Apparatus for blow moulding containers

Abstract

A device for blow-moulding containers, provided with a support frame for a blow-moulding station comprising two lateral bodies and a bottom, at least one of the two lateral bodies being movable about a hinging axis by means for cyclic opening and closing; kinematic connection means providing kinematic connection between the movable at least one lateral body and the bottom and adapted to cyclically move the bottom along a direction of movement; wherein the means for cyclic opening and closing comprise an actuation body supported by a connecting link kinematically connected to the movable at least one lateral body and connected to the special-shaped body by a connecting assembly, the device being characterised in that the connecting assembly comprises an actuation appendix which rotates integrally with the connecting link about a pivoting axis, the actuation appendix supporting an abutment body slidingly engaged in a sliding seat integral with the special-shaped body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for blow molding containers made of plastic, specifically PET, PE, PEN and similar materials. Background Technology

[0002] Facilities for blow molding plastic containers are known, including equipment for blow molding preforms having a blow molding station arranged on a rotating propulsion wheel and a mold support connected along an edge hinge.

[0003] It is also known that in these devices, the blow molding station is fixed (specifically adapted to accommodate the cavity for forming the container): in this case, multiple plates arranged parallel to each other are typically used as mold supports.

[0004] Actuators that cause the blow molding station to open and close, as well as actuators that cause the base portion (or bottom) to lift, are typically mechanically actuated.

[0005] Specifically, a curved section (cam) is used in a blow molding station arranged on a rotating drive wheel. The curved section (cam) is fixed to the frame of the machine, and a cam follower is driven along the section and connected to the element to be moved.

[0006] WO2007 / 012309 describes a blow molding station in which a base portion moves longitudinally relative to the blow molding station, and wherein one mold support is fixed while the other support is movable.

[0007] In addition, FR2841495 describes a mold having a base portion that is movable in the axial direction relative to a transverse support portion of the mold.

[0008] WO2006 / 029585 describes a blow molding station in which a mechanical connection is provided between the lateral support portion and the base portion of the mold.

[0009] In an attempt to achieve high density, it is preferable to use solutions in which one lateral support of the mold is fixed and the other is movable. However, in this case, managing the movement used to lift the base portion or bottom becomes problematic because, to ensure optimal blow molding, a matching shape must be achieved between the lateral support and the base portion of the mold.

[0010] KHS CORPOPLAST's EP 2144742 B1 describes an apparatus for blow molding containers, which has a blow molding station arranged on a support structure for molding preforms.

[0011] In this case, the blow molding station is provided with two side walls of the mold and a base portion or bottom.

[0012] One sidewall is fixed, while the other sidewall can be oriented relative to the supporting structure.

[0013] The bottom can move relative to each of the two sidewalls of the mold.

[0014] Specifically, multiple sidewalls of the mold are mechanically connected together for positioning movement, while the bottom has a movement trajectory relative to the sidewalls, the bottom having components extending in the longitudinal direction of the blow molding station and components extending transversely to the longitudinal direction.

[0015] Due to the movement trajectory at the bottom, the proposed solutions are constructive but complex.

[0016] EP 3380300 B1, under the same applicant, describes an apparatus for blow molding containers, the apparatus having a support frame for at least one blow molding station for blow molding a preform to obtain a container, the blow molding station including two transverse bodies and including a bottom adapted to provide at least one container by blow molding, at least one of the two transverse bodies being movable relative to the support frame about a hinge axis by means of a device for cyclic opening and closing.

[0017] The device is provided with a kinematic connection device for kinematic connection between a movable lateral body and a bottom, the kinematic connection device being adapted to cause the bottom to move cyclically along a direction of movement substantially parallel to the hinge axis.

[0018] The device for cyclic opening and closing includes an actuating body supported by a connecting link that can move relative to a support frame about a hinge axis substantially parallel to the hinge axis; the connecting link is kinematically connected to a movable transverse body and rotatably associated with a special-shaped body that can move along a straight trajectory and form a cam-shaped profile that can engage with an engagement element supported by a bottom.

[0019] Although the solution is effective in principle, it has some limitations.

[0020] In particular, to ensure the possibility of the special-shaped body moving along a straight trajectory, an interconnecting rod is provided, which is hinged to the actuation connecting rod and the special-shaped body respectively.

[0021] First, it should be noted that the presence of interconnecting rods creates certain difficulties in assembly and requires higher assembly precision to minimize clearance.

[0022] Furthermore, the actual implementation of this solution requires the use of appropriate bearings at the ends of the interconnecting rods.

[0023] Another drawback of this solution involves the fact that by rotatably connecting the ends of the interconnecting rods to the actuation connecting rod and the special-shaped body respectively, the movement of the interconnecting rods along the vertical axis is constrained during use, and the input of the actuation connecting rod and its action on the mold parts as needed becomes complicated. Summary of the Invention

[0024] The objective of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages, thereby providing a blow molding apparatus for blow molding plastic containers that is extremely simple and practical to use.

[0025] Within this objective, one object of the present invention is to provide a blow molding apparatus for blow molding plastic containers, which is extremely simple in structure and allows for optimal management of the process.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a blow molding apparatus that is flexible in use.

[0027] This objective, along with these and other objectives, is achieved by the blow molding apparatus for blow molding plastic containers according to this article, which will become more apparent below.

[0028] The apparatus for blow molding containers according to this document includes: a support frame for blow molding a preform to obtain at least one blow molding station, the blow molding station comprising two transverse bodies and a bottom, the two transverse bodies and the bottom being adapted to provide at least one container by blow molding, at least one of the two transverse bodies being movable relative to the support frame about a hinge axis substantially parallel to the axis of the at least one container according to instructions via a device for cyclic opening and closing; and a kinematic connection device providing a kinematic connection between the movable at least one transverse body and the bottom, the kinematic connection device being adapted to cyclically determine the movement of the bottom along a direction of movement substantially parallel to the hinge axis; wherein the device for cyclic opening and closing includes an actuating mechanism. The device comprises an actuating body supported by a connecting link movable about a pivot axis relative to a support frame, the pivot axis being substantially parallel to the hinge axis. The connecting link is kinematically connected to at least one movable transverse body and connected via a connecting assembly to a special-shaped body movable about a substantially linear trajectory relative to the support frame. The special-shaped body defines a cam-shaped profile capable of engaging at least one engaging element supported by the bottom. The device is characterized in that the connecting assembly includes an actuating attachment integrally rotated about the pivot axis with the connecting link. The actuating attachment supports an adjacent body slidably engaged in a sliding seat integral with the special-shaped body, the sliding seat extending along a sliding direction intersecting the trajectory and substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of some preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of the blow molding apparatus for blow molding plastic containers according to the invention, which are illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a blow molding apparatus for blow molding plastic containers according to the present invention, wherein the blow molding apparatus is in an open state;

[0031] Figure 2 It is similar to Figure 1 The view shows the blow molding device in the closed state;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the blow molding device from another angle, in which the blow molding device is in the open state;

[0033] Figure 4 It is similar to Figure 3 The view shows the blow molding device in the closed state;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view of a blow molding device in a closed state;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a bottom view of a blow molding apparatus for blow molding plastic containers according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 7 It is similar to Figure 6 The view shows the blow molding device in the closed position. Detailed Implementation

[0037] In the following embodiments, the features given with respect to specific examples may actually be interchanged with other different features present in other embodiments.

[0038] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the present invention relates to a blow molding apparatus for blow molding containers, generally indicated by reference numeral 1, and provided with a support frame 2 for blow molding a preform to obtain a container.

[0039] The blow molding station 3 includes two transverse bodies 3a, 3b and a bottom 3c adapted to provide at least one container by blow molding.

[0040] At least one of the two transverse bodies 3a and 3b can be moved relative to the support frame 2 about a hinge axis 101 via a device for cyclic opening and closing, which is substantially parallel to the axis of the at least one container.

[0041] Preferably, both transverse bodies 3a and 3b can move around the hinge axis according to instructions.

[0042] The blow molding apparatus 1 is provided with kinematic connecting devices 60 for kinematic connection between the bottom 3c and at least one movable transverse body 3, which are adapted to cyclically generate movement of the bottom 3c along a movement direction 200, which is substantially parallel to the hinge axis 101.

[0043] The device for cyclic opening and closing includes an actuating body 20 supported by a connecting link 11, which is movable relative to the support frame 2 about a pivot axis 100 substantially parallel to the hinge axis 101.

[0044] Advantageously, the hinge axis 101 is parallel to and spaced apart from the pivot axis 100.

[0045] However, the pivot axis 100 can coincide with the hinge axis 101.

[0046] The connecting link 11 is kinematically connected to the movable transverse body 3a or to two transverse bodies 3a, 3b, and the connecting link is connected to the contoured body 12 via the connecting assembly 50.

[0047] The special-shaped main body 12 can move relative to the support frame 2 along a substantially straight movement trajectory 103.

[0048] Conveniently, the support frame 2 supports the sliding guide 12b, which extends longitudinally parallel to the movement trajectory 103 and is slidably connected to the longitudinal profile 12a integral with the special-shaped body 12.

[0049] The special-shaped body 12 specifically forms a cam-shaped profile 13, which can be engaged by at least one engaging element 14 supported by the bottom 3c.

[0050] According to the present invention, the connecting assembly 50 includes an actuating attachment 51 that rotates integrally with the connecting link 11 about the pivot axis 100.

[0051] The actuating attachment 51 supports the adjacent body 52, which is slidably engaged in the sliding seat 53 integral with the special-shaped body 12.

[0052] The sliding seat 53 extends along the sliding direction 104, which intersects the movement trajectory 103 and is substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis 100.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, the sliding direction 104 is substantially perpendicular to the movement trajectory 103.

[0054] Preferably, the adjacent body 52 includes a roller 52a having a roller axis 105 that is substantially parallel to the pivot axis 100.

[0055] Specifically, roller 52a is freely mounted on actuation accessory 51.

[0056] Conveniently, the sliding seat 53 is formed between two parallel and spaced-apart adjacent shoulders 53a, 53b.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment, the distance between two adjacent shoulders 53a, 53b substantially corresponds to the diameter of roller 52a.

[0058] The sliding seat 53 is basically U-shaped and forms an open end portion 53a, which is oriented away from the special-shaped body 12.

[0059] Conveniently, the actuation linkage system includes a connecting link 11, which connects the connecting link 11 to the movable transverse body 3a.

[0060] Referring to the embodiment shown in the figure, the kinematic connection device 60 includes an actuation link system 61 that connects the connecting link 11 to at least one movable lateral body 3a.

[0061] The actuation linkage system 61 specifically operates between the connecting link 11 and the movable transverse body 3a.

[0062] Furthermore, the movable lateral body 3a can be connected to another lateral body 3b by adding a rod, thereby generating opening and closing movements in the two lateral bodies 3a and 3b.

[0063] Conveniently, the kinematic connection device is configured to determine the result of the movable lateral body 3a rotating about the hinge axis 101 within a first angular range and the result of another lateral body 3b rotating about the hinge axis 101 within a second angular range.

[0064] Preferably, the second angle range is greater than the first angle range.

[0065] Advantageously, the engagement element 14 includes a free roller.

[0066] The blow molding apparatus 1 includes a base associated with a turntable (neither the turntable nor the base is shown in the figure), which is rotatable relative to the base about a turntable axis that is substantially parallel to the hinge axis 101 and supports a plurality of blow molding stations 3.

[0067] The base supports at least one engagement rail for actuating the body 20 so that the corresponding connecting rod 11 rotates about the corresponding pivot axis 100 during the rotation of the blow molding station 3 about the turntable axis.

[0068] From the above description, the operation of the device according to the present invention is self-evident.

[0069] In practice, the connecting link 11 moves cyclically relative to the support frame 2 about the pivot axis 100, and the bottom 3c moves along the direction of movement 200, while the movable transverse body 3a opens and closes cyclically by rotating about the hinge axis 101.

[0070] With the intervention of the actuation linkage system 61, the rotation and swinging motion of the connecting link 11 around the corresponding pivot axis 100 together cause the transverse bodies 3a and 3b to open and close, and the bottom 3c to be raised and lowered by the action of the special-shaped body 12.

[0071] The present invention, conceived in this way, is easy to modify and vary in many ways, all of which are within the scope of the present invention.

[0072] The specific construction of the connecting component 50 ensures that motion is effectively transmitted from the connecting link 11 to the special-shaped body 12.

[0073] Specifically, disengaging the adjacent body 52 from the special-shaped body 12 allows for any clearance and misalignment between the multiple components of the connecting assembly 50.

[0074] Furthermore, the specific shape of the sliding seat 53 allows the connecting rod 11 to be easily detached from the special-shaped body 12, thereby facilitating maintenance and mode change operations.

[0075] In practice, the materials, sizes, and shapes used can be any materials, sizes, and shapes required, as long as they are suitable for the specific application.

[0076] Furthermore, all the details can be replaced with other technically equivalent components.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for blow molding a container, comprising: a support frame (2) for blow molding a preform to obtain the container; at least one blow molding station (3) comprising two transverse bodies (3a, 3b) and a bottom (3c), the two transverse bodies and the bottom being adapted to provide at least one container by blow molding, at least one of the two transverse bodies (3a, 3b) being movable relative to the support frame (2) about a hinge axis (101) substantially parallel to the axis of the at least one container by means of a device for cyclic opening and closing; and a kinematic connection device (60) providing a kinematic connection between the movable at least one transverse body (3a) and the bottom (3c), the kinematic connection device being adapted to cyclically determine the bottom. The part (3c) moves along a direction of movement (200), which is substantially parallel to the hinge axis (101); wherein the device for cyclic opening and closing includes an actuating body (20) supported by a connecting link (11) movable about a pivot axis (100) relative to the support frame (2), the pivot axis being substantially parallel to the hinge axis (101), the connecting link (11) being kinematically connected to at least one movable transverse body (3a) and connected via a connecting assembly (50) to a special-shaped body (12) movable along a substantially straight movement trajectory (103) relative to the support frame (2), the special-shaped body (12) defining a cam-shaped profile (13) capable of engaging at least one engaging element (14) supported by the bottom (3c), characterized in that, The connecting assembly (50) includes an actuating attachment (51) that rotates integrally with the connecting link (11) about the pivot axis (100). The actuating attachment (51) supports an adjacent body (52) that is slidably engaged in a sliding seat (53) integral with the special-shaped body (12). The sliding seat (53) extends along a sliding direction (104) that intersects the movement trajectory (103) and is substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis (100).

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding direction (104) is substantially perpendicular to the movement trajectory (103).

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjacent body (52) includes a roller (52a) having a roller axis (105) substantially parallel to the pivot axis (100), the roller (52a) being freely mounted on the actuation attachment (51).

4. The apparatus (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sliding seat (53) is formed between two adjacent shoulders (53a, 53b) that are parallel and spaced apart from each other.

5. The apparatus (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The distance between the two adjacent shoulders (53a, 53b) substantially corresponds to the diameter of the roller (52a).

6. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding seat (53) is substantially U-shaped and has an open end portion that is oriented away from the special-shaped body.

7. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The kinematic connection device (60) includes at least one actuating rod system (61) that connects the connecting rod (11) to the at least one movable lateral body (3a).

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one engagement element (14) includes a free roller.

9. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device includes a base associated with a turntable that is rotatable relative to the base about a turntable axis substantially parallel to the hinge axis (101) and supports a plurality of the blow molding stations (3). The base supports at least one engagement rail for the actuation body (20) to determine the rotation of a corresponding connecting link (11) about a corresponding pivot axis (100) during the rotation of the blow molding station (3) about the turntable axis.

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