Device and method for transporting plastic preforms
By employing a rotatable parallel roller design and gas medium acceleration in the plastic preform transport equipment, the risks of interference and separation in transport equipment under high throughput are resolved, achieving efficient and reliable transport of plastic preforms.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511651687.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-11-13
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Under high throughput conditions, existing technologies for transporting plastic preforms are prone to interference and separation risks, leading to increased equipment susceptibility to failure.
A device with rotatable parallel rollers is used. The roller gap design allows the substrate to pass through. The gas medium accelerates the plastic preform in the opening area. The rollers rotate synchronously and the gas medium is applied to specific areas of the plastic preform through the application device to achieve suspended transport.
It enables high-throughput transportation of plastic preforms, reduces separation risks and equipment failure sensitivity, and improves transportation efficiency and reliability.
Smart Images
Figure CN122034291A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus and method for transporting plastic preforms used in the manufacture of containers. In the prior art, this type of plastic preform is typically used to form plastic bottles using molding equipment such as stretch blow molding machines. In this case, these plastic preforms are usually first oriented or sorted from a disordered state (e.g., a silo) and then transported. A common method for performing this process is a so-called roller sorter.
[0002] These roller sorters have two rollers arranged parallel to each other, and the base of the plastic preform is transported between these two rollers. In particular, when these rollers rotate, other areas of the plastic preform, especially its support rings, cannot pass through the gap formed between the rollers.
[0003] Over time, there have been attempts to increase the throughput of this equipment. The target is a throughput of 80,000-100,000 plastic preforms per hour. In this context, a method known from the applicant's internal workings involves applying compressed air to the substrate of the plastic preform to move it more quickly.
[0004] In other words, the plastic preform is blown into the high-performance assembly area from below. This blow molding causes the blown plastic preform to align forward with the substrate in the direction of travel. This, in turn, leads to increased interference, such as wedging of the plastic preform.
[0005] DE 2020 19 104 001 U1 discloses a transport device for transporting plastic preforms, having a first track guide and a second track guide, which are parallel to each other in a predetermined transport direction and extend at a predetermined distance from each other. In this case, an air guide is formed near the track guides, particularly above the track guides.
[0006] EP 4 375 046 A1 describes a transport device for transporting preforms, having a transport channel extending along the transport direction, wherein the transport channel has a container guide having a guide groove extending along the transport direction, and wherein a first set of fluid channels is provided above the guide groove and is fluidly connected to the transport channel and at least one drive channel.
[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to achieve the transport and orientation or sorting described herein, even with high throughput, and particularly with reduced fault susceptibility. According to the invention, these objects are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and modifications are the subject matter of the dependent claims.
[0008] The apparatus for transporting containers, particularly plastic preforms, according to the invention has a base and an opening region, a first roller rotatable relative to a first axis of rotation and a second roller rotatable relative to a second axis of rotation, wherein the first and second axes of rotation extend parallel to each other.
[0009] In addition, a gap is formed between the first roller and the second roller, the size of which allows the substrate of the plastic preform or multiple plastic preforms to pass through the gap, and one or more opening portions of the plastic preform cannot pass through the gap.
[0010] In this way, it is preferable to transport the plastic preforms by suspension, especially in the support ring and / or mouth area.
[0011] In this case, the plastic preform can be transported along the gap and / or along the gap, and at least one application device is provided that applies a gaseous medium, particularly (compressed) air, to the plastic preform.
[0012] In this case, the application of compressed air is preferably used to accelerate or propel the plastic preform in a specific direction, particularly in the transport direction.
[0013] According to the invention, the application device is constructed in such a way that it applies a gaseous medium to a plurality of plastic preforms or plastic preforms in its orifice region.
[0014] Preferably, the application device is constructed such that it does not apply a gaseous medium to at least the lower region of the substrate of the plastic preform. The lower region is understood to be at least the lower third of the substrate (in the case of vertical alignment with the opening facing upwards), preferably the lower half of the substrate, particularly preferably the lower two-thirds of the substrate, and more preferably the lower three-quarters of the substrate.
[0015] The device preferably has a first drive mechanism that drives a first roller to rotate relative to its axis of rotation. The device preferably has a second drive mechanism that drives a second roller to rotate relative to its axis of rotation. The rotation of the first roller and the rotation of the second roller are preferably synchronized with each other. This synchronization can be achieved by a gearbox or an electronic controller. The drive mechanism is preferably an electric motor, particularly a servo motor.
[0016] However, preferably, the two rollers are driven in opposite directions of rotation, particularly at the same rotational speed. Preferably, the two rollers have a length greater than 20 cm, preferably greater than 40 cm, particularly preferably greater than 50 cm, preferably greater than 100 cm, preferably greater than 200 cm, preferably greater than 300 cm, particularly greater than 400 cm, and particularly preferably greater than 500 cm in their longitudinal direction, i.e., along their axis of rotation.
[0017] Preferably, the two rollers have a length of less than 900 cm, more preferably less than 800 cm, more preferably less than 750 cm, and particularly preferably less than 700 cm in their longitudinal direction, i.e. along their axis of rotation.
[0018] In this way, the substrate of the plastic preform is not pushed forward, thereby reducing the risk of separation that is present in some of the prior art. In another preferred embodiment, the rotatable roller is oriented almost horizontally. However, it is particularly preferred to be slightly inclined, so that the plastic preform is also pushed in its transport direction by an inclined driving force.
[0019] In another preferred embodiment, the two rollers have the same roller diameter.
[0020] The diameter is particularly preferably greater than 2cm, preferably greater than 4cm, and preferably greater than 6cm. The diameter is preferably less than 50cm, preferably less than 40cm, preferably less than 30cm, preferably less than 25cm, preferably less than 20cm, particularly preferably less than 15cm, particularly preferably less than 10cm, and particularly preferably less than 8cm.
[0021] These roller dimensions have proven to be particularly advantageous in order to achieve high throughput or high conveying capacity.
[0022] Particularly preferably, the roller has a coating on its outer surface facing the plastic preform to be transported, particularly a coating that allows the plastic preform to slide along the gap.
[0023] Particularly preferably, at least two application devices are arranged one after the other in the transport direction of the plastic preform. These two application devices are preferably arranged one after the other.
[0024] In another preferred embodiment, at least one application device is arranged such that the gaseous medium escaping from the application device also escapes at least in the transport direction of the plastic preform.
[0025] Particularly preferably, the gaseous medium pushes the plastic preform in its transport direction, and in this way preferably accelerates the movement of the plastic preform in the transport direction.
[0026] Therefore, preferably, the mainstream direction of the air escaping from the application device also extends at least in the transport direction of the plastic preform.
[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the application device has multiple outlet openings for a gaseous medium through which the gaseous medium can be guided onto the plastic preform.
[0028] Multiple outlet openings preferably extend along the transport direction of the plastic preform.
[0029] The minimum distance between a single plastic preform, particularly its mouth area and the corresponding outlet opening, is preferably less than 10 cm, preferably less than 8 cm, preferably less than 6 cm, preferably less than 5 cm, preferably less than 4 cm, particularly preferably less than 3 cm, particularly preferably less than 2.5 cm, particularly preferably less than 2.0 cm, and particularly preferably less than 1.5 cm.
[0030] The minimum distance between a single plastic preform, particularly its mouth area and the corresponding outlet opening, is preferably greater than 0.1 cm, preferably greater than 0.2 cm, preferably greater than 0.3 cm, preferably greater than 0.4 cm, and particularly preferably greater than 0.5 cm.
[0031] These spacing dimensions allow for the application of particularly energy-efficient techniques to plastic preforms.
[0032] In this case, these outlet openings are preferably inclined, and particularly preferably inclined in such a way that the gaseous medium escapes through these outlet openings at least in the transport direction of the plastic preform.
[0033] The outlet opening is particularly preferably polygonal in shape. Preferably, the opening has a rectangular cross-section. Preferably, the length of the opening is between 5 mm and 9 mm, more preferably between 6 mm and 8 mm. Particularly preferably, the width of the opening is between 1 mm and 5 mm, more preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm.
[0034] The outlet angle of the outlet opening is preferably between 10° and 50°, more preferably between 15° and 45°, more preferably between 20° and 40°, and particularly preferably between 20° and 30°. Particularly preferably, the outlet openings are arranged on both sides of the corresponding opening or opening portion of the plastic preform. The opening or opening portion is understood to be those parts of the plastic preform that have actual opening areas, but also includes those areas of the (external) threads of the plastic preform and preferably the corresponding support rings therein.
[0035] Particularly preferably, this involves a plurality of openings that are substantially identical. Particularly preferably, the number of these outlet openings (in the case of one of the applying devices) is greater than 4, preferably greater than 6, preferably greater than 8, preferably greater than 10, preferably greater than 12, preferably greater than 16, and particularly preferably greater than 20.
[0036] The number of these outlet openings is preferably less than 300, preferably less than 250, preferably less than 200, preferably less than 150, especially preferably less than 100, and especially preferably less than 80.
[0037] Particularly preferred is that the outlet opening is designed in a gill-like shape. For example, multiple gaps parallel to each other can be provided.
[0038] Particularly preferably, the area where the outlet opening is arranged extends in the transport direction of the plastic preform. This area is particularly preferably greater than 3 cm, more preferably greater than 4 cm, more preferably greater than 5 cm, and more preferably greater than 6 cm. The area where the outlet opening is arranged is preferably less than 40 cm, more preferably less than 35 cm, more preferably less than 30 cm, and particularly preferably less than 25 cm.
[0039] In another preferred embodiment, the application device is arranged at least in sections above the first and second rollers. In this way, application can be made particularly effectively to the opening region of the plastic preform.
[0040] In particular, at least one of the two application devices, and preferably both application devices, are arranged completely above the two rollers and / or above the transported plastic preform.
[0041] Particularly preferably, at least one application device is arranged at the end of the roller relative to the transport direction of the plastic preform.
[0042] Preferably, at least one application device is arranged in the transition area between the roller and another transport device for transporting the plastic preform on the adjacent roller.
[0043] Particularly preferably, the application device is also arranged above the gap formed between the rollers.
[0044] Particularly preferably, the application device is constructed symmetrically with respect to the two rollers or the gap formed between the rollers.
[0045] In another preferred embodiment, the application device has a collection chamber for collecting the gaseous medium, wherein, preferably, the gaseous medium can flow from the collection chamber to the aforementioned separate outlet opening. The collection chamber can be connected to a compressed air source. Particularly preferably, the outlet opening is formed in the wall defining the collection chamber.
[0046] Particularly preferably, the pressure of the compressed air supplied (especially to the collection chamber) is in the range of 0.1 bar to 2 bar, preferably between 0.1 bar and 1.5 bar, more preferably between 0.1 bar and 1.0 bar, and even more preferably between 0.3 bar and 1.0 bar.
[0047] In this case, sterile air can be used as compressed air in the area to avoid further contamination of the plastic preforms due to the application of compressed air.
[0048] In another preferred embodiment, the device has a pressing device arranged above the roller, which is adapted and designed to prevent the plastic preform from escaping upward from the gap.
[0049] Particularly preferably, the application device is formed on the pressing device. Therefore, for example, the collection chamber described above can also be a component of the pressing device.
[0050] In another preferred embodiment, the device has a guide tongue for guiding the transport of the plastic preform. Particularly preferably, the application device is arranged on the guide tongue.
[0051] Preferably, the two application devices described herein are one on the guide tongue and one on the clamping device. [Please briefly describe the function of the guide tongue].
[0052] In general, in this way, particularly with a gill-shaped fitting, the retainer is mounted on the mouth region, which blows the plastic preform into the mouth area. Furthermore, preferably, an air outlet with a flange shape is also mounted on the guide tongue, which blows the plastic preform into the mouth region.
[0053] In another advantageous embodiment, the apparatus has a discharge device adapted and intended to discharge misaligned plastic preforms. Particularly preferably, at least one of the application devices in the transport equipment for the plastic preforms is arranged after the discharge device.
[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the discharge device is arranged above the two rollers. Particularly preferably, the discharge device has a rotatable wheel arranged above the rollers, and particularly above the gap.
[0055] Particularly preferably, the axis of rotation of the wheel is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the roller.
[0056] The present invention also relates to a method for transporting a plastic preform, wherein the plastic preform has a substrate and an opening region, and wherein a first roller rotating relative to a first axis of rotation and a second roller rotating relative to a second axis of rotation are provided, wherein the first and second axes of rotation extend parallel to each other, and wherein a gap is formed between the first and second rollers, the size of which is such that the substrate (of the plastic preform) passes through the gap, and the opening region of the plastic preform does not pass through the gap, wherein the plastic preform is transported along the gap. Furthermore, an application device is provided that applies a gaseous medium, particularly air, to the plastic preform.
[0057] In this case, the airflow direction preferably extends at least partially, and is preferably in one of the plastic preforms or the transport direction.
[0058] According to the invention, the application device is arranged in such a way that it applies the gaseous medium to the plastic preform primarily in its mouth region.
[0059] Preferably, the application device is arranged such that it applies a gaseous medium to the outer wall of the plastic preform in the opening region of the plastic preform. Therefore, the gaseous medium can be applied specifically to the threaded regions of the plastic preform.
[0060] The air velocity is preferably between 5 km / h and 300 km / h, more preferably between 5 km / h and 200 km / h, and particularly preferably between 20 km / h and 160 km / h.
[0061] Further advantages and implementation methods are evident from the accompanying drawings: in: Figure 1a Figures 1 and 2b show two parts of the device according to the invention; Figure 2 A detailed diagram of the device shown in Figure 1 is shown; and Figure 3 Another detailed view of the device shown in Figure 1 is shown.
[0062] Figure 1a Figures 2 and 4 show two parts of the device according to the invention. The device has a first roller 2 rotatable relative to a first axis of rotation D1 and a second roller rotatable relative to a second axis of rotation D2. A gap is formed between the two rollers 2 and 4, in which a substrate of a plastic preform (not shown) is transported.
[0063] Reference numeral 62 indicates the first outlet opening, which in this case is arranged above the two rollers 2, 4 for conveying the plastic preform.
[0064] Reference numeral 72 indicates a second outlet opening, which in this case is also arranged above the plastic preform to be transported, but specifically still arranged in front of the two rollers 2, 4.
[0065] Reference numerals 32 and 34 indicate guide rails for guiding the plastic preform (not shown). The upper edges of these guide rails preferably terminate so that the plastic preform can be transferred at the correct height into the gap between the two rollers 2 and 4.
[0066] Figure 2 A detailed illustration of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 is provided. In this case, a first application device 6 and a second application device 7 are provided. These are preferably arranged one after the other in the transport direction of the plastic preform. Both are used to transport or push the plastic preform (not shown) in the transport direction T.
[0067] Figure 3Detailed illustrations of the application devices 6 and 7 are shown. The first application device 6 and the second application device 7 can be seen again. These are used to apply compressed air to the plastic preform 10 having a substrate 10a and an opening region 10b, so that it moves faster in the transport direction T.
[0068] Reference numeral 8 indicates a pressing device having multiple outlet openings 62 through which air can escape for application to the plastic preform. The application device 6 forms a collection chamber 64 for containing air used in the application to the plastic preform. The application device 7 also forms a collection chamber for collecting the air used in the application to the plastic preform.
[0069] Multiple outlet openings 72 are also provided on the device 12, which serves as a guide tongue. These are also configured in a gill-like shape and cause compressed air to be applied to the plastic preform in the transport direction.
[0070] Reference numerals 14 and 16 indicate that compressed air in applying devices 6 and 7 is guided through this connection. Reference numeral 40 indicates an optional discharge device, which is particularly suitable for and designed to discharge misaligned or defective plastic preforms.
[0071] It should be noted that all features described with reference to this method are also disclosed accordingly for this apparatus, which in particular means that the corresponding apparatus has a device suitable for and used to perform the corresponding method. Furthermore, the features described with reference to this apparatus can also be applied accordingly to one or more methods. This means that the method is performed using the corresponding apparatus features.
[0072] The applicant reserves the right to claim rights to all features essential to the invention disclosed in the application, whether individually or in combination, provided that such features are novel compared to the prior art. Furthermore, it should be noted that features that may be advantageous in themselves are also described in individual figures. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that a particular feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without employing other features in that figure. Additionally, those skilled in the art will recognize that advantages can also be derived by combining several features shown in a single figure or different figures.
Claims
1. A device (1) for transporting a plastic preform (10), having a base (10a) and an opening region (10b), having a first roller (2) rotatable relative to a first axis of rotation (D1) and a second roller (4) rotatable relative to a second axis of rotation (D2), wherein, The first rotation axis (D1) and the second rotation axis (D2) extend parallel to each other and form a gap (Sp) between the first roller (2) and the second roller (4), the gap being sized such that the substrate (10a) can pass through the gap and the opening region (10b) cannot pass through the gap (Sp), wherein the plastic preform (10) can be transported along the gap and has at least one application device (6,7) for applying a gaseous medium to the plastic preform. Its features are, The application device (6) is arranged in such a way that it applies the gaseous medium to the plastic preform in its mouth region (10b).
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, Its features are, The application devices (6, 7) are arranged in such a way that the gaseous medium escaping from the application devices also escapes at least in the transport direction of the plastic preform.
3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The application device (6, 7) has a plurality of outlet openings (62, 72) for the gas medium, through which the gas medium can be guided onto the plastic preform (10).
4. The apparatus (1) according to claim 3. Its features are, The outlet opening has a gill-like shape.
5. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The application devices (6, 7) are arranged at least in sections above the first roller (2) and the second roller (4) and / or the application devices (6, 7) are arranged at the ends of the rollers (2, 4) relative to the transport direction of the plastic preform.
6. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The application device (6, 7) has a collection chamber (64, 74) for collecting the gaseous medium.
7. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The device (1) has a pressing device (8) disposed above the rollers (2, 4), which is adapted and designed to prevent the plastic preform from escaping from the gap (Sp).
8. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The device (1) has a guide tongue (12) for guiding the transport of the plastic preform (10).
9. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The device (1) has a discharge device (40) suitable for and intended to discharge plastic preforms (10) with misalignment.
10. A method for transporting a plastic preform (10), comprising a substrate (10a) and an opening region (10b), wherein, The assembly includes a first roller (2) rotating relative to a first axis of rotation (D1) and a second roller (4) rotating relative to a second axis of rotation (D2), wherein the first axis of rotation (D1) and the second axis of rotation (D2) extend parallel to each other and form a gap (Sp) between the first roller (2) and the second roller (4), the size of which allows the substrate (10a) to pass through the gap and the opening region (10b) to pass through the gap, wherein the plastic preform (10) is transported along the gap (Sp), and has at least one application device (6, 7) for applying a gaseous medium to the plastic preform. Its features are, The application devices (6, 7) are arranged in such a way that they apply the gaseous medium to the plastic preform in its orifice region.