Resin pellet manufacturing facility

Abstract

To operate a resin pellet manufacturing facility in a state in which a discharge destination of pellet conveying water containing resin pellets discharged from a pelletizer is switched to either a first separator or a second separator without error.SOLUTION: A resin pellet manufacturing facility 1 comprises: a kneader 3; a pelletizer 6; first and second separators 7 and 8 provided in parallel with each other on the downstream side from the pelletizer 6 so as to separate between resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer 6 and pellet conveying water; flexible first and second hoses 51 and 52 connected to the first and second separators 7 and 8, respectively; first and second to-be-detected parts installed on the first and second hoses 51 and 52, respectively; a detection part attached on the pelletizer 6 so as to detect presence or absence of the first and second to-be-detected parts or identification information of the first and second to-be-detected parts; and a controller for identifying which of the first and second hoses 51 and 52 is connected to the pelletizer 6 on the basis of a detection result by the detection part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, resin pellet manufacturing equipment for pelletizing a resin material has been known. Patent Document 1 discloses, as an example of the resin pellet manufacturing equipment, an equipment including a kneader for melting and kneading a resin material, a pelletizer for pelletizing the resin discharged from the kneader to produce resin pellets and discharging the resin pellets downstream together with pellet carrying water, and a first separator and a second separator arranged in parallel to each other downstream of the pelletizer.

[0003] A discharge line (discharge path) for discharging pellet carrying water is provided downstream of the pelletizer, and this discharge line branches into a first conveying line in which a first separating device is disposed and a second conveying line in which a second separating device is disposed. The first separating device and the second separating device are each configured to receive the pellet carrying water containing the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer and separate the resin pellets from the pellet carrying water. The first separating device is used to separate colored resin pellets, and the second separating device is used to separate uncolored resin pellets. A switching unit is provided at the branch point between the first conveying line and the second conveying line, which selectively switches the discharge line for the pellet carrying water (carrying water containing resin pellets) discharged from the pelletizer to either the first conveying line or the second conveying line. The switching unit switches the discharge line for the pellet carrying water to the first conveying line when producing colored resin pellets, and switches the discharge line for the pellet carrying water to the second conveying line when producing uncolored resin pellets. In this way, by supplying the colored resin pellets and the uncolored resin pellets to different separation devices, the resin pellets of different colors are prevented from being mixed together.

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

[0023] of Patent Document 2).

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

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

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2019-524507 [Patent Document 2] JP 2003-276843 A [Patent Document 3] DE 102012003890 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, as in the prior art, when the discharge destination of the pellet conveying water (conveying water containing resin pellets) discharged from the pelletizer is selectively switched between a first separation device and a second separation device by a switching unit (for example, a three-way valve in Patent Document 2), there is a problem that in addition to the component cost of the switching unit itself, a controller or the like for driving the switching unit is separately required, resulting in an increase in cost.

[0009] In order to avoid this problem, it is conceivable to switch the discharge destination of the pellet conveying water (conveying water containing resin pellets) discharged from the pelletizer by manual operation. However, in this case, there is a risk of misselecting the discharge destination of the pellet conveying water due to human error by the operator.

[0010] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to operate a resin pellet manufacturing facility in a state where the discharge destination of the pellet conveying water containing resin pellets discharged from a pelletizer is correctly switched to either a first separation device or a second separation device.

Means for Solving the Problems

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

[0012] According to the first invention, the destination of the pellet carrying water containing the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer can be switched to either the first separator or the second separator without error with an inexpensive configuration. That is, in this invention, the switching of the discharge path to the first separator and the second separator is realized by switching the connection of the hose connected to the discharge outlet of the pelletizer (switching the connection between the first hose and the second hose), so that a three-way valve and a drive mechanism for driving the three-way valve are not required, and costs can be reduced. Also, when the first hose or the second hose is connected to the pelletizer, the presence or absence of the first detectable part and the second detectable part provided on each hose, or the identification information (e.g., barcode information, etc.) previously given to each detectable part is detected by a detection part attached to the pelletizer, and based on the detection result by the detection part, the controller identifies which of the other end of the first hose or the other end of the second hose (i.e., which of the first hose or the second hose) is connected to the discharge outlet of the pelletizer.

[0013] The resin pellet manufacturing equipment of the second invention is preferably configured such that, in the first invention, the detection unit detects the presence or absence of the first detectable part and the second detectable part, and includes a first detection sensor attached to the pelletizer so as to detect the first detectable part when the other end of the first hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer, and a second detection sensor attached to the pelletizer so as to detect the second detectable part when the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer, and the controller is configured to perform the identification process based on the detection results by the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor.

[0014] According to the second invention, the detection unit is composed of a first sensor and a second sensor that detect the presence or absence of the first detectable part and the second detectable part, so that the identification process by the controller can be realized with a cheaper configuration than using a detection unit (such as an image sensor or barcode reader with a high enough resolution to detect barcodes, letters, numbers, patterns, etc. in an identifiable manner) that detects identification information (such as barcodes, letters, numbers, patterns, etc.) that has been previously assigned to the first detectable part and the second detectable part in the identification process.

[0015] The resin pellet manufacturing equipment of the third invention is preferably such that, in the second invention, the first detectable part and the second detectable part are fixed to the first hose and the second hose, respectively, so that the height position of the first detectable part when the other end of the first hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer is different from the height position of the second detectable part when the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer, and the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are arranged at positions corresponding to the height positions of the first detectable part and the second detectable part.

[0016] According to the third invention, since the height of the first detectable part when the first hose is connected to the pelletizer drain outlet is different from the height of the second detectable part when the second hose is connected, the positions of the first detectable part and the second detectable part relative to the pelletizer drain outlet can be concentrated at the same location (one location) in the circumferential direction around the axis of the drain outlet. This allows the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor for detecting the first detectable part and the second detectable part to be concentrated at the same location (one location) in the circumferential direction around the axis of the pelletizer drain outlet.

[0017] The resin pellet manufacturing equipment of the fourth invention is, in the third invention, preferably further comprising a rotating member including the first detectable part, which is supported rotatably around a predetermined axis relative to the first hose, and the rotating member is configured to be rotatable between a detection position in which, when the other end of the first hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer, the first detectable part is positioned closer to the pelletizer than the other end of the first hose, thereby enabling detection of the first detectable part by the first detection sensor provided on the pelletizer, and a retracted position in which the first detectable part is retracted to the opposite pelletizer side than the other end of the first hose.

[0018] According to the fourth invention, the rotating member is moved to the detection position only when the first hose is connected to the discharge outlet of the pelletizer (i.e., when the first hose is used), and when the first hose is not used, the rotating member is moved to the retracted position, thereby preventing the rotating member from colliding with other parts and being damaged.

[0019] The resin pellet manufacturing equipment of the fifth invention, in the third or fourth invention, further comprises a rotating member including the second detectable part, which is supported rotatably around a predetermined axis relative to the second hose, and it is preferable that the rotating member is configured to be rotatable between a detection position in which the second detectable part is positioned closer to the pelletizer than the other end of the second hose when the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer, thereby enabling detection of the second detectable part by the second detection sensor provided on the pelletizer, and a retracted position in which the second detectable part is retracted to the opposite pelletizer side than the other end of the second hose.

[0020] According to the fifth invention, the rotating member is moved to the detection position only when the second hose is connected to the discharge outlet of the pelletizer (i.e., when the second hose is used), and when the second hose is not used, the rotating member is moved to the retracted position, thereby preventing the rotating member from colliding with other parts and being damaged.

[0021] The resin pellet manufacturing equipment of the sixth invention is preferably such that, in the second invention, the first detectable portion and the second detectable portion are fixed to the first hose and the second hose, respectively, so that the circumferential position of the first detectable portion about the hose axis when the other end of the first hose is connected to the pelletizer drain outlet so that a circumferential position of a specific circumferential position of the first hose coincides with a circumferential position of a specific circumferential position of the drain outlet is different from the circumferential position of the second detectable portion about the hose axis when the other end of the second hose is connected to the pelletizer drain outlet so that a circumferential position of a specific circumferential position of the second hose coincides with a circumferential position of a specific circumferential position of the drain outlet, and the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are arranged at positions corresponding to the circumferential positions of the first detectable portion and the second detectable portion, respectively.

[0022] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, by making the circumferential positions of the first and second detectable parts different, the first and second detectable parts, which are the detection targets of the first and second detection sensors, can be detected without error. Also, compared to a configuration in which the heights of the first and second detectable parts are different, it is possible to prevent the first and second detectable parts from protruding from the other ends of the first and second hoses toward the pelletizer. Therefore, it is possible to avoid interference of the first and second detectable parts with other parts when the hoses are not in use as much as possible.

[0023] A resin pellet manufacturing facility according to a seventh aspect of the present invention includes a kneader that melts and kneads a resin material and discharges it, a die that receives the resin discharged from the kneader and extrudes it through a die hole, and a pelletizer that has a cutting cutter that cuts the resin extruded from the die underwater to produce resin pellets, and discharges the resin pellets downstream together with pellet transport water, a first separation device and a second separation device that are provided in parallel to each other on the downstream side of the pelletizer and are capable of receiving the pellet transport water containing the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer and separating the resin pellets from the pellet transport water, a flexible first hose having one end connected to an inlet for the pellet transport water in the first separation device and the other end configured to be detachably attached to a drainage outlet for the pellet transport water in the pelletizer, and The device comprises: a flexible second hose having one end connected to the water inlet for pellet transport water in a second separation device and the other end configured to be detachably attached to the drain outlet of the pelletizer; a detectable part provided on the pelletizer; a first detection sensor attached to the first hose so as to detect the detectable part when the other end of the first hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer; a second detection sensor attached to the second hose so as to detect the detectable part when the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer; and a controller that executes an identification process to identify whether the other end of the first hose or the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer based on the detection results by the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor.

[0024] According to the seventh invention, as in the first invention, the discharge destination of the pellet carrying water can be easily switched by selectively connecting either the first hose connected to the first separation device or the second hose connected to the second separation device to the drainage outlet of the pelletizer. The difference from the first invention is that the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are fixed to the first hose and the second hose, respectively, and the detection target is provided on the pelletizer. According to this, when the first hose is connected to the drainage outlet of the pelletizer, the detection target provided on the pelletizer is detected by the first detection sensor attached to the first hose, and when the second hose is connected to the drainage outlet of the pelletizer, the detection target provided on the pelletizer is detected by the second detection sensor attached to the second hose. Therefore, the controller can identify the hose connected to the pelletizer by, for example, determining whether the detection target is detected by the first detection sensor or the second detection sensor. Moreover, according to this configuration, since it is necessary to provide the pelletizer with only one detection target portion, the shape of the pelletizer can be simplified and the molding costs thereof can be reduced.

[0025] A resin pellet manufacturing facility according to an eighth aspect of the present invention includes a kneader that melts and kneads a resin material and discharges it, a die that receives the resin discharged from the kneader and extrudes it through a die hole, and a pelletizer that has a cutting cutter that cuts the resin extruded from the die underwater to produce resin pellets, and discharges the resin pellets downstream together with pellet transport water, a first separation device and a second separation device that are provided in parallel with each other on the downstream side of the pelletizer and are capable of receiving the pellet transport water containing the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer and separating the resin pellets from the pellet transport water, a first water guide pipe that is connected to a pellet transport water inlet of the first separation device and that guides the pellet transport water to the inlet, and a second water guide pipe that is connected to a pellet transport water inlet of the second separation device, the pellet conveying water supply system includes a second water conduit that supplies pellet conveying water to the water inlet, a flexible hose having one end connected to a discharge outlet of the pellet conveying water in the pelletizer and the other end selectively attached and detached to the first water conduit and the second water conduit, a detectable portion provided on the hose, a first detection sensor attached to the first water conduit so as to detect the detectable portion when the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit, a second detection sensor attached to the second water conduit so as to detect the detectable portion when the other end of the hose is connected to the second water conduit, and a controller that executes an identification process to identify whether the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit or the second water conduit based on detection results by the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor.

[0026] According to the eighth invention, the destination of the pellet carrying water containing resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer can be switched to either the first separator or the second separator without error with an inexpensive configuration. That is, in this invention, a flexible hose is connected to the drain of the pelletizer in advance, and the downstream end of the hose is selectively connected to either the first water conduit or the second water conduit, so that the destination of the pellet carrying water discharged from the drain of the pelletizer can be easily switched to either the first separator or the second separator. Therefore, the three-way valve and the driving parts for driving the three-way valve can be eliminated, thereby reducing costs. In addition, only one hose is required, so the space required for handling the hose and the space required for temporary storage can be reduced. According to the eighth aspect of the invention, when the hose is connected to the first water conduit, the detectable portion of the hose is detected by a first detection sensor attached to the first water conduit, and when the hose is connected to the second water conduit, the detectable portion of the hose is detected by a second detection sensor attached to the second water conduit. Based on the detection results from each detection sensor, the controller identifies whether the other end of the hose is connected to the first separation device or the second separation device.

[0027] A resin pellet manufacturing facility according to a ninth aspect of the present invention includes a kneader that melts and kneads a resin material and discharges it, a die that receives the resin discharged from the kneader and extrudes it through a die hole, and a pelletizer that has a cutting cutter that cuts the resin extruded from the die underwater to produce resin pellets, and discharges the resin pellets downstream together with pellet transport water, a first separation device and a second separation device that are provided in parallel to each other on the downstream side of the pelletizer and are capable of receiving the pellet transport water containing the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer and separating the resin pellets from the pellet transport water, a first water guide pipe that is connected to a pellet transport water inlet of the first separation device and leads the pellet transport water to the inlet, and the second separation device the pelletizer, a second water conduit connected to a water inlet for pellet transport water in the pelletizer and directing the pellet transport water to the water inlet; a flexible hose having one end connected to a discharge outlet for the pellet transport water in the pelletizer and the other end selectively attached and detached to the first water conduit and the second water conduit; a first detectable part provided in the first water conduit; a second detectable part provided in the second water conduit; a detection part fixed to the hose and detecting the presence or absence of the first detectable part and the second detectable part or identification information previously assigned to the first detectable part and the second detectable part; and a controller that executes an identification process to identify whether the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit or the second water conduit based on the detection result by the detection part.

[0028] According to the ninth invention, as in the eighth invention, the downstream end of the hose can be selectively connected to either the first water conduit or the second water conduit, so that the destination of the pellet-carrying water discharged from the discharge port of the pelletizer can be easily switched to either the first separator or the second separator. The difference from the eighth invention is that the first detectable part and the second detectable part are fixed to the first water conduit and the second water conduit, respectively, and the detector is fixed to the hose (i.e., the positional relationship between the detectable part and the detector is reversed). According to this, when the hose is connected to the first water conduit or the second water conduit, the presence or absence of the first detectable part and the second detectable part provided on each water conduit, or the identification information (e.g., barcode information, etc.) previously given to each detectable part is detected by the detector provided on the hose, and the controller identifies whether the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit or the second water conduit based on the detection result by the detector.

[0029] The resin pellet manufacturing equipment of the 10th invention is preferably configured in the 9th invention such that the detection unit detects the presence or absence of the first detectable part and the second detectable part, and includes a first detection sensor attached to the hose so as to detect the first detectable part when the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit, and a second detection sensor attached to the hose so as to detect the second detectable part when the other end of the hose is connected to the second water conduit, and the controller is configured to execute the identification process based on detection results by the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor.

[0030] According to the tenth invention, the detection unit is composed of a first sensor and a second sensor that detect the presence or absence of the first detectable part and the second detectable part, so that the identification process by the controller can be realized with a cheaper configuration than using a detection unit (such as an image sensor or barcode reader with a high enough resolution to detect barcodes, letters, numbers, patterns, etc. in an identifiable manner) that detects identification information (such as a barcode, letters, numbers, patterns, etc.) that has been previously assigned to the first detectable part and the second detectable part in the identification process.

[0031] The resin pellet manufacturing equipment according to the eleventh invention is, in the tenth invention, such that the relative height position of the first detected portion with respect to the hose when the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit, and the relative height position of the second detected portion with respect to the hose when the other end of the hose is connected to the second water conduit are different from each other, the first detected portion and the second detected portion are respectively fixed to the first water conduit and the second water conduit, and it is preferable that the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are arranged at positions corresponding to the respective height positions of the first detected portion and the second detected portion.

[0032] According to the eleventh invention, the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor constituting the detection portion can be concentrated at the same location (one location) in the circumferential direction.

[0033] The resin pellet manufacturing equipment according to the twelfth invention is, in the tenth invention, such that the circumferential position of the first detected portion with respect to the hose when the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit so that the circumferential position of a specific position in the circumferential direction of the hose and a specific position in the circumferential direction of the first water conduit coincide, and the circumferential position of the second detected portion with respect to the hose when the other end of the hose is connected to the second water conduit so that the circumferential position of a specific position in the circumferential direction of the hose and a specific position in the circumferential direction of the second water conduit coincide are different from each other, the first detected portion and the second detected portion are respectively fixed to the first water conduit and the second water conduit, and it is preferable that the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are arranged at positions corresponding to the respective circumferential positions of the first detected portion and the second detected portion.

[0034] According to the twelfth invention, by making the circumferential positions of the first detected part and the second detected part different, the first detected part and the second detected part can be accurately detected by the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor. Further, compared with the configuration in which the heights of the first detected part and the second detected part are different, it is possible to suppress the first detected part and the second detected part from protruding more toward the hose side than the first water conduit and the second water conduit. Therefore, it is possible to avoid collision of the first detected part and the second detected part with other parts as much as possible when the hose is not in use.

[0035] In the resin pellet manufacturing facility according to the thirteenth invention, in any one of the second to eighth inventions and the tenth to twelfth inventions, it is preferable that the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are constituted by proximity sensors.

[0036] According to the thirteenth invention, by using proximity sensors as the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor, the cost can be reduced compared with the case of using an image sensor or the like.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0037] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the resin pellet manufacturing facility according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] It is an enlarged perspective view of the connection part showing the state where the first hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer. [Diagram 3] It is an enlarged perspective view of the connection part showing the state where the first hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer. [Figure 4A] It is a schematic diagram (a schematic diagram corresponding to the view in the direction of arrow IV in FIG. 2) showing the state where the first identification member is positioned at the detection position in the state where the first hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer. [Figure 4B] It is a schematic diagram (a schematic diagram corresponding to the view in the direction of arrow IV in FIG. 2) showing the state where the second identification member is positioned at the detection position in the state where the second hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer. [Diagram 5]It is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 2 showing Modification 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 6A] In Modification 1 of the first embodiment, it is a schematic diagram showing a state where a first hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer (a schematic diagram corresponding to a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 5). [Figure 6B] In Modification 1 of the first embodiment, it is a schematic diagram showing a state where a second hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer (a schematic diagram corresponding to a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 5). [Figure 7A] In Modification 2 of the first embodiment, it is a schematic diagram showing a state where a first hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer. [Figure 7B] In Modification 2 of the first embodiment, it is a schematic diagram showing a state where a second hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer. [Figure 8] It is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 1 showing the second embodiment. [Figure 9A] In the second embodiment, it is a schematic diagram showing a state where a hose is connected to the first water conduit. [Figure 9B] In the second embodiment, it is a schematic diagram showing a state where a hose is connected to the second water conduit. [Figure 10A] It is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9A showing Modification 1 of the second embodiment. [Figure 10B] It is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9B showing Modification 1 of the second embodiment. [Figure 11A] It is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9A showing Modification 2 of the second embodiment. [Figure 11B] It is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9B showing Modification 2 of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 4B showing another embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a view seen in the XIII direction of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] It is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 6A showing another embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0039] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the overall configuration of resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1 is configured to be able to manufacture resin pellets of two different colors (in this example, uncolored and black), and the resin pellets of each color are configured to be discharged from separate discharge paths.

[0040] Specifically, the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1 includes a kneader 3 that kneads and melts the raw material resin supplied from the feeder 2 and sends it out to the downstream side, a gear pump 4 that pressurizes the molten resin sent out from the kneader 3 and further extrudes it to the downstream side, a screen changer 5 that removes foreign substances in the molten resin extruded from the gear pump 4, a pelletizer 6 that pelletizes the molten resin that has passed through the screen changer 5 and discharges it together with pellet conveying water, a first separation device 7 and a second separation device 8 that are selectively connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6 via a first hose 51 or a second hose 52, and a controller 100 (see FIG. 3).

[0041] The pelletizer 6 has a die 61 that receives the resin discharged from the kneader 3 and extrudes it from die holes (not shown), a water chamber 62, and a cutting cutter 63 that granulates the resin pellets by cutting the resin extruded from the die 61 in the water (in the pellet conveying water) in the water chamber 62. An inlet 6a for receiving the pellet conveying water and the drain port 6b for discharging the resin pellets granulated by the cutting cutter 63 together with the pellet conveying water are formed on the wall surface constituting the water chamber 62.

[0042] The first separation device 7 and the second separation device 8 are provided in parallel with each other on the downstream side of the pelletizer 6. The first separation device 7 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6 via the first hose 51 when manufacturing uncolored resin pellets, and the second separation device 8 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6 via the second hose 52 when manufacturing black resin pellets.

[0043] The first separation device 7 and the second separation device 8 respectively receive the pellet-carrying water containing resin pellets discharged from the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6 via the first hose 51 and the second hose 52. The first separation device 7 and the second separation device 8 separate the resin pellets from the pellet-carrying water by, for example, centrifugal force, and take in air by the fans 9 and 10 connected to the respective separation devices 7 and 8 to dry the resin pellets.

[0044] The first separation device 7 and the second separation device 8 respectively discharge the resin pellets separated from the pellet-carrying water to the first sorting machine 11 and the second sorting machine 12, and reflux the separated pellet-carrying water to the first water storage tank 20 and the second water storage tank 21, respectively.

[0045] The first sorting machine 11 and the second sorting machine 12 respectively sort the resin pellets supplied from the first separation device 7 and the second separation device 8 by a mesh member, and select and discharge only the resin pellets having a size that meets a predetermined standard.

[0046] The first water storage tank 20 is connected to the water inlet 6a of the pelletizer 6 via the first water supply line 22, and a first water supply pump 23 is arranged in the first water supply line 22. The second water storage tank 21 is connected to the water inlet 6a of the pelletizer 6 via the second water supply line 24, and a second water supply pump 25 is arranged in the second water supply line 24. A three-way valve 26 is provided at the confluence point of the first water supply line 22 and the second water supply line 24. The three-way valve 26 and the first water supply pump 23 and the second water supply pump 25 are controlled by a controller 100 (see FIG. 3).

[0047] [Details of the First Hose and the Second Hose] As shown in Fig. 2 described later, the first hose 51 has an upstream end (corresponding to the other end) detachably connected to the drain port 6b of the pellet conveying water in the pelletizer 6, and a downstream end (corresponding to one end) constantly connected to the water inlet 7a of the pellet conveying water in the first separation device 7. In this example, the downstream end of the first hose 51 is non-detachably connected (fixed) to the water inlet 7a of the first separation device 7, while the upstream end of the first hose 51 is constituted by an upstream flange portion 51b. The upstream flange portion 51b is attached to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6 only when manufacturing colorless resin pellets, and removed from the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6 when manufacturing black resin pellets. The operator performs the attachment and detachment operations of this upstream flange portion 51b.

[0048] Specifically, the first hose 51 has a flexible hose body 51a and an upstream flange portion 51b. The upstream flange portion 51b projects in a flange shape radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the hose body 51a. Bolt insertion holes 51e (shown only in Fig. 5 described later) arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction are formed in the upstream flange portion 51b. When the operator connects the first hose 51 to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6, after coaxially butting the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 against the drain-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6, the bolts 13 are inserted through the respective bolt insertion holes 51e and screwed into screw holes (not shown) provided in the drain-side flange portion 64b. On the other hand, when the operator removes the first hose 51 from the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6, the bolts 13 are loosened to separate the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 from the drain-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6.

[0049] Similarly, the second hose 52 has an upstream end detachably connected to the drain port 6b (see FIG. 1) of the pellet conveying water in the pelletizer 6, and a downstream end (corresponding to one end) constantly connected to the water inlet 8a of the pellet conveying water in the second separation device 8. In this example, the downstream end of the second hose 52 is constantly and non-detachably connected to the water inlet 8a of the second separation device 8, while the upstream end of the second hose 52 is constituted by an upstream flange portion 52b. The upstream flange portion 52b is attached to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6 only when manufacturing black resin pellets, and is removed from the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6 when manufacturing uncolored resin pellets. The operator performs the attaching and detaching operations of this upstream flange portion 52b.

[0050] The second hose 52 has a flexible hose body 52a and an upstream flange portion 52b. The upstream flange portion 52b projects in a flange shape radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the hose body 52a. Bolt insertion holes (not shown) arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction are formed in the upstream flange portion 52b. When connecting the second hose 52 to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6, the operator coaxially abuts the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52 against the drain-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6, and then inserts bolts 13 into the respective bolt insertion holes and threads them into screw holes (not shown) provided in the drain-side flange portion 64b. On the other hand, when removing the second hose 52 from the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6, the operator loosens the bolts 13 to separate the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52 from the drain-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6.

[0051] [Configuration of Identification Member] FIGS. 2 and 3 are enlarged perspective views of the connection portion showing the state in which the first hose 51 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6.

[0052] The resin pellet manufacturing facility 1 further includes a first identification member 30 attached to the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51, a second identification member 33 (see FIG. 4B described later) attached to a second hose 52 (not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3), and a first detection sensor 15 and a second detection sensor 16 attached to the outer surface of the housing body 64a of the pelletizer 6. The first identification member 30 and the second identification member 33 are members for the controller 100 to identify which of the first hose 51 and the second hose 52 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6. The first identification member 30 and the second identification member 33 have the same configuration and only differ in their lengths.

[0053] The first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are arranged near the drain-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 64. The first detection sensor 15 is a sensor for detecting the first identification member 30 provided on the first hose 51 and is constituted by, for example, a proximity sensor. The second detection sensor 16 is a sensor for detecting the second identification member 33 provided on the second hose 52 and is constituted by, for example, a proximity sensor. The first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are arranged vertically side by side with their respective detection surfaces 15a, 16a facing laterally (in the horizontal direction). In this example, the second detection sensor 16 is arranged below the first detection sensor 15.

[0054] The first identification member 30 is configured to be rotatable up and down about a pivot bolt 32 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 as a fulcrum.

[0055] The pivot bolt 32 is attached to a support bracket 31 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upstream flange portion 51b. The support bracket 31 is composed of an L-shaped bent metal fitting having a mounting plate portion 31a and a support plate portion 31b. The mounting plate portion 31a is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the upstream flange portion 52b. The support plate portion 31b is connected to the edge of the mounting plate portion 31a and protrudes radially outward of the upstream flange portion 51b in plan view. The pivot bolt 32 penetrates the support plate portion 31b perpendicularly. The pivot bolt 32 extends in the tangential direction of the upstream flange portion 51b in plan view. The first identification member 30 is rotatably supported by the pivot bolt 32.

[0056] Specifically, the first identification member 30 is composed of a substantially L-shaped plate-like member. The first identification member 30 is configured to be rotatable between a detection position (the position of the thick solid line in FIGS. 2 and 3) hanging vertically downward with the pivot bolt 32 as a fulcrum and a retracted position (the position of the two-dot chain line in FIGS. 2 and 3) obtained by inverting the pivot bolt 32 up and down from this detection position. The first identification member 30 has a rectangular plate-like rotating plate portion 30a whose base end portion is supported by the pivot bolt 32, and a first detected plate portion 30b connected to the tip end portion thereof so as to intersect the rotating plate portion 30a at a right angle.

[0057] In a state where the first identification member 30 is in the retracted position (the position of the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2), the first detected plate portion 30b retracts to the side opposite to the pelletizer side (the upper side in this example) with respect to the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51. On the other hand, in a state where the identification member 30 is in the detection position, the first detected plate portion 30b is located on the pelletizer side (the lower side in this example) with respect to the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 and faces the detection surface 15a of the first detection sensor 15 with a gap therebetween. Thereby, the first detected plate portion 30b is detected by the first detection sensor 15.

[0058] Next, the second identification member 33 will be described. The configuration of the second identification member 33 is the same as the configuration of the first identification member 30 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, and only the length thereof is different.

[0059] That is, the second identification member 33 has a rotating plate portion 33a rotatably supported by a pivot bolt 37 (see FIG. 4B described later) and a detected plate portion 33b. Regarding the details of the second identification member 33, in the descriptions of FIGS. 2 and 3 above, the pivot bolt 32 is replaced with the pivot bolt 37, the rotating plate portion 30a is replaced with the rotating plate portion 33a, and the detected plate portion 30b is replaced with the detected plate portion 33b, and the explanation is the same. Therefore, only the differences will be described below. This difference is the length of the rotating plate portion 33a. In a state where the second identification member 33 is in the detection position, the length of the rotating plate portion 33a of the second identification member 33 is set so that the second detected plate portion 33b connected to the tip of the rotating plate portion 33a faces the detection surface 16a of the second detection sensor 16 with a gap therebetween.

[0060] [Setup operation] When the operator manufactures uncolored resin pellets using the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1, as a preliminary setup operation, the operator connects the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 to the drain side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6. When making this connection, the operator positions the first identification member 30 in the retracted position in advance, and moves the first identification member 30 to the detection position after the connection operation (that is, the tightening operation of the bolt 13 described above) is completed.

[0061] On the other hand, when the operator manufactures black resin pellets using the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1, as a preliminary setup operation, the operator connects the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52 to the drain side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6. When making this connection, the operator positions the second identification member 33 in the retracted position in advance, and moves the second identification member 33 to the detection position after the connection operation (that is, the tightening operation of the bolt 13 described above) is completed.

[0062] [Explanation of the detection position] FIG. 4A is a view taken in the direction of arrow IV in FIG. 2 when the first identification member 30 is positioned at the detection position with the first hose 51 connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6. FIG. 4B is a view corresponding to FIG. 4A when the second identification member 33 is positioned at the detection position with the second hose 52 connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 4A, in a state where the first identification member 30 attached to the first hose 51 is at the detection position, the detected plate portion 30b of the first identification member 30 faces the detection surface 15a of the first detection sensor 15. The first detection sensor 15 outputs a detection signal when it detects the detected plate portion 30b at a position facing its detection surface 15a, and outputs a non-detection signal when it does not detect the detected plate portion 30b. The detection signal or non-detection signal output from the first detection sensor 15 is input to the controller 100. Note that the first detection sensor 15 may be configured not to output any signal instead of outputting a non-detection signal.

[0064] Also, as shown in FIG. 4B, in a state where the second identification member 33 attached to the second hose 52 is at the detection position, the detected plate portion 33b of the second identification member 33 faces the detection surface 16a of the second detection sensor 16. The second detection sensor 16 outputs a detection signal when it detects the detected plate portion 33b at a position facing its detection surface 16a, and outputs a non-detection signal when it does not detect the detected plate portion 33b. The detection signal or non-detection signal output from the second detection sensor 16 is input to the controller 100. Note that the second detection sensor 16 may be configured not to output any signal instead of outputting a non-detection signal.

[0065] [Configuration of the Controller] The controller 100 (see FIG. 2) is composed of a computer having a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The controller 100 is connected to an operation panel (not shown) via a signal line. The operation panel is provided with a start button for starting the production by the resin pellet manufacturing facility 1 and a setting operation unit for an operator to set production conditions including the color of the resin pellets to be manufactured. The operation signals of the start button and the setting operation unit are transmitted from the operation panel to the controller 100. When the controller 100 receives an operation signal indicating that the start button has been operated from the operation panel, it executes a predetermined control program to cause the resin pellet manufacturing facility 1 to execute the manufacturing process of the resin pellets.

[0066] The controller 100 is further connected to a first detection sensor 15 and a second detection sensor 16 via signal lines, and based on the signals (detection signal and non-detection signal) received from the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16, it executes an identification process to identify which of the first hose 51 and the second hose 52 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6 (which of the upstream end of the first hose 51 and the upstream end of the second hose 52 is connected).

[0067] Specifically, when the controller 100 receives a detection signal from the first detection sensor 15 and a non-detection signal from the second detection sensor 16, it determines (identifies) that the first hose 51 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6. On the other hand, when the controller 100 receives a non-detection signal from the first detection sensor 15 and a detection signal from the second detection sensor 16, it determines (identifies) that the second hose 52 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6. Also, when the controller 100 receives non-detection signals from both the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16, it determines (identifies) that neither the first hose 51 nor the second hose 52 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6.

[0068] When the controller 100 determines (identifies) in the identification process that the first hose 51 or the second hose 52 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6, and determines that the hose 51 or 52 is different from the hose corresponding to the color of the resin pellets set by the operator at the setting operation unit (for example, even though the identification result is that the first hose 51 used for the production of non-colored resin pellets is connected to the pelletizer 6, and the color of the resin pellets set at the setting operation unit is black), it executes a notification process to notify the same through a touch panel, a speaker, etc., and prohibits the execution of the control program (that is, prohibits the execution of the manufacturing process by the resin pellet manufacturing facility 1).

[0069] Also, when the controller 100 determines (identifies) by the identification process that neither the first hose 51 nor the second hose 52 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6, it similarly executes the notification process and prohibits the execution of the control program.

[0070] As described above, in this embodiment, by realizing the switching of the discharge path of the pellet conveying water including the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer 6 by changing the connection of the hoses connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6 (changing the connection between the first hose 51 and the second hose 52), the resin pellet manufacturing facility 1 can be configured at a lower cost compared to the case of switching the discharge path using a three-way valve or the like. Also, when using a three-way valve, both of the two discharge paths become unusable for maintenance when the three-way valve fails. However, in the case of the method of detaching and attaching the first hose 51 and the second hose 52 as in this embodiment, even if there is a problem with one of the hoses 51 or 52, the resin pellets can be manufactured using the other hose 51 or 52. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly respond to emergency production due to failures or the like.

[0071] Further, in the present embodiment, the controller 100 is configured to execute an identification process for identifying which of the first hose 51 and the second hose 52 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6. Therefore, based on the result of this identification process, it is possible to prevent the resin pellet manufacturing facility 1 from operating in a state where a hose connection error due to an operator's human error has occurred.

[0072] As an example, in the present embodiment, when such a hose connection error occurs, the controller 100 performs a notification process to notify the operator of the error, and the execution of the control program is prohibited (that is, the execution of the manufacturing process by the resin pellet manufacturing facility 1 is prohibited). Thereby, when a hose connection error occurs, the operator can be made aware of the error by the notification process and urged to correct the hose connection error. Further, since the operation of the first water supply pump 23 and the second water supply pump 25 (see FIG. 1) is also prohibited by prohibiting the execution of the control program, it is possible to prevent, for example, the pellet conveying water to be supplied to the first separation device 7 from being supplied to the second separation device 8 due to the operator misidentifying the connection destination of the hose.

[0073] Further, in the present embodiment, the height position of the detected plate portion 30b of the first identification member 30 in a state where the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6 is different from the height position of the detected plate portion 33b of the second identification member 33 in a state where the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6. The first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are arranged at positions corresponding to the height positions of the detected plate portion 30b and the detected plate portion 33b (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0074] According to this configuration, the first detection sensor 15 for detecting the detected plate portion 30b of the first identification member 30 and the second detection sensor 16 for detecting the detected plate portion 33b of the second identification member 33 can be concentrated at the same location in the circumferential direction around the axis of the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6 (at one location). Therefore, compared with the case where the circumferential positions of the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are different from each other, since it is not necessary to position the first hose 51 and the second hose 52 in the circumferential direction, the device configuration can be simplified and the cost can be reduced. That is, according to this configuration, the support bracket 31 can be easily added to the first identification member 30 and the second identification member 33 only by fixing the support bracket 31 to the circumferential surfaces of the upstream flange portions 51b and 52b by spot welding or the like without performing large-scale additional processing such as forming positioning grooves in the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 or the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52. Therefore, the cost required for additional processing can be significantly reduced.

[0075] Further, in the present embodiment, the first identification member 30 and the second identification member 33 are each supported so as to be rotatable around pivot bolts 32 and 37 with respect to the first hose 51 and the second hose 52 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B), and each identification member 30, 33 is configured to be rotatable between a detection position and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the detected plate portion 30b of the first identification member 30 and the detected plate portion 33b of the second identification member 33 are each retracted to the side opposite to the pelletizer side from the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 and the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52.

[0076] According to this, when the first hose 51 is not used, the first identification member 30 can be flipped up around the pivot bolt 32 to be positioned at the retracted position, thereby preventing the first identification member 30 from colliding with other components and being damaged. Similarly, when the second hose 52 is not used, the second identification member 33 can be flipped up around the pivot bolt 32 to be positioned at the retracted position, thereby preventing the second identification member 33 from colliding with other components and being damaged.

[0077] (Modification 1) Figures 5, 6A, and 6B each show Modification 1 of the first embodiment. In this Modification 1, it is different from the first embodiment in that the circumferential positions of the first detected portion provided on the first hose 51 and the second detected portion provided on the second hose 52 are made different. Note that since other configurations and the control processing in the controller 100 are the same as those in the first embodiment except for this point, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment in the following modifications, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 5, the first hose 51 has a hose body 51a, an upstream flange portion 51b, and a first detected plate portion 51c (corresponding to the first detected portion) that protrudes radially outward from the circumferential surface of the upstream flange portion 51b.

[0079] At one position in the circumferential direction of the upstream flange portion 51b, a positioning groove 51d that opens radially outward is formed. A positioning pin 38 protrudes from the upper surface of the drain-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6. By engaging the positioning groove 51d of the upstream flange portion 51b with the positioning pin 38, circumferential positioning of the first hose 51 around the hose axis is performed. That is, in a state where the circumferential positioning of the first hose 51 is completed, the circumferential position of a specific position in the circumferential direction of the first hose 51 (the position corresponding to the positioning groove 51d in the main body) and the circumferential position of a specific position in the circumferential direction of the drain-side flange portion 64b (in other words, the drain port 6b) of the pelletizer 6 (in this example, the position corresponding to the positioning pin 38) coincide. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the circumferential position of the first detected plate portion 51c from varying each time the first hose 51 is connected. Note that the positioning pin 38 and the positioning groove 51d may be abolished and visual positioning may be performed by marking (marking position).

[0080] Similar to the first hose 51 shown in FIG. 5, the second hose 52 has a hose body 52a (see FIG. 6B), an upstream flange portion 52b, and a second detected plate portion 52c (corresponding to the second detected portion) that protrudes radially outward from the circumferential surface of the upstream flange portion 52b.

[0081] At one location in the circumferential direction of the upstream flange portion 52b, a positioning groove (not shown) that opens radially outward is formed. When this positioning groove engages with the positioning pin 38, circumferential positioning of the second hose 52 around the hose axis is performed. That is, in a state where the circumferential positioning of the second hose 52 is completed, the circumferential specific position of the second hose 52 (the position corresponding to the positioning groove in the main body) and the circumferential specific position of the drain-side flange portion 64b (in other words, the drain port 6b) of the pelletizer 6 (the position corresponding to the positioning pin 38 in the main body) coincide in the circumferential direction. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the circumferential position of the second detected plate portion 52c (see FIG. 6B) from varying each time the second hose 52 is connected. Note that the positioning pin 38 and the positioning groove 51d may be abolished and positioning may be performed visually by marking (marking position).

[0082] The central position in the plate width direction of the first detected plate portion 51c in a state where the circumferential positioning of the first hose 51 is completed and the central position in the plate width direction of the second detected plate portion 52c in a state where the circumferential positioning of the second hose 52 is completed are different in the circumferential phase by 90° around the axis of the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 6A, when the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 is connected to the drain-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6, the detection surface 15a of the first detection sensor 15 is arranged to face the lower surface of the first detected plate portion 51c with a gap therebetween. In this example, the first detection sensor 15 is fixed to the circumferential surface of the drain-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6 via a sensor bracket 41.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 5, the sensor bracket 41 is composed of an L-shaped bent metal fitting having a mounting plate portion 41a and a support plate portion 41b. The mounting plate portion 41a is fixed to the circumferential surface of the drain-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6. The support plate portion 41b supports the first detection sensor 15 in a state where its detection surface 15a faces upward.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 6B, when the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52 is connected to the drain-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6, the detection surface 16a of the second detection sensor 16 is arranged to face the lower surface of the second detected plate portion 52c with a gap therebetween. In this example, the second detection sensor 16 is fixed to the circumferential surface of the drain-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6 via the sensor bracket 42.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 5, the sensor bracket 42 is composed of an L-shaped bending metal fitting having a mounting plate portion 42a and a support plate portion 42b. The mounting plate portion 42a is fixed to the circumferential surface of the drain-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6. The support plate portion 42b supports the second detection sensor 16 in a state where its detection surface 16a faces upward.

[0087] Then, based on the signals received from the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16, the controller 100 executes an identification process for identifying which of the first hose 51 and the second hose 52 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6. Since the details of this identification process are the same as those in the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0088] As described above, in this modification, the circumferential position around the hose axis of the first detected plate portion 51c when the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 is connected to the drain-side flange portion 64b (i.e., the drain port 6b) of the pelletizer 6, and the circumferential position around the hose axis of the second detected plate portion 52c when the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52 is connected to the drain-side flange portion 64b (i.e., the drain port 6b) of the pelletizer 6 are different from each other. The first detected plate portion 51c and the second detected plate portion 52c are respectively fixed to the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 and the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B). The first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are arranged at positions corresponding to the respective circumferential positions of the first detected plate portion 51c and the second detected plate portion 52c.

[0089] According to this configuration, when the first hose 51 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6, the first detected plate portion 51c is detected by the first detection sensor 15, and the detection signal is output to the controller 100. Further, when the second hose 52 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6, the detected plate portion 52c is detected by the second detection sensor 16, and the detection signal is output to the controller 100. Then, based on the signals received from the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16, the controller 100 executes the same identification process as in the first embodiment to identify whether either the first hose 51 or the second hose 52 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6. Therefore, also in this modification example, the same operational effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0090] Moreover, in this modification example, the first detected plate portion 51c and the detected plate portion 52c are each formed so as to protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surfaces of the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 and the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52. Therefore, compared to the configuration in which the detected plate portion extends in the hose axis direction as in the first embodiment, interference between each detected plate portion 52c, 52c and other components when the hose is not in use is less likely to occur. Thus, since there is no need to provide a mechanism for switching the first detected plate portion 51c and the detected plate portion 52c between the detection position and the retracted position as in the first embodiment, the apparatus configuration can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

[0091] (Modification Example 2) FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are schematic views showing a state in which the first hose 51 and the second hose 52 are connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6 in the resin pellet manufacturing facility 1 according to Modification Example 2 of the first embodiment. In this Modification Example 2, the circumferential positioning of the first hose 51 and the second hose 52 is the same as in Modification Example 1, but the detected plate portion 64c is provided on the pelletizer 6, and the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are provided on the first hose 51 and the second hose 52, respectively (the arrangement relationship between the detected plate portion and the detection sensor is reversed), which is different from Modification Example 1.

[0092] That is, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the pelletizer 6 has a housing body 64a, a drain-side flange portion 64b, and one detected plate portion 64c (corresponding to the detected portion) that horizontally projects radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the drain-side flange portion 64b.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 7A, when the first detection sensor 15 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6 by the first hose 51, the detection surface 15a of the first detection sensor 15 is arranged to face the upper surface of the detected plate portion 64c with a gap therebetween. In this example, the first detection sensor 15 is fixed to the upstream-side flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 via the sensor bracket 43.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 7B, when the second detection sensor 16 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6 by the second hose 52, the detection surface 16a of the second detection sensor 16 is arranged to face the upper surface of the detected plate portion 64c with a gap therebetween. In this example, the second detection sensor 16 is fixed to the upstream-side flange portion 52b of the second hose 52 via the sensor bracket 44.

[0095] According to this modification example, when the first hose 51 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6, the detected plate portion 64c provided on the drain-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6 is detected by the first detection sensor 15 attached to the upstream-side flange portion 51b of the first hose 51, and the detection signal is output to the controller 100. Also, when the second hose 52 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6, the detected plate portion 64c provided on the drain-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6 is detected by the second detection sensor 16 attached to the upstream-side flange portion 52b of the second hose 52, and the detection signal is output to the controller 100. Then, based on the signals received from the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16, the controller 100 executes the same identification process as in the first embodiment and Modification Example 1 to identify whether either the first hose 51 or the second hose 52 is connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6. Therefore, also in this modification example, the same operational effects as in the first embodiment and Modification Example 1 can be obtained.

[0096] (Second Embodiment) FIG. 8 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 showing the second embodiment. In this embodiment, a single flexible hose 50 (hereinafter simply referred to as the hose 50) is pre-connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6, and by an operator changing the connection destination of the hose 50, the discharge destination of the pellet conveying water discharged from the drain outlet 6b is selectively switched to either the first separation device 7 or the second separation device 8, which is different from the first embodiment.

[0097] The hose 50 has an upstream-side end portion (corresponding to one end portion) connected to the drain outlet 6b of the pelletizer 6 and a downstream-side end portion (corresponding to the other end portion) selectively connected to either the first water conduit 71 extending from the first separation device 7 or the second water conduit 81 extending from the second separation device 8.

[0098] The first water conduit 71 is arranged to take in the pellet conveying water taken in from the opening at the upstream end thereof and discharge it from the opening at the downstream end, and guide it to the water inlet 7a of the first separation device 7. The second water conduit 81 is arranged to take in the pellet conveying water taken in from the opening at the upstream end thereof and discharge it from the opening at the downstream end, and guide it to the water inlet 8a of the second separation device 8.

[0099] The upstream end of the hose 50 is constantly and non - detachably connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6, while the downstream end of the hose 50 is constituted by a downstream flange portion 50b connected to the hose main body 50a. This downstream flange portion 50b is connected to the introduction flange portion 71a provided at the upstream end of the first water conduit 71 when manufacturing colorless resin pellets, and is connected to the introduction flange portion 81a provided at the upstream end of the second water conduit 81 when manufacturing black resin pellets. The connection operation of the downstream flange portion 50b is performed by coaxially butting the downstream flange portion 50b and the introduction flange portion 71a or the introduction flange portion 81a and fixing them with bolts, similar to the connection operations of the hoses 51, 52 in the first embodiment.

[0100] FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the downstream flange portion 50b of the hose 50 is connected to the introduction flange portion 71a of the first water conduit 71, and FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the downstream flange portion 50b of the hose 50 is connected to the introduction flange portion 81a of the second water conduit 81.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 9A, one detected plate portion 50c projects from the outer peripheral surface of the downstream flange portion 50b of the hose 50. The detected plate portion 50c projects radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the downstream flange portion 50b of the hose 50.

[0102] The first detection sensor 15 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the introduction flange portion 71a of the first water conduit 71 via a sensor bracket 45. The first detection sensor 15 is arranged so as to face the upper surface of the detected plate portion 50c with a gap therebetween (in other words, to detect the detected plate portion 50c) when the downstream flange portion 50b of the hose 50 is connected to the introduction flange portion 71a of the first water conduit 71.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 9B, the second detection sensor 16 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the introduction flange portion 81a of the second water conduit 81 via a sensor bracket 46. The second detection sensor 16 is arranged so as to face the upper surface of the detected plate portion 50c with a gap therebetween (in other words, to detect the detected plate portion 50c) when the downstream flange portion 50b of the hose 50 is connected to the introduction flange portion 81a of the second water conduit 81.

[0104] When the controller 100 receives a detection signal from the first detection sensor 15 and a non-detection signal from the second detection sensor 16, it determines that the hose 50 is connected to the first water conduit 71. Further, when the controller 100 receives a non-detection signal from the first detection sensor 15 and a detection signal from the second detection sensor 16, it determines that the hose 50 is connected to the second water conduit 81. Further, when the controller 100 receives non-detection signals from both the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16, it determines (identifies) that the hose 50 is not connected to either the first water conduit 71 or the second water conduit 81.

[0105] When the controller 100 identifies in the identification process that the hose 50 is connected to the first water conduit 71 or the second water conduit 81, and determines that the identified water conduit 71 or 81 is different from the water conduit corresponding to the color of the resin pellets set by the operator at the setting operation unit (for example, even though the identification result is that the hose 50 is connected to the first water conduit 71 used for non - colored resin, the color of the resin pellets set at the setting operation unit is set to black), it executes a notification process to notify the operator of this fact through a touch panel, a speaker, etc., and prohibits the execution of the control program (that is, prohibits the execution of the manufacturing process by the resin pellet manufacturing facility 1).

[0106] Also, when the controller 100 determines (identifies) through the identification process that the hose 50 is not connected to either the first water conduit 71 or the second water conduit 81, it similarly executes the notification process and prohibits the execution of the control program.

[0107] According to the resin pellet manufacturing facility 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, by previously connecting a flexible hose 50 to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6 and selectively connecting the downstream end of the hose 50 to either the first water conduit 71 or the second water conduit 81, the discharge destination of the pellet conveying water discharged from the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6 is switched to either the first separation device 7 or the second separation device 8. Thus, the resin pellet manufacturing facility 1 can be configured at a lower cost compared to the case of switching the discharge path using a three - way valve or the like. Moreover, as in the first embodiment, since it is only necessary to change the connection destination of one hose 50 without using two hoses, the first hose 51 and the second hose 52, the number of hoses used can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.

[0108] And in this embodiment, the controller 100 executes an identification process to identify whether the hose 50 is connected to the first water conduit 71 or the second water conduit 81. Therefore, based on the result of this identification process, it is possible to prevent the operator from misconnecting the hose 50 due to human error. As an example, in this embodiment, when such a misconnection of the hose occurs, the controller 100 performs a notification process to notify the operator of this fact, and the execution of the manufacturing process (execution of the control program) by the resin pellet manufacturing facility 1 is prohibited. Thereby, when the hose 50 is misconnected, the operator can be made aware of this fact by the notification process and urged to correct the misconnection of the hose 50. Further, when the connection destination of the hose 50 is incorrect, the execution of the control program is prohibited, so that the operation of the first water supply pump 23 and the second water supply pump 25 (see FIG. 1) is also prohibited, thereby preventing the misdelivery of pellet conveying water.

[0109] (Modification Example 1) FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams corresponding to FIGS. 9A and 9B showing Modification Example 1 of the second embodiment. In this Modification Example 1, in order to identify the connection destination of the hose 50, a first identification member 34 and a second identification member 36 are attached to the first water conduit 71 and the second water conduit 81, respectively, and the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are attached to the hose 50. This is different from the second embodiment. Since the other configurations and the control processing in the controller 100 are the same as those in the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the second embodiment in the following modification examples, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. Note that the basic identification principle of this Modification Example 1 is similar to that of the first embodiment (FIGS. 4A and 4B) described above.

[0110] That is, as shown in FIG. 10A, the first identification member 34 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the introduction flange portion 71a of the first water conduit 71 to be identified via a support bracket (not shown).

[0111] The first identification member 34 is formed of a substantially L-shaped plate member. The first identification member 34 is configured to be rotatable between a detection position hanging vertically downward with the pivot bolt 35 as a fulcrum and a retracted position (not shown) where it is turned upside down with the pivot bolt 35 as a fulcrum from the detection position. The first identification member 34 has a rotating plate portion 34a in the shape of a rectangular plate whose base end portion is supported by the pivot bolt 35, and a first detected plate portion 30b connected to the tip end portion thereof so as to intersect the rotating plate portion 34a at a right angle.

[0112] In a state where the first identification member 34 is in the retracted position, the first detected plate portion 34b retracts to the side opposite to the hose side (upper side in this example) of the introduction flange portion 71a of the first water conduit 71. On the other hand, in a state where the first identification member 34 is in the detection position, the first detected plate portion 34b is located on the hose side (lower side in this example) of the introduction flange portion 71a of the first water conduit 71 and faces the detection surface 15a of the first detection sensor 15 with a gap therebetween (see Fig. 10A). Thereby, the first detected plate portion 34b is detected by the first detection sensor 15.

[0113] Next, with reference to Fig. 10B, the second identification member 36 will be described. The configuration of the second identification member 36 is the same as that of the first identification member 34, and only the length thereof is different.

[0114] That is, the second identification member 36 has a rotating plate portion 36a and a detected plate portion 36b (see Fig. 10B). Regarding the configurations of the rotating plate portion 36a and the detected plate portion 36b, in the description of the above-mentioned first identification member 34, the rotating plate portion 34a is replaced with the rotating plate portion 36a, and the detected plate portion 34b is replaced with the detected plate portion 36b, and thus the description will be the same. Therefore, only the differences will be described below. This difference is the length of the rotating plate portion 36a. In a state where the second identification member 36 is in the detection position, the length of the rotating plate portion 36a of the second identification member 36 is set such that the second detected plate portion 36b connected to the tip end portion of the rotating plate portion 36a faces the detection surface 16a of the second detection sensor 16 with a gap therebetween.

[0115] The first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are fixed to the downstream flange portion 50b of the hose 50 via a sensor bracket 47. The first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are arranged vertically side by side with their respective detection surfaces 15a and 16a facing sideways (in the horizontal direction). In this example, the second detection sensor 16 is arranged below the first detection sensor 15.

[0116] According to the resin pellet manufacturing facility 1 according to the first modification example 1, when the hose 50 is connected to the introduction flange portion 71a (see FIG. 10A) of the first water conduit 71, the first detection sensor 15 attached to the hose 50 detects the first detected plate portion 34b of the first identification member 34 provided on the first water conduit 71, and its detection signal is output to the controller 100. Further, when the hose 50 is connected to the second water conduit 81 (see FIG. 10B), the second detection sensor 16 attached to the hose 50 detects the second detected plate portion 36b of the second identification member 36 provided on the second water conduit 81, and its detection signal is output to the controller 100. Then, based on the signals received from the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16, the controller 100 executes the same identification process as in the second embodiment to identify whether the hose 50 is connected to the first water conduit 71 or the second water conduit 81. Therefore, also in this modification example, the same operational effects as in the second embodiment can be obtained.

[0117] (Modification Example 2) FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams corresponding to FIGS. 9A and 9B showing a second modification example of the second embodiment. In this second modification example, in order to identify the connection destination of the hose 50, the first water conduit 71 and the second water conduit 81 are respectively provided with a first detected plate portion 71b and a second detected plate portion 81b having different circumferential positions, and the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are attached to the hose 50, which is different from the second embodiment. Note that the basic identification principle of this second modification example is similar to that of the first modification example 1 (FIGS. 6A and 6B) of the first embodiment described above.

[0118] That is, in this modified example, as shown in FIG. 11A, a first detected plate portion 71b is provided at one location in the circumferential direction of the introduction flange portion 71a of the first water conduit 71. The first detected plate portion 71b (corresponding to the first detected portion) horizontally protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the introduction flange portion 71a.

[0119] A positioning mechanism (not shown) for performing circumferential positioning by, for example, the engagement of a positioning pin and a positioning groove is provided between the downstream flange portion 50b of the hose 50 and the introduction flange portion 71a of the first water conduit 71. In a state where the circumferential positioning of the hose 50 is completed, the circumferential position of a specific position in the circumferential direction of the hose 50 (in this example, the position corresponding to the positioning groove) and the circumferential position of a specific position in the circumferential direction of the introduction flange portion 71a (in other words, the upstream opening of the first water conduit 71) (in this example, the position corresponding to the positioning pin) coincide. Note that the positioning pin and the positioning groove may be abolished and visual positioning may be performed by marking (marking position).

[0120] As shown in FIG. 11B, a second detected plate portion 81b is provided at one location in the circumferential direction of the introduction flange portion 81a of the second water conduit 81. The second detected plate portion 81b (corresponding to the second detected portion) horizontally protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the introduction flange portion 81a. The circumferential position (phase) of the second detected plate portion 81b around the water conduit axis is different from the circumferential position (phase) of the first detected plate portion 71b around the water conduit axis.

[0121] A positioning mechanism (not shown) for performing circumferential positioning by, for example, the engagement of a positioning pin and a positioning groove is provided between the downstream flange portion 50b of the hose 50 and the introduction flange portion 81a of the second water conduit 81. In a state where the circumferential positioning of the hose 50 is completed, the circumferential position of a specific position in the circumferential direction of the hose 50 (in this example, the position corresponding to the positioning groove) and the circumferential position of a specific position in the circumferential direction of the introduction flange portion 81a (in other words, the upstream opening of the second water conduit 81) (in this example, the position corresponding to the positioning pin) coincide. Note that the positioning pin and the positioning groove may be abolished and visual positioning may be performed by marking (marking position).

[0122] As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are respectively attached via sensor brackets 48 and 49 to different circumferential locations on the downstream flange portion 50b of the hose 50.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 11A, when the downstream flange portion 50b of the hose 50 is connected to the introduction flange portion 71a of the first water conduit 71, the detection surface 15a of the first detection sensor 15 is arranged so as to face the lower surface of the first detected plate portion 51c with a gap therebetween (so as to detect the first detected plate portion 51c).

[0124] As shown in FIG. 11B, when the downstream flange portion 50b of the hose 50 is connected to the drain-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6, the detection surface 16a of the second detection sensor 16 is arranged so as to face the lower surface of the second detected plate portion 52c with a gap therebetween (so as to detect the second detected plate portion 52c).

[0125] As described above, according to the resin pellet manufacturing facility 1 according to the second modification example, when the hose 50 is connected to the introduction flange portion 71a of the first water conduit 71 (see FIG. 11A), the first detected plate portion 71b provided on the first water conduit 71 is detected by the first detection sensor 15 attached to the hose 50, and the detection signal is output to the controller 100. Further, when the hose 50 is connected to the second water conduit 81 (see FIG. 11B), the second detected plate portion 81b provided on the second water conduit 81 is detected by the second detection sensor 16 attached to the hose 50, and the detection signal is output to the controller 100. Then, based on the signals received from the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16, the controller 100 executes the same identification process as in the second embodiment to identify whether the hose 50 is connected to the first water conduit 71 or the second water conduit 81. Therefore, also in this modification example, the same operational effects as in the second embodiment can be obtained.

[0126] (Other Embodiments) As described above, the resin pellet manufacturing facility 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been explained. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the following embodiments can be adopted.

[0127] (1) In each of the above embodiments and each modification, as an example of the first detected portion of the present invention, the first detected plate portion 30b, the first detected plate portion 51c, or the first detected plate portion 71b is adopted. As an example of the second detected portion, the second detected plate portion 33b, the second detected plate portion 52c, or the second detected plate portion 81b is adopted. As an example of the detected portion, the detected plate portion 64c or the detected plate portion 50c is adopted. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first detected portion, the second detected portion, and the detected portion may be, for example, a mark, a character, or a pattern or other signs.

[0128] (2) Further, the shape and arrangement position of the first detected plate portion 30b, the first detected plate portion 51c, or the first detected plate portion 71b as an example of the first detected portion, the shape and arrangement position of the second detected plate portion 33b, the second detected plate portion 52c, or the second detected plate portion 81b as an example of the second detected portion, and the shape and arrangement position of the detected plate portion 64c or the detected plate portion 50c as an example of the detected portion are not limited to the above-described configuration. That is, for example, in the first embodiment, the first detected plate portion 30b is arranged so as to face only the detection surface 15a (see FIG. 4A) of the first detection sensor 15. However, in addition to the detection surface 15a of the first detection sensor 15, it may be formed long vertically so as to face the detection surface 16a of the second detection sensor 16. In this case, in the controller 100, when detection signals are received from both the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16, it may be determined that the first hose 51 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6, and when a detection signal is received only from the second detection sensor 16, it may be determined that the second hose 52 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6.

[0129] (3) In the first embodiment (see FIGS. 4A and 4B), the presence or absence of the first detected plate portion 30b provided on the first hose 51 and the presence or absence of the second detected plate portion 33b provided on the second hose 52 are detected by the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 attached to the pelletizer 6, respectively. Based on the detection results, it is determined which of the first hose 51 and the second hose 52 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first detected plate portion 30b and the second detected plate portion 33b are each constituted by a barcode label including pre-assigned identification information (barcode information), and the identification information of each barcode label is read by a barcode reader (corresponding to the detection unit) attached to the pelletizer 6, and the identification process may be executed by the controller 100 based on the read identification information. In this case, it is not necessary to provide two sensors, i.e., the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16, as in the first embodiment. It is only necessary to provide one barcode reader, so the number of parts can be reduced and the space efficiency can be improved. Note that the identification information is not limited to barcode information, and may be, for example, characters, numbers, patterns, or the like. In this case, an image sensor or the like can be employed instead of the barcode reader. Note that, similarly, in the first modification example of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 6A and 6B), a configuration using the barcode reader or the like can be adopted.

[0130] (4) Similarly, in Modification Example 1 of the second embodiment (see FIGS. 10A and 10B), the presence or absence of the first detected plate portion 34b provided on the first water conduit 71 and the presence or absence of the second detected plate portion 36b provided on the second water conduit 81 are detected by the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 attached to the hose 50, respectively. Based on the detection results, it is determined which of the first water conduit 71 and the second water conduit 81 the hose 50 is connected to. However, this is not the only way. For example, the first detected plate portion 34b and the second detected plate portion 36b are each constituted by a barcode label including pre-assigned identification information (barcode information). The identification information of each barcode label is read by a barcode reader (corresponding to the detection unit) fixed to the hose 50, and the controller 100 executes the identification process based on the read identification information. In this case, one barcode reader may be used instead of the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16. Note that the identification information is not limited to barcode information, and may be, for example, characters, numbers, patterns, etc. In this case, an image sensor or the like can be employed instead of the barcode reader. Similarly, in Modification Example 2 of the second embodiment (see FIGS. 11A and 11B), a configuration using the barcode reader or the like can also be adopted.

[0131] (5) In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the resin pellet manufacturing facility 1 is configured to include two separation devices, i.e., the first separation device 7 and the second separation device 8. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and it may include three or more separation devices. When applying a configuration with three or more separation devices to the first embodiment, the number of hoses becomes three or more, and the number of detection sensors also becomes three or more. Even in this case, in the controller 100, based on the detection results of each detection sensor, the identification process for at least identifying the first hose 51 and the second hose 52 is still executed. Therefore, a configuration with three or more separation devices is also included in the present invention. Similarly, when applying a configuration with three or more separation devices to the second embodiment, the number of hoses remains one, and the number of water pipes becomes three or more. Even in this case, in the controller 100, based on the detection results of each detection sensor, the identification process for at least identifying to which of the first water pipe 71 and the second water pipe 81 the hose 50 is connected is still executed. Therefore, a configuration with three or more separation devices is also included in the present invention. That is, the resin pellet manufacturing facility 1 may have a configuration including at least two separation devices 7 and 8.

[0132] (6) In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the discharge destination of the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer 6 is switched between the first separation device 7 and the second separation device 8 in order to sort the colors of the resin pellets. However, the purpose of switching the separation devices 7 and 8 of the discharge destination is not limited to this. For example, when the subsequent processes of the manufactured resin pellets are different, the purpose may be to discharge the resin pellets to different locations according to each process, or the purpose may be to sort the resin pellets discharged together with the pellet conveying water from the pelletizer 6 into those that meet a predetermined standard and those that do not.

[0133] (7) In each of the above-described embodiments and each modification, the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are configured by proximity sensors, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, they may be configured by an image sensor or a distance sensor. Further, the first detection sensor 15 is not limited to such a non-contact type sensor, and may be a contact type sensor. As an example, in the first embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, limit switches 151 and 161 in which detection levers 151a and 161a swing up and down may be employed as the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16. Further, as another example, in Modification 1 of the first embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, limit switches 155 and 165 in which detection levers 155a and 165a move up and down may be employed as the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16.

[0134] (8) In each of the above-described embodiments and each modification, the first hose 51, the second hose 52, and the hose 50 are configured to be connected to a connection target by bolts via upstream flange portions 51b, 51b, and downstream flange portion 50b provided respectively, but are not necessarily limited to a connection structure using a flange portion and a bolt. For example, a connection structure using a collet method using a connection sleeve or the like may be employed.

[0135] (9) In the first embodiment and each modification of the first embodiment, the first hose 51 and the second hose 52 may be directly connected to the water inlet 7a of the first separation device 7 and the water inlet 8a of the second separation device 8, respectively, or may be indirectly connected via, for example, other fixed piping.

[0136] (10) In the second embodiment and each modification of the second embodiment, the hose 50 may be directly connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6, or may be indirectly connected via, for example, other fixed piping.

[0137] (11) Also, in the first embodiment and each modification of the first embodiment, it is determined whether the first hose 51 or the second hose 52 determined (identified) in the identification process is different from the hose corresponding to the color of the resin pellets set by the operator at the setting operation unit. However, it is not limited to this. More simply, when the hose determined (identified) in the identification process is the first hose 51, the operation of the second separation device 8 and the second water supply pump 25 arranged at the connection destination on the downstream side of the second hose 52 is prohibited. When the hose determined (identified) in the identification process is the second hose 52, the controller 100 may form an interlock so as to prohibit the operation of the first separation device 7 and the first water supply pump 23 arranged at the connection destination on the downstream side of the first hose 51. According to this, when a hose connection error occurs, the equipment corresponding to the manufacturing conditions assumed by the operator (the equipment corresponding to the color of the resin pellets assumed by the operator) does not operate. Therefore, the operator can be made aware of the hose connection error by the fact that the equipment does not operate.

[0138] (12) Also, in the second embodiment and each modification of the second embodiment, it is determined whether the first water conduit 71 or the second water conduit 81 determined (identified) in the identification process is different from the hose corresponding to the color of the resin pellets set by the operator at the setting operation unit. However, it is not limited to this. More simply, when the water conduit determined (identified) in the identification process is the first water conduit 71, the operation of the second separation device 8 and the second water supply pump 25 arranged at the connection destination on the downstream side of the second water conduit 81 is prohibited. When the hose determined (identified) in the identification process is the second water conduit 81, the controller 100 may form an interlock so as to prohibit the operation of the first separation device 7 and the first water supply pump 23 arranged at the connection destination on the downstream side of the first water conduit 71. According to this, when a hose connection error occurs, the equipment corresponding to the manufacturing conditions assumed by the operator (the equipment corresponding to the color of the resin pellets assumed by the operator) does not operate. Therefore, the operator can be made aware of the hose connection error by the fact that the equipment does not operate.

[0139] (13) Also, in each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the resin pellet manufacturing facility 1 may further include a display that varies the display form based on the type of hose (first hose 51 or second hose 52) and the type of water conduit (first water conduit 71 or second water conduit 81) determined (identified) by the controller 100 in the identification process. This display is preferably arranged at a location that is easily visible to workers within the factory, and can be configured, for example, by a display or a plurality of lamps with different colors.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0140] 1 : Resin pellet manufacturing facility 6 : Pelletizer 6a : Water inlet 6b : Drain outlet 7 : First separation device 7a : Water inlet 8 : Second separation device 8a : Water inlet 15 : First detection sensor (detection unit) 16 : Second detection sensor (detection unit) 30 : First identification member (rotating member) 30b : First detected plate portion (first detected portion) 33 : Second identification member (rotating member) 33b : Second detected plate portion (second detected portion) 50 : Hose 50c : Detected plate portion (detected portion) 51 : First hose 51c : First detected plate portion (first detected portion) 52 : Second hose 52c : Second detected plate portion (second detected portion) 61 : Die 63 : Cutting cutter 64c : Detected plate portion (detected portion) 71 : First water conduit 71b : First detected plate portion (first detected portion) 72 : Second water conduit 81 : Second water conduit 81b : Second detected plate portion (second detected portion) 100: Controller 155: Limit Switch (Detection Unit) 161: Limit Switch (Detection Unit) 165: Limit Switch (Detection Unit)

Claims

1. A kneader that melts and kneads a resin material and discharges it, a die that receives the resin discharged from the kneader and extrudes it from a die hole, and a cutting cutter that granulates resin pellets by cutting the resin extruded from the die underwater, and discharges the resin pellets downstream together with pellet conveying water, a first separation device and a second separation device that are provided in parallel with each other on the downstream side of the pelletizer, receive the pellet conveying water containing the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer, and are capable of separating the resin pellets from the pellet conveying water, a flexible first hose having one end connected to the water inlet of the pellet conveying water in the first separation device and the other end detachably configured to the drain outlet of the pellet conveying water in the pelletizer, a flexible second hose having one end connected to the water inlet of the pellet conveying water in the second separation device and the other end detachably configured to the drain outlet of the pelletizer, a first detected portion provided on the first hose, a second detected portion provided on the second hose, a detection unit attached to the pelletizer that detects the presence or absence of the first detected portion and the second detected portion, or identification information pre-given to the first detected portion and the second detected portion, A resin pellet manufacturing facility comprising a controller that executes an identification process for identifying which of the other end of the first hose and the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer based on the detection result by the detection unit.

2. In the resin pellet manufacturing facility according to Claim 1, the detection unit is one that detects the presence or absence of the first detected portion and the second detected portion, and a first detection sensor attached to the pelletizer so as to detect the first detected portion when the other end of the first hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer, and a second detection sensor attached to the pelletizer so as to detect the second detected portion when the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer, The resin pellet manufacturing facility, wherein the controller is configured to execute the identification process based on the detection results by the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor.

3. In the resin pellet manufacturing facility according to Claim 2, The height position of the first detected part when the other end of the first hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer and the height position of the second detected part when the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer are different from each other, and the first detected part and the second detected part are fixed to the first hose and the second hose respectively. The resin pellet manufacturing equipment in which the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are arranged at positions corresponding to the height positions of the first detected part and the second detected part.

4. In the resin pellet manufacturing equipment according to claim 3, A rotating member including the first detected part, further comprising a rotating member rotatably supported around a predetermined axis with respect to the first hose. The rotating member is configured to be rotatable between a detection position where the first detected part is positioned closer to the pelletizer side than the other end of the first hose, enabling detection of the first detected part by the first detection sensor provided on the pelletizer, and a retracted position where the first detected part is retracted to the side opposite to the pelletizer side with respect to the other end of the first hose. Resin pellet manufacturing equipment.

5. In the resin pellet manufacturing equipment according to claim 3, A rotating member including the second detected part, further comprising a rotating member rotatably supported around a predetermined axis with respect to the second hose. The rotating member is configured to be rotatable between a detection position where the second detected part is positioned closer to the pelletizer side than the other end of the second hose, enabling detection of the second detected part by the second detection sensor provided on the pelletizer, and a retracted position where the second detected part is retracted to the side opposite to the pelletizer side with respect to the other end of the second hose. Resin pellet manufacturing equipment.

6. In the resin pellet manufacturing equipment according to claim 2, When the other end of the first hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer such that the circumferential positions of a specific position in the circumferential direction of the first hose and a specific position in the circumferential direction of the drain outlet coincide, the circumferential position around the hose axis of the first detected portion, and when the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer such that the circumferential positions of a specific position in the circumferential direction of the second hose and a specific position in the circumferential direction of the drain outlet coincide, the circumferential position around the hose axis of the second detected portion are different from each other, the first detected portion and the second detected portion are fixed to the first hose and the second hose respectively, The resin pellet manufacturing equipment, wherein the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are arranged at positions corresponding to the respective circumferential positions of the first detected portion and the second detected portion.

7. A kneader that melts and kneads a resin material and discharges it, A die that receives the resin discharged from the kneader and extrudes it from a die hole, and a cutting cutter that granulates resin pellets by cutting the resin extruded from the die in water, and discharges the resin pellets downstream together with pellet conveying water, A first separation device and a second separation device that are provided in parallel with each other on the downstream side of the pelletizer, receive the pellet conveying water containing the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer, and are capable of separating the resin pellets from the pellet conveying water, A flexible first hose having one end connected to the water inlet of the pellet conveying water in the first separation device and the other end detachably configured to the drain outlet of the pellet conveying water in the pelletizer, A flexible second hose having one end connected to the water inlet of the pellet conveying water in the second separation device and the other end detachably configured to the drain outlet of the pelletizer, A detected portion provided in the pelletizer, A first detection sensor attached to the first hose so as to detect the detected portion when the other end of the first hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer, A second detection sensor attached to the second hose so as to detect the detected portion when the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain outlet of the pelletizer, A controller that executes an identification process for identifying which of the other end of the first hose and the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain port of the pelletizer based on the detection results of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor, and a resin pellet manufacturing facility.

8. A kneader that melts and kneads a resin material and discharges it; A die that receives the resin discharged from the kneader and extrudes it from a die hole, and a cutting cutter that granulates resin pellets by cutting the resin extruded from the die in water, and discharges the resin pellets downstream together with pellet conveying water, a pelletizer; A first separation device and a second separation device that are provided in parallel with each other on the downstream side of the pelletizer, receive the pellet conveying water containing the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer, and are capable of separating the resin pellets and the pellet conveying water; A first water conduit connected to the water inlet of the pellet conveying water in the first separation device and guiding the pellet conveying water to the water inlet; A second water conduit connected to the water inlet of the pellet conveying water in the second separation device and guiding the pellet conveying water to the water inlet; A flexible hose having one end connected to the drain port of the pellet conveying water in the pelletizer and the other end selectively attachable to and detachable from the first water conduit and the second water conduit; A detected part provided on the hose; A first detection sensor attached to the first water conduit so as to detect the detected part when the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit; A second detection sensor attached to the second water conduit so as to detect the detected part when the other end of the hose is connected to the second water conduit; A controller that executes an identification process for identifying to which of the first water conduit and the second water conduit the other end of the hose is connected based on the detection results of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor, and a resin pellet manufacturing facility.

9. A kneader that melts and kneads a resin material and discharges it; A die that receives the resin discharged from the kneader and extrudes it from a die hole, and a cutting cutter that granulates resin pellets by cutting the resin extruded from the die in water, and discharges the resin pellets downstream together with pellet conveying water, a pelletizer; A first separation device and a second separation device which are provided in parallel with each other on the downstream side of the pelletizer, receive pellet-carrying water containing the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer, and are capable of separating the resin pellets from the pellet-carrying water. A first water conduit connected to the water inlet of the pellet-carrying water in the first separation device and guiding the pellet-carrying water to the water inlet. A second water conduit connected to the water inlet of the pellet-carrying water in the second separation device and guiding the pellet-carrying water to the water inlet. A flexible hose having one end connected to the drain outlet of the pellet-carrying water in the pelletizer and the other end selectively detachably attached to the first water conduit and the second water conduit. A first detected part provided in the first water conduit. A second detected part provided in the second water conduit. A detection part fixed to the hose and detecting the presence or absence of the first detected part and the second detected part, or identification information pre-given to the first detected part and the second detected part. A resin pellet manufacturing facility comprising a controller that executes an identification process for identifying to which of the first water conduit and the second water conduit the other end of the hose is connected based on the detection result by the detection part.

10. In the resin pellet manufacturing facility according to claim 9, The detection part is for detecting the presence or absence of the first detected part and the second detected part, and includes a first detection sensor attached to the hose so as to detect the first detected part when the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit, and a second detection sensor attached to the hose so as to detect the second detected part when the other end of the hose is connected to the second water conduit. The resin pellet manufacturing facility, wherein the controller is configured to execute the identification process based on the detection results by the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor.

11. In the resin pellet manufacturing facility according to claim 10, The first detected part and the second detected part are respectively fixed to the first water conduit and the second water conduit such that the relative height position of the first detected part with respect to the hose when the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit is different from the relative height position of the second detected part with respect to the hose when the other end of the hose is connected to the second water conduit. The resin pellet manufacturing facility in which the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are arranged at positions corresponding to the respective height positions of the first detected portion and the second detected portion.

12. In the resin pellet manufacturing facility according to claim 10, when the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit such that the circumferential positions of a specific position in the circumferential direction of the hose and a specific position in the circumferential direction of the first water conduit coincide, the circumferential position of the first detected portion with respect to the hose; and when the other end of the hose is connected to the second water conduit such that the circumferential positions of a specific position in the circumferential direction of the hose and a specific position in the circumferential direction of the second water conduit coincide, the circumferential position of the second detected portion with respect to the hose are different from each other, the first detected portion and the second detected portion are fixed to the first water conduit and the second water conduit, respectively, The resin pellet manufacturing facility in which the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are arranged at positions corresponding to the respective circumferential positions of the first detected portion and the second detected portion.

13. In the resin pellet manufacturing facility according to any one of claims 2 to 8 and 10 to 12, The resin pellet manufacturing facility in which the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are constituted by proximity sensors.

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