Hollow body processing device and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a hollow body processing device (3, 30) comprising at least a nozzle (5, 50) and a circuit (7, 70, 71, 72) for circulating a pressurized air flow with a valve (8, 80) and a device for measuring a first pressure (P t ) a first sensor (13); a distributor (9, 90) for controlling the valves (8, 80); a pipe (10) connecting the distributor (9, 90) to the valves (8, 80); a control unit (12) having a time measuring member; characterized in that it comprises a second pressure measuring device (P c ) of the second pressure sensor (14); and the control unit (12) includes a first pressure sensor (P t ) and the second pressure (P c The present invention also relates to a corresponding processing method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the processing of hollow bodies, in particular to the blow-molding of plastics material containers from preforms or the application of barrier coatings to the interior of containers.

[0002] Preferably, but not restrictively, the plastic material may be PET ("polyethylene terephthalate").

[0003] In the following description, the term "hollow body" is to be understood as a container, a preform or a blank.

[0004] This container is in the form of a flask or vial, made of a rigid or semi-rigid plastic material. It is intended, in a non-exhaustive manner, to be used as a container for fluids, liquids, powders or granules, in particular of the agri-food or cosmetic type. Background Art

[0005] As is known, in industrial production lines, containers can undergo a variety of different successive processes: from their manufacture by blow molding or stretch blow molding, in particular by applying a barrier layer to the inside of the container, filling, sealing with a cap, labeling the product in units, to packaging of groups of multiple containers in batches. At the end of these processes, the product is called a "finished product".

[0006] The present invention relates to a manufacturing step for blow-molded containers.

[0007] Generally, this type of container is formed using a blank, either a preform or an intermediate container. This requires a pressurized fluid that is blown into the preform, which has been preheated and placed in a mold, to impart plastic deformation until the desired container conforms to the mold's shape. Container formation is thus achieved by blowing or stretch-blowing the blank in a mold with a pressurized fluid, particularly air.

[0008] This shaping is carried out using a manufacturing machine that generally comprises a unit for thermally conditioning the blanks, commonly called an "oven," followed by a blowing unit equipped with a plurality of blowing stations, commonly called "blowing stations." Furthermore, each blowing station is rotatably mounted on the periphery of a rotating turntable. Each blowing station comprises a mold into which each blank emerging from the oven is introduced for its transformation into a container during the blowing step, particularly during intermediate steps such as a pre-blowing step combined with a stretching step, a blowing step, and a degassing step sometimes combined with a fluid recovery step.

[0009] The process of forming containers, such as plastic bottles, by blowing preforms is well known. Before the preforms are blown and transformed into containers, they undergo a suitable heat treatment in a heat conditioning oven. Depending on the characteristics of the desired container, this heat treatment can be more or less complex. In any case, the heat treatment involves heating the plastic material of the preform to a temperature above its glass transition temperature in order to allow deformation by blowing or stretch-blowing.

[0010] The blank is then placed in a mold comprising a cavity corresponding to the shape of the container to be obtained. Then, in a transformation step by blowing, a blowing fluid, typically high-pressure air at a pressure typically between 18 and 40 bar (1 bar is equivalent to 100,000 Pascals), is injected into the blank via a nozzle to inflate the blank and press the material against the inner wall of the mold, thereby producing a container. Preferably, the transformation operation may include a step of stretching or elongating the blank by means of a stretch rod coupled to the mold and controlled to slide toward the bottom of the blank, and / or a pre-blowing step (typically at a pressure of between 8 and 15 bar).

[0011] After the plastic material has been in contact with the mold for a period of time, the molded container is degassed in a degassing step, reducing the pressure inside the container to atmospheric pressure before the finished container is removed from the mold. In other methods, the degassing step is preceded by a step to recover some of the fluid contained in the container so that the fluid can be reinjected for other uses (either into the manufacturing machine itself or into the factory where the manufacturing machine is installed).

[0012] The operation of a blowing machine is relatively complex, not least due to the large number of parameters that need to be taken into account, which may influence the quality of the container obtained.

[0013] As described, for example, in document WO 2008 / 081107, it is known to correlate the measured singular points of the actual blowing curve with given parameters of the machine (in particular the flow rate or the pre-blowing pressure) in order to apply corrections to those parameters according to the deviations observed at these singular points from the theoretical curve.

[0014] However, certain deviations can only be corrected to a certain extent, in particular by adjusting certain operating parameters of certain machine components. In fact, one or more deviations that are crucial for the operation of the manufacturing method, caused by the deterioration or aging of one or more, particularly mechanical or pneumatic, components present in the machine—whether premature or not—cannot be corrected, or can only be corrected in a limited manner through a control program. This is particularly true if certain components, such as solenoid valves present in the machine, have degraded or aged, or even if the exhaust muffler has become clogged and damaged during the degassing process.

[0015] To this end, in known blow molding or stretch-blow molding machines, each blowing station is arranged so that the interior of the hollow body formed by the preform at the beginning of the process, and then the interior of the hollow body formed by the formed container at the end of the process, can be connected to the pre-blowing circuit in a first step, then to the blowing circuit in a second step, then possibly to the blowing fluid recovery circuit, and finally to the degassing circuit (also called exhaust circuit) to restore the internal container volume to atmospheric pressure. The connection between the preform interior and, respectively, the container interior and the pre-blowing circuit, the blowing circuit, and, if necessary, the recovery circuit, and finally the degassing circuit is achieved by an equal number of respective valves. These valves are electrically controlled and are usually called "solenoid valves." An exhaust silencer can usually be associated with each exhaust circuit and allows the noise generated by the pressure drop when the container interior returns to atmospheric pressure.

[0016] Thus, as mentioned above, sudden changes in the material at the solenoid valve can cause changes in its operation, which are detrimental to the operation of the blowing operation and the containers produced thereby.

[0017] A known solution is to detect such a failure of one of the solenoid valves. To this end, a known solution described in document WO 2015 / 121557 is to calculate the actual delay of the solenoid valve opening and compare it with the theoretical delay in order to issue an alarm if a maximum permissible deviation is exceeded.

[0018] More specifically, the system notifies the user of premature deterioration or aging of at least one solenoid valve that cannot be corrected through a regulation program designed to control the service life of the solenoid valve and prevent various machine downtimes through programmed maintenance operations, thereby optimizing its efficiency. To this end, during container manufacturing, after the blank is introduced into the mold, the interior of the blank is connected to the at least one fluid circuit via a solenoid valve associated with the at least one fluid circuit. At a predetermined moment, an opening command is issued to the solenoid valve. The solenoid valve has a theoretical opening delay, i.e., the time that theoretically should elapse between the opening command and the moment the solenoid valve actually opens. The actual opening delay of the solenoid valve is then calculated, i.e., the time that elapses between the opening command and the moment the solenoid valve actually opens. Once this actual delay is calculated, a comparison allows for determining whether the deviation exceeds a maximum permissible deviation, and a limit violation notification is then issued.

[0019] Even though this solution allows the detection of faults of the solenoid valve, it is not entirely satisfactory, in particular as far as fault localization is concerned.

[0020] To this end, the solenoid valve comprises a valve pneumatically controlled by an electrically controlled distributor. The valve switches from a closed position to an open position, and vice versa, under the action of an associated distributor, which receives corresponding electrical signals. The distributor then switches to allow or prevent the flow of pressurized fluid along the circuit connecting the distributor to the valve.

[0021] Therefore, a solenoid valve failure may originate from its distributor or its valve.

[0022] The invention may involve a step of depositing a coating in the form of a layer of barrier effect material inside the container.

[0023] Generally speaking, the deposition of a barrier effect material layer inside a container is achieved by introducing a precursor gas at an extremely low pressure into the interior of the container, and then simultaneously subjecting the precursor gas present inside the container to microwave electromagnetic excitation suitable for generating plasma, thereby causing the barrier effect material to be deposited on the inner wall of the container.

[0024] This deposition is carried out by a processing machine, which includes a plurality of identical processing stations, each of which is used to load at least one container in a cavity, connect the cavity and the interior of the container with a pressure source, in particular a life source, connect the interior of the container with a precursor gas source, and excite the precursor gas with the aid of a microwave generator suitable for generating plasma, thereby causing the barrier effect material to be deposited on the inner wall of the container.

[0025] Similar to the forming machine, the communication implemented in the processing machine for depositing the barrier effect material layer inside the container is also achieved by means of a solenoid valve, which therefore also suffers from the same drawbacks as mentioned above. Summary of the Invention

[0026] The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing to use the pressure measurement between the components of a solenoid valve to deduce a malfunction in one or the other of these components, namely the valve or the distributor. In particular, the invention proposes measuring the pressure in the pneumatic line connecting the distributor to its valve, thereby allowing, if a difference is observed with respect to the setpoint, to determine whether the malfunction is due to a delay occurring in the distributor or in the valve.

[0027] To this end, the present invention relates to a hollow body processing device comprising:

[0028] - at least one nozzle opening into a hollow body arranged inside the reservoir;

[0029] - at least one circuit and circulation means for circulating at least one pressurized air flow in at least one direction within the circuit;

[0030] The at least one circuit comprises:

[0031] - at least one valve connected upstream to the nozzle and / or the reservoir;

[0032] at least one first pressure sensor at the nozzle or at the reservoir, the first pressure sensor measuring a first pressure;

[0033] The hollow body processing equipment further comprises:

[0034] - at least one distributor for controlling said at least one valve;

[0035] - pipes connecting the distributors to the corresponding valves;

[0036] - at least one control unit for controlling at least one of the different components, the control unit comprising at least one time measuring component;

[0037] The hollow body processing device is characterized by comprising:

[0038] - at least one second pressure sensor positioned along the pipeline, the second pressure sensor measuring a second pressure inside the pipeline;

[0039] Furthermore, the control unit includes:

[0040] - means adapted to determine at least one difference between the measurement of the first pressure and the measurement of the second pressure as a function of time.

[0041] According to additional, non-limiting features, the second sensor may be a sensor for detecting the presence of pressure in the pipeline.

[0042] The second sensor may be a sensor for measuring a pressure value in a pipeline.

[0043] The control unit may comprise comparing means adapted to compare the difference value based on the time elapsed between a first moment of measuring the first pressure and a second moment of measuring the second pressure.

[0044] The processing device may comprise a mould for blow-molding the hollow body in the form of a preform.

[0045] The processing apparatus may comprise a cavity for receiving a hollow body in the form of a container.

[0046] The present invention also relates to a method for processing hollow bodies, wherein at least:

[0047] - introducing the hollow body into a reservoir closed by a nozzle;

[0048] - circulate pressurized air towards the interior of the nozzle and / or towards the interior of the reservoir by actuating at least one valve connected upstream to the nozzle or to the reservoir;

[0049] - controlling the actuation of said at least one valve by means of an associated distributor connected to the valve by a pipe;

[0050] - measuring a first pressure at the nozzle;

[0051] This treatment method is characterized by:

[0052] - measuring a second pressure within the conduit;

[0053] - calculating the difference between the measurement of the second pressure and the measurement of the first pressure;

[0054] - Based on the difference, determine the response time of the distributor and the response time of the valve.

[0055] According to additional, non-limiting features, such a treatment method may include any of the following steps;

[0056] - Measure the second pressure by detecting the presence of pressure in the pipe.

[0057] - The second pressure is measured by determining the value of the second pressure.

[0058] - Send a limit-exceeded notification if one of the response times exceeds the limit.

[0059] - consecutively record one of the response time limit violations;

[0060] - Send an overrun notification when the number of recorded overruns exceeds the maximum threshold.

[0061] According to a first embodiment, the processing method may be a method of forming a container by blow molding from a preform arranged in a mold.

[0062] According to another embodiment, the processing method may be a method of depositing a barrier effect layer inside a container arranged in a cavity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0064] Figure 1 Schematically shows a view along a middle vertical section of an example of a mold for forming a container from a blank of the blown preform type;

[0065] Figure 2 Schematically shows an example of a blowing curve representing the change in pressure over time during the molding of a container;

[0066] Figure 3 schematically represents a detail of an example of a blowing curve at the end of the pre-blowing step, in particular showing the different moments taken into account; and

[0067] Figure 4 Schematically shows a view along a middle vertical section of an example of a process chamber for depositing a layer of barrier effect material inside a container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] In the following description, elements having the same structure or similar function will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0069] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to the blow-molding of a container 1 from a preform.

[0070] The blank and the container obtained by this shaping are made of a plastic material, preferably PET.

[0071] This shaping is carried out by means of "blowing stations". Several blowing stations can be brought together, in particular around the periphery of a rotating turntable, to form a blowing unit. This blowing unit is generally located downstream of a heat treatment unit, usually called an "oven".

[0072] Each blowing station comprises a reservoir in the form of a mold 2 into which each preform is introduced from the furnace in order to undergo the transformation into a container 11 during the blowing step, that is, in particular during some intermediate steps such as a pre-blowing step combined with a stretching step, a blowing step, a degassing step sometimes combined with a fluid recovery step. The blowing step is carried out using a processing device 3 for forming the preform through the blow-molded container 1.

[0073] For this purpose, such a blank can be a preform 4 or an intermediate container.

[0074] The preform 4 comprises a generally tubular hollow body closed by a substantially hemispherical bottom and open on the opposite side by a neck having the final shape of the neck of the container 1 to be obtained.

[0075] Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , an example of a preform 4 in a mold 2 is shown by dashed lines.

[0076] To ensure blow molding, the processing device 3 for molding comprises corresponding means cooperating with the mold 2 containing the blank.

[0077] Furthermore, the processing device 3 for forming comprises at least one blowing nozzle 5, hereinafter referred to as "nozzle".

[0078] Furthermore, the nozzle 5 is mounted so as to be movable relative to the blowing station from a retracted high position to a lowered position, in which the blank can be introduced into the mould 2 , or vice versa. In the lowered position, the nozzle covers the blank in a manner that seals the mould 2 .

[0079] Such a nozzle 5 is thus similar to a bell-shaped jar that will cover the upper part of the mould 2 , in particular the neck of the blank, to allow blowing air to be fed into the blank to press the plastic material against the inner wall of the mould 2 .

[0080] The processing device 3 for forming can include a stretching rod 6, which is mounted so as to be movable vertically relative to the nozzle 5 from a retracted high position through an intermediate position to a low position, and vice versa, from the low position through the intermediate position to a retracted high position, wherein in the low position, the distal end of the rod 6 is in contact with the bottom of the mold 2. The rod 6 thus slides relative to the mold 2 and the nozzle 5, thereby longitudinally stretching the blank material under the effect of its vertical downward movement.

[0081] It should be noted that an intermediate position when the rod 6 is lowered may correspond to a pre-blowing step.

[0082] Figure 1 The stretching rod 6 is shown in a lowered position.

[0083] For blowing inside the preform, the shaping treatment device 3 comprises at least one circuit 7 and circulation means (not shown) for circulating at least one compressed air flow in at least one direction in said circuit 7 .

[0084] Preferably, a plurality of air flows with different pressures are caused to circulate in the circuit 7 along the injection direction and the exhaust direction at different times.

[0085] It should be noted that the flow means can be of any type, in particular a fluid source connected to said circuit 7, in particular a pressurized fluid generated by suitable means such as a compressor or a pump. The source can comprise a container containing the fluid at the desired pressure or a container directly fed by said suitable means.

[0086] Said circuit 7 is connected to the nozzle 5 and allows the injection of an air flow in one direction, namely in particular:

[0087] - an air flow, in particular at a low pressure or “pre-blowing pressure” P1 between 5 and 13 bar (1 bar = 100,000 Pascals), which ensures the pre-blowing step;

[0088] - an air flow, in particular at a high pressure or "blowing pressure" P2, between 20 and 40 bar, which ensures the blowing step.

[0089] In the reverse direction, the circuit 7 allows the compressed air contained in the container 1 once formed to be evacuated in the reverse direction, namely in particular during the following steps:

[0090] - during the recovery step, this allows the recycling of part of the high-pressure air flow, in particular the part of air that has fallen from the blowing pressure P2 up to a low threshold value corresponding to the “recovery pressure” P3;

[0091] During the degassing step, the degassing step allows the interior of the nozzle 5 and therefore of the container 1 to communicate with the outside at atmospheric pressure PA.

[0092] The circuit 7 comprises specific parts dedicated to the circulation of each pressurized air flow and a common part, in particular at the connection with the nozzle 5 .

[0093] Figure 1 The embodiment shows a circuit 7 having a common part connected to the nozzle 5 and having dedicated parts for injection to the pre-blowing pressure P1 and the blowing pressure P2 and for discharge to the recovery pressure P3 and then to atmospheric pressure PA. Arrows show the direction of air circulation along each of said dedicated parts.

[0094] Furthermore, each dedicated portion of the loop 7 is connected to a corresponding source.

[0095] To this end, the circulation device in particular allows managing all the sources and putting the air flows under corresponding pressures. In particular, for the treatment device 3 for forming, one or more sources are provided by a compressor.

[0096] Furthermore, in order to allow or not allow the passage of said at least one air flow, said at least one circuit 7 comprises at least one valve 8 connected upstream to said nozzle 5 .

[0097] Preferably, the circuit 7 comprises as many valves 8 as the number of different flows. Figure 1 Four valves 8 are shown, corresponding to the dedicated sections for pre-blowing, blowing, recovery and degassing.

[0098] In order to ensure control of the at least one valve 8 , the processing device 3 for molding is provided with appropriate means allowing each valve 8 to be actuated from a closed position to an open position ensuring the passage of a pressurized air flow, and vice versa.

[0099] To this end, the processing device 3 for forming further comprises at least one distributor 9 for controlling the at least one valve 8. In particular, each valve 8 is provided with a distributor 9 associated with its operation.

[0100] It should be noted that the distributor 9 is electrically activated, in particular, electrically activated by a coil which, under the action of an electric current, switches the distributor 9 to an open position or a closed position, thereby reciprocatingly controlling the position of the associated valve 8 .

[0101] Furthermore, each dispenser 9 pneumatically controls its valve 8 by transmitting pneumatic commands in the form of pressurized fluid circulation. When the dispenser 9 is electrically activated and switched to the open position, it is this pressurized fluid control that actuates the valve 8 toward its open position. When the dispenser 9 is deactivated and returned to the closed position, the pressurized fluid is no longer circulated, and the valve 8 returns to its closed position. Reverse operation is also contemplated.

[0102] The distributor 9 is therefore the electro-pneumatic master of the associated valve 8 .

[0103] The distributor 9 and the valve 8 thus form a so-called "solenoid valve" assembly. Such a solenoid valve is preferably of the "all or nothing" type, but could also be of the proportional type.

[0104] Furthermore, to allow the circulation of pressurized fluid between the distributors 9 and the valves 8, the molding processing device 3 comprises a pipe 10 connecting said distributor 9 to the corresponding valve 8. Such a pipe 10 is adapted for the operation of the valves 8 and is therefore situated inside each solenoid valve and outside the circuit 7 for circulating said pressurized air flow intended for blowing the containers 1.

[0105] Furthermore, the solenoid valve has an actual opening or closing delay 11, that is, the length of time that elapses between, on the one hand, the first moment t0 at which the command is sent in the form of an electrical signal to the distributor 9, thereby activating or deactivating said distributor 9, and, on the other hand, the next moment t4 at which the valve 8 is fully opened or closed. This actual delay 11 tends to vary depending on certain parameters, such as the number of cycles to which the solenoid valve is subjected, the wear of certain of its components over time, but also due to the influence of environmental conditions.

[0106] When a new solenoid valve is manufactured, it has a theoretical actual delay 11, which can be checked beforehand, in particular during installation and commissioning. This actual delay 11 is therefore a known constant, to which certain tolerances are permitted.

[0107] Referring to an example of a theoretical curve showing the flow of a blow-molded container 1 through a processing device 3 for molding according to the present invention, Figure 2 , and perform multiple steps in sequence, namely:

[0108] - Pre-blowing step A: the first pre-blowing solenoid valve is controlled by sending a command at a first moment t0 to activate its distributor 9, which then controls the opening of its associated valve 8, which opens at moment t4 after an actual delay 11: the pressure in the circuit 7 then changes from atmospheric pressure PA to the pre-blowing pressure P1;

[0109] - Blowing step B: the second blowing solenoid valve is controlled by issuing another command to activate its distributor 9 at another first moment t0, which in turn controls the opening of its associated valve 8, which then opens at moment t4 after another actual delay 11: the pressure in the circuit 7 then changes from the pre-blowing pressure P1 to the blowing pressure P2;

[0110] - Recovery step C: the third recovery solenoid valve is controlled by issuing, at yet another first moment t0, yet another command to activate its distributor 9, which controls the opening of its associated valve 8, which opens at moment t4 after yet another actual delay 11: the pressure in the circuit 7 then drops from the blowing pressure P2 to the recovery pressure P3 low threshold;

[0111] - Degassing step D: the fourth degassing solenoid valve is controlled by issuing, at yet another first instant t0, yet another command to activate its distributor 9, which controls the opening of its associated valve 8, which opens at instant t4 after yet another actual delay 11: the pressure in the circuit 7 then drops from the recovery pressure to atmospheric pressure PA;

[0112] It should be noted that before or after each control of opening or closing of the above-mentioned solenoid valve, the closing or opening of the previously actuated solenoid valve may be controlled, respectively.

[0113] Furthermore, the processing device 3 for forming comprises at least one control unit 12 which controls at least one of the above-mentioned different components. In other words, the control unit 12 controls the opening and closing of each solenoid valve, preferably the activation and deactivation of the associated dispenser 9.

[0114] Such a control unit 12 may be automated, in particular in the form of a computer terminal on which software suitable for controlling the processing device for forming 3 is executed. The control unit 12 may be completely or partially external or mounted on the processing device for forming 3.

[0115] In summary, each solenoid valve operates similarly and has its own actual delay 11. This actual delay 11 depends on the activation or deactivation period of its distributor 9, on the one hand, and on the opening or closing period of its valve 8, on the other hand. In other words, the actual delay 11 of the solenoid valve depends on the response time d1 of the distributor 9 and the response time d2 of the valve 8.

[0116] In the event of a malfunction in one of these elements, it is therefore necessary to determine whether it is the distributor 9 or the valve 8 that has failed.

[0117] The invention proposes to determine which component of the solenoid valve is faulty by measuring the pressure at the outlet of the blowing circuit 7 at the nozzle 5 and directly inside the solenoid valve at the pipe 10 between the distributor 9 and the valve 8.

[0118] Furthermore, using these pressure measurements of the pressurized air flow and the pressurized fluid, it is possible to calculate a difference and compare it with previously recorded known values, whether theoretically set or based on previously completed commissioning. From this, it is possible to deduce the response times d1, d2 for the distributor 9 and valve 8. Therefore, if one of these response times d1, d2 exceeds a limit, it can be determined whether the distributor 9 or the valve 8 is faulty.

[0119] In other words, after the first instant t0 at which the start signal is sent to the distributor 9 and the distributor provides a pressurized flow to actuate its valve 8, the pressure P measured inside the pipe 10 is determined. c and the pressure P measured at the nozzle 5 connected to the interior of the blank or the container 1 t The amount of time that has passed between them.

[0120] Furthermore, this duration is determined according to the current step, in particular with respect to the corresponding pressures, namely the pre-blowing pressure P1, the blowing pressure P2, and possibly the recovery pressure P3 lower threshold or the atmospheric pressure P A to confirm.

[0121] To this end, in the processing device 3 for forming according to the invention, the circuit 7 comprises a first pressure measuring device P at the nozzle 5. t At least one first pressure sensor 13. This first pressure sensor 13 can also be positioned at a common portion of the circuit 7 that communicates directly with the interior of the nozzle 5, or inside said nozzle 5, in order to measure the pressure P therein. t Thus, this first pressure sensor 13 allows detecting the presence of a first pressure P in the nozzle 5. t , in particular to measure its value at a given moment. Thus, the first pressure sensor 13 is positioned and capable of measuring the pressure inside the nozzle 5 .

[0122] Advantageously, the processing device 3 for forming comprises at least one second pressure sensor 14 positioned along said pipe 10. This second pressure sensor 14 measures a second pressure P inside the pipe 10. c .

[0123] Furthermore, a second pressure sensor 14 may be positioned along said pipe 10 at the outlet of the distributor 9 or at the inlet of the associated valve 8. Thus, this second pressure sensor 14 is positioned and able to measure the pressure inside the pipe 10.

[0124] According to different embodiments, the second pressure sensor 14 can: or measure the second pressure P cThe presence or absence of the pressure in the pipe 10 is thus related to a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of pressure; or in a combined or non-combined manner, determining a second pressure P c The value of , then, is a sensor for determining the pressure value in the pipeline 10 .

[0125] It should be noted that the first pressure sensor 13 may be similar to the second pressure sensor 14 , and is preferably a pressure value measuring sensor.

[0126] Thus, by measuring the second pressure P between the distributor 9 and the valve 8 c , an intermediate reference value can be obtained to determine whether the two components are operating normally or one of them is faulty.

[0127] To this end, the control unit 12 comprises a device for or capable of comparing the first pressure P t The measurement results and the second pressure P c Thus, such a comparison device 120 allows to deduce, for each solenoid valve, the first pressure P in the nozzle 5 after the valve 8 is opened or closed. t and the second pressure P in the pipeline 10 after the distributor 9 is activated or deactivated. c The difference between .

[0128] Specifically, the first pressure P is measured by the first pressure sensor 13. t , allowing for the fluctuation of the pressure value inside the nozzle 5. In short, the first pressure sensor 13 can continuously measure the pressure at the nozzle 5, and when the second pressure P just occurred is measured c After the change of the first pressure P t When the changes are detected, comparison is made.

[0129] This comparison is carried out over time. In summary, it is necessary to check whether the second pressure P is detected in the pipeline 10. c and detecting a first pressure P in the nozzle 5 t , especially the first pressure P t The time that elapses between changes.

[0130] According to a preferred embodiment, the comparison device 120 then comprises the at least one difference at the first pressure P t The time t4 and the second pressure P c Time t c The time between the calculation means.

[0131] It can be seen that the first pressure P is measured tThe moment t4 corresponds to the end of the opening or closing of the valve 8, that is, the time from which the compressed air flows inside the circuit 7 according to the corresponding steps A, B, C, D at the required pressure PA, P1, P2, P3 toward the nozzle 5.

[0132] However, at time t c This allows knowing when the dispenser 9 is fully activated or deactivated, and when the pressurized fluid circulates inside the pipe 10 to start controlling the valve 8. Thus, knowing the first moment t0 of the signal sent to activate or deactivate the dispenser 9, it is possible to deduce the moment t2 corresponding to the end of activation or deactivation of the dispenser 9.

[0133] It should be noted that the instant t1 may correspond to the reception of the signal by said distributor 9, allowing for taking into account a possible known and fixed reaction time, which depends on the communication means used between the control unit 12 and the distributor 9. For example, if the control unit 12 is centralized and remote, the duration of the signal transmission between the first instant t0 of the signal emission and the instant t1 of its reception by the distributor 9 may be taken into account, given that the time is very short.

[0134] Therefore, the response time d1 of the distributor 9 between the first instant t0 and the instant t2, or even between the instant t1 and the instant t2, can be obtained.

[0135] In addition, at time t c This also allows understanding when valve 8 begins to be controlled due to the pressurization of pipeline 10. Thus, it is possible to infer the time t3 corresponding to the start of the opening or closing control of valve 8. In other words, at time t3, the pressurized fluid in pipeline 10 begins to actuate the movement of valve 8, causing it to open or close. The response time d2 of valve 8 between time t3 and time t4 can then be obtained.

[0136] As already mentioned, the time t4 then corresponds to the end of the opening or closing movement of the valve 8 .

[0137] Figure 3 An example of a breakdown of the actual delay 11 of such a solenoid valve is shown, showing the different instants t0, t1, t2, t3, t4, t5 which allow the response times d1, d2 of the distributor 9 and the valve 8 to be inferred. c .

[0138] It should be noted that in the sense of the present invention, all the moments of each step, in particular the moments t0, t1, t2, t3, t4, t c , may correspond to an angle or angular values ​​related to the cycle of shaping the container by blowing, in particular since the blowing machine is rotating.

[0139] Furthermore, considering the size of the pipe 10 and the pressure of the pressurized fluid circulating in the pipe under the action of the distributor 9, the times t2, t3, t c Thus, the second pressure P in the measuring pipe 10 is c Time t c Allows to determine the moment t2 when the valve 8 is fully activated or deactivated and the moment t3 when the valve 8 begins to open or close. c Fluctuations in d1 , d2 make it possible to understand whether the distributor 9 or the valve 8 has a prolonged or even shortened response time d1 , d2 , thus leading to a delay in its normal and known operating time.

[0140] For this purpose, if one of the response times d1 , d2 is exceeded, an overrun notification is issued. This overrun can be checked by the comparison device 120 of the control unit 12 .

[0141] In particular, the response times d1, d2 may be compared against pre-recorded values ​​in the form of setpoints. An overrun may be identified from fluctuations in the response times d1, d2 exceeding a threshold around one of the pre-recorded values.

[0142] In addition, if Figure 3 As schematically shown, such a setting value recording can take place within the control unit 12 .

[0143] According to another embodiment, it is also possible to directly calculate the time t c A comparison is made with previously recorded values ​​in order to infer the response times d1 , d2 therefrom, in particular based on the times t0 , t4 .

[0144] Thus, if a limit violation is confirmed, the transmission of this notification allows the operator to be warned. This notification is intended to indicate to the operator that the solenoid valve is no longer able to guarantee proper operation, i.e., it is no longer able to open (and accordingly close) for a period of time without affecting the quality of future containers 1 or the overall good operation of the blowing machine. Furthermore, this notification can indicate which component of the solenoid valve is at fault, namely the dispenser 9 or the associated valve 8.

[0145] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to the treatment of a hollow body by depositing a layer of barrier effect material inside the container 1 .

[0146] The container 1 is made of a plastic material, preferably PET.

[0147] This deposition is performed by a "deposition unit for the barrier effect material layer." A plurality of stations can be brought together, in particular at the periphery of a rotating turntable, to form a "deposition unit for the barrier effect material layer." In the following description, the term "deposition station" will be used instead of the term "deposition unit for the barrier effect material layer," and the term "deposition unit" will be used instead of the term "deposition unit for the barrier effect material layer."

[0148] Each deposition station comprises a reservoir in the form of a chamber 20 into which each container 1 is introduced in order to subject it to an operation of deposition of a layer of barrier effect material on the inner wall of the container 1 .

[0149] Figure 4 , an example of a container 1 in a cavity 20 is shown.

[0150] To ensure deposition, the processing device 30 for deposition comprises corresponding means cooperating with the chamber 20 containing the container 1 .

[0151] Furthermore, the processing device 30 for deposition comprises at least one nozzle 50 .

[0152] Furthermore, the nozzle 5 is mounted so as to be movable relative to the deposition station from a stowed high position to a low position, in which the container 1 can be introduced into the cavity 20 , or vice versa, in which the nozzle covers the container in a manner that seals said cavity 20 .

[0153] Such a spout 50 is thus similar to a bell jar that will cover the upper part of the chamber 20 , in order in particular to allow the air in the container 1 to be evacuated.

[0154] The processing device 30 for deposition includes an injector 60 mounted to be vertically movable relative to the nozzle 50 from a retracted high position to a low position, wherein the distal end of the injector 60 is not in contact with the bottom of the container.

[0155] The injector 60 is a hollow rod through which a gaseous precursor fluid is circulated. The precursor gas is selected from alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatic hydrocarbons, or a combination thereof. The injector 60 allows the necessary amount of precursor gas to be injected into the interior of the container to generate a plasma.

[0156] In order to perform deposition in the container 1, the processing device 30 for deposition includes at least one circuit 70 and a circulation device (not shown) for circulating at least one pressurized air flow in at least one direction in the circuit 70. Preferably, a plurality of air flows of different pressures are circulated in the circuit 70 at different times according to the discharge direction and the injection direction.

[0157] In particular, for a processing apparatus 30 for deposition, one or more sources are provided by a pump.

[0158] The circuit 70 is connected to the nozzle 50 , allowing a flow of air to be exhausted from the container in one direction, and is also connected to the inside of the chamber 20 , so as to create a vacuum inside the container and also inside the chamber 20 .

[0159] It is then necessary to bring the interior of the container and the interior of the chamber to atmospheric pressure before withdrawing the container from the chamber.

[0160] Figure 4 The embodiment of FIG. 5 shows two circuits 70 and 71. Circuit 70 is connected to the nozzle 50 and has a common part and a plurality of specialized parts for exhausting air to form a vacuum and for returning the interior of the container 1 to atmospheric pressure. Circuit 71 is connected to the chamber 20 and has a common part and a plurality of specialized parts for generating a negative pressure inside the chamber 20 and for returning it to atmospheric pressure.

[0161] A separate circuit 72 can be dedicated to the delivery of the precursor gas. This circuit 72 is then connected to the injector 60.

[0162] Arrows show the direction of air flow along each of the dedicated sections.

[0163] Furthermore, each dedicated portion of the loop 70, 71, 72 is connected to a respective source.

[0164] To this end, the flow-through device notably allows for the management of all sources and for the management of placing the air flows at corresponding pressures.

[0165] Furthermore, in order to allow or not allow the passage of the at least one air flow, the at least one circuit 70, 71, 72 comprises at least one valve 80 connected upstream to the nozzle 50 or the reservoir or the injector 60. The injector 60 is also connected to a source of precursor gas in order to allow the injection of precursor gas into the container 1 once a vacuum has been achieved in the container 1.

[0166] Figure 4 The embodiment of FIG. 1 shows the microwave generator 100 adjacent to the cavity 20 .

[0167] Once the precursor gas is introduced into the interior of the container 1 , the microwave generator 100 generates electromagnetic waves suitable for generating plasma, thereby causing the barrier effect material to be deposited on the inner wall of the container 1 .

[0168] To ensure control of said at least one valve 80, the processing device 30 for deposition is provided with suitable means allowing actuation of each valve 80 from a closed position to an open position in order to ensure the circulation of the air flow, and vice versa.

[0169] To this end, the processing device 30 for deposition further comprises at least one distributor 90 for controlling the at least one valve 80. In particular, each valve 80 has a distributor 90 associated with its operation.

[0170] It should be noted that the distributor 90 is electrically activated, in particular, electrically activated by a coil, which switches the distributor 90 to an open position or a closed position under the action of an electric current, thereby reciprocatingly controlling the position of the relevant valve 80.

[0171] Furthermore, each distributor 90 pneumatically controls its valve 80 by transmitting pneumatic commands in the form of circulating pressurized fluid. When the distributor 90 is electrically activated and switched to the open position, it is this pressurized fluid control that actuates the valve 80 toward its open position. When the distributor 90 is deactivated and returned to the closed position, the pressurized fluid no longer circulates, and the valve 80 returns to the closed position. Reverse operation is also conceivable. Thus, the distributor 90 is the electro-pneumatic master for the associated valve 80. Thus, the distributor 90 and the valve 80 form a so-called "solenoid valve" assembly. This solenoid valve is preferably of the "all or nothing" type, but may also be of the proportional type.

[0172] Furthermore, to allow the pressurized fluid to circulate between the distributors 90 and the valves 80, the processing device 30 for deposition comprises a pipe 10 connecting said distributor 90 to the corresponding valve 80. This pipe 10 is adapted to the operation of the valves 80 and is therefore located inside each solenoid valve and outside the circuit 70 for circulating the pressurized air flow in the container 1.

[0173] Similarly, the solenoid valve operates in the same way, whether it is used for processing a hollow body to form a container 1 from a blank or for the deposition of a barrier coating inside the container 1 by means of a low-pressure plasma.

[0174] The invention also relates to a method for processing a hollow body.

[0175] The present invention may firstly relate to a method for forming a hollow body in the form of a container 1 by blow molding using a blank, in particular a preform 4 .

[0176] This shaping method is preferably suitable for using the processing device 3 for shaping according to the present invention as described above.

[0177] The molding method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps.

[0178] First, the blank is introduced into the mold 2 which is closed by the blowing nozzle 5 .

[0179] Once the blank is positioned in the mould 2 , compressed air is allowed to circulate inside the nozzle 5 by actuating at least one valve 8 connected upstream to the nozzle 5 .

[0180] To this end, the at least one valve 8 is actuated, controlled by a relative distributor 9. This distributor is connected to the valve by a duct 10. It is thus in this duct 10 that the pressurized fluid circulates, causing the valve 8 to open.

[0181] Furthermore, if the dispenser 9 is deactivated, such a valve 8 can be returned to the closed position in the absence of pressurized fluid in said duct 10 .

[0182] As previously mentioned, on the one hand, compressed air is circulated to the nozzles 5 through the circuit 7 for blowing. Each valve 8 is located precisely on this circuit to provide compressed air to the nozzles 5. On the other hand, the valves 8 are controlled by their associated distributors 9 through the pipes 10 and the circulation of pressurized fluid through said distributors 9: said pipes 10 are therefore distinct from the circuit 7.

[0183] In addition, the first pressure P at the nozzle 5 is measured. t .

[0184] This first pressure P t The measurement allows knowing the pressure inside the nozzle 5 at any time.

[0185] Advantageously, the second pressure P inside the pipe 10 is measured c .

[0186] According to different embodiments, the second pressure P can be measured by detecting whether there is pressure inside the pipeline 10 or by measuring the second pressure P c The value of the second pressure P c .

[0187] Once the second pressure P is measured c , calculate the second pressure P c The measurement result of the first pressure P t The difference between the measurement results.

[0188] Then, based on the difference, the response time d1 of the distributor 9 and the response time d2 of the valve 8 are determined.

[0189] Furthermore, the corresponding instants t0, t1, t2, t3, t4 can also be calculated in order to use the time data to determine the response times d1, d2.

[0190] It is then these response times d1 , d2 that can be checked to see whether one or the other of them does not exceed a maximum permissible deviation, in particular with regard to the required operating conditions.

[0191] Preferably, if one of the response times d1, d2 is exceeded, a notification of the limit violation is sent. This notification allows the operator to be informed, on the one hand, of a fault in the solenoid valve confirmation, and, on the other hand, of whether the fault is in the dispenser 9 or the valve 8. The operator can then consider a maintenance operation to replace one or both of the faulty components.

[0192] To avoid any unnecessary maintenance, the present invention proposes to detect the recurrence of an overrun of one of the response times d1, d2 of each solenoid valve, even if a single deviation that does not represent solenoid valve degradation leads to an overrun. In short, it is proposed to check whether a solenoid valve, in particular its distributor 9 or its valve 8, has repeatedly experienced a malfunction before issuing a notification.

[0193] For this purpose, any limit violations are recorded in each molding cycle so that notification is only sent from the maximum threshold. Due to the very high production efficiency, especially in the case of rotary blow molding facilities equipped with a turntable, this recording can be carried out very quickly.

[0194] Therefore, the method according to the invention proposes to successively record the violation of one of the response times d1 , d2 and then to send a violation notification if the number of recorded violations exceeds a maximum threshold.

[0195] Analogously and correspondingly, the invention may relate to a method for depositing a barrier effect layer in a container 1 arranged in a cavity 20 .

[0196] This deposition method is preferably suitable for use with the processing apparatus 30 applied to deposition according to the present invention as described above.

[0197] Therefore, according to the treatment device and the treatment method of the present invention, by positioning the second pressure sensor 14 between its distributor 9, 90 and its valve 8, 80, it is possible to check its normal operation by measuring the second pressure directly inside the solenoid valve, in particular by comparing the response times d1, d2 of its components with the set values.

Claims

1. A hollow body processing device (3, 30), comprising: - at least one nozzle (5, 50) opening into a hollow body arranged inside the reservoir; - at least one circuit (7, 70, 71, 72) and circulation means for circulating at least one pressurized air flow in at least one direction within the circuit (7, 70, 71, 72); The at least one circuit (7, 70, 71, 72) comprises: - at least one valve (8, 80) connected upstream to the nozzle (5, 50) and / or the reservoir; - at least one first pressure sensor (13) at the nozzle (5, 50) or at the reservoir, the first pressure sensor measuring a first pressure (P t ); The hollow body processing device (3, 30) further includes: - at least one distributor (9, 90) for controlling said at least one valve (8, 80); - pipes (10) connecting the distributors (9, 90) to the corresponding valves (8, 80); - at least one control unit (12) controlling at least one of the nozzle, the valve, the first pressure sensor, the pipe and the distributor, the control unit (12) comprising at least one time measuring member; Characterized in that the hollow body processing equipment comprises: - at least one second pressure sensor (14) positioned along the pipeline (10), the second pressure sensor measuring a second pressure (P c ); Furthermore, the control unit (12) comprises: - Suitable for determining the first pressure (P t ) and the second pressure (P c ) means for obtaining at least one difference between the measurement results of .

2. The hollow body processing device (3, 30) according to claim 1, characterized in that The second pressure sensor (14) is a sensor for detecting whether there is pressure in the pipeline (10).

3. The hollow body processing device (3, 30) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The second pressure sensor (14) is a sensor for measuring the pressure value in the pipeline (10).

4. The hollow body processing device (3, 30) according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit (12) comprises a comparison device (120) adapted to measure a first pressure (P t ) at the first moment and measuring the second pressure (P c ) and compare the difference between the time elapsed between the first and second moments.

5. The hollow body processing device (3, 30) according to claim 1, characterized in that The hollow body processing device comprises a mold (2) for blow-molding a hollow body in the form of a preform (4).

6. The hollow body processing device (3, 30) according to claim 1, characterized in that The hollow body handling device comprises a chamber (20) for receiving a hollow body in the form of a container.

7. A method for processing a hollow body, wherein at least: - introducing the hollow body into a reservoir closed by a nozzle (5, 50); - circulate pressurized air into the interior of the nozzle (5, 50) and / or into the interior of the reservoir by actuating at least one valve (8, 80) connected upstream to the nozzle (5, 50) or the reservoir; - controlling the actuation of said at least one valve (8, 80) by means of a relative distributor (9, 90) connected to the valve (8, 80) by a pipe (10); - measuring a first pressure (P t ); Its characteristics are: - measuring a second pressure (P c ); - Calculate the second pressure (P c ) and the first pressure (P t )’s measurement results; - Based on the difference, determine the response time (d1) of the distributor (9, 90) and the response time (d2) of the valve (8, 80).

8. The hollow body processing method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second pressure (P) is measured by detecting whether there is pressure in the pipe (10). c ).

9. The hollow body processing method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: By measuring the second pressure ( Pc ) value to measure the second pressure (P c ).

10. The hollow body processing method according to claim 7, characterized in that: In the event that one of the response time of the dispenser (d1) and the response time of the valve (d2) exceeds a limit, an overrun notification is sent.

11. The hollow body processing method according to claim 10, characterized in that: - Successive recording of any limit violations of one of the distributor response time (d1) and the valve response time (d2); - Send an overrun notification when the number of recorded overruns exceeds the maximum threshold.

12. The hollow body processing method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The hollow body processing method is a method of forming a container by blow molding a blank arranged in a mold (2).

13. The hollow body processing method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The hollow body processing method is a method of depositing a barrier effect layer inside a container arranged in a cavity (20).

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