of angle iron welded together.

[0041] The storage hopper 2 is fixedly connected to the equipment frame 1. More specifically, a first flange 2a can be welded to the outer wall of the discharge hopper, and the first flange 2a is fixedly connected to the equipment frame 1 by fasteners. The bottom of the storage hopper 2 has a first outlet 2c, and the first outlet 2c is equipped with a valve 2d. The opening and closing of the valve 2d controls the first outlet 2c.

[0042] Please see Figure 1 Referring to the existing feeding method of the storage hopper 2, a suction device 2b can be installed on the top of the storage hopper 2 to suck up plastic particles.

[0043] Please see Figure 2 The cylindrical shell 3 is fixedly connected to the equipment frame 1, and the two ports of the cylindrical shell 3 are opposite each other in the horizontal direction, that is, the cylindrical shell 3 is horizontal. More specifically, mounting seats 3a can be welded and fixed to the outer wall of the cylindrical shell 3 near the two ports, and the mounting seats 3a are fixedly connected to the equipment frame 1 by fasteners.

[0044] Please see Figure 3The top of the shell 3 is connected to the first outlet 2c, meaning the shell 3 is located below the discharge hopper. More specifically, the outer wall of the shell 3 has a second inlet 3b, and a first transfer pipe is welded and fixed to the outer wall of the shell 3 along the second inlet 3b. The first transfer pipe is connected to the first outlet 2c via a flange.

[0045] The bottom of the shell 3 has a second outlet 3c, referring to the second inlet 3b. A second transfer pipe is welded and fixed to the outer wall of the shell 3 along the second outlet 3c. The second transfer pipe is used to connect to the extruder through a material conveying pipe. The second outlet 3c is also aligned with the first outlet 2c.

[0046] The drying cylinder 4 is rotatably connected to the shell 3 around a horizontal axis, meaning the drying cylinder 4 is also horizontal. The two ports of the drying cylinder 4 correspond to the two ports of the shell 3. The drying cylinder 4 has a ring of through grooves 4a at the positions corresponding to the first outlet 2c and the second outlet 3c; these through grooves 4a are arranged in a circular array around the axis of the drying cylinder 4. Through the through grooves 4a, plastic particles can enter the drying cylinder 4 from the first outlet 2c and exit the drying cylinder 4 from the second outlet 3c.

[0047] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the drying cylinder 4 is small at both ends and large in the middle, and the through groove 4a is located in the middle of the drying cylinder 4.

[0048] On the one hand, after the drying cylinder 4 stops rotating, the plastic particles are more likely to concentrate in the middle of the drying cylinder 4, making it easier for them to leave the drying cylinder 4 from the second outlet 3c. On the other hand, the smaller ends of the drying cylinder 4 can also leave space for the installation of bearings, and rolling bearings 4b can be installed between the cylinder shell 3 and the drying hole.

[0049] Please see Figure 3 The motor 5 is used to drive the drying cylinder 4 to rotate. More specifically, the motor 5 can be fixedly connected to the equipment frame 1. A belt drive pair is provided between the drying cylinder 4 and the output shaft of the motor 5. The outer wall of the cylinder shell 3 has a first through groove 3d for the belt to pass through.

[0050] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6 The sliding sleeve 6 is movably connected between the shell 3 and the drying cylinder 4. The outer diameter of the sliding sleeve 6 matches the inner diameter of the shell 3, and the inner diameter of the sliding sleeve 6 matches the outer diameter of the drying cylinder 4. In the embodiment where the drying cylinder 4 is smaller at both ends and larger in the middle, the inner diameter of the sliding sleeve 6 matches the outer diameter of the middle part of the drying cylinder 4. More specifically, the inner diameter of the sliding sleeve 6 can be slightly larger to create a gap, so that the drying cylinder 4 will not rub when it rotates.

[0051] The sliding sleeve 6 has a first connecting port 6a and a second connecting port 6b. By moving the sliding sleeve 6, the sliding sleeve 6 can switch between the following states: the first outlet 2c is connected to the feeding state of the drying cylinder 4, the second outlet 3c is connected to the discharging state of the drying cylinder 4, and the sliding sleeve 6 is closed, blocking all the through slots 4a.

[0052] More specifically, in the feeding state, plastic particles enter the drying cylinder 4 through the first outlet 2c, the first connecting port 6a, and the through groove 4a; in the discharging state, plastic particles leave the drying cylinder 4 through the through groove 4a, the second connecting port 6b, and the second outlet 3c. The cylinder wall of the drying cylinder 4 is relatively thin, and in the closed state, the groove formed by the through groove 4a and the sliding sleeve 6 is relatively shallow.

[0053] Please see Figure 6 In some embodiments, the sliding sleeve 6 is rotatably connected between the shell 3 and the drying cylinder 4 about a horizontal axis. Accordingly, the angle between the first connecting port 6a and the second connecting port 6b can be 90 degrees.

[0054] Please see Figure 5 In some embodiments, the sliding sleeve 6 is axially slidingly connected between the cylinder shell 3 and the drying cylinder 4. Accordingly, the first connecting port 6a is located on the first side of the top of the sliding sleeve 6, and the second connecting port 6b is located on the second side of the bottom of the sliding sleeve 6 relative to the first side.

[0055] Compared to using a rotary connection, using a sliding connection makes it simpler to set the sliding sleeve 6 between the cylinder shell 3 and the drying cylinder 4.

[0056] Please see Figure 2 The drive unit 7 is used to drive the sliding sleeve 6 to move, so that the sliding sleeve 6 switches between the above-mentioned feeding state, discharging state and closing state.

[0057] Given that the sliding sleeve 6 is axially slidingly connected to the cylinder shell 3 and the drying cylinder 4, the drive unit 7 can be a cylinder 71. Accordingly, the sliding sleeve 6 has a first connecting lug 6c extending out of the cylinder shell 3, which is used for connection to the cylinder 71. More specifically, the outer wall of the cylinder shell 3 has a second through groove 3e. The sliding sleeve 6 is first inserted into the cylinder shell 3, and then the first connecting lug 6c enters from the second through groove 3e, and the first connecting lug 6c and the sliding sleeve 6 are fixedly connected by screws.

[0058] Please see Figure 7 and Figure 8Setting three stroke limits for a single cylinder 71, corresponding to the feeding, discharging, and closing states respectively, is very inconvenient. In some embodiments, the drive unit 7 includes two cylinders 71 and a triangular connecting piece 72. One corner of the triangular connecting piece 72 is hinged to a first connecting lug 6c. The cylinder bodies of both cylinders 71 are hinged to the cylindrical shell 3. More specifically, a hinge seat is installed at the end of the cylinder body away from the piston rod, and a second connecting lug for hinged engagement is welded to the outer wall of the cylindrical shell 3. The piston rods of the two cylinders 71 are respectively hinged to the remaining two corners of the triangular connecting piece 72.

[0059] Both piston rods of cylinders 71 retract, and the sliding sleeve 6 is in the middle position, corresponding to the closed state. With the piston rod of the first cylinder 71 retracted, the piston rod of the second cylinder 71 extends, and the sliding sleeve 6 moves to the first side limit, corresponding to the discharge state. With the piston rod of the second cylinder 71 retracted, the piston rod of the first cylinder 71 extends, and the sliding sleeve 6 moves to the second side limit, corresponding to the feeding state.

[0060] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 4 The drying unit 8 includes: two connecting pipes 81, two filter elements 82, an air inlet pipe 83, a fan 84, and a heating module 85.

[0061] Two connecting pipes 81 are respectively installed at the two ports of the shell 3. More specifically, a second flange 81a can be welded to the outer wall of the connecting pipe 81, and a third flange 3f is formed by folding the shell 3 port outward. The second flange 81a and the third flange 3f are fixedly connected by fasteners. After the connecting pipe 81 is installed at the port of the shell 3, it connects to the corresponding port of the drying cylinder 4. More specifically, the connecting pipe 81 can be inserted into the port of the drying cylinder 4. A sealing ring can also be installed on the outer wall of the connecting pipe 81 to achieve a rotational seal between the connecting pipe 81 and the port of the drying cylinder 4.

[0062] In some embodiments, in conjunction with "setting rolling bearings 4b between the cylinder shell 3 and the drying hole", the outer wall of the drying cylinder 4 has multiple reinforcing ribs 4c that abut against the inner ring of the bearings, and the second flange 81a of the two connecting pipes 81 abuts against the outer ring of the bearings, thereby limiting the two rolling bearings 4b and the drying cylinder 4 within the cylinder shell 3. In conjunction with the belt drive pair between the motor 5 and the drying cylinder 4, the pulley 4d on the outer wall of the drying cylinder 4 can be fixedly connected to the reinforcing rib 4c on one side, and the inner ring of the rolling bearing 4b on that side is abutted by the pulley 4d.

[0063] Two filter elements 82 are respectively installed on two connecting pipes 81. More specifically, a retaining ring 81b can be welded to the inner wall of the connecting pipe 81. The filter element 82 is inserted into the connecting pipe 81 until it abuts against the retaining ring 81b, and the filter element 82 housing and the retaining ring 81b are fixed together by screws. The filter element 82 filters the hot air to prevent dust from entering the drying cylinder 4, and also blocks plastic particles.

[0064] The air inlet duct 83 is connected to one section of the connecting pipe 81. The fan 84 draws outside air into the air inlet duct 83, and the air is heated by the heating module 85. The hot air enters the drying cylinder 4 along the air inlet duct 83 and exits the drying cylinder 4 through the other section of the connecting pipe 81. The heating module 85 can use PTC ceramic heating or electromagnetic induction heating.

[0065] First, with the sliding sleeve 6 in the feeding state and valve 2d open, a suitable amount of plastic particles enters the drying cylinder 4. Next, the drive unit 7 switches the sliding sleeve 6 to the closed state, and the motor 5 drives the drying cylinder 4 to rotate. Under centrifugal force, the plastic particles adhere to the inner wall of the drying cylinder 4 and are evenly spread out. Then, the drying unit 8 passes hot air through the drying cylinder 4 to dry the plastic particles spread out on the inner wall. Finally, drying is complete, the motor 5 stops the rotation of the drying cylinder 4, the drive unit 7 switches the sliding sleeve 6 to the closed state, and the dried plastic particles leave the drying cylinder 4.

[0066] Please see Figure 1 In some embodiments, the drying unit 8 further includes a return air duct 86. The return air duct 86 connects to the air inlet of another connecting pipe 81 and the air outlet duct.

[0067] The hot air leaving the drying cylinder 4 returns to the air inlet position of the air inlet duct 83, mixes with the air, and is drawn in by the fan 84, and is heated again by the heating module 85, thus recycling the system.

Claims

1. A plastic particle feeding mechanism, characterized in that, include: Equipment rack (1); Storage hopper (2) is fixedly connected to equipment frame (1); The bottom has a first outlet (2c) with a valve (2d); The cylindrical shell (3) is fixedly connected to the equipment frame (1), with two ports facing each other in the horizontal direction; the top is connected to the first outlet (2c), and the bottom has a second outlet (3c) aligned with the first outlet (2c); The drying cylinder (4) is rotatably connected to the cylinder shell (3) around a horizontal axis; a through groove (4a) is provided at the position corresponding to the first outlet (2c) and the second outlet (3c); Motor (5) is used to drive the drying drum (4) to rotate; The sliding sleeve (6) is movably connected between the cylindrical shell (3) and the drying cylinder (4); it has a first connecting port (6a) and a second connecting port (6b); The drive unit (7) is used to drive the sliding sleeve (6) to move, so that the sliding sleeve (6) switches between the following states: the feeding state in which the first outlet (2c) is connected to the drying cylinder (4), the discharging state in which the second outlet (3c) is connected to the drying cylinder (4), and the closed state in which the sliding sleeve (6) blocks all the through slots (4a). The drying unit (8) includes: two connecting pipes (81) installed at two ports of the shell (3) and connected to two ports of the drying cylinder (4), two filter elements (82) installed at the two connecting pipes (81), an air inlet pipe (83) connected to one of the connecting pipes (81), a fan (84), and a heating module (85).

2. The plastic particle feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding sleeve (6) is axially slidingly connected between the cylinder shell (3) and the drying cylinder (4).

3. The plastic particle feeding mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive unit (7) includes: two cylinders (71) and a triangular connecting piece (72); the sliding sleeve (6) has a first connecting lug (6c) that extends out of the cylindrical shell (3); one corner of the triangular connecting piece (72) is hinged to the first connecting lug (6c); the cylinder bodies of the two cylinders (71) are both hinged to the cylindrical shell (3), and the piston rods are respectively hinged to the remaining two corners of the triangular connecting piece (72).

4. The plastic particle feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drying unit (8) also includes: a return air duct (86); the return air duct (86) connects to the air inlet of another connecting pipe (81) and the air inlet duct (83).

5. A plastic particle feeding mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drying cylinder (4) is small at both ends and large in the middle, and the through groove (4a) is located in the middle of the drying cylinder (4).

6. A plastic particle feeding mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, Rolling bearings (4b) are provided at both ends of the drying cylinder (4) and between the cylinder shell (3); the outer wall of the drying cylinder (4) has multiple reinforcing ribs (4c) that abut against the inner ring of the bearing; the two connecting pipes (81) have a second flange (81a) that abuts against the outer ring of the bearing.

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