Particle manufacturing apparatus

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of small, easy to use, can use a variety of resin materials to carry out including experiment, trial production etc. Small-batch production of particle manufacturing device. The particle manufacturing device 1 of the utility model includes: extrusion mechanism, by making resin material M melt and form strand S by resin material M from the extrusion outlet 22 along the heavy direction DG extruding out;First forced cooling mechanism 40 and second forced cooling mechanism 50, which utilize airflow to forcibly cool the strand S moving along the gravity direction DG from both sides;Feeding mechanism 60, which feeds strand S;Cutting mechanism 70, which cuts strand S;And housing 80. Particle manufacturing device 1 is configured to strand S to move from extrusion outlet 22 to feeding mechanism 60 in a non-contact manner, and can be cooled by forced cooling area C1 and natural cooling area C2a, C2b, according to the characteristics of resin material M, solidified strand S is appropriately cooled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a pellet manufacturing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, granulation equipment for resin materials is widely known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1-3). Granulation equipment involves melting and mixing resin materials to produce granules, and is therefore used for purposes such as adjusting the composition of resin materials by adding various additives (e.g., colorants), and for granulating waste resin products for easy recycling.

[0003] Figure 9 This is a diagram used to illustrate an existing pellet manufacturing apparatus 900.

[0004] Figure 10 This is a diagram used to illustrate an existing particle manufacturing apparatus 901.

[0005] As a pellet manufacturing apparatus, it generally includes an extrusion mechanism for melting and pressing out resin material, a cutting mechanism for cutting the pressed resin material, and a cooling mechanism for cooling the pressed resin material or pellets before or after cutting.

[0006] For example, the existing pellet manufacturing apparatus 900 (see Patent Document 1) is a so-called strand-type pellet manufacturing apparatus, which includes: an extrusion mechanism 910 for pressing out resin material as rod-shaped strands S; a cooling water tank 920 as a cooling mechanism; a cutting mechanism 930; and a feeding mechanism 940 (roller, etc.) for feeding the strands S (see...). Figure 9 Furthermore, although the illustrations are omitted, known pellet manufacturing apparatuses using the strand method also include those with a blower and a water sprayer as cooling mechanisms, feeding and cooling the strands using a feeding mechanism (such as a belt feeder), or structures with a blower as a cooling mechanism that allow the strands to move on the surface of a mechanism (such as a metal mesh) that restricts the strands' oscillation (see reference). Figure 10 ).

[0007] Furthermore, the conventional granulation apparatus 901 (refer to Patent Document 4) includes: an extrusion mechanism 910a, a cutting mechanism 930a disposed near the rear section of the extrusion mechanism 910a, and a water-mixed air blowing nozzle 922 and an air supply device 924 as a cooling mechanism. It is a so-called hot-cutting granulation apparatus that produces granules P before curing the extruded resin material (refer to Patent Document 4). Figure 10 ).

[0008] Based on the conventional granulation equipment 900 and 901, resin materials can be granulated.

[0009] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-218716

[0011] [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-155639

[0012] [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-88196

[0013] [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-315930

[0014] However, in the past, large-scale pellet manufacturing equipment (the size of the entire set of equipment is several meters to more than 10 meters) accounted for the majority, and small pellet manufacturing equipment was almost non-existent, especially tabletop pellet manufacturing equipment that could be set up in a space of about 1 meter square and was easy to transport and move.

[0015] The reasons can be cited as follows: large-scale pellet manufacturing equipment tends to have higher manufacturing efficiency (processing speed per unit time), and the structure of previous pellet manufacturing equipment is not suitable for miniaturization.

[0016] For example, in existing pellet manufacturing apparatuses like the thread-type pellet manufacturing apparatus 900, a large-scale feeding mechanism (roller, belt feeder, etc.) is required to feed the thread through a cooling mechanism such as a cooling water tank 920 to the cutting mechanism 930. In addition, the lack of integration of various components accelerates the overall enlargement of the apparatus.

[0017] Furthermore, in conventional pelletizing apparatuses like the 901, which use a hot-cutting method, the cutting blades in the cutting mechanism need to rotate at high speed to cut the semi-molten resin without stringing. The gap between the blades and the extrusion outlet (extrusion die) needs to be precisely managed in units of several μm. Because achieving this precision requires machine rigidity, it is difficult to miniaturize hot-cutting pelletizing equipment.

[0018] Furthermore, in hot-cut pelletizing apparatuses, the freshly cut resin is in a semi-molten state, easily adhering to the wall surface or other resins, requiring immediate cooling. Therefore, hot-cut pelletizing apparatuses require shorter cooling times compared to wire-cut methods, resulting in more complex and larger cooling mechanisms. From this perspective, miniaturization of hot-cut pelletizing apparatuses is also difficult.

[0019] With technological advancements, the market demand for resin injection molding devices that can be owned and used at the individual level, as well as granulation equipment that allows for individual resin material adjustment, is increasing. However, large-scale granulation equipment like those described above, due to their relatively large minimum batch size, are suitable for mass production but not for small-batch production or resin material condition research (experiments, pilot production, etc.). This is because in wire-type granulation equipment, the distance between the extrusion and cutting mechanisms is long, and in hot-cutting granulation equipment, a certain extrusion speed is required due to the rotational speed of the cutting tools.

[0020] Therefore, in the field of resin technology, there is a need for a compact, easy-to-use particle manufacturing device that can be used for small-batch production, including experiments and pilot production, using a wide variety of resin materials.

[0021] This invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a compact and easy-to-use granule manufacturing apparatus that can be used with a variety of resin materials for small-batch production, including experiments and trial production. Utility Model Content

[0022] [1] The granule manufacturing apparatus of this utility model includes: an extrusion mechanism, which melts a resin material and extrudes the resin material from an outlet along the direction of gravity to form a continuous rod-shaped strand; a first forced cooling mechanism, which uses airflow to forcibly cool the strand moving along the direction of gravity; a second forced cooling mechanism, which is configured on the opposite side of the first forced cooling mechanism with reference to the path of the strand's movement, and together with the first forced cooling mechanism, uses airflow to forcibly cool the strand; a feeding mechanism, which feeds the strand; a cutting mechanism, which cuts the strand fed from the feeding mechanism; and a housing, which is configured to... The apparatus includes the extrusion mechanism, the first forced cooling mechanism, the second forced cooling mechanism, the feeding mechanism, and the cutting mechanism, characterized in that: the granulation apparatus cools and solidifies the granules by means of: a forced cooling zone configured such that the strand moves non-contactly from the outlet of the extrusion mechanism to the feeding mechanism, and the airflow from the first forced cooling mechanism and the second forced cooling mechanism directly contacts the strand; and a natural cooling zone configured such that the airflow from the first forced cooling mechanism and the second forced cooling mechanism does not directly contact the strand.

[0023] [2] In one embodiment of the granule manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, the extrusion mechanism comprises: a screw for mixing and extruding the resin material; a screw motor for rotating the screw; and a drive force transmission gear mechanism for transmitting the drive force of the screw motor to the screw.

[0024] [3] In one embodiment of the granule manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, it is preferred to further include: an input mechanism that inputs the resin material into the extrusion mechanism, the input mechanism having: a hopper for introducing the resin material into the extrusion mechanism; and a hopper motor for rotating the hopper.

[0025] [4] In one embodiment of the granule manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, the extrusion mechanism preferably has: a first temperature regulating mechanism for regulating the temperature of the side on which the resin material is fed; and a second temperature regulating mechanism for regulating the temperature of the side on which the resin material is melted.

[0026] [5] In one embodiment of the pellet manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, the feeding mechanism includes: a first feeding roller; a second feeding roller for clamping the strand between itself and the first feeding roller; and a feeding roller motor for rotating at least one of the first feeding roller and the second feeding roller, wherein at least one of the first feeding roller and the second feeding roller is movable.

[0027] [6] In one embodiment of the pellet manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, as the natural cooling region, there is a first natural cooling region that is closer to the pressure outlet side than the first forced cooling mechanism and the second forced cooling mechanism; and a second natural cooling region that is closer to the feeding mechanism side than the first forced cooling mechanism and the second forced cooling mechanism.

[0028] [7] In a particle manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the relationship “L1≤L2” holds when the length of the forced cooling region on the moving path of the strand is L1 and the length of the natural cooling region on the moving path of the strand is L2.

[0029] [8] In one embodiment of the particle manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, it is preferred that the first forced cooling mechanism and the second forced cooling mechanism are capable of changing at least one of the direction of the airflow and the ejection position of the airflow.

[0030] [9] In one embodiment of the granule manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, the extrusion mechanism further comprises: a hollow member having an internal space for melting and mixing the resin material; and a nozzle disposed at the front end of the hollow member, and having the extrusion outlet formed at the end opposite to the side of the hollow member, the portions of the first forced cooling mechanism and the second forced cooling mechanism that actually generate the airflow being disposed outside the housing, the hollow member side of the nozzle being disposed inside the housing, and the extrusion outlet side being exposed outside the housing.

[0031]

[10] In one embodiment of the pellet manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, it is preferred to further include: a control mechanism that controls at least two of the following mechanisms: the extrusion mechanism, the first forced cooling mechanism, the second forced cooling mechanism, the feeding mechanism, and the cutting mechanism.

[0032] [Utility Model Effect]

[0033] The pellet manufacturing apparatus of this invention includes: an extrusion mechanism that melts resin material and extrudes it from an outlet along the direction of gravity to form a continuous rod-shaped strand; a first forced cooling mechanism that uses airflow to forcibly cool the strand moving along the direction of gravity; a second forced cooling mechanism disposed on the opposite side of the first forced cooling mechanism based on the path of the strand's movement, and together with the first forced cooling mechanism, forcibly cooling the strand with airflow; a feeding mechanism that feeds the strand; a cutting mechanism that cuts the strand fed from the feeding mechanism; and a housing that houses the extrusion mechanism, the first forced cooling mechanism, the second forced cooling mechanism, the feeding mechanism, and the cutting mechanism. Furthermore, the pellet manufacturing apparatus of this invention cools and solidifies the strand by: a forced cooling zone configured such that the strand moves non-contactly from the outlet of the extrusion mechanism to the feeding mechanism, and airflow from the first and second forced cooling mechanisms directly contacts the strand; and a natural cooling zone configured such that airflow from the first and second forced cooling mechanisms does not directly contact the strand.

[0034] Therefore, the pellet manufacturing apparatus according to this invention, since the strands are moved by gravity and a feeding mechanism, and the strands moving in a non-contact manner can be cooled rapidly and stably in both the forced cooling zone and the natural cooling zone, can significantly make the structure of the strand moving mechanism and the cooling mechanism more compact.

[0035] Furthermore, in conventional pellet manufacturing apparatuses (especially those described in Patent Documents 2 and 3), where cooling is performed while the strands are in contact with a feeding mechanism (such as a belt feeder) or a metal mesh, there is a problem of cooling deviation between the contact and non-contact sides of the feeding mechanism, metal mesh, and strands, leading to a decrease in strand quality. In contrast, the pellet manufacturing apparatus according to this invention cools the strands moving in a non-contact state, thereby achieving uniform cooling and improved strand quality, ultimately resulting in improved pellet quality.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the pellet manufacturing apparatus of this invention, since airflow is generated from both sides of the strand by the first and second forced cooling mechanisms, the movement path of the strand can be stabilized even in the absence of feeding guides or the like.

[0037] Furthermore, the particle manufacturing apparatus according to this invention facilitates the installation, movement, and use of the apparatus because all components are mounted on a single housing.

[0038] Furthermore, the pelletizing apparatus of this invention is a wire-based pelletizing device. Since the cooled and solidified wire is cut and pelletized, the gaps and main body rigidity required by hot-cut pelletizing apparatuses are not necessary. Additionally, the pelletizing apparatus of this invention has a structure that cools and solidifies the wire in both a forced cooling zone and a natural cooling zone, thus simplifying and miniaturizing the cooling mechanism. Therefore, compared to hot-cut pelletizing apparatuses, the pelletizing apparatus of this invention is a miniaturized pelletizing apparatus.

[0039] Therefore, the particle manufacturing apparatus of this invention is compact and easy to use, and can be used to manufacture small batches of particles using a variety of resin materials, including experimental and trial production. [Attached Image Description]

[0040] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the particle manufacturing apparatus 1 used to explain the implementation method.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the particle manufacturing apparatus 1 used to explain the implementation method.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the particle manufacturing apparatus 1 used to explain the implementation method.

[0043] Figure 4 This is a front view showing the situation where particles P are produced by the particle manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment.

[0044] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the particle manufacturing apparatus 1 of the embodiment manufacturing particles P.

[0045] Figure 6 This is a front view illustrating that in the particle manufacturing apparatus 1 of the embodiment, the first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50 can change the direction of the airflow and the position of the airflow extrusion.

[0046] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the particle manufacturing method according to the implementation method.

[0047] Figure 8 The photograph shows an actual machine corresponding to the particle manufacturing apparatus 1 of the embodiment and the particles manufactured in that actual machine.

[0048] Figure 9 This is a diagram used to illustrate a conventional pellet manufacturing apparatus 900.

[0049] Figure 10 This is a diagram used to illustrate a conventional pellet manufacturing apparatus 901. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The particle manufacturing apparatus and particle manufacturing method of the present invention will be described below based on the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below do not limit the scope of the claims. Furthermore, not all elements and combinations described in the embodiments are essential to the solutions of the present invention.

[0051] [Implementation Method]

[0052] 1. Pelletizing apparatus 1

[0053] Figures 1-3 This is a diagram used to illustrate the particle manufacturing apparatus 1 of the embodiment.

[0054] Figure 1 It could also be an external view of the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1, wherein, Figure 1 (a) is a 3D diagram. Figure 1 (b) is the front view. Figure 1 (c) is the left-side view.

[0055] Figure 2 It could also be a diagram showing the interior of the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1. Figure 2 In the middle, part of the casing 80 is not displayed ( Figure 1 The top plate portion 82 and the side plate portion 84a). Figure 2 (a) is a 3D diagram. Figure 2 (b) is the left-side view.

[0056] Figure 3 It can also be a top view and a cross-sectional view of the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1. Figure 3 (a) is a top view. Figure 3 (b) is Figure 3 (a) Sectional view A1-A1, Figure 3 (c) pertains to the cutting mechanism 70. Figure 3 (a) Enlarged sectional view of A2-A2.

[0057] Figure 3 In (b), details regarding the internal structure of the motor and other structures that are not essential elements of the utility model are omitted and simply represented.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a front view showing the case where particles P are manufactured by the particle manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment. Additionally, Figure 4The illustration of door 88 is omitted because if the illustration were shown with door 88 closed, important components would be obscured, and it does not indicate that door 88 was removed to manufacture particle P. Figure 5 The same applies to China. Figure 4 The thick arrows near the first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50 simply indicate the direction of the airflow and the ejection position.

[0059] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the case where particles P are manufactured by the particle manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment. Figure 5 Is with Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the same section in case b.

[0060] Figure 6 This is a front view illustrating that, in the particle manufacturing apparatus 1 of the embodiment, the first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50 can change the direction of the airflow and the position of the airflow extrusion. Figure 6 (a) indicates Figure 1 (b) Figure 4 A front view showing the state when the first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50 are in the same condition. Figure 6 (b) indicates that... Figure 6 (a) is a front view comparing the case where the airflow direction of the first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50 is changed to an acute angle. Furthermore, to avoid complicating the figures, in Figure 6 The symbols other than the depressurization outlet 22, the first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50 in the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1, and the illustration of the door 88 are omitted. Figure 6 The thick arrows near the first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50 simply indicate the direction and ejection position of the airflow.

[0061] The pellet manufacturing apparatus 1 of the embodiment includes: an input mechanism 10, an output mechanism 20, a first forced cooling mechanism 40, a second forced cooling mechanism 50, a feeding mechanism 60, a cutting mechanism 70, a housing 80, and a control mechanism 90 (see reference). Figures 1-3 In addition, the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1 may also have components other than those described above. Each component will be explained below.

[0062] The feeding mechanism 10 feeds resin material M into the extrusion mechanism 20. The feeding mechanism 10 includes a hopper 12 for introducing the resin material M into the extrusion mechanism 20 and a hopper motor 14 for rotating the hopper 12. Additionally, the feeding mechanism 10 includes a stirring member 13 disposed near the inner surface of the hopper 12, a cylindrical member 16 disposed above the hopper 12, and a hopper drive force transmission mechanism 18 for transmitting the driving force of the hopper motor 14 to the hopper 12. Therefore, the hopper 12 can rotate while the resin material M is being fed in.

[0063] Furthermore, "resin material" in this specification refers to a particulate material primarily composed of resin components. The resin material can be a mixture of any additives, such as colorants. As a resin component, any substance capable of being heated and melted can be used, and multiple resin components can be used. Additionally, additives other than the resin component can be solid or liquid.

[0064] The stirring member 13 is disposed near the inner surface of the hopper 12, but unlike the hopper 12, it does not rotate and is fixed to the housing 80. Due to the presence of the stirring member 13, the resin material M that moves along with the rotation of the hopper 12 is stirred.

[0065] The extrusion mechanism 20 melts the resin material M and extrudes it from the extrusion outlet 22 along the direction of gravity DG to form a continuous rod-shaped strand S (see...). Figure 4 and 5 The extrusion mechanism 20 has only one extrusion port 22. This structure simplifies and miniaturizes the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1, making it suitable for small-batch production. Furthermore, the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1 is configured such that the pellet strand S moves non-contactly from the extrusion port 22 of the extrusion mechanism 20 to the feeding mechanism 60. The pellet strand S moves primarily by gravity and feeding from the feeding mechanism 60.

[0066] The extrusion mechanism 20 includes: a screw 24 for mixing and extruding resin material M; a hollow member 25 having an internal space for melting and mixing the resin material M; a nozzle 26 disposed at the front end of the hollow member 25 and having an outlet 22 formed at the end opposite to the side of the hollow member 25; a screw motor 28 for rotating the screw 24; and a drive force transmission gear mechanism 29 for transmitting the driving force of the screw motor 28 to the screw 24. The screw 24 is disposed inside the hollow member 25 (see reference). Figures 1-3 ).

[0067] Nozzle 26 is a curved nozzle with an internal flow path that has a generally L-shaped shape. Nozzle 26 does not have to be a curved nozzle, but by making it a curved nozzle, the extrusion mechanism 20 can be housed within the space inside the housing 80, thus facilitating miniaturization of the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1. The hollow member 25 side of nozzle 26 is disposed inside the housing 80, while the extrusion outlet 22 side protrudes outside the housing 80. It is preferable to minimize the length of nozzle 26 protruding outside the housing 80; from this viewpoint, it is preferable that approximately 90% or more of nozzle 26 is disposed inside the housing 80.

[0068] Furthermore, the hollow component 25 and the nozzle 26 can be integrated as a single unit or separate components. When the hollow component 25 and the nozzle 26 are separate components, the replacement and cleaning of the nozzle 26 becomes easier, thus achieving the effect of high maintainability and easy adaptation to changes in the resin material M.

[0069] The drive force transmission gear mechanism 29 is a mechanism having one or more gears. The transmission of driving force between the screw motor 28 and the screw 24, carried out by the drive force transmission gear mechanism 29, is achieved through gears. The drive force transmission gear mechanism 29 can also function as a speed reduction mechanism. As with the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1, when the rotation axis of the screw motor 28 and the rotation axis of the screw 24 are different, a drive force transmission gear mechanism with a worm gear mechanism can be appropriately used as the drive force transmission gear mechanism 29.

[0070] The extrusion mechanism 20 has a first temperature regulating mechanism 30 for regulating the temperature of the side where the resin material M is introduced, and a second temperature regulating mechanism 32 for regulating the temperature of the side where the resin material M is melted. The first temperature regulating mechanism 30 and the second temperature regulating mechanism 32 each have a heater and a control mechanism. Furthermore, in Figure 2 and Figure 3 In (b), the symbols for the first temperature regulating mechanism 30 and the second temperature regulating mechanism 32 are shown on the heater. The particle manufacturing apparatus 1 is equipped with two heaters with the first temperature regulating mechanism 30 and one heater with the second temperature regulating mechanism 32.

[0071] The first forced cooling mechanism 40 uses airflow to forcibly cool the strand S that moves along the direction of gravity DG. The second forced cooling mechanism 50 is positioned on the opposite side of the first forced cooling mechanism 40, based on the path of the strand S, and together with the first forced cooling mechanism 40, uses airflow to forcibly cool the strand S. The structures of the first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50 are not particularly limited, but a highly directional and compact structure that generates airflow is preferred. For example, a blower fan can be used as the part of the first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50 that actually generates airflow; a blower is preferred. The part of the first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50 that actually generates airflow is located outside the housing 80.

[0072] The particle manufacturing apparatus 1 is configured to cool and solidify the strand S by means of a forced cooling zone C1 where airflow from the first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50 directly contacts the strand S, and natural cooling zones C2a and C2b where airflow from the first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50 does not directly contact the strand S (see reference). Figures 4 to 6 ).

[0073] In the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1, as natural cooling zones, there exists a first natural cooling zone C2a that is closer to the pressure outlet 22 than the first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50, and a second natural cooling zone C2b that is closer to the feeding mechanism 60 than the first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50 (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0074] In the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1, when the length of the forced cooling region C1 along the movement path of the strand S is L1, and the lengths of the natural cooling regions C2a and C2b along the movement path of the strand S are L2, the relationship "L1 ≤ L2" holds. In the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1, since there are a first natural cooling region C2a and a second natural cooling region C2b, the "length L2 of the natural cooling regions C2a and C2b" is equivalent to "the sum of the length L2a of the first natural cooling region C2a and the length L2b of the second natural cooling region C2b". Therefore, in the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1, "L1 ≤ L2" can also be expressed as "L1 ≤ L2a + L2b".

[0075] The first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50 are capable of changing at least one of the airflow direction and the airflow ejection position (see reference). Figure 6The direction of the airflow can be changed, for example, by rotating the first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50 about an axis toward the mounting member (not shown) of the housing 80. Furthermore, the outlet position of the airflow can be changed by altering the direction of the first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50 and mounting them onto the housing 80.

[0076] Furthermore, the first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50 may also have a structure that allows them to change at least one of the airflow direction and the airflow discharge position without depending on the mounting member to the housing 80 or the mounting direction to the housing 80.

[0077] When the first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50 are controlled by the control mechanism 90, changes in the cooling condition when at least one of the airflow direction and the airflow discharge position is changed can be addressed by means of the control mechanism 90.

[0078] In the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1, even if the first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50 change at least one of the airflow direction and the airflow ejection position, the relationship "L1≤L2" ("L1≤l2a+l2b") still holds. However, when the airflow direction and the airflow ejection position are changed, the position and length of the forced cooling region C1 and the natural cooling regions C2a and C2b will change.

[0079] The feeding mechanism 60 is a mechanism for feeding the strand S. The feeding mechanism 60 has a first feeding roller 62, a second feeding roller 64 for clamping the strand S between the first feeding roller 62 and the second feeding roller 64, and a feeding roller motor 66 for rotating at least one of the first feeding roller 62 and the second feeding roller 64.

[0080] Furthermore, at least one of the first feed roller 62 and the second feed roller 64 is configured to be movable. In the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1, the second feed roller 64 is movable by means of a mechanism (not shown) that supports the second feed roller 64.

[0081] The feeding mechanism 60 can adjust the moving speed and shape of the strand S by feeding the strand S into the clamp. For example, when the feeding mechanism 60 changes the speed of feeding the strand S, the force pulling the unhardened strand S near the pressure outlet 22 changes, and therefore, the shape (mainly the thickness in this case) of the strand S can be changed.

[0082] Cutting mechanism 70 cuts the strand S fed from feeding mechanism 60 (refer to...) Figure 3 (b) Figure 3 (c) Figure 4 and Figure 5The cutting mechanism 70 includes: a rotating blade 72 having a plurality of cutting blades disposed at the outer end of a rotatable base; a receiving blade 74 for receiving the rotating blade 72; a rotating blade motor 76 for rotating the rotating blade 72; and a cover 78 for preventing particles P from scattering.

[0083] On the feeding mechanism 60 side of the cover 78, an inlet 79 for allowing the strand S to pass through is formed (see...). Figure 3 (c) The end face of the feeding mechanism 60 in the inlet 79 is tapered. Additionally, an opening exists on the side of the cover 78 opposite to the feeding mechanism 60, from which particles P are extruded (see reference). Figure 4 and Figure 5 Additionally, although the illustration is omitted, it is preferable to manufacture the particles P with a container or the like positioned at the rear (lower) of the cutting mechanism 70.

[0084] Furthermore, the movement path of the strand S during the cutting stage of the cutting mechanism 70 is determined (fixed) by the feeding mechanism 60. Therefore, the strand S is cut in a stable state.

[0085] The housing 80 is equipped with an extrusion mechanism 20, a first forced cooling mechanism 40, a second forced cooling mechanism 50, a feeding mechanism 60, and a cutting mechanism 70. In the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1, the feeding mechanism 10 is also disposed in the housing 80. The arrangement of each component can be determined according to the structure and function of each component. The housing 80 has a top plate portion 82, side plate portions 84a, 84b, a front panel portion 86, etc., and preferably at least one of each portion can be opened and closed or can be loaded and unloaded. The housing 80 also includes a door portion 88, which can be opened and closed, and when closed, it can cover the movement path of the strand S.

[0086] Furthermore, by manufacturing particles P with the door 88 closed, the airflow from the first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50 becomes reflected wind through the front panel 86 and the door 88, thus limiting the movement path of the strand S, thereby making the movement path of the strand S more stable.

[0087] On the front of the housing 80, there are display mechanisms 91a and 91b for displaying the status and temperature of each component (in the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1, the first temperature regulating mechanism 30 and the second temperature regulating mechanism 32), and operating mechanisms 92a, 92b, 92c, and 92d for operating each component. In the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1, mechanisms (switches, etc.) for operating the first temperature regulating mechanism 30 and the second temperature regulating mechanism 32 are also arranged side by side in the display mechanisms 91a and 91b.

[0088] The control mechanism 90 controls at least two of the following mechanisms: the extrusion mechanism 20, the first forced cooling mechanism 40, the second forced cooling mechanism 50, the feeding mechanism 60, and the cutting mechanism 70. Additionally, the control mechanism 90 can also control other mechanisms (e.g., the input mechanism 10). The control mechanism 90 is composed of, for example, an IC controller, a power supply, and wiring. Furthermore, at least one of the display mechanisms 91a and 91b and the operating mechanisms 92a, 92b, 92c, and 92d is preferably connected to the control mechanism 90. The control mechanism 90 can, for example, control each mechanism individually through user operation, or can automatically or semi-automatically control multiple mechanisms. The control mechanism 90 may incorporate artificial intelligence (AI).

[0089] 2. Particle manufacturing method

[0090] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the particle manufacturing method according to the implementation method.

[0091] The method for manufacturing the particles according to the embodiment will now be described. This method includes a melt extrusion step S10, a first natural cooling step S20, a forced cooling step S30, a second natural cooling step S40, a feeding step S50, and a cutting step S60 (see reference). Figure 7 Furthermore, the particles manufactured using the particle manufacturing apparatus 1 are used in the particle manufacturing method of the embodiment. The particle manufacturing method of the embodiment may also include steps other than those described above. Each step will be described below.

[0092] The melt extrusion process S10 is a process in which resin material M is melted and the molten resin material M is extruded from the extrusion port 22 in the direction of gravity DG to form a continuous rod-shaped strand S. The melt extrusion process S10 is carried out using an extrusion mechanism 20, a first temperature control mechanism 30, and a second temperature control mechanism 32.

[0093] The first natural cooling process S20 is a process in which the strand S, which moves along the direction of gravity DG in a non-contact manner, is naturally cooled (slowly cooled) in the first natural cooling zone C2a. In the first natural cooling process S20, the strand S passes through the first natural cooling zone C2a.

[0094] Forced cooling step S30 is a process in which airflow flows from both sides of the path along which the strand S moves and forcibly cools the strand S, which moves in a non-contact manner along the direction of gravity DG. Forced cooling step S30 is implemented using a first forced cooling mechanism 40 and a second forced cooling mechanism 50.

[0095] The second natural cooling process S40 is a process in which the strand S, which moves along the direction of gravity DG in a non-contact manner, is naturally cooled (slowly cooled) in the second natural cooling zone C2b. In the second natural cooling process S40, the strand S passes through the second natural cooling zone C2b.

[0096] The feeding process S50 is the process of feeding the cooled strands S. The feeding process S50 is performed using a feeding mechanism 60. In the feeding process S50, the strands S are clamped by a first feeding roller 62 and a second feeding roller 64 of the feeding mechanism 60, and the strands S are fed by the rotation of at least one of the first feeding roller 62 and the second feeding roller 64. Furthermore, in the feeding process S50, the moving speed and shape of the strands S can be adjusted by feeding the strands S.

[0097] Cutting process S60 is the process of cutting strands S into particles P. Cutting process S60 is carried out using cutting mechanism 70.

[0098] Furthermore, the particle manufacturing method of this embodiment involves moving the strand S from the outlet 22 of the extrusion mechanism 20 to the feeding mechanism 60 in a non-contact manner, while simultaneously employing a forced cooling zone C1 (directly cooled by airflow from the first and second forced cooling mechanisms 40 / 50) and a natural cooling zone C2a / C2b (avoiding airflow and naturally cooling) to cool and harden the strand S.

[0099] By implementing the above steps, granules P can be manufactured from resin material M. It should be noted that the granule manufacturing method of this embodiment includes a melt extrusion step S10, a first natural cooling step S20, a forced cooling step S30, a second natural cooling step S40, a feeding step S50, and a cutting step S60. However, conceptually, only one of the first natural cooling step S20 and the second natural cooling step S40 may be implemented. The first natural cooling step S20 and the second natural cooling step S40 can also be collectively referred to as the "natural cooling process".

[0100] 3. The actual machine and the granules produced by the actual machine.

[0101] Figure 8 This is a photograph showing the actual machine of the particle manufacturing apparatus 1 corresponding to this embodiment and the particles manufactured by the actual machine. Figure 8 (a) is a photo of the actual machine. Figure 8 (b) is a photograph of the particles.

[0102] Furthermore, the inventors of this utility model have completed an actual machine equivalent to the particle manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment (see reference). Figure 8(a)). The actual pelletizing apparatus is very compact and easy to use (approximately 250mm wide, 500mm deep, and 700mm high). Furthermore, using a variety of resin materials, small-batch production of high-quality pellets with consistent particle size is possible (e.g., production in 100g units for experimental and pilot production) (see reference). Figure 8 (b)).

[0103] 4. Effects of the pellet manufacturing apparatus and pellet manufacturing method

[0104] The pellet manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes: the extrusion mechanism 20, the first forced cooling mechanism 40, the second forced cooling mechanism 50, the feeding mechanism 60, the cutting mechanism 70, and the housing 80. Furthermore, the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is configured such that the strand S moves from the extrusion outlet 22 of the extrusion mechanism 20 to the feeding mechanism 60 in a non-contact manner, and the strand S is cooled and cured using the forced cooling region C1 and the natural cooling regions C2a and C2b.

[0105] Therefore, according to the embodiment of the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1, the mechanism for moving the strand S and the cooling mechanism can be significantly compacted, making it easy to set up, move and use the apparatus, improving the quality of the pellets P, and stabilizing the movement path of the strand S even without a feeding guide, and achieving miniaturization compared to pellet manufacturing apparatuses using the thermal cutting method.

[0106] Therefore, the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1 of the embodiment is a compact and easy-to-use pellet manufacturing apparatus that can use a variety of resin materials M to carry out small-batch production, including experiments and pilot production.

[0107] Furthermore, in the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the extrusion mechanism 20 has a drive force transmission gear mechanism 29. Therefore, according to the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the drive force of the screw motor 28 can be transmitted to the screw 24 through an efficient and compact mechanism.

[0108] Furthermore, the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a feeding mechanism 10, which has a hopper 12 and a hopper motor 14. Therefore, according to the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, clogging of the resin material M in the hopper 12 can be avoided without using vibration or complex mechanisms.

[0109] Furthermore, in the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the extrusion mechanism 20 includes a first temperature regulating mechanism 30 and a second temperature regulating mechanism 32. Therefore, according to the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the temperature management of the extrusion mechanism 20 can be refined, thereby suppressing the clogging of the resin material M and the poor melting of the resin material M.

[0110] Furthermore, in the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the feeding mechanism 60 includes a first feeding roller 62, a second feeding roller 64, and a feeding roller motor 66. Additionally, in the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1, at least one of the first feeding roller 62 and the second feeding roller 64 is configured to be movable. Therefore, according to the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the shape of the feed strand S can be adjusted to a shape suitable for cutting while stably feeding the feed strand S.

[0111] Furthermore, in the particle manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, a first natural cooling region C2a and a second natural cooling region C2b exist as natural cooling regions. Therefore, the particle manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment can suppress the direct collision of airflow from the first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50 with the pressure outlet 22, and can suppress defects and blockages in the strand S caused by the temperature drop of the pressure outlet 22.

[0112] Furthermore, in the particle manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment, when the forced cooling region C1 (length) on the movement path of the strand S is set to L1 and the natural cooling regions C2a and C2b (length) on the movement path of the strand S are set to L2, "L1≤L2" holds true. Therefore, the particle manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment can make the lengths of the natural cooling regions C2a and C2b sufficiently long, thereby stably cooling the strand S.

[0113] Furthermore, in the granulation apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50 can change at least one of the airflow direction and the airflow ejection position. Therefore, according to the granulation apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the position and length of the forced cooling region C1 and the natural cooling regions C2a and C2b can be changed according to the characteristics of the resin material M, the shape of the strand S, etc., and the timing and ratio of rapid cooling and slow cooling can be changed.

[0114] For example, polycarbonate and acrylic resins can be rapidly cooled to suppress internal crystallization and improve transparency. On the other hand, crystalline resins, primarily polypropylene and polyethylene, can develop a crystalline structure through slow cooling, thus improving their mechanical properties. According to the granulation apparatus 1, by changing the timing and ratio of rapid and slow cooling, it is possible to flexibly and appropriately respond to the characteristics of each type of resin material M and the user's requirements.

[0115] Furthermore, in the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the extrusion mechanism 20 has a hollow member 25 and a nozzle 26. The portions of the first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50 that actually generate airflow are disposed outside the housing 80, while the hollow member 25 side of the nozzle 26 is disposed inside the housing 80, and the extrusion outlet 22 is exposed outside the housing 80. Therefore, according to the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the nozzle 26 can be separated from the first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50 by the housing 80, thereby suppressing defects and blockages in the strand S caused by a decrease in the temperature of the nozzle 26.

[0116] Furthermore, according to the pellet manufacturing apparatus 1, since the temperature drop of the nozzle 26 can be suppressed even when a strong airflow is generated by the first forced cooling mechanism 40 and the second forced cooling mechanism 50, the cooling capacity can be improved compared to pellet manufacturing apparatuses where the nozzle or its equivalent components are entirely exposed (e.g., the pellet manufacturing apparatus described in Patent Document 3).

[0117] Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the particle manufacturing apparatus 1, since it has a control mechanism 90, the apparatus can be made compact and simplified through an integrated control system.

[0118] The method for manufacturing particles according to the embodiment includes: a melt extrusion step S10, a natural cooling step (a first natural cooling step S20 and a second natural cooling step S40), a forced cooling step S30, a feeding step S50, and a cutting step S60. Therefore, the method for manufacturing particles according to the embodiment is a method for manufacturing particles P from various resin materials M in small batches, and the mechanism for using the moving strand S and the cooling mechanism is significantly compact.

[0119] The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments described above, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It can be implemented in various ways without departing from the concept, for example, the following modifications can be made.

[0120] (1) The positions, sizes, shapes, etc. of the constituent elements described in the above embodiments and shown in the accompanying drawings are examples, and changes can be made within the scope of not impairing the effect of the present invention.

[0121] (2) The pellet manufacturing apparatus 1 of the above embodiment has heaters of two first temperature regulating mechanisms 30 and heaters of one second temperature regulating mechanism 32, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The number and position of the heaters of each temperature regulating mechanism can be arbitrarily determined according to the specifications of the product, etc.

[0122] [Symbol Explanation]

[0123] 1…Pellet manufacturing apparatus, 10…Feeding mechanism, 12…Hopper, 13…Agitating component, 14…Hopper motor, 16…Cylindrical component, 18…Hopper drive force transmission mechanism, 20…Extrusion mechanism, 22…Extrusion outlet, 24…Screw, 25…Hollow component, 26…Nozzle, 28…Screw motor, 29…Drive force transmission gear mechanism, 30…First temperature regulating mechanism, 32…Second temperature regulating mechanism, 40…First forced cooling mechanism, 50…Second forced cooling mechanism, 60…Feeding mechanism, 62… First feed roller, 64… second feed roller, 66… motor for feed roller, 70… cutting mechanism, 72… rotating blade, 74… receiving blade, 76… motor for rotating blade, 78… cover, 79… inlet, 80… housing, 82… top plate, 84a, 84b… side plate, 86… front panel, 88… door, 90… control mechanism, 91a, 91b… display mechanism, 92a, 92b, 92c, 92d… operating mechanism, DG… in the direction of gravity, M… resin material, P… granules, S… strands.

Claims

1. A pellet manufacturing apparatus, comprising: An extrusion mechanism that melts a resin material and extrudes the resin material from an outlet along the direction of gravity to form a continuous rod-shaped strand; A first forced cooling mechanism uses airflow to forcibly cool the strands moving along the direction of gravity; The second forced cooling mechanism is configured on the opposite side of the first forced cooling mechanism based on the path of the strand movement, and together with the first forced cooling mechanism, it uses airflow to forcibly cool the strand. The feeding mechanism feeds the aforementioned strands; A cutting mechanism that cuts the strands of wire fed from the feeding mechanism; and A housing, comprising the pressing mechanism, the first forced cooling mechanism, the second forced cooling mechanism, the feeding mechanism, and the cutting mechanism, characterized in that: The particle manufacturing apparatus passes through: A forced cooling zone is configured such that the strand moves non-contactly from the outlet of the extrusion mechanism to the feeding mechanism, and the airflow from the first and second forced cooling mechanisms directly contacts the strand; and The natural cooling zone is configured such that the airflow from the first forced cooling mechanism and the second forced cooling mechanism does not directly contact the strand. The strands are then cooled and solidified.

2. The pellet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: in, The extrusion mechanism includes: a screw for mixing and extruding the resin material; a screw motor for rotating the screw; and a drive force transmission gear mechanism for transmitting the drive force of the screw motor to the screw.

3. The pellet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further includes: The feeding mechanism feeds the resin material into the extrusion mechanism. The feeding mechanism includes: a hopper for introducing the resin material into the extrusion mechanism; and a hopper motor for rotating the hopper.

4. The pellet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The extrusion mechanism includes: a first temperature regulating mechanism for regulating the temperature of the side into which the resin material is fed; and a second temperature regulating mechanism for regulating the temperature of the side into which the resin material is melted.

5. The pellet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The feeding mechanism includes: a first feeding roller; a second feeding roller for clamping the strands between itself and the first feeding roller; and a feeding roller motor for rotating at least one of the first feeding roller and the second feeding roller. At least one of the first feed roller and the second feed roller is movable.

6. The pellet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: As the natural cooling area, there is a first natural cooling area that is closer to the pressure outlet side than the first forced cooling mechanism and the second forced cooling mechanism; and a second natural cooling area that is closer to the feeding mechanism side than the first forced cooling mechanism and the second forced cooling mechanism.

7. The pellet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the length of the forced cooling area on the moving path of the strand is L1 and the length of the natural cooling area on the moving path of the strand is L2, the relationship "L1≤L2" holds true.

8. The pellet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first forced cooling mechanism and the second forced cooling mechanism are capable of changing at least one of the direction of the airflow and the ejection position of the airflow.

9. The pellet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The extrusion mechanism further comprises: a hollow member having an internal space for melting and mixing the resin material; and a nozzle disposed at the front end of the hollow member, with the extrusion outlet formed at the end opposite to the side of the hollow member. The portions of the first and second forced cooling mechanisms that actually generate the airflow are disposed outside the housing. The hollow component side of the nozzle is disposed inside the housing, while the pressure outlet side is exposed outside the housing.

10. The pellet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further includes: A control mechanism that controls at least two of the following: the extrusion mechanism, the first forced cooling mechanism, the second forced cooling mechanism, the feeding mechanism, and the cutting mechanism.

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