Device for metering bulk material, in particular plastics granulate
The invention relates to a device for metering bulk material, in particular plastics granulate, for machines processing plastics granulate, in particular for injection molding machines, wherein at least one material funnel ( 2 ) into which bulk material can be filled and which has a material valve is provided. A weighing container ( 4 ) connected to weighing scales is optionally arranged below the material valve. A control unit is provided for the weighing scales and material valves. The material valve is designed as a metering valve ( 3 ), in particular as a flap-type metering valve. The metering valve ( 3 ) consists of a part, a closure ( 7 ), movable via a horizontal axis ( 6 ) and a fixed part, a scraper ( 8 ). The movable part has an operating arm ( 9 ) for an actuator ( 5 ) and at the end facing towards the fixed part has a closure plate ( 10 ) having a scraper projection ( 11 ). In the closed state of the metering valve ( 3 ) the scraper projection ( 11 ) touches the scraper ( 8 ).
1. A device for metering plastic granulate material for a machine that processes plastic granulate material, said device comprising:
at least one material funnel configured to be filled with bulk plastic granulate material;
a flap-type metering valve movable between an open state and a closed state;
said metering valve comprising:
a fixed scraper;
a movable closure configured to move relative to a horizontal axis and comprising:
an operating arm that is movable by an actuator; and
a closure plate having a scraper projection arranged on one end; and
said scraper projection contacting the fixed scraper when the metering valve is in the closed state;
a weighing container connected to weighing scales; and
a control unit connected to the weighing scales and the metering valve.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the machine that processes granulate plastic material is an injection molding machine.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the weighing container is arranged below the metering valve.
4. The device of claim 1 , wherein, in the closed state, the scraper projection overlaps the fixed scraper.
5. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a spring configured to automatically close the flap-type metering valve.
6. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a spring coupled to the closure.
7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the scraper projection is a bent edge or a rounded lip.
8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the fixed scraper comprises one of:
a flexible material; and
spring steel.
9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the closure plate comprises one of:
a flexible material; and
spring steel.
10. The device of claim 1 , further comprising the actuator,
wherein the actuator is a pneumatic cylinder.
11. The device of claim 1 , further comprising the actuator,
wherein the actuator is arranged on a housing and is nearly vertically oriented.
12. The device of claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to operate the flap-type metering valve and to be supplied with at least one measured value.
13. The device of claim 12 , wherein the control unit comprises one of:
a computer unit; and
a microprocessor.
14. The device of claim 1 , wherein the control unit comprises a computer unit with a microprocessor and:
is supplied a measured value from the weighing scales;
stores a metering quantity; and
controls the flap-type metering valve based on said metering quantity.
15. The device of claim 1 , wherein the metering valve is a self-closing flap-type metering valve.
16. A device for metering plastic granulate material for a plastic granulate processing machine, said device comprising:
at least one material funnel configured to contain plastic granulate material;
a flap-type metering valve arranged at a lower end of said material funnel and being capable of assuming an open state and a closed state;
said metering valve comprising:
a fixed scraper;
a pivotally mounted closure comprising:
an operating arm that is movable by an actuator; and
a closure plate having a scraper projection arranged on one end; and
said scraper projection contacting the fixed scraper when the metering valve is in the closed state;
a weighing container connected to a weighing scale or load cell; and
a control unit controlling the metering valve.
17. A device for metering plastic granulate material, said device comprising:
at least one material funnel configured to contain plastic granulate material;
a housing located below said material funnel;
at least one actuator arranged on or in the housing;
a self-closing flap-type metering valve capable of assuming an open state and a closed state;
said metering valve being disposed on a lower end of the material funnel and comprising:
a fixed scraper; and
a pivotally mounted closure comprising:
an operating arm that is movable by said actuator; and
a closure plate having a scraper projection arranged on one end; and
said scraper projection contacting the fixed scraper when the metering valve is in the closed state;
a weighing container located below said metering valve; and
a control unit controlling the metering valve.