Resin pellet manufacturing equipment

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 Art

[0002] Conventionally, resin pellet manufacturing facilities for pelletizing resin materials are known. Patent Document 1 discloses, as an example of a resin pellet manufacturing facility, a facility comprising: a kneader that melt-kneads a resin material; a pelletizer that pelletizes the resin discharged from the kneader to granulate resin pellets, and discharges the granulated resin pellets to the downstream side together with pellet conveying water; and a first separation device and a second separation device arranged in parallel with each other on the downstream side of the pelletizer.

[0003] A discharge line (discharge path) for discharging pellet conveying water is provided on the downstream side of the pelletizer, and this discharge line branches into a first conveying line where the first separation device is disposed and a second conveying line where the second separation device is disposed. Each of the first separation device and the second separation device is configured to receive pellet conveying water containing resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer, and separate the resin pellets from the pellet conveying water. The first separation device is used for separating colored resin pellets, and the second separation device is used for separating uncolored resin pellets. At the branch point between the first conveying line and the second conveying line, there is provided a switching unit that selectively switches the discharge line for pellet conveying water (conveying 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 of pellet conveying water to the first conveying line when producing colored resin pellets, and switches the discharge line of pellet conveying water to the second conveying line when producing uncolored resin pellets. In this way, by supplying colored resin pellets and uncolored resin pellets to different separation devices respectively, mixing of resin pellets of different colors is prevented.

[0004] As described above, the resin pellet manufacturing equipment shown in Patent Document 1 switches the discharge line between a first transport line and a second transport line for the purpose of sorting 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, the purpose may be to change the location from which the resin pellets are removed to each process when the subsequent processes of the manufactured resin pellets are different (see paragraph

[0023] of Patent Document 2).

[0005] In addition, as shown in Patent Document 3, for example, there are also cases where the purpose is to sort the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer along with the pellet transport water into those that meet predetermined standards and those that do not.

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

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2019-524507 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-276843 [Patent Document 3] German Patent Application Publication No. 102012003890 Specification [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, if the destination of the pellet transport water (transport 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), as in the conventional method, there is a problem that costs will increase because, in addition to the component cost of the switching unit itself, a controller and the like are required to drive the switching unit.

[0009] To avoid this problem, one could consider manually switching the discharge destination of the pellet transport water (transport water containing resin pellets) discharged from the pelletizer. However, in this case, there is a risk that the pellet transport water may be discharged to the wrong destination due to human error by the operator.

[0010] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to operate a resin pellet manufacturing facility while reliably switching the destination of the pellet transport water containing resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer to either the first separation device or the second separation device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The resin pellet manufacturing equipment according to the first invention includes a kneader for melting and kneading resin material and discharging it, a die for receiving the resin discharged from the kneader and extruding it through die holes, and a cutting cutter for granulating resin pellets by cutting the resin extruded from the die underwater, and a pelletizer for discharging the resin pellets downstream together with pellet transport water, a first separation device and a second separation device provided in parallel to each other downstream of the pelletizer, for 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 detachable end connected to the inlet of the pellet transport water in the first separation device and the outlet of the pellet transport water in the pelletizer. The system comprises a flexible first hose having a detachable end, a flexible second hose having one end connected to the inlet of the pellet transport water in the second separation device and the other end detachably connected to the drain port of the pelletizer, a first detection unit provided on the first hose, a second detection unit provided on the second hose, a detection unit attached to the pelletizer that detects the presence or absence of the first detection unit and the second detection unit, or identification information pre-assigned to the first detection unit and the second detection unit, and a controller that performs an identification process to identify 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 result by the detection unit.

[0012] According to the first invention, the destination of the pellet transport water containing resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer can be switched without error to either the first or second separation device using an inexpensive configuration. In other words, in this invention, the switching of the discharge route to the first and second separation devices is achieved by switching the connection of the hoses connected to the drain port of the pelletizer (switching between the first hose and the second hose), thereby eliminating the need for a three-way valve and a drive mechanism to drive the three-way valve, and thus reducing costs. Furthermore, when the first hose or the second hose is connected to the pelletizer, the presence or absence of the first and second detectable parts provided on each hose, or identification information (e.g., barcode information) pre-assigned to each detectable part, is detected by a detection unit attached to the pelletizer, and the controller identifies which of the two hoses (i.e., the other end of the first hose or the other end of the second hose) is connected to the drain port of the pelletizer based on the detection result from the detection unit.

[0013] The resin pellet manufacturing equipment according to the second invention preferably includes, in the first invention, a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of the first detected unit and the second detected unit, and includes a first detection sensor attached to the pelletizer to detect the first detected unit when the other end of the first hose is connected to the drain port of the pelletizer, and a second detection sensor attached to the pelletizer to detect the second detected unit when the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain port of the pelletizer, wherein the controller is configured to perform the identification process based on the detection results from 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 detected unit and the second detected unit. Therefore, compared to using a detection unit (for example, an image sensor or barcode reader with high resolution sufficient to detect barcodes, characters, numbers, patterns, etc.) that detects identification information (for example, barcodes, characters, numbers, or patterns, etc.) that has been pre-assigned to the first detected unit and the second detected unit in the identification process, the controller can perform the identification process with a less expensive configuration.

[0015] In the resin pellet manufacturing equipment according to the third invention, it is preferable that the first and second detectable parts are fixed to the first and second hoses, respectively, such that the height position of the first detectable part when the other end of the first hose is connected to the drain port 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 port of the pelletizer, and the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are positioned at positions corresponding to the height positions of the first and second detectable parts.

[0016] According to the third invention, since the height of the first detected part when the first hose is connected to the drain port of the pelletizer is different from the height of the second detected part when the second hose is connected, the positions of the first detected part and the second detected part with respect to the drain port of the pelletizer can be concentrated at the same location (one location) in the circumferential direction around the axis of the drain port. As a result, the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor for detecting the first detected part and the second detected part can also be concentrated at the same location (one location) in the circumferential direction around the axis of the drain port of the pelletizer.

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

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

[0019] The resin pellet manufacturing equipment according to the fifth invention further comprises a rotating member including the second detectable portion, which is supported so as to be rotatable around a predetermined axis relative to the second hose, in the third or fourth invention, wherein the rotating member is rotatable between a detection position, in which the second detectable portion is positioned on the pelletizer side of the other end of the second hose, thereby enabling detection of the second detectable portion by the second detection sensor provided on the pelletizer, and a retracted position, in which the second detectable portion is retracted to the side opposite the pelletizer, relative to the other end of the second hose, when the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain port of the pelletizer.

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

[0021] In the resin pellet manufacturing equipment according to the sixth invention, the first and second detected parts are fixed to the first and second hoses respectively, such that the circumferential position of the first detected part around the hose axis when the other end of the first hose is connected to the drain port of the pelletizer such that the circumferential position of a specific position in the circumferential direction of the first hose coincides with the circumferential position of a specific position in the circumferential direction of the drain port, and the circumferential position of the second detected part around the hose axis when the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain port of the pelletizer such that the circumferential position of a specific position in the circumferential direction of the second hose coincides with the circumferential position of a specific position in the circumferential direction of the drain port, are different from each other, and the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are positioned at positions corresponding to the respective circumferential positions of the first and second detected parts.

[0022] According to the sixth invention, by making the circumferential positions of the first detected part and the second detected part different, the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor can reliably detect the first detected part and the second detected part, which are the respective targets for detection. Furthermore, compared to a 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 towards the pelletizer side from the other ends of the first hose and the second hose. Therefore, interference between the first detected part and the second detected part and other parts when the hose is not in use can be avoided as much as possible.

[0023] A resin pellet manufacturing facility according to a seventh aspect of the invention comprises: a kneader that melt-kneads a resin material and discharges the melt-kneaded resin material; a pelletizer that includes a die which receives the resin discharged from the kneader and extrudes the resin through die holes, and a cutting cutter that granulates resin pellets by cutting the resin extruded from the die in water, and discharges the resin pellets to a downstream side together with pellet conveying water; a first separation device and a second separation device which are provided in parallel with each other on the downstream side of the pelletizer, 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 a water inlet for the pellet conveying water in the first separation device, and the other end configured to be attachable to and detachable from a drainage outlet for the pellet conveying water in the pelletizer; a flexible second hose having one end connected to a water inlet for the pellet conveying water in the second separation device, and the other end configured to be attachable to and detachable from the drainage outlet of the pelletizer; a detected portion provided on the pelletizer; a first detection sensor attached to the first hose so as to detect the detected portion when the other end of the first hose is connected to the drainage 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 drainage outlet of the pelletizer; and a controller that executes identification processing for identifying which of the other end of the first hose and the other end of the second hose is connected to the drainage outlet of the pelletizer based on detection results obtained by the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor.

[0024] According to the seventh invention, similar to the first invention, the destination of the pellet transport 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 drain port 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 part to be detected is provided on the pelletizer. As a result, when the first hose is connected to the drain port of the pelletizer, the part to be detected 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 drain port of the pelletizer, the part to be detected 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 determining, for example, whether the part to be detected was detected by the first detection sensor or the second detection sensor. Furthermore, with this configuration, only one detection unit needs to be provided on the pelletizer, thus simplifying the shape of the pelletizer and reducing its molding cost.

[0025] A resin pellet production facility according to an eighth invention comprises: a kneader that melt-kneads a resin material and discharges the resulting kneaded resin; a pelletizer that includes a die receiving the resin discharged from the kneader and extruding the resin through die holes, and a cutting cutter that granulates resin pellets by cutting the resin extruded from the die in water, and discharges the resin pellets to a downstream side 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 first water conduit that is connected to a water inlet for the pellet conveying water in the first separation device and guides the pellet conveying water to the water inlet; a second water conduit that is connected to a water inlet for the pellet conveying water in the second separation device and guides the pellet conveying water to the water inlet; a flexible hose having one end connected to a discharge outlet for the pellet conveying water in the pelletizer, and the other end selectively detachably connected to the first water conduit and the second water conduit; a detected portion provided on the hose; a first detection sensor attached to the first water conduit so as to detect the detected 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 detected portion when the other end of the hose is connected to the second water conduit; and a controller that executes identification processing for identifying which of the first water conduit and the second water conduit the other end of the hose is connected to, based on detection results from the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor.

[0026] According to the eighth invention, the destination of the pellet transport water containing resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer can be reliably switched to either the first or second separation device with an inexpensive configuration. Specifically, in this invention, by pre-connecting a flexible hose to the drain port of the pelletizer and selectively connecting the downstream end of the hose to either the first or second water conduit, the destination of the pellet transport water discharged from the drain port of the pelletizer can be easily switched to either the first or second separation device. Therefore, costs can be reduced by eliminating the three-way valve and the drive components for driving the three-way valve. In addition, since only one hose is needed, the space required for hose routing and temporary storage can be reduced. Furthermore, according to this eighth invention, when the hose is connected to the first water conduit, the part of the hose to be detected is detected by the first detection sensor attached to the first water conduit, and when the hose is connected to the second water conduit, the part of the hose to be detected is detected by the second detection sensor attached to the second water conduit, and the controller identifies whether the other end of the hose is connected to the first separation device or the second separation device based on the detection results from each detection sensor.

[0027] The resin pellet manufacturing equipment according to the ninth invention includes a kneader for melting and kneading a resin material and discharging it, a die for receiving the resin discharged from the kneader and extruding it through die holes, and a cutting cutter for granulating resin pellets by cutting the resin extruded from the die in water, and a pelletizer for discharging the resin pellets downstream together with pellet transport water, a first separation device and a second separation device provided in parallel to each other downstream of the pelletizer, for 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 conduit connected to the inlet of the pellet transport water in the first separation device and for guiding the pellet transport water to the inlet, and the second separation device The device comprises: a second water conduit connected to the inlet of pellet transport water in the pelletizer and leading the pellet transport water to the inlet; a flexible hose having one end connected to the outlet of the pellet transport water in the pelletizer and the other end selectively attached to and detached from the first and second water conduits; a first detectable part provided on the first water conduit; a second detectable part provided on the second water conduit; a detection unit fixed to the hose that detects the presence or absence of the first and second detectable parts, or identification information pre-assigned to the first and second detectable parts; and a controller that performs an identification process to identify whether the other end of the hose is connected to the first or second water conduit based on the detection result by the detection unit.

[0028] According to the ninth invention, similar to the eighth invention, the destination of the pellet transport water discharged from the pelletizer's drain port can be easily switched to either the first or second separation device by selectively connecting the downstream end of the hose to either the first or second water conduit. The difference from the eighth invention is that the first detected part and the second detected part are fixed to the first and second water conduits, respectively, and the detection part is fixed to the hose (i.e., the arrangement of the detected part and the detection part is reversed). With this, when the hose is connected to the first or second water conduit, the presence or absence of the first detected part and the second detected part provided in each water conduit, or identification information (e.g., barcode information) pre-assigned to each detected part, is detected by the detection part provided in the hose, and the controller identifies whether the other end of the hose is connected to the first or second water conduit based on the detection result from this detection part.

[0029] The resin pellet manufacturing equipment according to the 10th invention is preferably configured in the 9th invention such that the detection unit detects the presence or absence of the first detected part and the second detected part, and includes a first detection sensor attached to the hose 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 to detect the second detected part when the other end of the hose is connected to the second water conduit, and the controller is preferably configured to perform the identification process based on the detection results from 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 detected unit and the second detected unit. Therefore, compared to using a detection unit (for example, an image sensor or barcode reader with high resolution sufficient to detect barcodes, characters, numbers, patterns, etc.) that detects identification information (for example, barcodes, characters, numbers, or patterns, etc.) that has been pre-assigned to the first detected unit and the second detected unit in the identification process, the controller can perform the identification process with a less expensive configuration.

[0031] In the resin pellet manufacturing equipment according to the 11th invention, it is preferable that the first detected part and the second detected part are fixed to the first water conduit and the second water conduit, respectively, 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 and 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 are different from each other, and the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are positioned at positions corresponding to the respective height positions of the first detected part and the second detected part.

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

[0033] The resin pellet manufacturing equipment according to the 12th invention is preferably such that, in the 10th invention, the circumferential position of the first detected part relative to the hose is different from the circumferential position of the second detected part relative to the hose when the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit such that the circumferential position of the hose and the circumferential position of the first water conduit coincide, and the circumferential position of the second detected part relative to the hose is different from the circumferential position of the second detected part relative to the hose when the other end of the hose is connected to the second water conduit such that the circumferential position of the hose and the circumferential position of the second water conduit coincide, and the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are positioned at positions corresponding to the respective circumferential positions of the first detected part and the second detected part.

[0034] According to the twelfth invention, by making the circumferential positions of the first detected part and the second detected part different, the first and second detected parts can be detected without error by the first and second detection sensors. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the heights of the first and second detected parts are different, it is possible to suppress the first and second detected parts from protruding towards the hose side beyond the first and second water conduits. Therefore, collisions between the first and second detected parts and other parts can be avoided as much as possible when the hose is not in use.

[0035] In the resin pellet manufacturing equipment according to the 13th invention, it is preferable that the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are configured as proximity sensors in any one of the second to eighth inventions and the tenth to twelfth inventions.

[0036] According to the 13th invention, by using proximity sensors as the first and second detection sensors, costs can be reduced compared to using image sensors or the like. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a resin pellet manufacturing facility according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an enlarged perspective view of the connection point, showing the first hose connected to the drain port of the pelletizer. [Figure 3] This is an enlarged perspective view of the connection point, showing the first hose connected to the drain port of the pelletizer. [Figure 4A] This is a schematic diagram (corresponding to the view in direction IV of Figure 2) showing the state in which the first identification member is positioned at the detection location with the first hose connected to the drain port of the pelletizer. [Figure 4B] This is a schematic diagram (corresponding to the view in direction IV of Figure 2) showing the second identification member positioned at the detection location with the second hose connected to the drain port of the pelletizer. [Figure 5]This figure corresponds to Figure 2, showing a modified example 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 6A] This is a schematic diagram (corresponding to the cross-section along line VI-VI in Figure 5) showing the state in which the first hose is connected to the drain port of the pelletizer in Modification 1 of the First Embodiment. [Figure 6B] This is a schematic diagram (corresponding to the cross-section along line VI-VI in Figure 5) showing a modified example of the first embodiment in which the second hose is connected to the drain port of the pelletizer. [Figure 7A] This is a schematic diagram showing a modified example 2 of the first embodiment, in which the first hose is connected to the drain port of the pelletizer. [Figure 7B] This is a schematic diagram showing a modified example 2 of the first embodiment, in which the second hose is connected to the drain port of the pelletizer. [Figure 8] This figure corresponds to Figure 1 and shows a second embodiment. [Figure 9A] This is a schematic diagram showing the hose connected to the first water conduit in the second embodiment. [Figure 9B] This is a schematic diagram showing the hose connected to the second water conduit in the second embodiment. [Figure 10A] This figure corresponds to Figure 9A, showing a modified example 1 of the second embodiment. [Figure 10B] This figure corresponds to Figure 9B, showing a modified example 1 of the second embodiment. [Figure 11A] This figure corresponds to Figure 9A, showing a modified example 2 of the second embodiment. [Figure 11B] This figure corresponds to Figure 9B, showing a modified example 2 of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure corresponds to Figure 4B, which shows another embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a view from the direction of arrow XIII in Figure 12. [Figure 14] This figure corresponds to Figure 6A, which shows another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0039] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a resin pellet manufacturing facility 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. This resin pellet manufacturing facility 1 is configured to produce resin pellets of two different colors (uncolored and black in this example), and is configured to discharge resin pellets of each color from separate discharge paths.

[0040] Specifically, the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1 includes a kneader 3 that kneads and melts the raw resin supplied from the feeder 2 and sends it downstream, a gear pump 4 that pressurizes the molten resin sent from the kneader 3 and pushes it further downstream, a screen changer 5 that removes foreign matter from the molten resin pushed out by the gear pump 4, a pelletizer 6 that pelletizes the molten resin that has passed through the screen changer 5 and discharges it together with the pellet transport 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 Figure 3).

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

[0042] The first separation device 7 and the second separation device 8 are installed in parallel to 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 producing 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 producing black resin pellets.

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

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

[0045] The first sorting machine 11 and the second sorting machine 12 each sift through the resin pellets supplied from the first separation device 7 and the second separation device 8 using a mesh-like member, thereby selecting and discharging only resin pellets that meet predetermined size standards.

[0046] The first water storage tank 20 is connected to the inlet 6a of the pelletizer 6 via the first water supply line 22, and the first water supply pump 23 is located on this first water supply line 22. The second water storage tank 21 is connected to the inlet 6a of the pelletizer 6 via the second water supply line 24, and the second water supply pump 25 is located on this second water supply line 24. A three-way valve 26 is provided at the junction of the first water supply line 22 and the second water supply line 24. This three-way valve 26, as well as the first water supply pump 23 and the second water supply pump 25, are controlled by a controller 100 (see Figure 3).

[0047] [Details of the first and second hoses] As shown in Figure 2, which will be described later, the first hose 51 has an upstream end (corresponding to the other end) that is detachably connected to the drain port 6b of the pellet transport water in the pelletizer 6, and a downstream end (corresponding to one end) that is permanently connected to the inlet 7a of the pellet transport water in the first separation device 7. In this example, the downstream end of the first hose 51 is permanently connected (fixed) to the inlet 7a of the first separation device 7, while the upstream end of the first hose 51 is composed of an upstream flange portion 51b. The upstream flange portion 51b is attached to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6 only when producing uncolored resin pellets, and is removed from the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6 when producing black resin pellets. The attachment and detachment of this upstream flange portion 51b is performed by an operator.

[0048] Specifically, the first hose 51 has a flexible hose body 51a and an upstream flange portion 51b, the upstream flange portion 51b protruding radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the hose body 51a in a flange-like manner. The upstream flange portion 51b has bolt insertion holes 51e (shown only in Figure 5, described later) arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. When the worker connects the first hose 51 to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6, the worker abuts the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 coaxially with the drain side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6, and then inserts the bolts 13 through each bolt insertion hole 51e and screws them into the threaded holes (not shown) provided in the drain side flange portion 64b. On the other hand, when the worker removes the first hose 51 from the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6, the bolt 13 is 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 that is detachably connected to the drain port 6b (see Figure 1) of the pellet transport water in the pelletizer 6, and a downstream end (corresponding to one end) that is permanently connected to the inlet 8a of the pellet transport water in the second separation device 8. In this example, the downstream end of the second hose 52 is permanently and non-detachably connected to the inlet 8a of the second separation device 8, while the upstream end of the second hose 52 is composed of 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 attachment and detachment of this upstream flange portion 52b is performed by an operator.

[0050] The second hose 52 has a flexible hose body 52a and an upstream flange portion 52b, the upstream flange portion 52b projecting radially outward in a flange shape from the outer circumferential surface of the hose body 52a. The upstream flange portion 52b has bolt insertion holes (not shown) arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. When the worker connects the second hose 52 to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6, the worker abuts the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52 coaxially with the drain side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6, and then inserts bolts 13 through each bolt insertion hole and screws them into the threaded holes (not shown) provided in the drain side flange portion 64b. On the other hand, when the worker removes the second hose 52 from the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6, the worker loosens the bolts 13 to separate the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52 from the drain side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6.

[0051] [Configuration of identification member] Figures 2 and 3 are enlarged perspective views of the connection point, 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 equipment 1 further includes a first identification member 30 attached to the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51, a second identification member 33 (see Figure 4B described later) attached to the second hose 52 (not shown in Figures 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 components used by the controller 100 to identify whether the first hose 51 or 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 similar configurations, differing only in their length.

[0053] The first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are located 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 configured, for example, as 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 configured, for example, as 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 and 16a facing sideways (horizontally). In this example, the second detection sensor 16 is located below the first detection sensor 15.

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

[0055] The pivot bolt 32 is attached to a support bracket 31 provided on the outer circumferential surface of the upstream flange portion 51b. The support bracket 31 consists of an L-shaped bent fitting having a mounting plate portion 31a and a support plate portion 31b. The mounting plate portion 31a is fixed to the outer circumferential 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 from the upstream flange portion 51b in a plan view. The pivot bolt 32 penetrates perpendicularly through the support plate portion 31b. The pivot bolt 32 extends tangentially to the upstream flange portion 51b in a plan view. The first identification member 30 is rotatably supported by the pivot bolt 32.

[0056] Specifically, the first identification member 30 consists of a roughly 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 Figures 2 and 3) which hangs vertically downward with the pivot bolt 32 as the fulcrum, and a retracted position (the position of the dashed-dot line in Figures 2 and 3) which is upside down from the detection position with the pivot bolt 32 as the fulcrum. The first identification member 30 has a rectangular plate-shaped rotating plate portion 30a whose base end is supported by the pivot bolt 32, and a first detected plate portion 30b which is connected to its tip so as to intersect the rotating plate portion 30a at a right angle.

[0057] When the first identification member 30 is in the retracted position (the position indicated by the dashed line in Figure 2), the first detected plate portion 30b is retracted to the side opposite the pelletizer (upper side in this example) of the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51. On the other hand, when the identification member 30 is in the detection position, the first detected plate portion 30b is positioned on the pelletizer side (lower side in this example) of 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 between them. As a result, 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 that of the first identification member 30 shown in Figures 2 and 3, with only its length being different.

[0059] In other words, the second identification member 33 has a rotating plate portion 33a and a detected plate portion 33b that are rotatably supported by a pivot bolt 37 (see Figure 4B, described later). The details of the second identification member 33 will be explained in the same way as in the explanation of Figures 2 and 3 above, by replacing the pivot bolt 32 with the pivot bolt 37, the rotating plate portion 30a with the rotating plate portion 33a, and the detected plate portion 30b with the detected plate portion 33b, so only the differences will be explained below. The difference is the length of the rotating plate portion 33a, and the length of the rotating plate portion 33a of the second identification member 33 is set so that when the second identification member 33 is in the detection position, the second detected plate portion 33b connected to the tip of the rotating plate portion 33a faces the detection surface 16a of the second detection sensor 16 with a gap between them.

[0060] [Preparation work] When the worker manufactures uncolored resin pellets using the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1, the worker performs a preliminary setup operation: connecting the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 to the drainage side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6. When making this connection, the worker positions the first identification member 30 in a retracted position beforehand, and moves the first identification member 30 to the detection position after the connection operation (i.e., the tightening of the bolts 13 as described above) is completed.

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

[0062] [Explanation of detection location] Figure 4A is a view in the direction of arrow IV in Figure 2, with the first hose 51 connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6 and the first identification member 30 positioned at the detection position. Figure 4B is a view equivalent to Figure 4A, with the second hose 52 connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6 and the second identification member 33 positioned at the detection position.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4A, when the first identification member 30 attached to the first hose 51 is in 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. The first detection sensor 15 may be configured to output no signal at all instead of outputting a non-detection signal.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4B, when the second identification member 33 attached to the second hose 52 is in 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] [Controller Configuration] The controller 100 (see Figure 2) is composed of a computer having a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The controller 100 is connected to an operation panel (not shown) via signal lines. The operation panel is equipped with a start button for starting production by the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1, and a setting operation unit for the operator to set manufacturing conditions, including the color of the resin pellets to be manufactured. Operation signals from this start button and setting operation unit are transmitted from the operation panel to the controller 100. When the controller 100 receives an operation signal from the operation panel indicating that the start button has been operated, it executes a predetermined control program to cause the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1 to execute the resin pellet manufacturing process.

[0066] The controller 100 is further connected to the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 via signal lines, and performs identification processing to determine whether the first hose 51 or the second hose 52 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6 (i.e., whether the upstream end of the first hose 51 or the upstream end of the second hose 52 is connected) based on the signals (detection signal and non-detection signal) received from the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16.

[0067] Specifically, if 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, if 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. Furthermore, if 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] If the controller 100 determines (identifies) in the identification process that the first hose 51 or the second hose 52 is connected to the drain 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 pellet set by the operator in the setting operation unit (for example, if the controller 100 determines that the first hose 51 used for manufacturing uncolored pellets is connected to the pelletizer 6, but the color of the resin pellet set in the setting operation unit is black), it will perform a notification process to notify the controller of this fact via a touch panel or speaker, etc., and will also prohibit the execution of the control program (i.e., it will prohibit the execution of the manufacturing process by the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1).

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

[0070] As explained above, in this embodiment, the switching of the discharge route of the pellet transport water containing resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer 6 is achieved by switching the connection of the hose connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6 (switching the connection between the first hose 51 and the second hose 52). This makes it possible to configure the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1 at a lower cost compared to when the discharge route is switched using a three-way valve or the like. Furthermore, if a three-way valve is used, both discharge routes become unusable for maintenance if the three-way valve fails. However, with the method of attaching and detaching the first hose 51 and the second hose 52 as in this embodiment, even if one hose 51 or 52 malfunctions, resin pellets can still be manufactured using the other hose 51 or 52. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly respond to production in emergencies such as malfunctions.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the controller 100 is configured to perform an identification process to determine whether the first hose 51 or the second hose 52 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6. Based on the results of this identification process, it is possible to prevent the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1 from operating while the hoses are incorrectly connected due to human error by the operator.

[0072] For example, in this embodiment, if such a hose connection error occurs, the controller 100 will perform a notification process to inform the operator of the error, and the execution of the control program will be prohibited (i.e., the execution of the manufacturing process by the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1 will be prohibited). This allows the operator to become aware of the hose connection error through the notification process and be prompted to correct the hose connection error. Furthermore, since the operation of the first water supply pump 23 and the second water supply pump 25 (see Figure 1) is also prohibited by prohibiting the execution of the control program, it is possible to prevent, for example, the supply of pellet transport water that should be supplied to the first separation device 7 to the second separation device 8 due to the operator connecting the hoses to the wrong destination.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the height position of the detected plate portion 30b of the first identification member 30 when the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6 is different from the height position of the detected plate portion 33b of the second identification member 33 when the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6. The first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are positioned at locations corresponding to the height positions of the detected plate portions 30b and 33b (see Figures 2 and 3).

[0074] With 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 (one location) in the circumferential direction around the axis of the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6. Therefore, compared to the case where the circumferential positions of the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are different, the device configuration can be simplified and costs reduced because there is no need to position the circumferential directions of the first hose 51 and the second hose 52. In other words, with this configuration, the first identification member 30 and the second identification member 33 can be easily added by simply fixing the support bracket 31 to the circumferential surface of each upstream flange portion 51b, 52b by spot welding or the like, without performing any major additional work such as forming positioning grooves in the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 and the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52. Therefore, the cost required for additional work can be significantly reduced.

[0075] Furthermore, in this 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 relative to the first hose 51 and the second hose 52 (see Figures 4A and 4B), and each identification member 30 and 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 retracted to the side opposite the pelletizer, relative to the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 and the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52, respectively.

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

[0077] (Variation 1) Figures 5, 6A, and 6B show Modification 1 of the First Embodiment, respectively. This Modification 1 differs from the First Embodiment in that the circumferential positions of the first detected part provided on the first hose 51 and the second detected part provided on the second hose 52 are different. Note that, apart from this point, the other configurations and the control processing in the controller 100 are the same as in the First Embodiment, so in the following Modifications, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the First Embodiment and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

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

[0079] A positioning groove 51d is formed at one location in the circumferential direction of the upstream flange portion 51b, opening radially outward. A positioning pin 38 is provided protruding from the upper surface of the drain-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6, and the positioning groove 51d of the upstream flange portion 51b engages with this positioning pin 38, thereby positioning the first hose 51 circumferentially around its hose axis. In other words, once the circumferential positioning of the first hose 51 is complete, the circumferential position of the first hose 51 (the position corresponding to the positioning groove 51d in the main body) and the circumferential position of the drain-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6 (in other words, the drain port 6b) (the position corresponding to the positioning pin 38 in this example) coincide. This prevents the circumferential position of the first detected plate portion 51c from varying each time the first hose 51 is connected. Alternatively, the positioning pins 38 and positioning grooves 51d may be eliminated, and positioning may be performed visually using markings (indicator positions).

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

[0081] A positioning groove (not shown) that opens radially outward is formed at one location in the circumferential direction of the upstream flange portion 52b. This positioning groove engages with the positioning pin 38, thereby positioning the second hose 52 circumferentially around its hose axis. That is, once the circumferential positioning of the second hose 52 is complete, the circumferential position of the second hose 52 (corresponding to the positioning groove on the main body) and the circumferential position of the drain-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6 (in other words, the drain port 6b) (corresponding to the positioning pin 38 on the main body) coincide. This prevents the circumferential position of the second detection plate portion 52c (see Figure 6B) from varying each time the second hose 52 is connected. Alternatively, the positioning pin 38 and positioning groove 51d may be eliminated, and positioning may be performed visually using markings (marker positions).

[0082] When the circumferential positioning of the first hose 51 is completed, the central position of the first detected plate portion 51c in the plate width direction and the central position of the second detected plate portion 52c in the plate width direction when the circumferential positioning of the second hose 52 is completed are 90° apart in circumferential phase around the axis of the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6.

[0083] As shown in Figure 6A, the first detection sensor 15 is positioned such that 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 faces the lower surface of the first detected plate portion 51c with a gap between them. 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 Figure 5, the sensor bracket 41 consists of an L-shaped bent 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 with its detection surface 15a facing upward.

[0085] As shown in Figure 6B, the second detection sensor 16 is positioned such that 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 faces the lower surface of the second detected plate portion 52c with a gap between them. 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 a sensor bracket 42.

[0086] As shown in Figure 5, the sensor bracket 42 consists of an L-shaped bent 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 with its detection surface 16a facing upward.

[0087] The controller 100 then performs an identification process to determine whether the first hose 51 or the second hose 52 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6, based on the signals received from the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16. The details of this identification process are the same as in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0088] As described above, in this modified example, the first detectable plate portion 51c and the second detectable plate portion 52c are fixed to the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 and the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52, respectively, so that the circumferential position of the first detectable plate portion 51c around the hose axis when the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 is connected to the drain-side flange portion 64b (i.e., drain port 6b) of the pelletizer 6 is different from the circumferential position of the second detectable plate portion 52c around the hose axis when the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52 is connected to the drain-side flange portion 64b (i.e., drain port 6b) of the pelletizer 6 (see Figures 6A and 6B). The first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are positioned to correspond to the respective circumferential positions of the first detectable plate portion 51c and the second detectable plate portion 52c.

[0089] In this configuration, when the first hose 51 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6, the first detection sensor 15 detects the first detected plate portion 51c, and the detection signal is output to the controller 100. Also, when the second hose 52 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6, the second detection sensor 16 detects the detected plate portion 52c, and the detection signal is output to the controller 100. The controller 100 then performs the same identification process as in the first embodiment based on the signals received from the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 to identify whether the first hose 51 or the second hose 52 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6. Therefore, the same effects and advantages as in the first embodiment can be obtained in this modified example as well.

[0090] Furthermore, in this modified example, the first detected plate portion 51c and the detected plate portion 52c are formed 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, respectively. Therefore, compared to the configuration in the first embodiment in which the detected plate portion extends in the hose axial direction, interference between the detected plate portions 52c, 52c and other parts when the hose is not in use is less likely to occur. Consequently, as in the first embodiment, there is no need to provide a mechanism for switching the first detected plate portion 51c and the detected plate portion 52c between a detection position and a retracted position, thus simplifying the device configuration and reducing costs.

[0091] (Modification 2) Figures 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams showing the state in which the first hose 51 and the second hose 52 are connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6 in the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1 according to Modification 2 of the first embodiment, respectively. In this Modification 2, the positioning of the first hose 51 and the second hose 52 in the circumferential direction is the same as in Modification 1, but it differs from Modification 1 in that 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 sensors is reversed).

[0092] In other words, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the pelletizer 6 has a housing body 64a, a drain-side flange portion 64b, and a detection plate portion 64c (corresponding to the detection portion) that protrudes horizontally radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the drain-side flange portion 64b.

[0093] As shown in Figure 7A, when the first hose 51 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6, the detection surface 15a of the first detection sensor 15 is positioned so that it faces the upper surface of the detected plate portion 64c with a gap between them. In this example, the first detection sensor 15 is fixed to the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 via a sensor bracket 43.

[0094] As shown in Figure 7B, when the second hose 52 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6, the detection surface 16a of the second detection sensor 16 is positioned so that it faces the upper surface of the detected plate portion 64c with a gap between them. In this example, the second detection sensor 16 is fixed to the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52 via a sensor bracket 44.

[0095] According to this modified example, when the first hose 51 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6, the first detection sensor 15 attached to the upstream flange portion 51b of the first hose 51 detects the detectable plate portion 64c provided on the drain-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6, and the detection signal is output to the controller 100. Similarly, when the second hose 52 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6, the second detection sensor 16 attached to the upstream flange portion 52b of the second hose 52 detects the detectable plate portion 64c provided on the drain-side flange portion 64b of the pelletizer 6, and the detection signal is output to the controller 100. The controller 100 then performs the same identification process as in the first embodiment and modified example 1 based on the signals received from the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 to identify whether the first hose 51 or the second hose 52 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6. Therefore, in this modified example, the same effects and advantages as those of the first embodiment and the first modified example can be obtained.

[0096] (Second Embodiment) Figure 8 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 1 showing a second embodiment. In this embodiment, a flexible hose 50 (hereinafter simply referred to as hose 50) is pre-connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6, and the operator can selectively switch the destination of the pellet transport water discharged from the drain port 6b to either the first separation device 7 or the second separation device 8 by changing the connection destination of the hose 50.

[0097] The hose 50 has an upstream end (corresponding to one end) that is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6, and a downstream end (corresponding to the other end) that is 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 pellet transport water from an opening at its upstream end, discharge it from an opening at its downstream end, and guide it to the inlet 7a of the first separation device 7. The second water conduit 81 is arranged to take in pellet transport water from an opening at its upstream end, discharge it from an opening at its downstream end, and guide it to the inlet 8a of the second separation device 8.

[0099] The upstream end of hose 50 is permanently and irremovably connected to the drain port 6b of pelletizer 6, while the downstream end of hose 50 is formed by a downstream flange portion 50b connected to the hose body 50a. When manufacturing uncolored resin pellets, this downstream flange portion 50b is connected to an inlet flange portion 71a provided at the upstream end of the first water conduit 71, and when manufacturing black resin pellets, it is connected to an inlet flange portion 81a provided at the upstream end of the second water conduit 81. The connection of the downstream flange portion 50b is performed in the same way as the connection of each hose 51, 52 in the first embodiment, by coaxially butting the downstream flange portion 50b with the inlet flange portion 71a or inlet flange portion 81a and fixing them with bolts.

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

[0101] As shown in Figure 9A, a single detection plate portion 50c is provided protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the downstream flange portion 50b of the hose 50. The detection plate portion 50c protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the downstream flange portion 50b of the hose 50.

[0102] The first detection sensor 15 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the introduction flange portion 71a of the first water conduit 71 via a sensor bracket 45. The first detection sensor 15 is positioned so as to face the upper surface of the detected plate portion 50c with a gap between them (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 Figure 9B, the second detection sensor 16 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the introduction flange portion 81a of the second water conduit 81 via a sensor bracket 46. The second detection sensor 16 is positioned so as to face the upper surface of the detected plate portion 50c with a gap between them (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] If 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. If 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. If 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] If the controller 100 identifies in the identification process that the hose 50 is connected to the first water conduit 71 or the second water conduit 81, and determines that the identified water conduit 71 or 81 is different from the water conduit corresponding to the color of the resin pellet set by the operator in the setting operation unit (for example, if the controller 100 identifies that the hose 50 is connected to the first water conduit 71 used for uncolored pellets, but the color of the resin pellet set in the setting operation unit is set to black), it will perform a notification process to notify the controller of this fact via a touch panel, speaker, etc., and will also prohibit the execution of the control program (i.e., it will prohibit the execution of the manufacturing process by the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1).

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

[0107] As described above, with the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1 of this embodiment, a flexible hose 50 is pre-connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6, and the downstream end of the hose 50 is selectively connected to either the first water conduit 71 or the second water conduit 81. This allows the destination of the pellet transport water discharged from the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6 to be switched to either the first separation device 7 or the second separation device 8. This makes it possible to construct the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1 at a lower cost compared to the case where the discharge route is switched 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, thereby lowering costs.

[0108] In this embodiment, the controller 100 performs an identification process to determine whether the hose 50 is connected to the first water conduit 71 or the second water conduit 81. Based on the results of this identification process, it is possible to prevent human error in connecting the hose 50. For example, in this embodiment, if such a hose connection error occurs, the controller 100 performs a notification process to inform the operator of the error, and the execution of the manufacturing process (execution of the control program) by the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1 is prohibited. As a result, if a hose connection error has occurred, the notification process makes the operator aware of the error and prompts them to correct the hose connection error. In addition, since the operation of the first water supply pump 23 and the second water supply pump 25 (see Figure 1) is also prohibited when the hose 50 is connected to the wrong destination, it is possible to prevent the misdelivery of pellet transport water.

[0109] (Variation 1) Figures 10A and 10B are equivalent to Figures 9A and 9B, showing Modification 1 of the second embodiment. This Modification 1 differs from the second embodiment in that, 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 a first detection sensor 15 and a second detection sensor 16 are attached to the hose 50. Except for this point, the other configurations and control processing in the controller 100 are the same as in the second embodiment, so in the following modifications, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the second embodiment and their detailed descriptions are omitted. The basic identification principle of this Modification 1 is similar to that of the first embodiment (Figures 4A and 4B) described above.

[0110] In other words, as shown in Figure 10A, the first identification member 34 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the introduction flange portion 71a of the first water conduit 71, which is the object to be identified, via a support bracket (not shown).

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

[0112] When the first identification member 34 is in the retracted position, the first detected plate portion 34b is retracted to the side opposite the introduction flange portion 71a of the first water conduit 71 (upper in this example). On the other hand, when the first identification member 34 is in the detection position, the first detected plate portion 34b is positioned on the hose side (lower 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 between them (see Figure 10A). As a result, the first detected plate portion 34b is detected by the first detection sensor 15.

[0113] Next, the second identification member 36 will be described with reference to Figure 10B. The configuration of the second identification member 36 is the same as that of the first identification member 34, except for its length.

[0114] In other words, the second identification member 36 has a rotating plate portion 36a and a detected plate portion 36b (see Figure 10B). The configuration of the rotating plate portion 36a and the detected plate portion 36b is similar to that described above for the first identification member 34, by replacing the rotating plate portion 34a with the rotating plate portion 36a and the detected plate portion 34b with the detected plate portion 36b, so only the differences will be described below. The difference is the length of the rotating plate portion 36a. The length of the rotating plate portion 36a of the second identification member 36 is set so that when the second identification member 36 is in the detection position, the second detected plate portion 36b, which is connected to the tip of the rotating plate portion 36a, faces the detection surface 16a of the second detection sensor 16 with a gap between them.

[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 with their respective detection surfaces 15a and 16a facing sideways (horizontally). In this example, the second detection sensor 16 is positioned below the first detection sensor 15.

[0116] In the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1 according to this modified example 1, when the hose 50 is connected to the introduction flange portion 71a (see Figure 10A) of the first water conduit 71, the first detection sensor 15 attached to the hose 50 detects the first detectable plate portion 34b of the first identification member 34 provided on the first water conduit 71, and the detection signal is output to the controller 100. Also, when the hose 50 is connected to the second water conduit 81 (see Figure 10B), the second detection sensor 16 attached to the hose 50 detects the second detectable plate portion 36b of the second identification member 36 provided on the second water conduit 81, and the detection signal is output to the controller 100. The controller 100 then performs the same identification process as in the second embodiment based on the signals received from the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 to identify whether the hose 50 is connected to the first water conduit 71 or the second water conduit 81. Therefore, the same effects and advantages as in the second embodiment can be obtained in this modified example as well.

[0117] (Modification 2) Figures 11A and 11B are corresponding to Figures 9A and 9B, showing Modification 2 of the second embodiment. This Modification 2 differs from the second embodiment in that, in order to identify the connection destination of the hose 50, the first water conduit 71 and the second water conduit 81 are provided with a first detectable plate portion 71b and a second detectable plate portion 81b, respectively, which are located at different circumferential positions, and the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are attached to the hose 50. The basic identification principle of this Modification 2 is similar to that of Modification 1 of the first embodiment (Figures 6A and 6B) described above.

[0118] In other words, in this modified example, as shown in Figure 11A, a first detection 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 detection plate portion 71b (corresponding to the first detection portion) protrudes horizontally radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the introduction flange portion 71a.

[0119] A positioning mechanism (not shown) is provided between the downstream flange portion 50b of the hose 50 and the inlet flange portion 71a of the first water conduit 71, which performs circumferential positioning by, for example, the engagement of a positioning pin and a positioning groove. When the circumferential positioning of the hose 50 is completed, the circumferential position of a specific position of the hose 50 (in this example, the position corresponding to the positioning groove) and the circumferential position of a specific position of the inlet 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. Alternatively, the positioning pin and positioning groove may be eliminated and positioning may be performed by visual inspection using markings (marker positions).

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

[0121] A positioning mechanism (not shown) is provided between the downstream flange portion 50b of the hose 50 and the inlet flange portion 81a of the second water conduit 81, which performs circumferential positioning by, for example, the engagement of a positioning pin and a positioning groove. When the circumferential positioning of the hose 50 is completed, the circumferential position of a specific position of the hose 50 (in this example, the position corresponding to the positioning groove) and the circumferential position of a specific position of the inlet 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. Alternatively, the positioning pin and positioning groove may be eliminated and positioning may be performed by visual inspection using markings (marker positions).

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

[0123] As shown in Figure 11A, the first detection sensor 15 is positioned such that 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 faces the lower surface of the first detected plate portion 51c with a gap between them (to detect the first detected plate portion 51c).

[0124] As shown in Figure 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 positioned so as to face the lower surface of the second detected plate portion 52c with a gap between them (to detect the second detected plate portion 52c).

[0125] As described above, according to the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1 of this modified example 2, when the hose 50 is connected to the introduction flange portion 71a (see Figure 11A) of the first water conduit 71, the first detection sensor 15 attached to the hose 50 detects the first detectable plate portion 71b provided on the first water conduit 71, and the detection signal is output to the controller 100. Also, when the hose 50 is connected to the second water conduit 81 (see Figure 11B), the second detection sensor 16 attached to the hose 50 detects the second detectable plate portion 81b provided on the second water conduit 81, and the detection signal is output to the controller 100. The controller 100 then performs the same identification process as in the second embodiment based on the signals received from the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 to identify whether the hose 50 is connected to the first water conduit 71 or the second water conduit 81. Therefore, the same effects and advantages as in the second embodiment can be obtained in this modified example as well.

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

[0127] (1) In each of the embodiments and modifications described above, the first detected plate portion 30b, the first detected plate portion 51c, or the first detected plate portion 71b is used as an example of the first detected portion of the present invention, the second detected plate portion 33b, the second detected plate portion 52c, or the second detected plate portion 81b is used as an example of the second detected portion, and the detected plate portion 64c or the detected plate portion 50c is used as an example of the detected portion. However, the invention is not limited to these, and the first detected portion, the second detected portion, and the detected portion may be signs consisting of marks, letters, patterns, etc.

[0128] (2) Furthermore, the shape and position of the first detectable plate portion 30b, the first detectable plate portion 51c, or the first detectable plate portion 71b as an example of the first detectable portion, the shape and position of the second detectable plate portion 33b, the second detectable plate portion 52c, or the second detectable plate portion 81b as an example of the second detectable portion, and the shape and position of the detectable plate portion 64c or the detectable plate portion 50c as an example of the detectable portion are not limited to the above configuration. That is, for example, in the first embodiment, the first detectable plate portion 30b is positioned to face only the detection surface 15a of the first detection sensor 15 (see Figure 4A), but it may also be formed to be long vertically so as to face the detection surface 16a of the second detection sensor 16 in addition to the detection surface 15a of the first detection sensor 15. In this case, if the controller 100 receives detection signals from both the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16, it should determine that the first hose 51 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6. If it receives a detection signal only from the second detection sensor 16, it should determine that the second hose 52 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6.

[0129] (3) In the first embodiment described above (see Figures 4A and 4B), the presence or absence of a first detectable plate portion 30b on the first hose 51 or a second detectable plate portion 33b on the second hose 52 is detected by the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 attached to the pelletizer 6, respectively, and based on the detection result, it is identified whether the first hose 51 or the second hose 52 is connected to the drain port 6b of the pelletizer 6. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, the first detectable plate portion 30b and the second detectable plate portion 33b may each be made of barcode signs containing pre-assigned identification information (barcode information), and the identification information of each barcode sign may be read by a barcode reader (corresponding to a detection unit) attached to the pelletizer 6, and the controller 100 may execute the identification process based on the read identification information. In this case, it is not necessary to provide two sensors, the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16, as in the first embodiment, and only one barcode reader is required, thus reducing the number of parts and improving space efficiency. The identification information is not limited to barcode information, but may also be characters, numbers, patterns, etc. In this case, an image sensor or the like can be used instead of a barcode reader. Similarly, in the modified example 1 of the first embodiment (see Figures 6A and 6B), a configuration using the barcode reader or the like can also be adopted.

[0130] (4) Similarly, in the modified example 1 of the second embodiment (see Figures 10A and 10B), the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 attached to the hose 50 detect the presence or absence of the first detectable plate portion 34b provided on the first water conduit 71 or the second detectable plate portion 36b provided on the second water conduit 81, respectively, and based on the detection result, it is determined whether the hose 50 is connected to the first water conduit 71 or the second water conduit 81. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, the first detectable plate portion 34b and the second detectable plate portion 36b may each be made up of barcode signs containing pre-assigned identification information (barcode information), and the identification information of each barcode sign may be read by a barcode reader (corresponding to the detection unit) fixed to the hose 50, and the controller 100 may execute the identification process based on the read identification information. In this case, one barcode reader can be used instead of the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16. The identification information is not limited to barcode information; for example, it may be characters, numbers, patterns, etc. In this case, an image sensor or the like can be used instead of a barcode reader. Similarly, in the second modification of the second embodiment (see Figures 11A and 11B), a configuration using the barcode reader or the like can also be adopted.

[0131] (5) In each of the embodiments and modifications described above, the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1 is configured to have two separation devices, a first separation device 7 and a second separation device 8, but it is not limited to this and may have three or more separation devices. When a configuration with three or more separation devices is applied to the first embodiment, the number of hoses becomes three or more, and the number of detection sensors also becomes three or more, but even in this case, the controller 100 still performs identification processing to identify at least the first hose 51 and the second hose 52 based on the detection results from each detection sensor, and therefore, a configuration with three or more separation devices is also included in the present invention. Similarly, when a configuration with three or more separation devices is applied to the second embodiment, the number of hoses remains one, but the number of water conduits becomes three or more, but even in this case, the controller 100 still performs identification processing to identify at least whether the hose 50 is connected to the first water conduit 71 or the second water conduit 81 based on the detection results from each detection sensor, and therefore, a configuration with three or more separation devices is also included in the present invention. In other words, the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1 only needs to have a configuration that includes at least two separation devices 7 and 8.

[0132] (6) In each of the embodiments and modifications described above, the 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 resin pellets by color. However, the purpose of switching between the separation devices 7 and 8 is not limited to this. For example, it may be for the purpose of discharging the resin pellets to different locations according to the subsequent processes of the manufactured resin pellets when those processes are different, or it may be for the purpose of sorting the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer 6 together with the pellet transport water into those that meet a predetermined standard and those that do not.

[0133] (7) In each of the embodiments and modifications described above, the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16 are configured as proximity sensors, but are not limited to these, and may be configured as, for example, image sensors or distance sensors. Furthermore, the first detection sensor 15 is not limited to such non-contact sensors, but may also be a contact sensor. As an example, in the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, for example, limit switches 151 and 161 with detection levers 151a and 161a that swing up and down may be used as the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16. As another example, in modification 1 of the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, for example, limit switches 155 and 165 with detection levers 155a and 165a that swing up and down may be used as the first detection sensor 15 and the second detection sensor 16.

[0134] (8) In each of the embodiments and modifications described above, the first hose 51, the second hose 52, and the hose 50 are configured to be connected to the object by bolts via the upstream flange portion 51b, the upstream flange portion 52b, and the downstream flange portion 50b provided on each, respectively. However, the connection structure is not necessarily limited to one using flange portions and bolts. For example, a collet-type connection structure using a connecting sleeve may also be adopted.

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

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

[0137] (11) In addition, in the first embodiment and each of its modifications, the identification process determines whether the first hose 51 or the second hose 52 determined (identified) in the identification process is different from the hose corresponding to the resin pellet color set by the operator in the setting operation unit. However, the system is not limited to this, and more simply, the controller 100 may be configured to form an interlock such that if 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 located at the downstream connection point of the second hose 52 is prohibited, and if the hose determined (identified) in the identification process is the second hose 52, the operation of the first separation device 7 and the first water supply pump 23 located at the downstream connection point of the first hose 51 is prohibited. With this configuration, if a hose is connected incorrectly, the equipment corresponding to the manufacturing conditions assumed by the operator (the equipment corresponding to the resin pellet color assumed by the operator) will not operate, so the operator can be alerted to the hose connection error by the fact that the equipment does not operate.

[0138] (12) In addition, in the second embodiment and each of its modifications, the identification process determines whether the first water conduit 71 or the second water conduit 81 determined (identified) in the identification process is different from the hose corresponding to the resin pellet color set by the operator in the setting operation unit. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and more simply, the controller 100 may be configured to form an interlock such that if the water conduit determined (identified) in the identification process is the first water conduit 71, the operation of the second separation device 8 and the second water supply pump 25 located at the downstream connection point of the second water conduit 81 is prohibited, and if the hose determined (identified) in the identification process is the second water conduit 81, the operation of the first separation device 7 and the first water supply pump 23 located at the downstream connection point of the first water conduit 71 is prohibited. With this configuration, if a hose is connected incorrectly, the equipment corresponding to the manufacturing conditions assumed by the operator (the equipment corresponding to the resin pellet color assumed by the operator) will not operate, so the operator can be alerted to the hose connection error by the fact that the equipment does not operate.

[0139] (13) In addition, in each of the embodiments and modifications described above, the resin pellet manufacturing equipment 1 may further include a display that changes the display format based on the type of hose (first hose 51 or second hose 52) or the type of water conduit (first water conduit 71 or second water conduit 81) determined (identified) by the controller 100 in the identification process. This display is preferably placed in a location that is easily visible to workers in the factory, and can be composed of, for example, a display or multiple lamps of different colors. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0140] 1: Resin pellet manufacturing equipment 6: Pelletizer 6a: Water inlet 6b: Drain port 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 section (first detected section) 33: Second identification member (rotating member) 33b: Second detected plate part (second detected part) 50: Hose 50c: Detected plate section (detected section) 51: First Hose 51c: First detected plate section (first detected section) 52: Second Hose 52c: Second detected plate section (second detected section) 61: Dice 63: Cutting cutter 64c: Detected plate section (detected section) 71: First water conduit 71b: First detected plate part (first detected part) 72: Second water conduit 81: Second water conduit 81b: Second detected plate section (second detected section) 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 resin materials and discharges them, A pelletizer having a die that receives the resin discharged from the kneader and extrudes it through 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 transport water, A first separation device and a second separation device are provided in parallel to each other on the downstream side of the pelletizer, and are capable of receiving the pellet transport water containing the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer and separating the resin pellets from the pellet transport water. A flexible first hose having one end connected to the inlet of the pellet transport water in the first separation device and the other end detachably configured to be attached to the outlet of the pellet transport water in the pelletizer, A flexible second hose having one end connected to the inlet of the pellet transport water in the second separation device and the other end detachably configured to be attached to the drain port of the pelletizer, The first detection unit provided in the first hose, The second detection unit provided in the second hose, A detection unit attached to the pelletizer detects the presence or absence of the first and second detection units, or identification information pre-assigned to the first and second detection units, A resin pellet manufacturing apparatus comprising a controller that performs an identification process to identify whether the other end of the first hose or the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain port of the pelletizer, based on the detection result from the detection unit.

2. In the resin pellet manufacturing equipment described in claim 1, The detection unit detects the presence or absence of the first detected part and the second detected part, and includes a first detection sensor attached to the pelletizer to detect the first detected part when the other end of the first hose is connected to the drain port of the pelletizer, and a second detection sensor attached to the pelletizer to detect the second detected part when the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain port of the pelletizer. The controller is configured to perform the identification process based on the detection results from the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor in a resin pellet manufacturing facility.

3. In the resin pellet manufacturing equipment according to claim 2, The first and second detection units are fixed to the first and second hoses, respectively, such that the height position of the first detection unit when the other end of the first hose is connected to the drain port of the pelletizer is different from the height position of the second detection unit when the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain port of the pelletizer. A resin pellet manufacturing facility 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 described in claim 3, A rotating member including the first detected part, further comprising a rotating member supported so as to be rotatable around a predetermined axis relative to the first hose, The rotating member is configured to be rotatable between a detection position, in which the first detected part is positioned on the pelletizer side of the other end of the first hose, when the other end of the first hose is connected to the drain port of the pelletizer, thereby enabling detection of the first detected part by the first detection sensor provided on the pelletizer, and a retracted position, in which the first detected part is retracted to the side opposite the pelletizer, relative to the other end of the first hose, in a resin pellet manufacturing apparatus.

5. In the resin pellet manufacturing equipment described in claim 3, A rotating member including the second detection portion, further comprising a rotating member supported so as to be rotatable around a predetermined axis relative to the second hose, The rotating member is configured to be rotatable between a detection position, in which the second detected part is positioned on the pelletizer side of the other end of the second hose, thereby enabling detection of the second detected part by the second detection sensor provided on the pelletizer, and a retracted position, in which the second detected part is retracted to the side away from the pelletizer, in a resin pellet manufacturing apparatus.

6. In the resin pellet manufacturing equipment according to claim 2, The first and second detected parts are fixed to the first and second hoses, respectively, such that the circumferential position of the first detected part around the hose axis is different from the circumferential position of the second detected part around the hose axis when the other end of the first hose is connected to the drain port of the pelletizer such that the circumferential position of the first hose and the circumferential position of the drain port coincide, and the circumferential position of the second detected part around the hose axis is different from the circumferential position of the second hose and the circumferential position of the drain port when the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain port of the pelletizer such that the circumferential position of the second hose and the circumferential position of the drain port coincide, respectively. A resin pellet manufacturing facility in which the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are arranged at positions corresponding to the circumferential positions of the first detected part and the second detected part, respectively.

7. A kneader that melts and kneads resin materials and discharges them, A pelletizer having a die that receives the resin discharged from the kneader and extrudes it through 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 transport water, A first separation device and a second separation device are provided in parallel to each other on the downstream side of the pelletizer, and are capable of receiving the pellet transport water containing the resin pellets discharged from the pelletizer and separating the resin pellets from the pellet transport water. A flexible first hose having one end connected to the inlet of the pellet transport water in the first separation device and the other end detachably configured to be attached to the outlet of the pellet transport water in the pelletizer, A flexible second hose having one end connected to the inlet of the pellet transport water in the second separation device and the other end detachably configured to be attached to the drain port of the pelletizer, The pelletizer is provided with a detection unit, A first detection sensor is attached to the first hose to detect the part to be detected when the other end of the first hose is connected to the drain port of the pelletizer, A second detection sensor is attached to the second hose to detect the detected part when the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain port of the pelletizer, A resin pellet manufacturing apparatus comprising: a controller that performs an identification process to identify whether the other end of the first hose or the other end of the second hose is connected to the drain port of the pelletizer, based on the detection results from the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor.

8. A kneader that melts and kneads resin materials and discharges them, A pelletizer having a die that receives the resin discharged from the kneader and extrudes it through 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 transport water, A first separation device and a second separation device 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 conduit is connected to the inlet of the pellet transport water in the first separation device and guides the pellet transport water to the inlet, A second water conduit is connected to the inlet of the pellet transport water in the second separation device and guides the pellet transport water to the inlet, A flexible hose having one end connected to the drain port of the pellet transport water in the pelletizer, and the other end selectively attached to and detached from the first and second water conduits, The hose has a detection unit provided on it, A first detection sensor is attached to the first water conduit to detect the part to be detected when the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit, A second detection sensor is attached to the second water conduit to detect the detected part when the other end of the hose is connected to the second water conduit, A resin pellet manufacturing apparatus comprising: a controller that performs an identification process to identify whether the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit or the second water conduit, based on the detection results from the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor.

9. A kneader that melts and kneads resin materials and discharges them, A pelletizer having a die that receives the resin discharged from the kneader and extrudes it through 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 transport water, A first separation device and a second separation device 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 conduit is connected to the inlet of the pellet transport water in the first separation device and guides the pellet transport water to the inlet, A second water conduit is connected to the inlet of the pellet transport water in the second separation device and guides the pellet transport water to the inlet, A flexible hose having one end connected to the drain port of the pellet transport water in the pelletizer, and the other end selectively attached to and detached from the first and second water conduits, The first detection unit provided in the first water conduit, The second detection unit provided in the second water conduit, A detection unit fixed to the hose detects the presence or absence of the first detected part and the second detected part, or identification information pre-assigned to the first detected part and the second detected part, A resin pellet manufacturing apparatus comprising: a controller that performs an identification process to identify whether the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit or the second water conduit, based on the detection result from the detection unit.

10. In the resin pellet manufacturing equipment described in claim 9, The detection unit detects the presence or absence of the first detected part and the second detected part, and includes a first detection sensor attached to the hose 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 to detect the second detected part when the other end of the hose is connected to the second water conduit. The controller is configured to perform the identification process based on the detection results from the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor in a resin pellet manufacturing facility.

11. In the resin pellet manufacturing equipment according to claim 10, The first and second detected parts are fixed to the first and second water conduits, respectively, 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, and 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, are different from each other. A resin pellet manufacturing facility in which the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are positioned at locations corresponding to the height positions of the first detected unit and the second detected unit, respectively.

12. In the resin pellet manufacturing equipment according to claim 10, The first detected part and the second detected part are fixed to the first water conduit and the second water conduit, respectively, such that the circumferential position of the first detected part on the hose is different from the circumferential position of the second detected part on the hose when the other end of the hose is connected to the first water conduit such that the circumferential position of the hose and the circumferential position of the first water conduit coincide, and the circumferential position of the second detected part on the hose is different from the circumferential position of the second detected part on the hose when the other end of the hose is connected to the second water conduit such that the circumferential position of the hose and the circumferential position of the second detected part on the hose coincide, respectively. A resin pellet manufacturing facility in which the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor are arranged at positions corresponding to the circumferential positions of the first detected part and the second detected part, respectively.

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

Images