System for manufacturing plastic products

Abstract

A system (1) for manufacturing plastic products, comprising a moulding apparatus (3) comprising a first mould half (10) and a second mould half (11), which can be moved relative to each other on command between a mould closed position in which the mould half (10) is closed and a mould open position in which the mould half (11) is open, at least one moulding gap defining a shape corresponding to the shape of the product to be moulded, in a mould open position allowing removal of the product moulded by the moulding device (3); the system (1) further comprises a reading device (20), a control device (30) and a storage device (21), the reading device (20) and the storage device (21) being functionally connected to the control device (30); the first mold half (10) and the second mold half (11) are associated with at least one respective marking (10a, 11a) which can be read by a reading device (20) and which comprises at least one respective identification code which corresponds to a record contained in a storage device (21), and wherein the first mold half (10) and the second mold half (11) are associated with at least one respective marking (10a, 11a), which marking (10a, 11a) can be read by the reading device (20) and which comprises at least one respective identification code which corresponds to the record contained in the storage device (21), the control device (30) is configured to check at least compatibility between the first mold half (10) and the second mold half (11) on the basis of a combination of records contained in the storage device (21). The control device (30) is configured to generate at least one operating configuration of the molding apparatus (3) based on a combination of records corresponding to the identification code of the respective mark (10a) of the first mold half (10) and the identification code of the respective mark (11a) of the second mold half (11), the control device (30) being further configured to provide a "recipe" associated with the aforementioned at least one operating configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for producing plastic products, such as preforms for producing plastic containers. Background Art

[0002] Known devices for moulding plastic products, such as preforms, are associated with unloading and storage devices which are generally constituted by a cooling plate defining a plurality of receptacles arranged in an array and designed to accommodate respective still warm preforms until the time required for them to at least partially cool.

[0003] Typically, these preforms are fed directly from the injection molding machine to the cooling plate and remain in the corresponding receptacles for a predetermined time.

[0004] Specifically, after the injection process (i.e. the phase in which the male and female mold parts remain in the closed position) is completed, the mold is opened and the preform is moved to the cooling plate so that the receiving portion of the cooling plate can engage with the corresponding portion of the preform exposed from the mold part and remove the preform to allow closing the mold and performing a new molding cycle.

[0005] After the ejection action is achieved by pneumatic means, mechanical means or a combination thereof, the preform is unloaded from the cooling plate.

[0006] The device for injection moulding preforms, in particular preforms for producing plastic containers, consists of a first part associated with a plurality of cavities or female mould parts and a second part supporting corresponding male inserts or male mould parts.

[0007] In order to manufacture the preform, the male insert is inserted into the corresponding cavity. In the mold, the cavity and the male insert are configured and arranged so that after the male insert of the mold is inserted into the cavity, a space is formed between the inner surface of the cavity and the surface of the male insert, the shape of which corresponds to the shape of the preform desired to be obtained.

[0008] This space is delimited externally by the cavity and internally by the male insert of the mold.

[0009] To obtain the preform, liquid polymer (usually PET) is injected under high pressure into the space between the cavity and the male insert.

[0010] After the melt has cooled sufficiently and thus solidified sufficiently, the mold is opened and the solidified melt is removed from the cavity as a preform.

[0011] The molds and related gauge parts have very complex geometries that impact setup time.

[0012] In fact, each time the format changes, the operator must manually enter a large amount of data relating to the type of preform being manufactured and the corresponding movements (strokes) of the various parts of the machine.

[0013] These operations are further complicated by the fact that, in many cases, to manufacture similar preforms, for example preforms with identical bodies but different necks, the operator needs to intervene in the machine to replace only a few parts (for example the mold) without changing the entire mold.

[0014] Furthermore, the manufacture of similar preforms is associated with one or more "recipes" that an operator needs to correctly identify and select.

[0015] The term "recipe" refers to a set of machine settings that can be obtained and optionally programmed using an interface and that are necessary to obtain technical parameters suitable for manufacturing a given preform. Summary of the invention

[0016] The object of the present invention is to eliminate or at least substantially reduce the above mentioned disadvantages.

[0017] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a system for manufacturing plastic products that makes it possible to manage format change operations in an extremely practical way.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for manufacturing plastic products that makes it possible to optimally manage the selection of a recipe depending on the product to be molded and the configuration of the mold.

[0019] This aim and these and other objects which will become more apparent hereinafter are achieved by a system for manufacturing plastic products according to claim 1 . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of some preferred but not exclusive embodiments of a system for manufacturing plastic products according to the invention, which are illustrated by way of non-limiting examples in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 is a schematic exploded view of the various components of the system according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of various components of the system in a first operational activity state and corresponding labels;

[0024] Figure 3a is a graphical representation of information managed by a system in a first operationally active state;

[0025] Figure 3b is a side view of a product manufactured by the system in a first active state;

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of various components of the system in a second operational active state and corresponding markings;

[0027] Figure 4a is a graphical representation of information managed by the system in a second operationally active state;

[0028] Figure 4b is a side view of a product manufactured by the system in a second active state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] With reference to the figures, a system for manufacturing a plastic product, generally indicated by reference numeral 1, comprises a moulding device 3 comprising a mould consisting of a first mould half 10 and a second mould half 11, the two mould halves being movable relative to each other on command between a mould closed position defining at least one moulding void, the shape of which corresponds to the shape of the product to be moulded, and a mould open position allowing the removal of the product moulded by the moulding device 3.

[0030] The system 1 further includes a reading device 20 , a control device 30 and a storage device 21 .

[0031] The reading device 20 and the storage device 21 are functionally connected to the control device 30 .

[0032] The first mould half 10 and the second mould half 11 are associated with at least one respective marking 10a, 11a.

[0033] The markings 10a, 11a can be read by a reading device 20 and comprise at least one corresponding identification code.

[0034] The respective identification code corresponds to the record contained in the memory device 21 .

[0035] In particular, the control device 30 is configured to check at least the compatibility between the first mould half 10 and the second mould half 11 on the basis of a combination of records contained in the storage device 21 .

[0036] The storage means 21 may comprise a centralized memory, or the storage means may be at least partially distributed within each tag 10a, 11a.

[0037] Advantageously, the control device 30 is also configured to generate at least one operating configuration of the molding device 3 based on a combination of records corresponding to the identification codes of the respective markings 10a of the first mold half 10 and 11a of the second mold half 11 .

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the molded product comprises a preform 200 .

[0039] Referring to the embodiment shown in the drawings, a first mold half 10 comprises a first plate 100 supporting a plurality of male inserts 101, and a second mold half comprises a second plate 110 defining a plurality of cavities and a third plate 120 having a plurality of elements (commonly referred to in industry terms as "neck rings") that can move toward and away from each other to define the mouth of the preform.

[0040] In particular, the second half-mold comprises a plurality of matrices intended to define corresponding cavities. These matrices are arranged in two bodies: a first body, carried by the third plate 120, intended to provide the mouth of the preform and consisting of two "neck rings" that can move towards and away from each other; and a second body, substantially integral, supported by the second plate 110 and intended to define the substantially cylindrical portion of the cavity and its bottom wall.

[0041] The first mold half 10 and the second mold half 11 can be moved relative to each other on command between a mold closed position and a mold open position, in which one of the molded longitudinal ends of at least one convex insert is arranged inside the corresponding cavity to define a molding gap whose shape corresponds to the shape of the preform to be molded, and in the mold open position, the convex insert is arranged outside the corresponding cavity to allow the molded preform to be removed from the device.

[0042] The molding apparatus 3 further comprises an injection device 12 configured to inject liquid plastic into the first mold half 10 and the second mold half 11 .

[0043] The injection device 12 is also associated with at least one corresponding marking 12 a that can be read by the reading device 20 .

[0044] The system 1 for manufacturing plastic products also comprises an unloading and cooling device 40 functionally associated with the moulding device 3 .

[0045] According to a possible practical implementation, the unloading and cooling device 40 comprises a take-out plate 41 , a cooling plate 42 and a clamping plate 43 .

[0046] The removal plate 41 , the cooling plate 42 and the holding plate 43 are associated with at least one respective marking 41 a , 42 a , 43 a which can be read by the reading device 20 .

[0047] The system 1 for manufacturing plastic products further comprises a support structure 2 adapted to support the moulding device 3 and the reading device 20 and to hold the moulding device and the reading device in position with respect to each other.

[0048] The support structure 2 is also adapted to support the control device 30 and the remote storage device 21 and hold them in place.

[0049] The control device 30 and / or the storage device 21 can each be associated with and supported by the support structure 2, and thus be close to the molding device 3 and the reading device 20, and the control device and / or the storage device can also be located outside the support structure 2 and thus be separated from the molding device 3 and the reading device 20 (for example, located next to it through a wired connection, or located remotely through a telematics communication network connection).

[0050] The use of the system 1 according to the invention is as follows.

[0051] The various components constituting the system 1, such as the first plate 100, the second plate 110, the third plate 120, the injection device 12, the take-out plate 41, the cooling plate 42 and the clamping plate 43, are fixed to a support structure in a step of setting up the system.

[0052] Each of the above-mentioned components, and more generally at least two of the components, is associated with a respective marking that can be read by the reading device 20 .

[0053] Each individual tag 100a, 110a, 120a, 12a, 41a, 42a, 43a comprises at least one respective identification code corresponding to a record contained in the storage device 21, which record may be associated with the respective tag or contained in the memory.

[0054] For purposes of example, a record associated with an identification code may contain the following information:

[0055] - Serial number;

[0056] - Number and pitch of cavities;

[0057] - the volume of the portion of the preform corresponding to the individual components;

[0058] - define the various "recipes" and the dimensions of the parts of each component necessary to move the axis of motion;

[0059] - the length of the portion of the preform corresponding to the individual components;

[0060] - Diameter of the preform body.

[0061] The term "recipe" refers to a set of settings of the system 1 that can be obtained and optionally programmed using the interface or control system 30 and that are necessary to obtain technical parameters suitable for manufacturing a given preform.

[0062] The control device 30 , which is functionally connected to the storage device 21 , is configured to check at least the compatibility between all components provided with the corresponding marking 20 based on the combination of the records contained in the storage device 21 .

[0063] Specifically, refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3a and Figure 3b As shown in , the control device 30 retrieves the records corresponding to the tags 100a, 110a, 120a, 12a, 41a, 42a, 43a, and verifies the compatibility between the corresponding components based on the combination of the records contained in the storage device 21.

[0064] At the same time, as in Figure 3a As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the control device 30 provides a configuration file for the product being molded, the configuration file containing, for example, the following data (which may be obtained from the received record):

[0065] - parameters of the preform;

[0066] - Opening mold parameters;

[0067] - data related to the retrieval of the trip;

[0068] - position.

[0069] In addition, the control device 30 provides possible "recipes" associated with this configuration of the system (in Figure 3a In the case shown, these are recipes 7, 8 and 9).

[0070] In case an operator needs to intervene in the system 1 due to the need to use the moulding device 3 to provide different preforms, and in particular preforms with identical preform bodies but different necks, he will replace the third plate 120, which is now associated with the marking 120a'.

[0071] After the moulding device 3 has been reassembled, one or more reading devices 20 then read the identification code of each component of the system.

[0072] At this point, the control device 30 checks whether the record associated with the new marking 120a' is also compatible with all other records (which remain unchanged) of other components.

[0073] At the same time, as in Figure 4aAs schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the control device 30 provides a configuration file for the new product being molded, the configuration file containing, for example, the following data (which may be obtained from the received record):

[0074] - parameters of the preform;

[0075] - Opening mold parameters;

[0076] - data related to the retrieval of the trip;

[0077] - position.

[0078] In addition, the control device 30 provides possible "recipes" associated with this configuration of the system (in Figure 4a In the case shown, these are recipes 4, 5 and 6).

[0079] In practice, it has been found that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects by providing a system for moulding plastic products that makes it possible to reduce the set-up times during interventions on the various parts of the mould, in particular during changes of specifications.

[0080] The proposed solution also makes it possible to significantly reduce operator intervention when setting up the equipment, thereby reducing the risk of errors.

[0081] The system also makes it possible to display in a simple and rapid manner the recipes available for the product being moulded.

[0082] The invention thus conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, all the details may be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0083] In practice, the materials used, as long as they are compatible with the specific use, as well as the possible dimensions and shapes, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

[0084] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102022000012836 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0085] In case technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs are included only to improve the intelligibility of the claims and therefore these reference signs have no limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by these reference signs.

Claims

1. A system (1) for manufacturing a plastic product, comprising a molding device (3), the molding device comprising a mold consisting of a first mold half (10) and a second mold half (11), the two mold halves being movable relative to each other on command between a mold closed position, in which at least one molding void is defined whose shape corresponds to the shape of the product to be molded, and a mold open position, in which the product molded by the molding device (3) is allowed to be removed, characterized in that The system (1) further comprises a reading device (20), a control device (30) and a storage device (21), wherein the reading device (20) and the storage device (21) are functionally connected to the control device (30), and wherein the first half-mold (10) and the second half-mold (11) are associated with at least one corresponding mark (10a, 11a), the mark (10a, 11a) being readable by the reading device (20) and comprising at least one corresponding identification code, the corresponding identification code corresponding to the record contained in the storage device (21), and the control device (30) is configured to check at least the compatibility between the first mold half (10) and the second mold half (11) based on the combination of the records contained in the storage device (21), the control device (30) is also configured to determine at least one operating configuration of the molding device (3) based on the combination of the records corresponding to the identification code of the corresponding marking (10a) of the first mold half (10) and the identification code of the corresponding marking (11a) of the second mold half (11), and the control device (30) is configured to provide a "recipe" associated with the at least one operating configuration.

2. The system (1) for manufacturing plastic products according to claim 1, characterized in that The product that is molded comprises a preform.

3. The system (1) for manufacturing plastic products according to claim 2, characterized in that The first mold half (10) comprises a first plate (100) supporting a plurality of male inserts (100a), and the second mold half comprises a second plate (110) defining a plurality of cavities and a third plate (120) having a plurality of neck rings that can move toward and away from each other to define a mouth of the preform.

4. System (1) for producing plastic products according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The molding apparatus comprises an injection device (12) configured to inject liquid plastic into the first mold half and the second mold half, the injection device (12) being associated with at least one corresponding marking (12a) readable by the reading device (20).

5. System (1) for producing plastic products according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The system comprises an unloading and cooling device (40) functionally associated with the molding device (3), the unloading and cooling device (40) comprising a take-out plate (41), a cooling plate (42) and a clamping plate (43), each of the take-out plate (41), the cooling plate (42) and the clamping plate (43) being associated with at least one corresponding mark (41a, 42a, 43a) readable by the reading device (20).

6. System (1) for producing plastic products according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The system further comprises a support structure (2) adapted to support the moulding apparatus (3) and the reading device (20) and to hold the moulding apparatus and the reading device in position relative to each other.

7. System (1) for producing plastic products according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The support structure (2) is also adapted to support and hold in place the control device (30) and the remote storage device (21).

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