Container manufacturing apparatus equipped with suction device

Abstract

The invention relates to a manufacturing plant for containers made of thermoplastic material, in particular bottles, said manufacturing plant (10) comprising at least one conveying device (34) for conveying hollow bodies (12) equipped with a neck (16), said conveying device comprising: - a frame (36) fixed with respect to the ground; - at least one gripping member (38) for individually gripping the hollow bodies by means of the neck (16) thereof, said gripping member being mobile along a path (30) of production; characterized in that said manufacturing plant (10) comprises suction means (64) comprising at least one suction nozzle (64) mounted on a structural element (67) fixed with respect to said frame (36) and arranged in the proximity of a determined zone (63) of the path of the neck (16) of the hollow bodies, for suction of the dust generated by friction of the hollow bodies (12) when the latter pass through said determined zone (63), without interfering with the passage of the hollow bodies.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a thermoplastic container, particularly a bottle, the apparatus comprising at least one conveying device for conveying a hollow body equipped with a neck, the conveying device comprising:

[0002] - A rack fixed to the ground;

[0003] - At least one gripping component of the hollow body is individually gripped through the neck of the hollow body, and the gripping component is movable along the production path. Background Technology

[0004] It is known that containers are manufactured in manufacturing equipment using preforms made of thermoplastic materials, especially preforms made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polypropylene (PP), by molding, in particular, stretch blow molding.

[0005] In the following description and claims, the general term “hollow body” will be used to refer to the preform or container in general.

[0006] Batch container manufacturing takes place in manufacturing equipment, where hollow bodies travel along a predetermined production path. Each hollow body is processed sequentially by a series of conveying devices, which include gripping components that individually grasp each hollow body. Thus, the hollow body is held individually throughout the entire production path, from entering the equipment as a preform to leaving the equipment as a container.

[0007] Pre-molded preforms are typically delivered in bulk. Therefore, it is known to install a device at the equipment inlet, directly upstream of the inlet point, for sorting and aligning the preforms.

[0008] The materials that make up the preforms are generally in an amorphous state and are not suitable for cold forming.

[0009] Therefore, before the molding operation, the preform is heated to a temperature above or equal to its glass transition temperature to allow it to conform to the shape of the final container.

[0010] More specifically, the preform typically has a thick-walled tubular body that is generally cylindrical, with one axial end closed by a thick-walled bottom and the other end extending through a similarly tubular neck. The neck conforms to its final shape and dimensions, while the body of the preform needs to undergo relatively large deformation during the molding process to conform to the container.

[0011] Therefore, it is best to heat only the body of the preform to a set temperature above the glass transition temperature, while keeping the neck at a temperature below the glass transition temperature to avoid deformation during container manufacturing.

[0012] Therefore, this production equipment includes a heat treatment unit that allows the preform body to be made plastic by heating it to a set temperature during the heating step. During the heating step, each preform is exposed to heating radiation while moving. The power of the heating radiation is controlled to allow the preform body to be heated to a temperature higher than or equal to the set temperature.

[0013] The production equipment also includes a molding unit, which is arranged downstream of the heat treatment unit according to the flow direction of the preform in the production equipment. In the molding step, the heated preform is placed into a molding station, for example, into a mold of the molding unit, the mold of which has a cavity consistent with the container to be obtained. Then, a pressurized fluid, such as air, is injected into the preform's malleable body to cause the walls of the preform's malleable body to adhere to the mold cavity.

[0014] Generally, the preform is subjected to axial tension before and / or simultaneously with the injection of pressurized fluid, particularly by means of tension rods inserted into the preform. The body is thus subjected to biaxial tension.

[0015] The hollow body, which leaves the molding unit in its final container state, is then transported to the outlet of the manufacturing equipment via a conveyor.

[0016] Manufacturing equipment is typically combined with container filling and capping equipment, which is located directly downstream of the outlet point.

[0017] Advantageously, the hollow body is continuously transferred from the last conveyor of the manufacturing equipment to the first conveyor of the filling equipment, and is always held individually.

[0018] Filling operations must be performed in a sterile area to prevent contaminants from entering the container during the filling process. Sterility requirements are particularly stringent when using containers for food products.

[0019] Therefore, it is known to enclose the filling device within a housing under a controlled atmosphere. The atmosphere inside the housing is maintained at overpressure to prevent dust from entering, and the air injected into the housing is filtered.

[0020] Similar measures are taken inside the molding unit housing to prevent contamination of the container between leaving the molding unit and the equipment outlet.

[0021] These measures allow for compliance with food standards at a very satisfactory level. The present invention aims to further prevent health risks by reducing the risk of dust contamination of hollow components (even if the amount is negligible from a hygienic perspective).

[0022] It has been confirmed that repeated friction between the container and certain conveying device components can generate microparticles of thermoplastic material through imperceptible wear on the container.

[0023] For example, this involves a fixed guide surface that the container comes into contact with during movement.

[0024] According to another example, when the container is carried by the clamp and is transferred to the next device, the container is pulled out of the clamp's gripping range, which creates friction between the container and the clamp's jaws.

[0025] Although the wear and tear per pass is minimal, the repeated passage of thousands of hollow units during large-scale production generates a significant amount of dust. While most of this dust is expelled through a continuous ventilation system, some accumulates, for example, by adhering to the hollow units due to electrostatic adsorption. The hollow units then carry some of this dust into the housing of the filling device.

[0026] In addition, some dust may enter the interior of the hollow body. Although the hollow body is cleaned at different locations on the manufacturing equipment, if dust enters the hollow body just before filling, it may become mixed with the product being filled.

[0027] To avoid these problems, it is known to regularly clean various components that may accumulate dust before the pollution level reaches a level that does not meet hygiene standards.

[0028] Although the amount of dust is negligible from a hygiene perspective and the risk of this dust entering the container is low, it would be best to find a solution to permanently avoid such problems. Summary of the Invention

[0029] This invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing containers made of thermoplastic materials, particularly bottles, the apparatus comprising at least one conveying device for conveying a hollow body equipped with a neck, the conveying device comprising:

[0030] - A rack fixed to the ground;

[0031] - At least one gripping component that individually grips the hollow body through the neck of the hollow body, the gripping component being movable along the production path;

[0032] The manufacturing equipment is characterized in that it includes a suction device, which includes at least one suction nozzle mounted on a structural element fixed relative to the frame and arranged near a defined area of ​​the path of the neck of the hollow body, for suctioning dust generated by friction of the hollow body as the hollow body passes through the defined area, without interfering with the passage of the hollow body.

[0033] According to another feature of the device implemented in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the suction nozzle has an inlet that is elongated in shape parallel to the direction of movement of the gripping member.

[0034] According to another feature of the device implemented in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the suction nozzle is movably mounted on the frame between a suction effective position and a maintenance ineffective position. In the suction effective position, the suction nozzle is near the path of the gripping member to allow the suction of dust. In the maintenance ineffective position, the suction nozzle is away from the path of the gripping member.

[0035] According to another feature of the device implemented in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the suction nozzle is guided to slide in a direction orthogonal to the production path plane.

[0036] According to another feature of the device implemented in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the movement of the suction nozzle between its effective suction position and maintenance ineffective position is achieved manually.

[0037] According to another feature of the device implemented in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the movement of the suction nozzle between its effective suction position and maintenance ineffective position is automatically achieved by an actuator.

[0038] According to another feature of the device implemented in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the suction nozzle is locked in each of its effective suction position and maintenance ineffective position by an associated locking member.

[0039] According to another feature of the device implemented in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the conveying device includes at least one fixed guide surface for guiding the hollow body by contact as it is moved by the gripping member, the defined area being formed by a portion of the hollow body path when the hollow body contacts the guide surface.

[0040] According to another feature of the device implemented in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the conveying device includes a wheel rotating on the frame, the wheel being equipped with a plurality of gripping components evenly distributed around its periphery.

[0041] According to another feature of the device implemented in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, each gripping component is formed by a notch that opens radially outward.

[0042] According to another feature of the apparatus implemented in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the manufacturing apparatus includes a molding unit for molding a hollow body in a preform state into a hollow body in a container state, and the conveying device is arranged downstream of the molding unit.

[0043] According to another feature of the device implemented in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the molding unit is enclosed within a housing, the hollow body exits the housing through a channel window, and the conveying device directly conveys the hollow body to the channel window. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description, which, for ease of understanding, is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic top view illustrating a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing containers according to the teachings of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 2 It shows the intention to be by Figure 1 A side view of a preform processed into a container using manufacturing equipment;

[0047] Figure 3 It only shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the conveyor system of the manufacturing equipment;

[0048] Figure 4 It is along Figure 5 Section 4-4 is a sectional view showing... Figure 3 The conveying device conveys the hollow body and is equipped with a suction device implemented according to the teachings of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the manufacturing equipment, showing only a portion of the equipment. Figure 4 The conveyor system equipped with a suction device has been replaced with other conveyor systems in the manufacturing equipment for clarity.

[0050] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The enlarged detail view shows the suction nozzle of the suction device arranged above the guide of the conveying device;

[0051] Figure 7 It only shows Figure 5 A perspective view of the suction nozzle of the suction device;

[0052] Figure 8 This is a side view showing the suction nozzle of the suction device in a low, first effective position;

[0053] Figure 9 Is with Figure 8 A similar view shows the suction nozzle in a high, second ineffective position;

[0054] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing a guide device that guides the suction nozzle between its effective and ineffective positions. Detailed Implementation

[0055] In the following description, the longitudinal, vertical, and transverse directions (L, V, T) of the trihedron shown in the figures will be used without limitation.

[0056] The vertical direction here is aligned with the direction of Earth's gravity.

[0057] Similarly, the terms “front” and “back” will be used without restriction to refer to the longitudinal direction, and “up” and “down” or “high” and “low” to refer to the vertical direction, and finally “left” and “right” to refer to the lateral direction.

[0058] The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the direction of flow of a hollow body, preform, or container transported by the conveyor system’s rollers within the manufacturing equipment.

[0059] Figure 1 An embodiment of a manufacturing apparatus 10 for a thermoplastic container 12B is shown.

[0060] The manufacture of container 12B, such as the bottle, begins with preform 12A, which is obtained, in particular, by injection molding. Hereinafter, preform 12A and container 12B will be collectively referred to as “hollow body 12”.

[0061] Figure 2 An example of a preform 12A intended for use in manufacturing device 10 is shown. This preform 12A is made of a thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polypropylene (PP). Such preforms are typically obtained by injection molding.

[0062] Preforms have surrounding Figure 2 The vertical axis “A” shown in the middle is roughly axially symmetrical.

[0063] The preform includes a tubular body 14 extending along the main axis "A", the body having a closed axial end, and in Figure 2 The neck 16, shown above, has an axially open portion at its opposite ends. Figure 2 In the example shown, the neck 16 includes a collar 18 at the connection with the body 14, the collar protruding radially relative to the rest of the preform 12A.

[0064] The neck 16 has its final shape, while the body 14 is intended to be stretched in subsequent molding operations to form the body of the final container 12B.

[0065] The manufacturing equipment 10 mainly includes a heat regulation unit 20 and a molding unit 22.

[0066] Manufacturing equipment 10 is coupled here to processing unit 24, which is arranged directly downstream of molding unit 22. Processing unit 24 is preferably a filling unit, but may also be a labeling unit or any other unit suitable for processing container 12B immediately after molding.

[0067] The heat conditioning unit 20 is designed to heat the body 14 of the preform 12A using a heating element 26, such as an infrared lamp or a laser diode. The preform 12A, now heated, is then introduced into the mold 28 of the molding unit 22, where it is processed into a container 12B by blow molding or stretch-blow molding.

[0068] The molding unit 22 includes a turntable 27, with a mold 28 arranged around the turntable to allow molding operations to be performed during the movement of the hollow body 12.

[0069] In this embodiment, the obtained container 12B is transferred to the processing unit 24 located directly downstream.

[0070] In this manufacturing apparatus 10, the hollow bodies 12 move in a line along a common path, namely the production path 30, until the exit point 31 of the manufacturing apparatus 10. Along the production path 30, each hollow body 12 is individually held by multiple gripping components of the conveying system 32, passing through the neck 16 of the hollow body, and in particular through the neck collar 18. This allows the hollow bodies 12 to be prevented from contacting each other and allows for precise knowledge of the hollow body position to perform the various processes required to manufacture the container 12B.

[0071] Preform 12A and container 12B constitute the same object to be transported because preform 12A and container 12B have the same neck 16.

[0072] As the preform 12A and container 12B are conveyed through the manufacturing equipment 10 via this conveying system 32, the hollow body 12 is supported either by its neck ring 18 or by clamping at its neck 16, for example at an annular groove (not shown) located above the neck ring 18.

[0073] To ensure the transport of the hollow body 12, the transport system 32 includes multiple transport devices arranged to sequentially pass through the manufacturing equipment 10 along the production path 30 to transport the hollow body 12.

[0074] As a non-limiting embodiment, the conveying system 32 includes a rotary conveying device, such as... Figure 1 As shown schematically.

[0075] In this embodiment, the conveying device of the conveying system 32 ensures that the hollow body 12 is conveyed from one unit to the next.

[0076] The following describes it in more detail. Figure 3The conveying device 34 is shown. This conveying device 34 mainly includes a frame 36 fixed relative to the ground, which is shown schematically here.

[0077] The conveying device 34 includes at least one gripping member 38 that individually grips the hollow body 12 through the neck 16 of the hollow body, and the gripping member 38 is movable along a portion of the production path 30. Preferably, the conveying device 34 includes a plurality of gripping members 38.

[0078] Each gripping component 38 is driven to move along a closed loop. On a portion of the loop, each gripping component 38 carries a hollow body 12, while on the remainder of the loop, the gripping component 38 runs unloaded to return and grip a new hollow body 12.

[0079] The gripping component 38 is driven by a motor to move along its closed loop.

[0080] The closed loop here is a circle.

[0081] The conveying device 34 includes a wheel 40, which is rotatably mounted on a frame 36 and has a plurality of gripping parts 38, which are evenly distributed around the outer periphery of the wheel 40.

[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, the wheel 40 is rotatable about a central axis 42 relative to the frame 36.

[0083] Here, the central axis 42 is vertically oriented, and the wheel 40 extends in the horizontal plane.

[0084] The rotating wheel 40 is driven to rotate via a central shaft 46 by a motor 44. The motor 44 is fixed to the frame 36.

[0085] The gripping component 38 or the neck collar 18 supporting the hollow body or the neck 16 clamping the hollow body carries the hollow body 12.

[0086] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, each gripping member 38 is formed by a notch on the outer peripheral edge of the rotating wheel 40. Each notch is, for example, a “U” shape that opens radially outward.

[0087] The hollow body 12 is radially introduced into the notch-shaped gripping member 38. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the hollow body 12 is supported by the hollow body's neck ring 18.

[0088] For this purpose, the neck ring 18 is wider than the notch so as to support the upper surface of the wheel 40 around the notch. For this reason, this conveying device 34 is sometimes referred to as a "notch wheel".

[0089] The shape of each notch forming the gripping member 38 does not allow the hollow body 12 to be held radially. In order to prevent the hollow body 12 from being thrown out of its gripping member 38, especially due to centrifugal force when the wheel 40 rotates, it is known to arrange at least one fixed guide surface 48 on the frame 36 for guiding the hollow body 12 by contact as it is moved by the gripping member 38, in particular holding the hollow body 12 radially in the notch forming the gripping member 38.

[0090] The guide surface 48 is mounted here by the guide member 50, which is arranged along the path of the hollow body 12 transported by the gripping member 38. For this purpose, the guide member 50 is in the shape of an annular segment.

[0091] The guide 50 is arranged such that the gripping member 38 passes radially opposite the guide surface 48. More specifically, the gripping member 38 and the guide 50 are arranged in the same horizontal plane.

[0092] The guide surface 48 is formed at least by the inner edge of the guide 50, which cooperates with the portion of the hollow body 12 immediately below the neck 16 to prevent the hollow body from detaching radially.

[0093] The guide surface 48 may also include the upper surface of the guide 50 at its inner periphery. The upper surface of the guide 50 thus allows it to participate in supporting the hollow body 12 by providing support for the collar 18, as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0094] In a variant of the invention not shown, the gripping member 38 is formed by clamps arranged around the wheel 40. Each clamp is capable of gripping the hollow body 12 via its neck 16, which can be below or above the neck ring 18.

[0095] Figure 5 Only shown Figure 1 Part of the equipment, which spans the forming unit 22 and the subsequent processing unit 24, here the filling unit.

[0096] For hygiene reasons, molding unit 22 is typically enclosed within housing 58, which is kept under overpressure relative to the surrounding environment to prevent dust and contaminant particles from entering.

[0097] When the subsequent processing unit 24 is a filling unit, the processing unit can also be enclosed in a housing 60 that is separate from and different from the housing 58 of the molding unit 22.

[0098] The housing 60 of the subsequent processing unit 24 is kept sterile by maintaining overpressure relative to the forming unit 22, since the filling operation must be carried out under very strict hygiene and sterilization conditions.

[0099] Container 12B enters the subsequent processing unit 24 from the forming unit 22 through the channel window 62, the size of which is adjusted to allow container 12B to pass through while minimizing the risk of contaminant particles entering.

[0100] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the conveying device 34 is arranged inside the housing 58 of the forming unit 22. More specifically, the conveying device 34 is arranged downstream of the forming unit 22.

[0101] Here, the conveying device 34 forms the last conveying device in the production path 30, which directly conveys the hollow body 12 to the channel window 62.

[0102] As a variation, the present invention can be applied to conveying devices arranged in other locations within the manufacturing equipment 10.

[0103] It has been found that friction between the hollow body 12 and certain components of the conveying device 34 during its movement causes dust to form due to imperceptible wear. This wear occurs as the hollow body 12 passes through a defined area 63 of its production path 30. The wear typically occurs at the neck 16 of the hollow body 12.

[0104] Referring to the example shown in the accompanying drawings, wear occurs here when the hollow body 12 comes into contact with the guide surface 48 of the conveying device 34. The defined region 63 is therefore formed by the path portion of the hollow body 12 when it comes into contact with the guide surface 48.

[0105] According to a variation of the invention (not shown), the conveying device 34 includes a clamp, and wear occurs when the hollow body 12 is transferred to a downstream conveying device, particularly when the hollow body 12 is pulled out of the clamp by a gripping component immediately adjacent to the downstream conveying device. In this case, the hollow body 12 rubs against the jaws of the clamp, causing the aforementioned wear that generates dust.

[0106] Region 63 is formed by the neck 16 path portion located at the transfer point where the hollow body is transferred from the conveying device to the immediate downstream conveying device.

[0107] The dust poses a risk of contaminating the interior of housing 58.

[0108] Furthermore, when the dust adheres to the container, especially due to electrostatic attraction, this dust may be carried into the housing 60 of the processing unit 24 (here, the filling unit).

[0109] Moreover, these dust particles pose a risk of entering the interior of the hollow body 12 and adhering to the hollow body.

[0110] To address this problem, the present invention proposes to directly extract dust from where it is generated.

[0111] For this purpose, the manufacturing equipment 10 includes a suction device 64, which includes at least one suction nozzle 66, such as Figures 4 to 10 As shown. The suction nozzle 66 is mounted on a structural element 67 that is fixed relative to the frame 36 of the conveying device 34 so as to be kept near the path of the neck 16 of the hollow body 12 within the defined area 63, so as to allow suction of dust generated by friction of the hollow body 12 without interfering with the passage of the hollow body 12.

[0112] The suction nozzle 66 is naturally located outside the hollow body 12 and does not move with the hollow body 12.

[0113] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the suction nozzle 66 is kept at a sufficient distance from the guide surface 48 to allow the suction of dust generated by the friction between the hollow body 12 and the guide surface 48 without interfering with the passage of the hollow body 12.

[0114] The suction nozzle 66 is mounted on a structural element of the housing 58. The structural element 67 is the crossbeam at the top of the housing 58.

[0115] The suction nozzle 66 mainly includes a nozzle body 68 equipped with an inlet 70 through which dust is drawn. The inlet 70 is arranged within a defined area 63, near the path of the neck 16 of the hollow body 12.

[0116] The entrance 70 is positioned directly above the upper surface of the guide 50.

[0117] exist Figures 4 to 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the suction device 64 includes a single suction nozzle 66.

[0118] In order to draw in dust generally along the entire guide surface 48, the inlet 70 is elongated in shape parallel to the direction of movement of the gripping component 38. The inlet 70 extends parallel to the guide surface 48, as shown below. Figure 6 As shown.

[0119] The suction nozzle 66 also includes at least one dust discharge port 72.

[0120] The nozzle body 68 of the suction nozzle 66 extends vertically and is angled such that the inlet 70 is located at the lower end, near the path of the neck 16 of the hollow body 12 (in this case, near the guide surface 48), while at least one discharge port 72 is vertically arranged above the inlet 70 and radially offset outward relative to the axis of rotation 42 of the rotor 40. This arrangement allows for the release of the passage of the hollow body 12 along the production path while positioning the inlet 70 closest to the defined region 63, in this case, closest to the guide surface 48, as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0121] like Figure 5As shown, the suction device 64 also includes a dust collector 74 and a negative pressure source 76, such as a pump, connected via a piping system 78.

[0122] As a non-limiting embodiment, the negative pressure source 76 generates negative pressure within the dust collector 74, thereby drawing dust through the piping system 78 and the suction nozzle 66. A device, such as a filter 80, is provided to trap dust in the dust collector 74, preventing further dust from traveling towards the negative pressure source 76.

[0123] The negative pressure source 76 is preferably controlled so that the negative pressure value can be changed, thereby changing the suction power. This allows ensuring that sufficient suction power is obtained to remove dust without causing the hollow body 12 to lift.

[0124] The piping system 78 includes a main suction pipe 78A, which is directly connected to the inlet port of the dust collector 74. The main suction pipe 78A is connected to at least one dust discharge port 72 of the suction nozzle 66.

[0125] Since the inlet 70 is elongated, the suction force is preferably distributed evenly along its entire length. For this purpose, the suction nozzle 66 includes a plurality of discharge holes 72, in this case two, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the discharge holes 72 are evenly distributed along a straight line that is generally parallel to the elongated shape of the inlet 70.

[0126] For this purpose, each discharge port 72 of the suction nozzle 66 is connected to the main suction pipe 78A via an associated auxiliary suction pipe 78B. Thus, the piping system 78 includes two auxiliary suction pipes 78B, which are connected to the main suction pipe 78A via branch connectors 82.

[0127] The cross-sectional area of ​​each auxiliary suction pipe 78B is smaller than that of the main suction pipe 78A. Advantageously, the cross-sectional area of ​​the auxiliary suction pipe 78B is approximately equal to half the cross-sectional area of ​​the main suction pipe 78A to avoid suction force loss between the main suction pipe 78A and the auxiliary suction pipe 78B.

[0128] In a variant of the invention not shown, the suction device 64 includes a plurality of suction nozzles distributed along the guide surface 48. This variant allows for uniform suction along the entire guide surface 48 using multiple suction nozzles, achieving the same effect as a single suction nozzle. These suction nozzles can be interconnected or even made into a single component.

[0129] In a variant of the invention not shown, the suction nozzle 66 is directly connected to the main suction pipe 78A via a single discharge port 72. This arrangement advantageously reduces pressure loss due to excessive changes in cross-section.

[0130] When the manufacturing equipment 10 is operating in a production mode in which the hollow body 12 is conveyed along the production path by the conveying device 34, the suction nozzle 66 is in Figure 4 ,5 The valid positions are shown in 6 and 8.

[0131] However, it is anticipated that certain components of the conveyor 34, particularly the guide 50 and the rollers 40, can be replaced to accommodate the conveying of hollow bodies 12 of different sizes. This operation is performed when the manufacturing equipment 10 is not in production mode. In this regard, it is preferable that unobstructed passageways are provided for the removal of these components.

[0132] As a variation, when the conveying device includes a clamp, it is expected that the clamp can be replaced.

[0133] Therefore, it is anticipated that when the manufacturing equipment 10 is not producing containers, the suction nozzle 66 can be moved away from the gripping component 38.

[0134] Preferably, the suction nozzle 66 is movable between an effective suction position and a maintenance ineffective position. In the effective suction position, the suction nozzle is near the gripping member 38 to allow dust suction; in the maintenance ineffective position, the suction nozzle is away from the gripping member, such as... Figure 9 As shown. Preferably, the suction nozzle 66 is guided as it moves between an effective position and an ineffective position.

[0135] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the suction nozzle 66 is guided to slide in a direction orthogonal to the production path plane via a sliding mechanism fixed relative to the frame 36. The invalid position is vertically located above the valid position.

[0136] In a variant of the invention not shown, the suction nozzle 66 may also be pivotally mounted, or a combination of pivoting and sliding mounting may be used.

[0137] like Figure 10 As shown, the suction nozzle 66 is fixed to the carriage 84, which is itself vertically slidably mounted on the bracket 86. The bracket 86 is fixed to the structural element 67.

[0138] In the illustrated embodiment, the carriage 84 has a vertical guide groove 88. The bracket 86 includes two screws 90, 92, arranged in two vertically distributed fixing holes. The screws 90, 92 pass through the guide groove 88 to achieve sliding guidance.

[0139] The suction nozzle 66 is locked in each of its active and inactive positions by an associated locking member.

[0140] The locking component is formed here by an upper screw 90, which can be tightened to clamp the carriage 84 between the bracket 86 and the head of the screw 90, thereby locking the sliding of the suction nozzle 66. The screw 90 advantageously has a handwheel 94 for easy operation without tools.

[0141] The movement of the suction nozzle 66 between its effective and ineffective positions is done manually here.

[0142] In a variant of the invention not shown, the movement of the suction nozzle 66 between its effective and ineffective positions is achieved by an actuator.

[0143] The suction nozzle 66 is preferably made of an antistatic material to prevent dust adhesion. For example, the suction nozzle is made of a plastic material. Preferably, the material conforms to current hygiene standards, such as "polyamide 11" (PA11).

[0144] In order to allow for radial adjustment of the position of the suction nozzle 66, especially when the guide 50 is replaced with a guide 50 of a different size to accommodate other types of hollow bodies, the preset suction nozzle 66 can be adjusted and mounted on the bracket in a direction orthogonal to the production path and in the plane of the production path.

[0145] To avoid making the housing space bulky with the piping system 78 of the suction device 64, the main suction pipe 78A is fixed along the housing wall. The dust collector 74 is located near the ground, below the conveying device 34, and rises along the column to the top of the housing. The auxiliary suction pipe 78B extends downward from the top to the suction nozzle 66.

[0146] Dust collector 74 is arranged inside housing 58 of molding unit 22.

[0147] In a variant of the invention not shown, the dust collector 74 is arranged outside the housing 58. This allows the dust collector to be emptied without stopping production, while maintaining sterility inside the housing 58.

[0148] The two auxiliary suction tubes 78B are flexible so that they can move between their two positions with the suction nozzle 66. Having two auxiliary suction tubes 78B with a smaller cross-section than the main suction tube 78A allows for a more flexible and space-saving tube.

[0149] As a variant, piping system 78 consists of only one main pipe.

[0150] Due to this arrangement, in the event of an unexpected stop in suction, dust in the auxiliary suction pipe 78B may fall back into the suction nozzle 66 due to gravity. To prevent dust from falling back into the inlet 70, a baffle 96 is provided in the discharge port 72 to trap the dust. The baffle 96 is formed here by horizontal vanes that partially extend through the discharge port 72, such as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0151] As a variant, the suction nozzle 66 does not have a baffle to reduce pressure loss and thus increase suction power.

[0152] The suction device 64, positioned near the guide surface 48 between the molding unit outlet and the channel window, allows the dust generated by the friction of the hollow body to be sucked away, thus preventing contamination of the filling unit housing.

[0153] Of course, the suction device 64 can be arranged on other conveying devices in the manufacturing equipment that may generate dust due to friction of hollow bodies.

Claims

1. A manufacturing apparatus (10) for containers made of thermoplastic materials, particularly bottles, said manufacturing apparatus (10) comprising at least one conveying device (34) for conveying a hollow body (12) equipped with a neck (16), said conveying device comprising: - Relative to a ground-fixed rack (36); - At least one gripping component (38) of the hollow body (12) is individually gripped by the neck (16) of the hollow body, the gripping component being movable along the production path (30); The manufacturing equipment (10) is characterized in that it includes a suction device (64) comprising at least one suction nozzle (64) mounted on a structural element (67) fixed relative to the frame (36) and arranged near a defined area (63) of the path of the neck (16) of the hollow body (12), for suctioning dust generated by friction of the hollow body (12) as the hollow body (12) passes through the defined area (63) without interfering with the passage of the hollow body.

2. The manufacturing apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The suction nozzle (66) has an inlet (70) which is elongated in shape parallel to the direction of movement of the gripping member (38).

3. The manufacturing apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The suction nozzle (66) is movably mounted on the frame (36) between a suction effective position and a maintenance ineffective position. In the suction effective position, the suction nozzle is near the path of the gripping member (38) to allow dust to be sucked up. In the maintenance ineffective position, the suction nozzle is away from the path of the gripping member (38).

4. The manufacturing apparatus (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that The suction nozzle (66) is guided to slide in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the production path (30).

5. The manufacturing apparatus (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The movement of the suction nozzle (66) between its effective suction position and maintenance ineffective position is achieved manually.

6. The manufacturing apparatus (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The movement of the suction nozzle (66) between its effective suction position and maintenance ineffective position is automatically achieved by an actuator.

7. The manufacturing equipment (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that, The suction nozzle (66) is locked in each of its suction effective position and maintenance ineffective position by an associated locking member (90).

8. Manufacturing plant (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The conveying device (34) includes at least one fixed guide surface (48) for guiding the hollow body (12) by contact as it is moved by the gripping member (38), the defined area (63) being formed by the portion of the hollow body (12) path when it contacts the guide surface (48).

9. Manufacturing plant (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The conveying device (34) includes a rotating wheel (40) that rotates on the frame (36), the wheel being equipped with a plurality of gripping parts (38) evenly distributed around its periphery.

10. The manufacturing apparatus (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that Each gripping component (38) is formed by a notch that opens radially outward.

11. Manufacturing plant (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The manufacturing equipment includes a molding unit (22) for molding a preformed hollow body (12) into a container hollow body (12), and the conveying device (34) is arranged downstream of the molding unit (22).

12. The manufacturing apparatus (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that The molding unit (22) is enclosed in the housing (58), the hollow body (12) leaves the housing (58) through the channel window (62), and the conveying device (34) directly conveys the hollow body (12) to the channel window (62).

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