DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to grinding units. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system for controlling the spillage of scrap material in a grinding unit.

BACKGROUND

Generally, moulding machines are used to convert raw materials, such as plastic, to finished goods. Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an existing granulator 100’ having an existing grinding unit 102’. Referring to Figure 1, an existing moulding machine is equipped with the granulator 100’ having a grinding unit 102’, as shown in Figure 1. The grinding unit 102’ includes a plurality of blades adapted to grind the raw material. The grinding unit 102’ includes an open pouring face 104’ adapted to receive the raw material. During the grinding, a scrap is generated that can be reused to get the desired output in a continuous moulding cycle. For reusing, the scrap is required to be re-grinded in the grinding unit 102’. Herein, the scrap is cut by the plurality of blades of the grinding unit 102’ to form granules.

However, the granules may fly out from the open pouring face 104’of the grinding unit 102’, during the grinding process. The flown granules may be scattered on the floor, which leads to the wastage of the material and increases the overall manufacturing cost. The spillage of the granules on the floor may also cause land contamination. Further, the flown granules may be mixed with the finished goods and affect the overall quality of the finished goods. Moreover, the open pouring face 104’ of the grinding unit 102’ may also cause safety concerns for an operator manually filling the raw material in the grinding unit 102’, during the grinding process.

Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned problems, it is desirable to provide a system and/or a method that can eliminate one or more of the above-mentioned problems associated with existing art.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

The present disclosure relates to a system for a grinding unit of a granulator. The system may include a cover member, a tilting mechanism, and a control unit. The cover member may be adapted to be moved in one of a closed position and an opened position to receive the scrap material. The tilting mechanism may be coupled to the cover member of the grinding unit and may be adapted to move the cover member in one of the closed position and the opened position. The control unit may be communicatively coupled with the cover member and the tilting mechanism. The control unit may be configured to actuate the tilting mechanism to move the cover member in one of the closed position and the opened position to manage a spillage of ground scrap material received from the grinding unit.

Further, the present disclosure relates to a grinding unit for a granulator. The grinding unit may include a pouring tank, a plurality of grinding blades and a system. The pouring tank defines a hollow space to accommodate the scrap material. The plurality of grinding blades may be adapted to cut the scrap material accommodated in the hollow space. The system may be connected with the pouring tank to receive the scrap material. The system may include a cover member, a tilting mechanism, and a control unit. The cover member may be adapted to be moved in one of a closed position and an opened position to receive the scrap material. The tilting mechanism may be coupled to the cover member of the grinding unit and may be adapted to move the cover member in one of the closed position and the opened position. The control unit may be communicatively coupled with the cover member and the tilting mechanism. The control unit may be configured to actuate the tilting mechanism to move the cover member in one of the closed position and the opened position to manage a spillage of ground scrap material received from the grinding unit.

In the present disclosure, the system includes the tilting mechanism coupled to the cover member of the grinding unit to move the cover member in one of the closed position and the opened position. Further, the system may control the operation of the grinding unit based on the opening and closing of the cover member. The system may switch on the operation of the grinding unit if the cover member is closed, such that the risks associated with the safety of surrounding operators may be eliminated by avoiding any kind of accident during the operation of the grinding unit. Further, there is no human interaction while the grinding unit is cutting the scrap, which further improves the safety of the operators.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an existing granulator.

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a granulator having a grinding unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a pouring tank of the grinding unit depicting a cover member of the grinding unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of a system of the grinding unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, a plurality of components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which invention belongs. The system and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

For example, the term “some” as used herein may be understood as “none” or “one” or “more than one” or “all.” Therefore, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would fall under the definition of “some.” It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching, and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and therefore, should not be construed to limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the present disclosure in any way.

For example, any terms used herein such as, “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and similar grammatical variants do not specify an exact limitation or restriction, and certainly do not exclude the possible addition of a plurality of features or elements, unless otherwise stated. Further, such terms must not be taken to exclude the possible removal of the plurality of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated, for example, by using the limiting language including, but not limited to, “must comprise” or “needs to include.”

Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “plurality of features” or “plurality of elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “plurality of” or “at least one” feature or element does not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be a plurality of…” or “plurality of elements is required.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person ordinarily skilled in the art.

Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining the plurality of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.

Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, plurality of particular features and/or elements described in connection with plurality of embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although plurality of features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.

Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a granulator 100 having a grinding unit 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the pouring tank 104 of the grinding unit 102 depicting the cover member 106 of the grinding unit 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the granulator 100 may be used to break down scrap materials such as plastic for recycling or making finished goods. In an embodiment, the granulator 100 may be coupled with a moulding machine to supply the granules of plastics. The granulator 100 may include a frame 110 and a grinding unit 102 supported on the frame 110. The grinding unit 102 may be adapted to grind the scrap material poured therein. In an embodiment, the grinding unit 102 may include, but is not limited to, a pouring tank 104 and a plurality of grinding blades (not shown). The plurality of grinding blades may be adapted to cut the scrap material to form granules.

The pouring tank 104 defines a hollow space to receive the scrap material, such that the scrap material may be converted into granules. The pouring tank 104 includes a cover member 106 and a tilting mechanism 108 coupled to the cover member 106. The cover member 106 may be adapted to be moved in one of a closed position and an opened position to receive the scrap material. In the closed position, the supply of the scrap material may be restricted in the pouring tank 104. In the opened position, the scrap material can be supplied to the pouring tank 104. The tilting mechanism 108 may be adapted to move the cover member 106 in one of the closed position and the opened position. The details of the pouring tank 104 and the cover member 106 are explained in the subsequent paragraphs.

The cover member 106 may be mounted on any side of the pouring tank 104. In an embodiment, the cover member 106 may be mounted on a top side of the pouring tank 104. The cover member 106 may be adapted to be opened to receive the scrap, and the cover member 106 may be closed when the scrap is fully poured into the pouring tank 104. In an embodiment, the cover member 106 may be embodied as a mechanical flap adapted to be opened and closed.

The cover member 106 may be connected with the tilting mechanism 108, such that the tilting mechanism 108 facilitates the opening and closing of the cover member 106. In an embodiment, the cover member 106 may be formed of a metallic material, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the cover member 106 may be formed of a polymeric material, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, the grinding unit 102 may include a system 101 configured to control the opening and closing of the cover member 106 to control the spillage of scrap granules from the grinding unit 102, during the grinding process. The system 101 may be an integral component of the grinding unit 102. Herein, the system 101 may include the cover member 106 adapted to be closed or opened to receive the scrap material and the tilting mechanism 108. In another embodiment, the system 101 may be a standalone unit and communicatively coupled with the grinding unit 102. In subsequent paragraphs, the operational and the constructional details of the system 100 are explained with respect to Figure 4.

Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of the system 101 of the grinding unit 102, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the system 101 may include a sensing unit 112 and a control unit 110 in communication with the tilting mechanism 108 and the sensing unit 112.

The key elements of the control unit 110 typically include communication protocols including, but not limited to, a CAN protocol, Serial Communication Interface (SCI) protocol and so on. The sequence of programmed instructions and data associated therewith can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as the memory unit(s) or a storage device which may be any suitable memory apparatus such as, but not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), random-access memory (RAM), flash memory, disk drive, and the like. In one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, non-transitory computer-readable storage media can be embodied with a sequence of programmed instructions for monitoring and controlling the operation of different components.

The processor may include any computing system 101 which includes, but is not limited to, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), an Application Processor (AP), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a Visual Processing Unit (VPU), and/or an AI-dedicated processor such as a Neural Processing Unit (NPU). In an embodiment, the processor can be a single processing unit or several units, all of which could include multiple computing units. The processor may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in the memory unit. The instructions can be compiled from source code instructions provided in accordance with a programming language such as Java, C++, C#.net, or the like. The instructions can also comprise code and data objects provided in accordance with, for example, the Visual Basic™ language, LabVIEW, or another structured or object-oriented programming language. The one or a plurality of processors control the processing of the input data in accordance with a predefined operating rule or artificial intelligence (AI) model stored in the non-volatile memory and the volatile memory. The predefined operating rule or artificial intelligence model is provided through training or learning algorithms which include, but are not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning.

The control unit 110 may be configured to actuate the tilting mechanism 108 to close or open the cover member 106. The cover member 106 may be opened when a robotic device approaches the grinding unit 102 to pour the scrap. On the other hand, the cover member 106 may be closed during the grinding of the scrap, such that spillage of the scrap granules may be prevented during the grinding process. In an embodiment, the cover member 106 may be closed when the robotic device moves away from the grinding unit 102 after pouring the scrap. Herein, the sensing unit 112 may be adapted to detect the opening and closing position of the cover member 106. Further, the sensing unit 112 transmits an input indicative of the position of the cover member 106 to the control unit 110. In an embodiment, the sensing unit 112 may include at least one proximity sensor adapted to detect the position of the cover member 106.

The control unit 110 may be adapted to control the operation of the grinding unit 102, based on the inputs received from the sensing unit 112. The control unit 110 may switch-ON the operation of the grinding unit 102 when the input, received from the sensing unit 112, indicates that the cover member 106 is in the closed position. In an embodiment, the control unit 110 may switch-ON the operation of the grinding unit when the cover member 106 may be closed and the robotic device moves away from the grinding unit after pouring the scrap. Herein, the scrap granules cannot be escaped out from the grinding unit 102. Further, the control unit 110 restricts the operation of the grinding unit 102 when the sensing unit 112 transmits that the cover member 106 is in the open position.

Thus, the system 101 improves the safety of operators working in the surroundings of the grinding unit 102 as the grinding unit 102 may be fully guarded by the cover member 106 to prevent the escape of the scrap granules during the grinding process. During the work-in-process, any operator can walk in the surroundings to perform other tasks without any safety concerns. Herein, no human can interact while the grinding unit 102 is cutting the scrap by the plurality of grinding blades, so that safety risks may be eliminated.

The present disclosure relates to a method for managing the spillage of ground scrap granules from the grinding unit 102 installed in the granulator 100. The order in which the method steps are described below is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method steps can be combined in any appropriate order to execute the method or an alternative method. Additionally, individual steps may be deleted from the method without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein.

The method for controlling the spillage of ground scrap granules from the grinding unit 102, may be performed by using the system 101 as shown at least in Figure 2. The method includes opening the cover member 106 of the grinding unit 102 when the robotic device approaches the grinding unit 102 to pour the scrap. Herein, the control unit 110 activates the tilting mechanism 108 to open the cover member 106, such that the robotic device may pour the scrap into the grinding unit 102.

Further, the method includes closing the cover member 106 of the grinding unit 102 during the grinding process, the robotic device moves away from the grinding unit after pouring the scrap, and thus, preventing spillage of the scrap granules. Herein, the control unit 110 activates the tilting mechanism 108 to close the cover member 106. Further, the control unit 110 may switch-ON the operation of the grinding unit 102 to grind the scrap to form the granules. During the grinding process, the cover member 106 remains closed, such that the granules may not spill from the grinding unit 102. This eliminates the potential safety risks of falls due to slip caused by granules scratted on the floor.

The system 101 and the method of the present disclosure, prevent the spillage of the scrap granules out from the grinding unit 102 during the grinding process. Thus, the granules cannot be scattered on the floor and mixed with the finished goods. Therefore, the granules cannot be scattered on the floor, and the risk of slippage caused by granules scattered on the floor may be eliminated. Further, the operation of the grinding unit 102 may be controlled by the control unit 110 as the control unit 110 may switch-OFF the operation of the grinding unit 102 during the pouring of the scrap. Thus, almost 50% of the energy may be saved by reducing the running time from 24 hours to 12 hours for the grinding unit 102. Moreover, the life of the grinding unit 102 may also increase by reducing ideal running time, by which frictional heat got reduced due to continual running.

Herein, the system 101 may include the tilting mechanism coupled to the cover member 106 of the grinding unit 102 to move the cover member 106 in one of the closed position and the opened position. Further, the system 101 may control the operation of the grinding unit 102 based on the opening and closing of the cover member 106. The system 101 may switch-ON the operation of the grinding unit 102 if the cover member 106 is closed, such that the risks associated with the safety of surrounding operators may be eliminated by avoiding any kind of accident during the operation of the grinding unit 102. Further, there is no human interaction while the grinding unit 102 is cutting scrap, which further improves the safety of the operators.

While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.
,CLAIMS:1. A system (101) for a grinding unit (102) of a granulator (100), the system (101) comprising:
a cover member (106) adapted to be moved in one of a closed position and an opened position to receive the scrap material;
a tilting mechanism (108) coupled to the cover member (106) of the grinding unit (102) and adapted to move the cover member (106) in one of the opened position and the closed position; and
a control unit (110) communicatively coupled with the cover member (106) and the tilting mechanism (108) and configured to actuate the tilting mechanism (108) to move the cover member (106) in the closed position and the opened position to manage a spillage of ground scrap material received from the grinding unit (102).

2. The system (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (110) is configured to actuate the tilting mechanism (108) to:
move the cover member (106) in the opened position when a robotic device is moving towards the grinding unit (102) to supply the scrap material to a pouring tank (104); and/or
move the cover member (106) in the closed position when the robotic device moves away from the grinding unit (102) after supplying the scrap material to the pouring tank (104).

3. The system (101) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a sensing unit (112) communicatively coupled with the control unit (110) and adapted to:
detect the open position and the closed position of the cover member (106); and
transmit an input indicative of the position of the cover member (106) to the control unit (110).

4. The system (101) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the control unit (110) is configured to control an operation of the grinding unit (102) based on the inputs received from the sensing unit (112).

5. The system (101) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the control unit (110) is configured to:
switch-ON the operation of the grinding unit (102) when the input, received from the sensing unit, indicates that the cover member (106) is in the closed position; and
switch-OFF the operation of the grinding unit (102) when the input, received from the sensing unit, indicates that the cover member (106) is in the open position.

6. A grinding unit (102) for a granulator (100), the grinding unit (102) comprising:
a pouring tank (104) defining a hollow space to accommodate the scrap material; and
a plurality of grinding blades adapted to cut the scrap material accommodated in the hollow space; and
a system (101) connected with the pouring tank (104), the system (101) comprising:
a cover member (106) adapted to be moved in one of a closed position and an opened position to receive the scrap material;
a tilting mechanism (108) coupled to the cover member (106) of the grinding unit (102) and adapted to move in one of the opened position and closed position of the cover member (106); and
a control unit (110) communicatively coupled with the cover member (106) and the tilting mechanism (108) and configured to actuate the tilting mechanism (108) to move the cover member (106) in the closed position and the opened position to manage a spillage of ground scrap material received from the grinding unit (102).

7. The grinding unit (102) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the control unit (110) is configured to actuate the tilting mechanism (108) to:
move the cover member (106) in the opened position when a robotic device is moving towards the grinding unit (102) to supply the scrap material to a pouring tank (104); and/or
move the cover member (106) in the closed position when the robotic device moves away from the grinding unit (102) after supplying the scrap material to the pouring tank (104).

8. The grinding unit (102) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the system (101) comprises a sensing unit (112) communicatively coupled with the control unit (110) and adapted to:
detect the open position and the closed position of the cover member (106); and
transmit an input indicative of the position of the cover member (106) to the control unit (110).

9. The grinding unit (102) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the control unit (110) is configured to control an operation of the grinding unit (102) based on the inputs received from the sensing unit (112).

10. The grinding unit (102) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the control unit (110) is configured to:
switch-ON the operation of the grinding unit (102) when the input, received from the sensing unit, indicates that the cover member (106) is in the closed position; and
switch-OFF the operation of the grinding unit (102) when the input, received from the sensing unit, indicates that the cover member (106) is in the open position.