Filling device of continuous blow-filling-seal integrated machine and use method, and continuous blow-filling-seal integrated machine

Abstract

The filling device of the continuous blow-filling-seal integrated machine comprises a filling component, an air inlet seat and a sealing seat, the filling component is provided with a filling needle, the filling needle is arranged in the air inlet seat and has a gap, the upper end of the air inlet seat is provided with a sealing element, the lower end of the air inlet seat extends into the sealing seat, the sealing seat is provided with an air charging sealing ring, and the frame is provided with a first lifting driving element and a second lifting driving element. The use method is as follows: before sterilization, the filling component is lowered, the air charging sealing ring is deflated to form a gap with the air inlet seat, the air inlet seat is raised to abut against the filling component, the sealing element seals the gap between the air inlet seat and the filling component, and then the air charging sealing ring is inflated to expand and adhere to the air inlet seat; before filling, the filling component is lowered to a filling cycle high position, the air charging sealing ring is deflated to form a gap with the air inlet seat, and then the air charging sealing ring is inflated to expand and adhere to the air inlet seat. During filling, the filling component reciprocates between the filling cycle high position and the filling cycle low position. The continuous blow-filling-seal integrated machine comprises the above filling device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food and pharmaceutical packaging equipment technology, and in particular to a filling device and method of using a continuous blow-fill-seal integrated machine. Background Technology

[0002] In the sterilization process of a continuous blow-fill-seal (BFS) machine, the upper end of the filling needle needs to be sealed to ensure the airtightness of the supporting gas channel and guarantee the sterilization effect of the sterilization medium. During the filling process, the filling needle needs to circulate up and down. To avoid contamination caused by fine particles generated by friction, a gap is required between the filling needle and the seal. The common practice is to install an inflatable sealing ring for each filling needle, resulting in a complex overall structure, high cost, and difficulty in control. The frequent up and down movement of the filling assembly, combined with the frequent inflation and deflation of the inflatable sealing ring, can easily cause fluctuations in the internal air pressure of the tube preform, making it impossible to guarantee the uniformity of the tube preform's wall thickness before molding, interfering with the tube preform molding quality, and failing to meet the functional requirements of continuous blow-fill-seal production. Furthermore, the lifting and lowering movement of the filling assembly in traditional reciprocating blow-fill-seal machines is generally achieved through electric cylinders and other drive components in conjunction with a guide shaft. This structure cannot guarantee the stability and safety of long-distance lifting and lowering of the filling assembly in continuous models. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a filling device that is simple in structure, easy to control, avoids interference with the quality of tube preform forming, and can meet the functional requirements of continuous BFS equipment production.

[0004] The present invention further provides a method of using the above-mentioned filling device.

[0005] The present invention further provides a continuous blow-fill-seal integrated machine including the above-mentioned filling device.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A filling device for a continuous blow-fill-seal machine includes a frame, a filling component, an air inlet seat located below the filling component, and a sealing seat located on the frame. The filling component is provided with a filling needle, which passes through the air inlet seat with a gap between them. A sealing element is provided at the upper end of the air inlet seat or at the lower part of the filling component. The lower end of the air inlet seat extends into the sealing seat. An inflatable sealing ring is provided in the sealing seat. The frame is provided with a first lifting drive for driving the filling component to rise and fall and a second lifting drive for driving the air inlet seat to rise and fall.

[0008] As a further improvement to the above technical solution:

[0009] The frame is also provided with a lifting guide rail, on which a first slide and a second slide located below the first slide are provided. The first lifting drive is connected to the first slide, and the second lifting drive is connected to the second slide. The filling component is located on the first slide, and the air inlet is located on the second slide.

[0010] The first slide is provided with a locking mechanism, and the upper part of the frame is provided with a locking part that cooperates with the locking mechanism.

[0011] The locking mechanism includes a locking cylinder, a locking rod connected to the piston rod of the locking cylinder, and an elastic element for pressing the locking rod against the locking part.

[0012] The locking rod is provided with a limiting member, and the elastic member is sleeved on the locking rod. One end of the elastic member abuts against the cylinder body of the locking cylinder, and the other end abuts against the limiting member.

[0013] The locking part is a groove, and a guide slope is provided on the upper side of the groove.

[0014] The first lifting drive component is an electric cylinder, and the piston rod of the electric cylinder is threadedly connected to the first slide block. The second lifting drive component is a pneumatic cylinder, and the piston rod of the pneumatic cylinder is threadedly connected to the second slide block.

[0015] The frame includes a base and a support. The filling component, air inlet seat, sealing seat, first lifting drive component and second lifting drive component are all mounted on the support. The base is provided with multiple positioning rods. The support is provided with multiple adjustment holes, which are correspondingly fitted onto the multiple positioning rods. There is a gap between the positioning rods and the adjustment holes. The adjustment holes are provided with threaded adjustment components on their sides.

[0016] A method of using the filling device of the above-mentioned continuous blow-fill-seal integrated machine.

[0017] Before sterilization: The first lifting drive unit drives the filling component to descend, the air-inflating sealing ring deflates and forms a gap with the air inlet seat, the second lifting drive unit drives the air inlet seat to rise until the upper end of the air inlet seat abuts against the lower part of the filling component, the sealing element is compressed and deformed to seal the gap between the air inlet seat and the filling component, and then the air-inflating sealing ring inflates and expands to fit the air inlet seat.

[0018] Before filling: The first lifting drive unit drives the filling component to descend to the high position of the filling cycle, the air sealing ring deflates and forms a gap with the air inlet seat, the second lifting drive unit drives the air inlet seat to descend to the initial position, and then the air sealing ring inflates and expands to fit the air inlet seat;

[0019] During filling: The first lifting drive component drives the filling component to move back and forth between the high position and the low position of the filling cycle.

[0020] A continuous blow-fill-seal machine includes the filling device of the aforementioned continuous blow-fill-seal machine.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: The filling device of the continuous blow-fill-seal integrated machine disclosed in the present invention can be driven to lift and lower the filling component and the air inlet seat respectively by the first lifting drive component and the second lifting drive component. A sealing component is provided at the upper end of the air inlet seat or the lower part of the filling component. When sterilization is required, the first lifting drive component and the second lifting drive component are activated to make the upper end of the air inlet seat fit with the lower part of the filling component. The gap at the joint between the two is sealed by the sealing component. The gap at the joint between the lower end of the air inlet seat and the sealing seat is sealed by the air-filling sealing ring, which ensures that the sterilization medium can be sterilized comprehensively and effectively, without the need to configure an air-filling sealing ring for each filling needle. Because a gap can be formed between the inflatable sealing ring and the air inlet seat after the air is deflated, there will be no friction between the air inlet seat and the inflatable sealing ring when they rise and fall. At the same time, because there is a gap between the filling needle and the air inlet seat, the filling needle will not rub against each other when it rises and falls, thus avoiding the risk of contamination caused by fine particles. During the filling process, clean gas can be discharged from the gap between the filling needle and the air inlet seat, and the inflatable sealing ring remains inflated. There is no need for frequent filling and deflating processes. The overall structure is simple and easy to control, which can meet the functional requirements of continuous BFS equipment production and avoid interfering with the tube blank forming quality.

[0022] The method of using the filling device of the continuous blow-fill-seal integrated machine disclosed in this invention can ensure the sealing between the upper end of the air inlet seat and the lower part of the filling component, as well as the sealing between the lower end of the air inlet seat and the sealing seat, thereby ensuring that the sterilization medium can be thoroughly and effectively sterilized. Furthermore, the air inlet seat will not rub against the inflatable sealing ring during the lifting and lowering process, avoiding the risk of contamination caused by fine particles. The process is simple, easy to control, and avoids interfering with the quality of tube preform forming.

[0023] The continuous blow-fill-seal integrated machine disclosed in this invention includes the filling device of the aforementioned continuous blow-fill-seal integrated machine, and therefore also has the aforementioned advantages. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the filling device of the continuous blow-fill-seal integrated machine of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a top view of the structure of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a side view structural diagram of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 4A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a side view of the structure of the present invention in the cleaning and sterilization state.

[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a side view of the structure of the present invention in the filling state.

[0032] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0033] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the use of the filling device of the continuous blow-fill-seal integrated machine of the present invention, wherein 10(a) is a structural schematic diagram of the filling needle in the initial position; 10(b) is a structural schematic diagram of the filling needle in the sterilization position; 10(c) is a structural schematic diagram of the filling needle in the high position of the filling cycle; and 10(d) is a structural schematic diagram of the filling needle in the low position of the filling cycle.

[0034] The labels in the diagram represent: 1. Frame; 11. Locking part; 12. Guide slope; 13. Base; 14. Bracket; 15. Positioning rod; 16. Adjustment hole; 2. Filling component; 21. Filling needle; 3. Air inlet seat; 31. Seal; 32. Supporting gas channel; 4. Sealing seat; 41. Inflatable sealing ring; 42. Guide component; 51. First lifting drive component; 52. Second lifting drive component; 53. Lifting guide rail; 54. First slide; 55. Second slide; 6. Locking mechanism; 61. Locking cylinder; 62. Locking rod; 63. Elastic component; 64. Limiting component. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] Figures 1 to 9This invention illustrates one embodiment of the filling device of the continuous blow-fill-seal integrated machine. The filling device of this embodiment includes a frame 1, a filling component 2, an air inlet seat 3 located below the filling component 2, and a sealing seat 4 located on the frame 1. The filling component 2 is provided with a filling needle 21, which passes through the air inlet seat 3 with a gap between them. A sealing element 31 is provided at the upper end of the air inlet seat 3, and the lower end of the air inlet seat 3 extends into the sealing seat 4. An inflatable sealing ring 41 is provided in the sealing seat 4. The frame 1 is provided with a first lifting drive 51 for lifting the filling component 2 and a second lifting drive 52 for lifting the air inlet seat 3. In other embodiments, the sealing element 31 can also be located at the lower part of the filling component 2, achieving a seal when the upper end of the air inlet seat 3 is in contact with the lower part of the filling component 2. The sealing element 31 can be, for example, a sealing ring or a sealing strip, which is simple in structure, reliable, and low in cost.

[0038] The filling device of this continuous blow-fill-seal machine allows the filling component 2 and the air inlet seat 3 to be lifted and lowered respectively by the first lifting drive component 51 and the second lifting drive component 52. A sealing component 31 is provided at the upper end of the air inlet seat 3 or the lower part of the filling component 2. When sterilization is required, the first lifting drive component 51 and the second lifting drive component 52 are activated to make the upper end of the air inlet seat 3 fit with the lower part of the filling component 2. The gap at the joint between the two is sealed by the sealing component 31, and the gap at the joint between the lower end of the air inlet seat 3 and the sealing seat 4 is sealed by the air-filling sealing ring 41, so that the sterilization medium can be sterilized comprehensively and effectively without the need to equip each filling needle 21 with an air-filling sealing ring 41. Because a gap can be formed between the inflatable sealing ring 41 and the air inlet seat 3 after the air is deflated, there will be no friction between the air inlet seat 3 and the inflatable sealing ring 41 when they rise and fall. At the same time, because there is a gap between the filling needle 21 and the air inlet seat 3, the filling needle 21 will also not rub against each other when it rises and falls, thus avoiding the risk of contamination caused by fine particles. During the filling process, clean gas can be discharged from the gap between the filling needle 21 and the air inlet seat 3, and the inflatable sealing ring 41 remains inflated. There is no need to frequently perform the filling and deflating process. The overall structure is simple and easy to control, which can meet the functional needs of continuous BFS equipment production and avoid interfering with the tube blank forming quality.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the frame 1 is also provided with a lifting guide rail 53, on which a first slide 54 and a second slide 55 located below the first slide 54 are provided. A first lifting drive 51 is connected to the first slide 54, and a second lifting drive 52 is connected to the second slide 55. The filling component 2 is disposed on the first slide 54, and the air inlet seat 3 is disposed on the second slide 55. The lifting guide rail 53 cooperates with the first slide 54 and the second slide 55 to provide a guiding function, ensuring that the lifting process of the filling component 2 and the air inlet seat 3 is smooth and reliable, with high motion accuracy, especially the stability of the filling component 2 during long-distance operation. Preferably, a guide belt can be provided in the air inlet seat 3 to provide a guiding function for the lifting of the filling needle 21; a guide 42 can be provided in the sealing seat 4 to provide a guiding function for the lifting of the air inlet seat 3.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first slide 54 is provided with a locking mechanism 6, and the upper part of the frame 1 is provided with a locking part 11 that cooperates with the locking mechanism 6. See also Figure 10 (a) When the filling component 2 is in a high position, the locking mechanism 6 cooperates with the locking part 11 to reliably lock the filling component 2. It works in conjunction with the first lifting drive component 51 to provide double protection, prevent the filling component 2 from falling accidentally, and ensure safety.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism 6 includes a locking cylinder 61, a locking rod 62 connected to the piston rod of the locking cylinder 61, and an elastic member 63 for pressing the locking rod 62 against the locking part 11. Under the action of the elastic member 63, the locking rod 62 remains pressed against the locking part 11, that is, the locking mechanism 6 is in a locked state. When unlocking is required, the locking cylinder 61 is activated, driving the piston rod and the locking rod 62 to overcome the elastic force of the elastic member 63 and exit from the locking part 11, thereby unlocking. When the air circuit of the locking cylinder 61 malfunctions, the locking mechanism 6 can maintain the locked state. The structure is simple, reliable, and has good safety.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking rod 62 is provided with a limiting member 64, and an elastic member 63 is sleeved on the locking rod 62. One end of the elastic member 63 abuts against the cylinder body of the locking cylinder 61, and the other end abuts against the limiting member 64. Preferably, the limiting member 64 is a limiting nut, which facilitates the adjustment of the compression state of the elastic member 63, thereby adjusting the magnitude of the locking force. The elastic member 63 is a helical spring, which is easy to install and has a reliable structure.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the locking part 11 is a groove, and a guide slope 12 is provided on the upper side of the groove. When the filling component 2 needs to rise, the locking rod 62 rises with the filling component 2, and with the help of the guide slope 12, it can be withdrawn from the groove to unlock. When the air circuit of the locking cylinder 61 malfunctions, it can be used as an emergency unlocking method.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the first lifting drive component 51 is an electric cylinder, with its piston rod threadedly connected to the first slide block 54. The second lifting drive component 52 is a pneumatic cylinder, with its piston rod threadedly connected to the second slide block 55. The threaded connection facilitates fine-tuning of the filling position. Of course, in other embodiments, the first lifting drive component 51 and the second lifting drive component 52 may also use other existing components, which will not be elaborated further.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the frame 1 includes a base 13 and a support 14. The filling component 2, the air inlet seat 3, the sealing seat 4, the first lifting drive component 51, and the second lifting drive component 52 are all mounted on the support 14. The base 13 is provided with multiple positioning rods 15, and the support 14 is provided with multiple adjustment holes 16, which are correspondingly fitted onto the multiple positioning rods 15. There is a gap between the positioning rods 15 and the adjustment holes 16. The side of the adjustment hole 16 is provided with a threaded adjustment component (not shown in the figure, such as a screw, threaded rod, etc.), which can conveniently fine-tune the front, back, left, and right positions of the filling. Preferably, the part of the positioning rod 15 located in the adjustment hole 16 is a cylindrical structure. After the front, back, left, and right positions are adjusted to the correct position, it is easy for the threaded adjustment component to abut against the positioning rod 15, maintaining stability during use.

[0046] Example 2

[0047] like Figure 10 As shown, this embodiment illustrates the method of using the filling device of the continuous blow-fill-seal integrated machine.

[0048] Before sterilization: The first lifting drive 51 lowers the filling component 2, causing the inflatable sealing ring 41 to deflate and form a gap with the air inlet seat 3. The second lifting drive 52 raises the air inlet seat 3 until the upper end of the air inlet seat 3 abuts against the lower part of the filling component 2. The sealing element 31 deforms under pressure, sealing the gap between the air inlet seat 3 and the filling component 2. Then, the inflatable sealing ring 41 inflates and expands to fit against the air inlet seat 3, as detailed below. Figure 10 (a) to Figure 10 As shown in (b);

[0049] Before filling: The first lifting drive 51 lowers the filling component 2 to the high position of the filling cycle, the air sealing ring 41 deflates, forming a gap between it and the air inlet seat 3, the second lifting drive 52 lowers the air inlet seat 3 to the initial position, and then the air sealing ring 41 inflates and expands to fit against the air inlet seat 3, as detailed below. Figure 10 (b) to Figure 10 As shown in (c);

[0050] During filling: The first lifting drive 51 drives the filling component 2 to move back and forth between the high position and the low position of the filling cycle, specifically as follows: Figure 10 (c) and Figure 10 As shown in (d).

[0051] The filling device of this continuous blow-fill-seal machine ensures the sealing between the upper part of the air inlet seat 3 and the lower part of the filling component 2, as well as the sealing between the lower part of the air inlet seat 3 and the sealing seat 4. This ensures that the sterilization medium can be thoroughly and effectively sterilized. Furthermore, the air inlet seat 3 will not rub against the inflatable sealing ring 41 during the lifting and lowering process, thus avoiding the risk of contamination caused by fine particles. The process is simple, easy to control, and avoids interfering with the quality of tube preform forming.

[0052] Example 3

[0053] The continuous blow-fill-seal integrated machine of this embodiment includes the filling device of the continuous blow-fill-seal integrated machine described above.

[0054] This continuous blow-fill-seal machine includes the filling device of the aforementioned continuous blow-fill-seal machine, and therefore also has the aforementioned advantages.

[0055] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can make many possible variations and modifications to the technical solutions of the present invention, or modify them into equivalent embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention, without departing from the scope of the present invention, should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A filling device for a continuous blow-fill-seal integrated machine, comprising a frame (1), a filling component (2), an air inlet seat (3) disposed below the filling component (2), and a sealing seat (4) disposed on the frame (1), wherein the filling component (2) is provided with multiple filling needles (21), characterized in that: The filling needle (21) is inserted into the air inlet seat (3) with a gap between them. Clean gas is discharged from the gap between the filling needle (21) and the air inlet seat (3) during filling. A sealing element (31) is provided at the upper end of the air inlet seat (3) or the lower part of the filling component (2). The sealing element (31) is used to seal the gap when the filling component (2) and the air inlet seat (3) are in contact. A supporting gas channel (32) is provided in the air inlet seat (3). The lower end of the air inlet seat (3) extends into the sealing seat (4). An inflatable sealing ring (41) is provided in the sealing seat (4). A first lifting drive (51) for driving the filling component (2) to rise and fall and a second lifting drive (52) for driving the air inlet seat (3) to rise and fall are provided on the frame (1) for sterilization so that the lower part of the filling component (2) is in contact with the upper end of the air inlet seat (3) and the supporting gas channel (32) is in a closed state.

2. The filling device of the continuous blow-fill-seal integrated machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame (1) is also provided with a lifting guide rail (53), the lifting guide rail (53) is provided with a first slide (54) and a second slide (55) located below the first slide (54), the first lifting drive (51) is connected to the first slide (54), the second lifting drive (52) is connected to the second slide (55), the filling component (2) is provided on the first slide (54), and the air inlet seat (3) is provided on the second slide (55).

3. The filling device of the continuous blow-fill-seal integrated machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first slide (54) is provided with a locking mechanism (6), and the upper part of the frame (1) is provided with a locking part (11) that cooperates with the locking mechanism (6).

4. The filling device of the continuous blow-fill-seal integrated machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The locking mechanism (6) includes a locking cylinder (61), a locking rod (62) connected to the piston rod of the locking cylinder (61), and an elastic member (63) for pressing the locking rod (62) against the locking part (11).

5. The filling device of the continuous blow-fill-seal integrated machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The locking rod (62) is provided with a limiting member (64), and the elastic member (63) is sleeved on the locking rod (62). One end of the elastic member (63) abuts against the cylinder body of the locking cylinder (61), and the other end abuts against the limiting member (64).

6. The filling device of the continuous blow-fill-seal integrated machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The locking part (11) is a groove, and a guide slope (12) is provided on the upper side of the groove.

7. The filling device of the continuous blow-fill-seal integrated machine according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: The first lifting drive component (51) is an electric cylinder, and the piston rod of the electric cylinder is threadedly connected to the first slide (54). The second lifting drive component (52) is a pneumatic cylinder, and the piston rod of the pneumatic cylinder is threadedly connected to the second slide (55).

8. The filling device of the continuous blow-fill-seal integrated machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The frame (1) includes a base (13) and a support (14). The filling component (2), air inlet seat (3), sealing seat (4), first lifting drive component (51) and second lifting drive component (52) are all mounted on the support (14). The base (13) is provided with multiple positioning rods (15). The support (14) is provided with multiple adjustment holes (16) and they are fitted onto the multiple positioning rods (15) in a corresponding manner. There is a gap between the positioning rods (15) and the adjustment holes (16). The adjustment holes (16) are provided with threaded adjustment components on their sides.

9. A method of using the filling device of the continuous blow-fill-seal integrated machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: Before sterilization: The first lifting drive (51) drives the filling component (2) to descend, the air-filled sealing ring (41) deflates and forms a gap between it and the air inlet seat (3), the second lifting drive (52) drives the air inlet seat (3) to rise until the upper end of the air inlet seat (3) abuts against the lower part of the filling component (2), the sealing element (31) is deformed by pressure to seal the gap between the air inlet seat (3) and the filling component (2), and then the air-filled sealing ring (41) inflates and expands to fit against the air inlet seat (3); Before filling: The first lifting drive (51) drives the filling component (2) to descend to the high position of the filling cycle, the air sealing ring (41) deflates and forms a gap between it and the air inlet seat (3), the second lifting drive (52) drives the air inlet seat (3) to descend to the initial position, and then the air sealing ring (41) inflates and expands to fit with the air inlet seat (3); During filling: The first lifting drive (51) drives the filling component (2) to move back and forth between the high position and the low position of the filling cycle.

10. A continuous blow-fill-seal integrated machine, characterized in that: A filling device including the continuous blow-fill-seal integrated machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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