A continuous blow-fill-seal apparatus and method of use

Abstract

A continuous blow-filling-sealing device comprises a frame, an extrusion screw assembly, an extrusion die head, a filling needle assembly, a first clean area and a second clean area, the frame is provided with a moving mechanism for moving the extrusion die head between the first clean area and the second clean area, the first clean area and the second clean area are provided with a laminar flow assembly, a first partition is arranged between the first clean area and the second clean area, a passage is arranged on the first partition, and the extrusion screw assembly and the first partition are respectively provided with a second partition and a third partition matched with the passage. When the extrusion die head and the filling needle assembly are in the first clean area, the laminar flow assembly above the first clean area is opened, the laminar flow assembly above the second clean area is closed, the second partition seals the passage, and the third partition is separated from the passage; when the extrusion die head needs to be cleaned or replaced, the laminar flow assembly above the second clean area is opened, the moving mechanism moves the extrusion die head to the second clean area, the second partition is separated from the passage, and the third partition seals the passage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to food and pharmaceutical packaging machinery and its usage methods, and more particularly to a continuous blow-fill-seal equipment and its usage methods. Background Technology

[0002] Continuous BFS (Continuous Blow-Fill-Seal) equipment is a continuous liquid filling system that produces PE and PP plastic containers. It mainly consists of an extrusion system, a filling system, and a die system. Plastic particles are molten and conveyed forward under high temperature and pressure in the gap between the screw and sleeve in the extrusion system. At the extrusion die, the molten plastic flows through a smooth channel to form a near-elliptical tube preform. The filling system is mounted on the extrusion die. The filling needle passes through the holes in the mandrel of the flow channel on the extrusion die. The filling needle has a multi-layered sleeve structure, one layer of which provides supporting gas to the tube preform, ensuring it maintains a full, near-elliptical shape as it descends. The tube preform is continuously extruded downwards, with continuously rotating dies on both sides. When the dies close, the lower part of the die first seals the upper row of bottles, and then the upper part of the die forms the body of the next row of bottles. Simultaneously with bottle body formation, the filling needle descends to fill the space within the bottle. Before the bottle is sealed, the filling needle rises to its original position to prevent the die from clamping and damaging it.

[0003] The continuous BFS (Browser-Form-Side) equipment has a compact structure in its extrusion, molding, and filling areas, with little space between the die and the molding die. Sometimes, production requires changing specifications, necessitating a change in the filling needle specifications. Furthermore, the extrusion die may accumulate excess adhesive on its lower surface after prolonged operation, requiring cleaning (failure to clean this regularly can affect the quality of the tube preform). These operations are difficult to perform in the molding and filling area. Firstly, there is a safety issue: since the rotating die is located directly below the extrusion die, removing excess adhesive requires the extrusion die to be electrically heated. This means the rotating die chain could be accidentally activated, potentially causing injury or death to operators. Secondly, there is a space constraint: the space between the lower end of the extrusion die and the molding die is extremely limited. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a continuous blow-fill-seal equipment with a simple structure, convenient inspection, maintenance and replacement of standard parts, guaranteed operational safety and avoidance of cross-contamination.

[0005] The present invention further provides a method for using the above-mentioned continuous blow-fill-seal equipment.

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

[0007] A continuous blow-fill-seal device includes a frame, an extrusion screw assembly, an extrusion die connected to the extrusion screw assembly, and a filling needle assembly disposed on the extrusion die. It also includes a first clean zone and a second clean zone. The frame is provided with a moving mechanism for reciprocating the extrusion die and the filling needle assembly between the first and second clean zones. Laminar flow components are provided above both the first and second clean zones. A first partition is provided between the first and second clean zones, and the first partition has a channel for the extrusion die and the filling needle assembly to pass through. A second partition, cooperating with the channel, is provided at one end of the extrusion screw assembly connected to the extrusion die. A third partition, cooperating with the channel, is provided on the first partition.

[0008] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the third partition is a movable structure and the direction of movement is perpendicular to the axial direction of the extrusion screw assembly.

[0009] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the moving mechanism includes a slide rail mounted on the frame, the extrusion screw assembly is mounted on a mounting bracket, and the mounting bracket is provided with a slider that cooperates with the slide rail.

[0010] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the moving mechanism also includes a rack disposed on the frame, the rack being arranged parallel to the slide rail, and the mounting bracket is also provided with a gear that cooperates with the rack.

[0011] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: two gears are provided and are respectively located at both ends of a gear shaft; two sliders are also provided and are respectively located at both ends of the gear shaft; two racks are also provided and are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the two gears; and two slide rails are also provided and are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the two sliders.

[0012] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the frame is installed in the second clean area, and the rack is installed at one end of the slide rail near the first clean area.

[0013] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the frame is provided with a first limiting plate at one end near the first clean area, and the mounting bracket is provided with a second limiting plate at one end near the first clean area. The first limiting plate and the second limiting plate are connected by a locking pin.

[0014] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the positions of the first limiting plate and / or the second limiting plate are adjustable.

[0015] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the end of the frame near the first clean area is also provided with a detection component for detecting whether the gear is in position.

[0016] A method of using the above-mentioned continuous blow-fill-seal equipment.

[0017] When the extrusion die and the filling needle assembly are operating in the first clean area, the laminar flow assembly above the first clean area is turned on, the laminar flow assembly above the second clean area is turned off, the second partition seals the channel, and the third partition is separated from the channel.

[0018] When the extrusion die needs to be cleaned; and / or when the extrusion die and the filling needle assembly need to be changed to a different specification, the laminar flow assembly above the second clean area is activated, the moving mechanism drives the extrusion die and the filling needle assembly to the second clean area, the second partition separates from the channel, and the third partition seals the channel.

[0019] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: In the continuous blow-fill-seal equipment disclosed in this invention, the first clean area can serve as the molding and filling area, and the second clean area can serve as the maintenance area. When maintenance and / or specification change of the extrusion die and filling needle assembly are required, the moving mechanism transfers the entire extrusion die and filling needle assembly from the molding and filling area to the maintenance area. This avoids safety and space issues associated with maintenance and / or specification change operations in the molding and filling area, and improves operator efficiency. After maintenance and / or specification change of the extrusion die and filling needle assembly are completed, the moving mechanism transfers the entire extrusion die and filling needle assembly back from the maintenance area to the molding and filling area. Since both the first and second clean zones are protected by positive pressure through laminar flow components, the risk of cross-contamination when the extrusion die and filling needle assembly return to the first clean zone is greatly reduced. Furthermore, the first partition can alternately cooperate with the second and third partitions to seal the channel. Regardless of whether the extrusion die and filling needle assembly are in the first or second clean zone, the first and second clean zones can be kept separate from each other. This allows for selective activation of the laminar flow components in either the first or second clean zone, avoiding simultaneous activation of the laminar flow components in both zones and reducing equipment energy consumption and operating costs.

[0020] The continuous blow-fill-seal equipment disclosed in this invention is easy to operate, and can ensure that the first clean area and the second clean area are separated from each other to avoid cross-contamination, while also saving energy and reducing equipment operating costs. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a side view of the continuous blow-fill-seal device of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A.

[0023] Figure 3 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the limiting structure between the mounting bracket and the frame in this invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a front view structural schematic diagram of the continuous blow-fill-seal device of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a side view of the structure of the extrusion die and filling needle assembly after they have been moved according to the present invention.

[0026] The labels in the diagram represent: 1. Frame; 11. Slide rail; 12. Rack; 13. First limiting plate; 14. Detection component; 2. Extrusion screw assembly; 21. Mounting bracket; 22. Slider; 23. Gear; 24. Second limiting plate; 25. Locking pin; 26. Gear shaft; 3. Extrusion die; 4. Filling needle assembly; 5. First clean zone; 6. Second clean zone; 7. Moving mechanism; 81. First partition; 82. Channel; 83. Second partition; 84. Third partition; 9. Laminar flow assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0027] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0028] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0029] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "assembly," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] Figures 1 to 5 This invention illustrates an embodiment of a continuous blow-fill-seal device. The continuous blow-fill-seal device of this embodiment includes a frame 1, an extrusion screw assembly 2 (including an extrusion screw and its outer sleeve, etc.), an extrusion die 3 connected to the extrusion screw assembly 2, and a filling needle assembly 4 disposed on the extrusion die 3. It also includes a first clean zone 5 and a second clean zone 6. The frame 1 is provided with a moving mechanism 7 for driving the extrusion die 3 and the filling needle assembly 4 to reciprocate between the first clean zone 5 and the second clean zone 6. Laminar flow components 9 are provided above both the first clean zone 5 and the second clean zone 6. A first partition 81 is provided between the first clean zone 5 and the second clean zone 6. The first partition 81 has a channel 82 for the extrusion die 3 and the filling needle assembly 4 to pass through. A second partition 83, cooperating with the channel 82, is provided at one end of the extrusion screw assembly 2 connected to the extrusion die 3. A third partition 84, cooperating with the channel 82, is provided on the first partition 81.

[0033] In this embodiment of the continuous blow-fill-seal equipment, the first clean area 5 can serve as the molding and filling area, and the second clean area 6 can serve as the maintenance area. When maintenance and / or specification replacement of the extrusion die 3 and the filling needle assembly 4 are required, the moving mechanism 7 transfers the extrusion die 3 and the filling needle assembly 4 as a whole from the molding and filling area to the maintenance area. This avoids safety and space issues that exist when performing maintenance and / or specification replacement operations in the molding and filling area, and helps improve the work efficiency of operators. After the maintenance and / or specification replacement of the extrusion die 3 and the filling needle assembly 4 are completed, the moving mechanism 7 transfers the extrusion die 3 and the filling needle assembly 4 as a whole back from the maintenance area to the molding and filling area. Since both the first clean zone 5 and the second clean zone 6 are provided with positive pressure protection for clean laminar flow through the laminar flow assembly 9, the risk of cross-contamination when the extrusion die 3 and the filling needle assembly 4 return to the first clean zone 5 is greatly reduced. Furthermore, the first partition 81 can alternately cooperate with the second partition 83 and the third partition 84 to seal the channel 82. Regardless of whether the extrusion die 3 and the filling needle assembly 4 are in the first clean zone 5 or the second clean zone 6, the first clean zone 5 and the second clean zone 6 can be kept separate from each other. This allows for selective activation of the laminar flow assembly 9 in either the first clean zone 5 or the second clean zone 6, avoiding simultaneous activation of the laminar flow assembly 9 in both the first clean zone 5 and the second clean zone 6, thus reducing equipment energy consumption and operating costs.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the third partition 84 is a movable structure and its movement direction is perpendicular to the axial direction of the extrusion screw assembly 2. See details... Figure 1 and Figure 5The extrusion screw assembly 2 is arranged in the left-right direction, and the third partition 84 moves in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface. After the extrusion screw assembly 2 drives the extrusion die 3 and the filling needle assembly 4 to move to the right through the channel 82, the third partition 84 moves into the channel 82 and seals the channel 82, thereby separating the first clean area 5 and the second clean area 6. When the extrusion screw assembly 2 and the filling needle assembly 4 need to return to the first clean area 5, the third partition 84 separates from the channel 82 to allow the extrusion die 3 and the filling needle assembly 4 to pass through. After the extrusion die 3 and the filling needle assembly 4 are reset, the second partition 83 seals the channel 82, keeping the first clean area 5 and the second clean area 6 separated.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the moving mechanism 7 includes a slide rail 11 mounted on the frame 1, and the extrusion screw assembly 2 is mounted on a mounting frame 21. The mounting frame 21 is provided with a slider 22 that cooperates with the slide rail 11. The cooperation between the slide rail 11 and the slider 22 provides guidance for the reciprocating movement of the mounting frame 21 and the extrusion screw assembly 2, preventing deviation and reducing motion resistance, making the movement process smoother and more stable.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the moving mechanism 7 also includes a rack 12 mounted on the frame 1, which is arranged parallel to the slide rail 11. The mounting frame 21 is also equipped with a gear 23 that meshes with the rack 12. The gear 23 can be driven to rotate by a reduction motor or other driving component, thereby moving the mounting frame 21, the extrusion screw assembly 2, and the rest of the assembly along the rack 12. The rack and pinion transmission is reliable, capable of withstanding large loads, and has a compact structure with minimal space requirements. Of course, in other embodiments, other driving methods can also be used to achieve the reciprocating movement of the mounting frame 21 and the extrusion screw assembly 2, which will not be elaborated further.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, there are two gears 23, which are respectively located at both ends of a gear shaft 26. There are also two sliders 22, which are respectively located at both ends of the gear shaft 26. There are also two racks 12, which are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the two gears 23. There are also two slide rails 11, which are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the two sliders 22. This arrangement provides good symmetry and force balance, which is beneficial to ensuring the dynamic stability and reliability of the mounting frame 21 and the extrusion screw assembly 2 during reciprocating movement.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the frame 1 is located in the second clean area 6, and the rack 12 is located at one end of the slide rail 11 near the first clean area 5.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a first limiting plate 13 is provided at the end of the frame 1 near the first clean area 5, and a second limiting plate 24 is provided at the end of the mounting frame 21 near the first clean area 5. The first limiting plate 13 and the second limiting plate 24 are connected by a locking pin 25. After the extrusion die 3 and the filling needle assembly 4 are in place in the first clean area 5, the first limiting plate 13 and the second limiting plate 24 are locked by the locking pin 25. This effectively prevents the extrusion die 3 and the filling needle assembly 4 from moving due to human error during the operation of the mold system (not shown in the figure), which could damage the mold system and the filling needle. The mechanical limiting structure is simple and reliable.

[0040] Preferably, the positions of the first limiting plate 13 and / or the second limiting plate 24 are adjustable (e.g., through a structure such as a set screw and a waist-shaped hole), which facilitates fine-tuning of the above-mentioned mechanical limiting, so that the center distance between the extrusion die head 3 and the mold system can be aligned with a certain adjustment margin, and the structure is simple and reasonable.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the end of the frame 1 near the first clean area 5 is also provided with a detection component 14 (e.g., proximity switch, position sensor, etc.) for detecting whether the gear 23 is in position. The detection component 14 and the above-mentioned mechanical limiting structure form a double insurance, effectively preventing personnel from accidentally moving the extrusion die head 3 and the filling needle assembly 4 during the operation of the mold system, thus damaging the mold system and the filling needle, ensuring good safety.

[0042] Example 2

[0043] The method of using the continuous blow-fill-seal equipment in this embodiment:

[0044] When the extrusion die 3 and the filling needle assembly 4 are operating in the first clean zone 5, the laminar flow assembly 9 above the first clean zone 5 is turned on, the laminar flow assembly 9 above the second clean zone 6 is turned off, the second partition 83 seals the channel 82, and the third partition 84 is separated from the channel 82.

[0045] When it is necessary to clean the extrusion die 3; and / or to change the specifications of the extrusion die 3 and the filling needle assembly 4, the laminar flow assembly 9 above the second clean area 6 is activated, and the moving mechanism 7 drives the extrusion die 3 and the filling needle assembly 4 to move to the second clean area 6. The second partition 83 separates from the channel 82, and the third partition 84 seals the channel 82.

[0046] The continuous blow-fill-seal equipment of this embodiment is easy to operate. It can ensure that the first clean zone 5 and the second clean zone 6 are separated from each other to avoid cross-contamination, and can also save energy and reduce equipment operating costs.

[0047] 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 continuous blow-fill-seal apparatus comprising a frame (1), an extrusion screw assembly (2), an extrusion die (3) connected to the extrusion screw assembly (2) and a fill needle assembly (4) provided on the extrusion die (3), characterized in that: The machine frame (1) is provided with a moving mechanism (7) for driving the extrusion die head (3) and the needle filling assembly (4) to reciprocate between the first clean area (5) and the second clean area (6), and a laminar flow assembly (9) is arranged above the first clean area (5) and the second clean area (6), a first partition layer (81) is arranged between the first clean area (5) and the second clean area (6), the first partition layer (81) is provided with a passage (82) for the extrusion die head (3) and the needle filling assembly (4) to pass through, one end of the extrusion screw assembly (2) connected with the extrusion die head (3) is provided with a second partition layer (83) matched with the passage (82), the first partition layer (81) is provided with a third partition layer (84) matched with the passage (82), and the third partition layer (84) is a movable structure and moves in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the extrusion screw assembly (2).

2. The continuous fill-seal apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The moving mechanism (7) comprises a sliding rail (11) arranged on the machine frame (1), and the extrusion screw assembly (2) is arranged on a mounting frame (21), and the mounting frame (21) is provided with a sliding block (22) matched with the sliding rail (11).

3. The continuous fill-seal apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The moving mechanism (7) further comprises a rack (12) arranged on the machine frame (1), and the rack (12) is arranged in parallel with the sliding rail (11), and the mounting frame (21) is further provided with a gear (23) matched with the rack (12).

4. The continuous fill-seal apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The gear (23) is provided with two gears arranged at two ends of a gear shaft (26), the sliding block (22) is also provided with two sliding blocks arranged at two ends of the gear shaft (26), the rack (12) is also provided with two racks corresponding to the two gears (23), and the sliding rail (11) is also provided with two sliding rails corresponding to the two sliding blocks (22).

5. The continuous fill-seal apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The machine frame (1) is arranged in the second clean area (6), and the rack (12) is arranged at one end of the sliding rail (11) close to the first clean area (5).

6. The continuous fill-seal apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: One end of the machine frame (1) close to the first clean area (5) is provided with a first limiting plate (13), one end of the mounting frame (21) close to the first clean area (5) is provided with a second limiting plate (24), and the first limiting plate (13) and the second limiting plate (24) are connected through a lock pin (25).

7. The continuous fill-seal apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: The positions of the first limiting plate (13) and / or the second limiting plate (24) are adjustable.

8. The continuous fill-seal apparatus of claim 6, wherein: One end of the machine frame (1) close to the first clean area (5) is further provided with a detection component (14) for detecting whether the gear (23) is in place.

9. A method for using the continuous blow-filling-seal apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: When the extrusion die (3) and the needle filling assembly (4) are operating in the first clean area (5), the laminar flow assembly (9) above the first clean area (5) is opened, the laminar flow assembly (9) above the second clean area (6) is closed, the second partition (83) seals the passage (82), and the third partition (84) is separated from the passage (82); When the extrusion die (3) needs to be cleaned, and / or the extrusion die (3) and the needle filling assembly (4) need to be changed in specification, the laminar flow assembly (9) above the second clean area (6) is opened, the moving mechanism (7) drives the extrusion die (3) and the needle filling assembly (4) to move to the second clean area (6), the second partition (83) is separated from the passage (82), and the third partition (84) seals the passage (82).

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