Molding system for producing containers and associated molding method

Abstract

The invention relates to a moulding system (10) for producing containers (6a) starting from a tubular thermoplastic material (6), comprising an upper mould (1) equipped with two first moulded shells, a lower mould (2) equipped with two second moulded shells, a pair of additional compression elements (3) acting on the two first shells of the upper mould (1) during the closing and filling phase of the upper mould (1), an additional pressure is applied in the direction of the arrow (3a) to ensure proper sealing of the container, the upper mould (1) and the lower mould (2) being movable relative to each other in order to reverse their respective position.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to the field of manufacturing liquid-filled containers with preform configurations, wherein, in a stage defined as a "blow" stage, plastic is extruded into a tubular configuration, which adheres to the wall of a mold by a pressure differential applied to its walls to form a container. In the subsequent "seal" stage, the container is closed by sealing specific sections, and a filling stage can be provided before a final seal is performed on the closed opening (through which the container can be filled), wherein the container can also be filled with liquid via a movable nozzle. Technical Field

[0002] Specifically, the present invention relates to a blow molding machine for a container, wherein the container is in a continuous process, wherein tubular plastic material is continuously extruded from an extrusion head and subsequently formed through a series of molds; subsequently, the formed tubular configuration is filled, and / or one or more components are inserted therein, and then sealed through another mold. Background Technology

[0003] Patent DE1964862C3 describes a machine consisting of an extrusion head and two sets of opposing dies that move alternately in the vertical direction and can be opened in the horizontal direction like a book by rotating on a lateral vertical pin.

[0004] This machine may have some issues, including the following:

[0005] -Since opening the mold requires rotating the mold on the side pin, the lower mold must be opened in a way that does not impact the closed mold in order to move to the upper position.

[0006] This book-style opening also requires a lot of free space on the side of the machine and increases the overall size of the machine.

[0007] Another problem is that during the container molding process, a very large force (parallel to the mold's closing direction) must be applied to compress the plastic material to ensure that the opposite sides are welded together and sheared. This force must be applied to the center of the mold portion that forms the individual container so that it is evenly distributed. In the aforementioned patent, the mold is closed by rotating on a lateral pin, so this is not possible.

[0008] Finally, during the mold opening process, newly produced containers may still adhere to the mold, posing a risk of breakage, or in any case, weakening the container itself.

[0009] Purpose of the invention

[0010] The main objective of this invention is to provide a machine that overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages and, in particular, allows for the production of multiple containers using a continuous process in a simple and direct manner.

[0011] In detail, the object of the present invention is to create a machine of the type described above that allows for the execution of continuous molding cycles without any interference or collision between molds.

[0012] Another objective of this invention is to enable the forming and separation of containers and to ensure their integrity, thereby reducing the risk of breakage and / or weakening. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Therefore, the object of the present invention is a molding system for producing containers from tubular thermoplastic materials, comprising an upper mold with two molding halves or lateral supports for a first molding shell, a lower mold with two molding halves or lateral supports for a second molding shell, wherein the upper and lower molds are movable relative to each other to reverse their relative positions, and a pair of additional compression elements capable of switching from a first active state to a second inactive state, wherein in the first active state, the compression elements act on the two first shells of the upper mold during the closing phase of the upper mold to apply additional pressure to ensure proper sealing of the container, while in the second inactive state, no pressure is applied.

[0014] Specifically, in the inactive state, a pair of additional compression elements may include two mechanical compression elements separate from the upper and lower molds, thus not interfering with the reciprocating reversible movement between the upper and lower molds. This advantageously allows forces to be precisely concentrated at the center of gravity of the container to be molded from time to time, or whenever necessary, even when the molds are replaced with molds of different shapes or sizes.

[0015] Preferably, according to the invention, the upper mold and the lower mold close and open independently of each other, maintaining the respective first and second shells parallel to each other in two reciprocating positions, allowing the thermoplastic tubular configuration to move between them.

[0016] Therefore, it is advantageous to save space compared to a book-shaped opening, where the corresponding shells are not parallel to each other when opened.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the invention, a pair of additional compression elements are detached from the mold; in other words, they move vertically independently of the mold.

[0018] This allows for a single additional compression mechanism for both lower and upper dies.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is a container joining system for joining containers emerging from a mold of a molding system, the molding system being, for example but not limited to, the type described above, including a first clamping member and / or a second clamping member respectively connected to an upper mold and / or a lower mold, the first clamping member and / or the second clamping member opening and closing together with the respective upper mold and / or lower mold and moving vertically to join containers emerging from adjacent molds.

[0020] In this way, the container can be prevented from breaking or deforming when the mold is opened.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a first spacer may be provided, which is adapted to create a space between the first clamping member and the upper mold with a length greater than or equal to the height of the lower mold, and / or a second spacer may be provided, which is adapted to create a space between the second clamping member and the lower mold with a length greater than or equal to the height of the upper mold.

[0022] In this way, the reciprocating movement between the lower and upper molds is advantageously guaranteed during various continuous molding stages.

[0023] Furthermore, in this configuration, the first spacer can be positioned laterally relative to the upper mold, and the second spacer can be positioned laterally relative to the lower mold and located opposite the first spacer to avoid interference during the movement of the two molds to exchange positions.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is an alignment system for a molding system between an upper mold and a lower mold, the molding system being, for example but not limited to, the type described above, comprising a first alignment slide connected to the top and / or bottom of two first housings of the upper mold, and a second alignment slide connected to the top and / or bottom of two second housings of the lower mold, the first alignment slide being adapted to engage with the second alignment slide to keep the upper mold and the lower mold aligned with each other.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is a molding method implemented by a machine for molding a container from a thermoplastic tubular configuration and equipped with a molding system as described above, wherein the thermoplastic tubular configuration is extruded from an extrusion head, wherein, during the molding cycle, when the upper die has completed molding the upper container, a pair of additional compression elements open, allowing the lower die to move upward and replace the upper die.

[0026] Alternatively, the molding method may include inserting the part into the container by passing it through the extrusion head and using a rod before the upper die is closed.

[0027] According to another alternative, the molding method may include inserting the part into the container by passing it through the extrusion head and using a nozzle before the upper die is closed.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the method may include inserting the insert into the container using a rod before the upper mold is closed. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The invention will now be described by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, some preferred embodiments thereof, wherein:

[0030] Figure 1a This is a cross-sectional view of the continuous cyclic molding system of the present invention in the first molding stage;

[0031] Figure 1b This is a cross-sectional view of the continuous cyclic molding system of the present invention in the second molding stage;

[0032] Figure 1c This is a cross-sectional view of the continuous cyclic molding system of the present invention in the third molding stage;

[0033] Figure 1d This is a cross-sectional view of the continuous cyclic molding system of the present invention in the fourth molding stage;

[0034] Figure 1e This is a cross-sectional view of the continuous cyclic molding system of the present invention in the fifth molding stage;

[0035] Figure 1f yes Figures 1a-1e A perspective view of the first outer shell of the upper mold of the molding system;

[0036] Figure 1g yes Figures 1a-1e Perspective view of the two lower shells and the upper shell;

[0037] Figure 1h This is a front view of the two lower housings and the upper housing, highlighting the alignment slide between the molds;

[0038] Figure 1i This is an enlarged front view of the mold aligning with the sliding component;

[0039] Figure 2a This is a cross-sectional view of a first variant of the continuous cyclic molding system of the present invention in the first molding stage;

[0040] Figure 2b It is in the second molding stage. Figure 2a A cross-sectional view of a continuous cyclic molding system;

[0041] Figure 2c It is in the third molding stage. Figure 2a The figure shown is a cross-sectional view of the continuous cyclic molding system of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 2d It is in the fourth molding stage. Figure 2a The figure shown is a cross-sectional view of the continuous cyclic molding system of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 2e It is in the optional fourth molding stage. Figure 2a A cross-sectional view of a continuous cyclic molding system;

[0044] Figure 3a This is a cross-sectional view of a second variant of the continuous cyclic molding system of the present invention in the first molding stage;

[0045] Figure 3b It is in the second molding stage. Figure 3a A cross-sectional view of a continuous cyclic molding system;

[0046] Figure 3c It is in the third molding stage. Figure 3a The figure shown is a cross-sectional view of the continuous cyclic molding system of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 3d It is in the fourth molding stage. Figure 3a The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the continuous cyclic molding system of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0048] In different accompanying drawings, similar parts will be indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0049] Referring to Figures 1-3, a molding system 10 is shown, which includes an upper mold 1 equipped with a molding head 1.1 and a molding body 1.2. Figure 1f In the figure, the corresponding movable half is shown as independent of the other half, and the lower mold 2 is a mirror image of the upper mold 1 and is equipped with a mold head and mold body (not shown in the figure) that are integral with each other.

[0050] According to the present invention, there is a pair of additional compression elements 3, which are present during the closing and filling phases of the upper mold 1. Figure 1a and Figure 1b , Figure 2a and Figure 2b , Figure 3a and Figure 3b During this period, the pressure is applied to the two outer shells of the upper mold 1 itself to apply additional pressure to the mold in the direction of arrow 3a in order to ensure proper sealing of the container.

[0051] The additional compression mechanism 3 is capable of applying force 3a to close the mold uniformly and centrally relative to the container.

[0052] The additional compression mechanism 3 is detached from the mold, so that having just one of these mechanisms is sufficient for both molds.

[0053] The mechanism can also move in a descending direction parallel to the mold, from the upper position to the lower position. In the upper position, the mechanism is aligned with the closed height of the upper mold; in the lower position, the mechanism is open. This vertical movement is necessary to ensure that during the compression phase, the mechanism can follow the mold being compressed, allowing for a longer duration of compression.

[0054] The extrusion head 4 is located above the molding system, through which the nozzle 5 can be inserted into the preform tubular configuration 6.

[0055] The upper mold 1 and the lower mold 2 are alternately closed and opened, their respective outer shells remaining parallel to each other, and once the molding of the upper mold 1 is complete, a pair of additional compression elements 3 are opened. Figure 1c And, it can begin to return to the upper position. Simultaneously, the upper mold 1 continues to follow the movement of the parison 6, closing downwards and passing through the open outer shell of the lower mold 2, while the lower mold simultaneously moves upwards ( Figures 1d-1e , Figure 2d ).

[0056] These outer shells of the upper and lower molds are supported laterally by support member 1.5.

[0057] One feature of the invention that solves one of the above problems is the mold's closing / opening movement, which occurs in a direction perpendicular to vertical movement. This movement advantageously reduces the overall size of the machine.

[0058] Once the lower mold 2 has occupied the position of the upper mold 1 ( Figure 1e Conversely, the molding cycle can restart: since the stage in which the lower mold and the upper mold are reversed will now be referenced, only in the next section will the upper mold (now in the lower position) be indicated by reference numeral 2, and the lower mold (now in the upper position) be indicated by reference numeral 1.

[0059] The lower mold 1 closes around the tubular configuration 6 of the preform, while the additional compression elements 3 apply their additional pressure to the lower mold according to arrow 3a to improve the sealing of the lower part of the container. Figure 1a The nozzle 5 descends and disperses the liquid into the container, while the additional compression element 3 and the upper mold 2 and lower mold 1 descend along with the flow of the preform 6. Figure 1b Once the sealing is complete, the additional compression element 3 opens and returns to the upper position, while molds 1 and 2 continue to lower themselves. Figure 1c The upper mold 2 opens, releasing the fully formed container and returning upwards, while the closed lower mold 1 continues to descend with the preform through the open outer shell of the upper mold 2. Figure 1dFinally, the lower mold 1 and the upper mold 2 return to their initial positions, and the additional compression element 3 approaches the corresponding housing of the upper mold in preparation for closing. Figure 1e ).

[0060] From now on, the upper mold will be indicated by reference numeral 1, and the lower mold will be indicated by reference numeral 2.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, clamping members can be provided that are respectively connected to the upper mold (denoted by reference numeral 1.3 in the figure) and the lower mold (denoted by reference numeral 2.3 in the figure), which follow the opening and closing of the respective molds, thereby engaging the container 6a that emerged from the respective mold in the previous cycle.

[0062] This further innovation makes the stage of removing vials from the mold easier. The clamping system is attached to the corresponding mold, so it opens / closes and moves vertically together with the mold to which it is attached.

[0063] In this way, when the lower mold 2 is opened ( Figure 1d The container formed by the mold is held in place by clamp 1.3, which remains closed together with the upper mold 1 and adjacent to the lower mold 2 itself.

[0064] In fact, the space between clamping member 1.3 and upper mold 1 corresponds at least to the height of lower mold 2, just as the distance between clamping member 2.3 and lower mold 2 corresponds at least to the height of upper mold 1, so that the movement of the two molds 1 and 2 equipped with corresponding clamping members in exchanging positions will not interfere with each other.

[0065] Preferably, these aforementioned distances correspond precisely to the heights of the upper mold 1 and the lower mold 2, respectively, and are constrained by the clearance required for actual movement between the parts, so as to make the system 10 as compact as possible.

[0066] Of course, the first connecting element 1.4 between the clamping component 1.3 and the upper mold 1 must also be laterally positioned relative to the tubular configuration of the preform (e.g., Figure 1f As shown), and the second connecting element between the clamping member 2.3 and the lower mold 2 must be laterally positioned relative to the preform tubular configuration and in a position relative to the first connecting element 1.4 so as not to collide during the movement of the exchange position.

[0067] In other words, refer to Figure 1f Each of the outer shells of the upper mold 1 has a C-shaped structure (only one is shown in the figure, but it should be understood that the other is completely symmetrical), wherein the head 1.1, the body 1.2 and the clamping member 1.3 of the mold are parallel, while the first connecting element 1.4 is transverse to them.

[0068] The lower mold 2 has a similar C-shaped structure, but is symmetrically opposite, thus allowing reciprocating movement to exchange positions between the mold shells.

[0069] like Figure 1h and Figure 1i As shown, the two upper mold halves 1 may have alignment slides 1.6-1.7, which respectively abut against slides 2.6-2.7 in the lower mold halves 2. Specifically, the lower slide 1.7 of the upper mold halves 1 has an upward-facing first sliding surface 1.8, while the upper slide 2.6 of the lower mold halves 2 has a downward-facing second sliding surface 2.8. In this way, particularly due to the mutual sliding of the first sliding surface 1.8 and the second sliding surface 2.8, the lower slide 1.7 of the upper mold halves abuts against the upper slide 2.6 of the lower mold halves 2. These surfaces ensure that the two mold halves remain aligned during descent to prevent minor deformation or misalignment of the main structure. These slides are advantageously fixed laterally, thus allowing the mold to slide alternately through these slides, thereby allowing the machine to operate correctly without jamming.

[0070] Similarly, the upper sliding member 1.6 of the upper mold half 1 and the lower sliding member 2.7 of the lower mold half 2 also have sliding surfaces 1.8 and 2.8, which face downward and upward respectively and are opposite to each other.

[0071] In particular, when it is necessary to release the upper mold 1 and the lower mold 2 and reverse their relative positions, there are no end stops that allow them to slide and release from each other.

[0072] In operation, the extrusion head 4 extrudes plastic material with a tubular configuration 6. Figure 1a , Figure 2a and Figure 3a The machine is shown in the first forming stage, where molds 1 and 2 are closed and aligned by means of a sliding member.

[0073] At this stage, a pair of additional compression elements 3 are in the closed position, and force 3a is applied to compress and shear the plastic material 6.

[0074] exist Figures 1b-1d The subsequent stages, as depicted, are filled via nozzle 5.

[0075] exist Figures 2b-2d In the specific configuration shown, during the filling phase ( Figure 2a After that, nozzle 5 can rise above head 4, and subsequently, the corresponding insert 7 can be positioned on its end. Figure 2b The lever 8 can be lowered ( Figure 2c ), to place the insert into the container before the upper mold closes ( Figure 2d ).

[0076] In detail, the insert 7 is placed on top of the already formed (and possibly already filled) container, then the rod 8 rises, and the process continues. In this case, the insert is part of the lower container.

[0077] exist Figure 2e In another specific configuration shown, the insert 7 can be positioned in the middle of the upper mold, with the lever 8 remaining downward while the upper mold is closed, embedding the insert 7 into the upper container.

[0078] Specifically, the insert is held above the head portion of the upper mold by lever 8, and the upper mold closes around the insert. Then the lever rises, leaving the insert embedded in the mold. In this configuration, the insert becomes part of the upper container.

[0079] exist Figure 1c and Figure 2c In the next stage, as shown, a pair of additional compression elements 3 are activated. Subsequently, as... Figure 1d and Figure 2d As shown, the lower mold 2 opens, and its upper slider 2.6 slides along the lower slider 1.7 of the upper mold 1 until the lower mold is released from the upper mold. It can also be noted that the lower clamping member 2.3 opens together with the lower mold 2, while the upper clamping member 1.3 remains closed because the upper clamping member is connected to the upper mold 1.

[0080] Finally, as Figure 1e As shown, the cycle can be restarted, with the lower mold 2 moving to the upper position while the upper mold 1 is in the lower position, and they are aligned with each other by means of sliders 1.6 and 2.7.

[0081] Of course, the two techniques for inserting the insert can be used in combination. By adding another lever 8 to the system, it is possible to insert an insert positioned above the lower vial during the cycle, and then insert another insert positioned below the upper vial.

[0082] In an alternative embodiment, the component 7 can be inserted through the nozzle 5 itself.

[0083] Of course, the same cycle is also possible in the case of a dual-mold system, for example... Figure 3a , Figure 3b , Figure 3c and Figure 3d Those shown: A pair of closing elements 3 act on the first upper mold 1 ( Figure 3a ), and then acted on the second upper mold 1a ( Figure 3b At the same time, the two lower molds 2 and 2a open to move upward and pass over the upper molds 1 and 1a. Figure 3c), then swap positions, such as Figure 3d As shown.

[0084] The present invention, as conceived and illustrated in this way, is susceptible to various modifications and variations, all of which fall within the scope of the present invention concept.

[0085] Furthermore, all details can be replaced by other technically equivalent components.

[0086] Finally, the components used can be selected according to the requirements of existing technology, provided that they are compatible with the specific application and size.

[0087] Where any feature or technique mentioned in any claim is accompanied by reference numerals, the sole purpose of including such reference numerals is to enhance the comprehensibility of the claim; therefore, such reference numerals do not in any way limit the interpretation of each element identified by such reference numerals, and such reference numerals are purely exemplary.

Claims

1. A molding system (10) for producing a container (6a) from a tubular thermoplastic material (6), comprising: The upper mold (1) is equipped with two first-molded shells. The lower mold (2) is equipped with two second molded shells. The upper mold (1) and the lower mold (2) can move relative to each other, thereby reversing their respective positions. And a pair of additional compression elements (3) that can switch from a first active state to a second inactive state, in the first active state, the pair of additional compression elements act on the two first shells of the upper mold (1) during the closing phase of the upper mold (1) to apply additional pressure (3a) to ensure proper sealing of the container, in the second inactive state, no pressure is applied.

2. The molding system according to claim 1, wherein, The pair of additional compression elements (3) are separated from the upper mold (1) and the lower mold (2) in such a way that they do not interfere with the reciprocating reversible movement between the upper mold (1) and the lower mold (2).

3. The molding system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The upper mold (1) and the lower mold (2) are closed and opened independently of each other, keeping their respective first and second shells parallel to each other, thereby allowing the thermoplastic tubular configuration (6) to move between the upper mold and the lower mold.

4. The molding system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The pair of additional compression elements (3) move vertically independently of the mold.

5. A container engagement system (1.3, 2.3) for engaging a container (6a) emerging from a mold of a molding system according to any one of claims 1-4, comprising a first clamping member (1.3) and / or a second clamping member (2.3) respectively connectable to the upper mold (1) and / or the lower mold (2), the first clamping member and / or the second clamping member opening and closing together with the respective upper mold (1) and / or lower mold (2) and moving vertically to engage a container (6a) emerging from an adjacent mold.

6. The joining system (1.3, 2.3) according to claim 5, comprising a first spacer (1.4) and / or a second spacer (2.4), the first spacer being adapted to form a space between the first clamping member (1.3) and the upper mold (1) with a length greater than or equal to the height of the lower mold (2), and the second clamping member being adapted to form a space between the second clamping member (2.3) and the lower mold (2) with a length greater than or equal to the height of the upper mold (1).

7. The joining system according to claim 6 (1.3, 2.3), wherein, The first spacer (1.4) is laterally positioned relative to the upper mold (1), and the second spacer (2.4) is laterally positioned relative to the lower mold (2) and located opposite to the first spacer (1.4) to avoid interference during the movement of the two molds (1, 2) to exchange positions.

8. An alignment system for use in a molding system according to any one of claims 1-4 between an upper mold (1) and a lower mold (2), characterized in that, The alignment system includes a first alignment slider (1.6, 1.7) connected above and / or below the two first housings of the upper mold (1), and a second alignment slider (2.6, 2.7) connected above and / or below the two second housings of the lower mold (1). The first alignment slider (1.6, 1.7) is adapted to cooperate with the second alignment slider (2.6, 2.7) to keep the first mold (1) and the second mold (2) aligned with each other.

9. A molding method performed by a machine for molding containers and equipped with a molding system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the molding container being initiated from a thermoplastic tubular configuration (6) extruded from an extrusion head (4), wherein, During the molding cycle, when the upper mold (1) has completed molding the upper container, the pair of additional compression elements (3) open, allowing the upper mold (1) to open and the lower mold (2) to move upward and replace the upper mold (1).

10. A molding method performed by a machine for molding containers and equipped with a molding system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the molding container starting from a thermoplastic tubular configuration (6), the thermoplastic tubular configuration being extruded from an extrusion head (4), wherein, Before the upper mold (1) is closed, the part (7) is inserted into the container by passing through the extrusion head and using the rod (8).

11. A molding method performed by a machine for molding containers and equipped with a molding system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the molding container being initiated from a thermoplastic tubular configuration (6) extruded from an extrusion head (4), wherein, Before the upper mold (1) is closed, the part (7) is inserted into the container by passing through the extrusion head and using the nozzle (5).

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