Packaging machine

Abstract

A packaging machine having a preform processing module to prepare preforms for container manufacturing, the preform processing module comprising: a spraying unit for spraying a disinfecting substance in the preform to visibly cover an interior of the preform with the disinfecting substance; the oven is provided with a heating device for heating the preform; the driving device is used for enabling the preforms to move inside the spraying unit and then enabling the preforms to move inside the drying oven along the heating device, the driving device enables the preforms to move from the upstream of the heating device or the feeding port to the downstream of the heating device or the discharging port, and the preforms are arranged at the upstream of the heating device or the feeding port. The preforms are visible covered by the sterilizing substance downstream of the heating device or at the discharge opening and are not visible covered by the sterilizing substance downstream of the heating device or at the discharge opening. By means of the technical scheme, the disinfection level of the preforms is improved in a controllable mode, and the conveying and disinfection efficiency of the preforms is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of equipment and processes for packaging beverages in containers having a very high level of sterilization, and more particularly to a packaging machine having a preform handling module for preparing preforms for container manufacturing. Background Art

[0002] The manufacture of sterile containers and packaging machines therefor are known. In most cases, the packaging machines include a preform handler for feeding and heating preforms before they are molded into containers. Continuous improvements in the manufacture of sterile containers and the equipment therefor are sought. The present invention is primarily directed to providing an improved packaging machine for manufacturing sterile containers that meets these and other needs. Utility Model Content

[0003] According to one example, the present invention relates to a packaging machine having a preform processing module to prepare preforms for container manufacturing. The preform processing module includes a spray unit, an oven with a heating device, and a drive device. The spray unit is configured to spray a sterilizing substance into the preform, thereby visibly covering the interior of the preform with the sterilizing substance. The oven and the heating device heat the preform, and the drive device moves the preform inside the spray unit and then moves the preform along the heating device inside the oven. In an exemplary embodiment, the drive device moves the preform from the upstream or feed port of the heating device to the downstream or discharge port of the heating device, where the preform is visibly covered with the sterilizing substance and where the preform is visibly not covered with the sterilizing substance. Therefore, when moving through the oven, the preform is exposed to the heating device, causing the sterilizing substance therein to evaporate.

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, the driving device moves along a first axis X1 and then along a second axis X2 parallel to the first axis X1, wherein the heating device includes a first heating device arranged along a portion of the first axis X1, and wherein the second heating device is arranged along a portion of the second axis X2.

[0005] In an example embodiment, the first heating device evaporates at least a portion of the sterilizing substance on the preform, such that the preform is visibly covered before the first heating device and is visibly less covered after the first heating device.

[0006] In an example embodiment, the first heating means does not evaporate all of the substance, so that the preform is not visibly uncovered after the first heating means.

[0007] In an example embodiment, the second heating device evaporates a substance on the preform so that the preform is visibly covered at an inlet end of the second axis X2 and is visibly uncovered at an outlet end of the second axis X2.

[0008] In an example embodiment, the second heating device evaporates a substance on the preform so that the preform is visibly covered at an inlet end of the second axis X2 and is visibly uncovered at an outlet end of the second axis X2.

[0009] In an example embodiment, the first heating means evaporates all substances so that nothing remains visible on the preform after the first heating means.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the drive device has a U-turn between the first axis X1 and the second axis X2 in order to transport the preforms from the first heating device to the second heating device.

[0011] In an example embodiment, the U-turn is divided into three segments, and the preform undergoes post-heating vaporization during its movement along at least one of the segments of the U-turn.

[0012] In an example embodiment, the preform undergoes post-heat vaporization within the U-turn to transition from being visibly less covered to being visibly uncovered within a first section of the U-turn.

[0013] In an example embodiment, the preform undergoes post-heat vaporization within the U-turn to transition from being visibly less covered to being visibly uncovered within a second section of the U-turn.

[0014] In an example embodiment, the preform undergoes post-heat vaporization within the U-turn to transition from being visibly less covered to being visibly uncovered within a third section of the U-turn.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the drive device moves the preform from the discharge end of the first heating device, where the preform is still visibly covered, to the feed end of the second heating device, where the preform is visibly uncovered.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the drive device moves the preform from the discharge end of the first axis X1 to the feed end of the second axis X2, where the preform is still visibly covered, and at the feed end of the second axis X2, where the preform is visibly uncovered.

[0017] In an example embodiment, the preform handling module further comprises a preform feeding module that brings preforms to the ejection module.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the drive means take the form of a rotating star wheel at the level of the spraying unit and take the form of at least one susceptor wheel at the level of the oven.

[0019] With the help of the technical solution of the present application, the sterilization level of the preforms is improved in a controllable manner and the transportation and sterilization efficiency of the preforms is improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 Detailed top plan view of a packaging machine and a preform handling module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 To follow Figure 1 1. View of a packaging machine and corresponding parts of a preform handling module according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention through which preforms pass.

[0022] Figure 3 To follow Figure 1 1. View of a packaging machine and corresponding parts of a preform handling module according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing a passing preform.

[0023] Figure 4 To follow Figure 1 1. View of a packaging machine and corresponding parts of a preform handling module according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing a passing preform.

[0024] Figure 5 To follow Figure 1 1. View of a packaging machine and corresponding parts of a preform handling module according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing a passing preform.

[0025] Figure 6 To follow Figure 1 1. View of a packaging machine and corresponding parts of a preform handling module according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, showing a passing preform. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to an apparatus or packaging machine 1 for producing sterile containers and, for example, to a preform handling module 5 for preparing preforms 11 for container production. Figure 1 A packaging machine 1 comprising a preform handling module 5 is shown.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the packaging machine 1 as described herein includes a preform handling module 5 connected to, for example, a blow molding device 100, so that preforms 11 can be prepared by the preform handling module 5 and directly continue to container production, wherein the preforms 11 are provided to the blow molding device 100 to be formed into sterile containers by blow molding or stretch blow molding. In an exemplary embodiment, the packaging machine 1 may include additional equipment, such as a filling and sealing device (not shown) for filling and capping the sterile containers and / or a labeling device (not shown) for decorating the sterile containers. Thus, according to an exemplary embodiment, the packaging machine 1 may include a preform heating module 5, a blow molding device 100, and a filling and sealing and / or labeling device (not shown).

[0028] The preform infeed module 10 is configured to bring preforms to a spraying module or unit 18 for spraying a sterilizing substance into the preforms and visibly coating the interior of the preforms with the sterilizing substance. In an exemplary embodiment, the sterilizing substance may include hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), or another desired sterilizing substance, as needed. In an exemplary embodiment, the preform infeed module 10 includes a guide rail 12 positioned adjacent a drive device 13 for feeding and transporting preforms 11 to receive a dose of sterilizing substance at the spraying unit 18.

[0029] In example embodiments, the spray unit 18 may be configured to spray or discharge the sterilizing substance therefrom in various configurations and forms. According to an example embodiment, the spray unit 18 may be configured to discharge a cold vapor or mist of sterilizing substance droplets so as to deposit a substantially uniform film of sterilizing substance condensate on at least the inner wall of the preform 11 to be sterilized by condensation. According to another example embodiment, the spray unit 18 may be configured to discharge hot vapor droplets for condensation on at least the inner wall of the preform 11. According to another example embodiment, the spray unit 18 may be an ultrasonic vaporizer for discharging a large number of cold droplets in the form of steam. According to another example embodiment, the spray unit 18 may be configured to spray a mixture of air and cold liquid droplets of the sterilizing substance deposit.

[0030] In the exemplary embodiment, the drive device 13 of the preform feeding module 10 comprises a rotating star wheel 14 for feeding the preforms 11 to the spraying unit 18 to receive a dose of sterilizing substance. Thereafter, the preforms 11 are fed one by one via a chain 24 connected to a spindle between base wheels 22 of an oven 20 comprising heating devices 26a, 26b. The chain 24 moves along the oven 20, exposing the preforms 11 connected thereto to the heating devices 26a, 26b.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the chain 24 follows an endless path around two base wheels 22. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the base wheels 22 may be configured to drive the chain 24 in endless motion therearound, or, for example, the chain 24 itself may be driven in some other manner to move endlessly around the base wheels 22. In an exemplary embodiment, the drive device 23 may be in the form of one or both base wheels 22, or, for example, the drive device 23 may be configured to cause displacement of the chain 24 in some other manner.

[0032] In the exemplary embodiment, once the preforms 11 are sprayed with the sterilizing agent and connected to the chain 24, the preforms 11 are moved through the oven 20, first in a first direction along the first axis X1, and then in a second direction along the second axis X2. In the exemplary embodiment, the first direction is opposite to the second direction. In the exemplary embodiment, the first axis X1 and the second axis X2 are parallel to and spaced apart from each other. In the exemplary embodiment, the first heating device 26a is positioned along the first axis X1, and the second heating device 26b is positioned along the second axis X2.

[0033] In the exemplary embodiment, the first axis X1 includes an inlet end P1 and an outlet end P4, and the second axis X2 includes an inlet end P5 and an outlet end P8. In the exemplary embodiment, a U-turn T is provided to transfer the preform 11 from the first heating device 26a to the second heating device 26b, or, for example, to transfer the preform 11 from the outlet end P4 of the first axis X1 to the inlet end P5 of the second axis X2.

[0034] like Figure 1 As depicted in FIG, the U-shaped turn T is approximately U-shaped or semicircular to connect the discharge port end P4 of the first axis X1 to the feed port end P5 of the second axis X2. According to the exemplary embodiment, the first heating device 26a is arranged along a portion of the first axis X1, and the second heating device 26b is arranged along a portion of the second axis X2. In the exemplary embodiment, still referring to Figure 1The first heating device 26a includes an inlet end P2 and an outlet end P3, and the second heating device 26b includes an inlet end P6 and an outlet end P7. In an exemplary embodiment, the inlet ends P2, outlet ends P3, inlet ends P6, and outlet ends P7 of the heating devices 26a and 26b are spaced inward from the inlet ends P1, outlet ends P4, inlet ends P5, and outlet ends P8 along the first and second axes X1 and X2. According to some exemplary embodiments, the first and second heating devices 26a and 26b are approximately centered between their inlet and outlet ports along their respective axes X1 and X2.

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment, the preform processing module 5 is configured so that the driving device 23 moves the preform 11 from upstream of the feed port end P2 of the first heating device 26a to downstream of the discharge port end P7 of the second heating device 26b, where the preform 11 is visibly covered with the sterilizing substance at the feed port end P2 of the first heating device 26a and is visibly not covered with the sterilizing substance at the discharge port end P7 of the second heating device 26b.

[0036] In the exemplary embodiment, as will be described in more detail below, the visibility of the sterilizing substance covering the interior of the preform 11 can vary between being visibly covered 19a, being visibly less covered 19b, and being visibly uncovered 19c. In the exemplary embodiment, as the chain 24 circulates around the base wheel 22, generally from the observation point VP (see Figure 1 ) captures the visibility of the sterilization substance from a point of view VP that is approximately orthogonal with respect to the movement path of the preform 11 along the first and second axes X1 , X2 and the U-turn T connecting them.

[0037] refer to Figure 1-2 In the first exemplary embodiment, the chain 24 moves the preforms 11, which are visibly covered with the sterilizing substance, along the first axis X1 from the inlet end P1 and through the inlet end P2 and the outlet end P3 of the first heating device 26a. In the exemplary embodiment, the first heating device 26a evaporates at least a portion of the sterilizing substance on the preforms 11.

[0038] Thus, when the preform leaves the discharge end P3 of the first heating device 26a, the sterilizing substance, although still visible on the preform 11, has begun to reduce its presence on the preform 11 and has therefore caused the preform 11 to be visibly less covered 19b with the sterilizing substance than it was approximately before moving beyond the feed end P2 of the first heating device 26a.

[0039] When leaving the discharge port end P3 of the first heating device 26a, the preform 11 remains visibly less covered 19b and continues to move to the discharge port end P4 of the first axis X1, moves along the U-turn T, and passes the feed port end P5 and the second heating device 26b and moves along the second axis X2 to the discharge port end P8 of the second axis X2.

[0040] according to Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG, the preform remains visibly less covered from the discharge end P3 until the preform 11 exceeds the feed end P6 of the second heating device 26b. Thereafter, upon leaving the discharge end P7 of the second heating device 26b, the preform 11 is visibly uncovered.

[0041] Thus, the first heating device 26a causes a change in the visibility of at least part of the sterilizing substance on the preform 11, so that the preform 11 is visibly covered 19a before the first heating device 26a and is visibly less covered 19b after the first heating device 26a. In this way, the first heating device 26a does not evaporate all the substance, so that after the first heating device 26a, the preform is not visibly uncovered.

[0042] exist Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG, the second heating device 26b evaporates the substance on the preform 11 so that the preform 11 is visibly uncovered at the discharge end P8 of the second axis X2. Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 , the second heating device 26 b evaporates the substance on the preform 11 so that the preform 11 is visibly uncovered at the discharge end P7 of the second heating device 26 b.

[0043] refer to Figure 3 In the second exemplary embodiment, the chain 24 moves the preform 11, visibly covered with sterilizing material, along the first axis X1 from the inlet end P1 to the inlet end P2 of the first heating device 26a. While passing the inlet end P2, the sterilizing material of the preform 11 begins to transform; first, the transformation causes the preform 11 to become visibly less covered 19b, and then to become visibly uncovered 19c, all of which occurs between the inlet end P2 and the outlet end P3 of the first heating device 26a. Thereafter, from the time the preform 11 leaves the first heating device 26a, the preform remains visibly uncovered 19c along the U-turn T and the second axis X2.

[0044] In the exemplary embodiment, the first heating device 26a evaporates all of the sterilizing substance on the preform 11 so that when the preform 11 leaves the discharge end P3 of the first heating device 26a, nothing remains visible on the preform 11 (e.g., visibly uncovered 19c). In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the preform 11 may remain visibly less covered 19b throughout the first heating device 26a and, for example, transition from being visibly less covered 19b to being visibly uncovered 19c between the discharge end P3 of the first heating device 26a and the discharge end P4 of the first axis X1.

[0045] refer to Figure 4-6 In the third exemplary embodiment, the chain 24 moves the preform 11, visibly covered with sterilizing material, along the first axis X1 from the inlet end P1 to the inlet end P2 of the first heating device 26a. Upon passing the inlet end P2, the sterilizing material of the preform 11 begins to transform, becoming visibly less covered 19b. Continuing to move, the preform 11 passes the outlet end P4 of the first axis X1, remaining visibly less covered 19b. Still remaining visibly less covered, the preform begins to move along the U-turn T.

[0046] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 As it moves along the U-turn T, the preform 11 transitions from being visibly less covered 19b to being visibly uncovered 19c. According to an exemplary embodiment, the U-turn T can be divided into three consecutive segments α, β, and γ to enable more precise identification of the location along the U-turn T where the at least partially visible sterilization solution on the preform 11 transitions to becoming visibly uncovered 19c. In an exemplary embodiment, segments α, β, and γ comprise approximately 60 degrees around the U-turn T, along which the transition can occur. According to an exemplary embodiment, the preform 11 undergoes post-heating evaporation during its movement along at least one of segments α, β, or γ of the U-turn T. For example, as used herein, the term "post-heating" is intended to imply that at least a first heating step has occurred (e.g., the preform 11 was exposed to the first heating device 26a), and does not imply that the preform 11 has been exposed to the entire heating device 26 (first and second heating devices 26a, 26b).

[0047] According to the exemplary embodiment, the first segment α is approximately defined between the discharge port end P4 of the first axis X1 (e.g., the feed port end of the U-shaped turn T) and the first cutting line D1, the third segment γ is approximately defined between the feed port end P5 of the second axis X2 (e.g., the discharge port end of the U-shaped turn T) and the second cutting line D2, and the second segment β is approximately defined between the first cutting line D1 and the second cutting line D2. Therefore, when the chain moves the preform 11 along the U-shaped turn T, the preform 11 initially moves along the first segment α, then along the second segment β, and further along the third segment γ.

[0048] according to Figure 4 In the depicted embodiment, during the first segment α of the U-turn T, the preform 11 transitions from being visibly less covered 19b to being visibly uncovered 19c, whereby the preform 11 undergoes post-heating evaporation within the U-turn T so as to transition from being visibly less covered 19b to being visibly uncovered 19c within the first segment α of the U-turn T.

[0049] according to Figure 5 In the depicted embodiment, during the second segment β of the U-turn T, the preform 11 transitions from being visibly less covered 19b to being visibly uncovered 19c, whereby the preform 11 undergoes post-heating evaporation within the U-turn T so as to transition from being visibly less covered 19b to being visibly uncovered 19c within the second segment β of the U-turn T.

[0050] according to Figure 6 In the depicted embodiment, during the third segment γ of the U-turn T, the preform 11 transitions from being visibly less covered 19b to being visibly uncovered 19c, whereby the preform 11 undergoes post-heating evaporation within the U-turn T so as to transition from being visibly less covered 19b to being visibly uncovered 19c within the third segment γ of the U-turn T.

[0051] Thus, the drive device 23 moves the preform 11 from the discharge end P4 of the first axis X1 to the inlet end P5 of the second axis X2. At the discharge end P4 of the first axis X1, the preform 11 is still visibly covered by the sterilizing substance, while at the inlet end P5 of the second axis X2, the preform 11 is not visibly covered by the sterilizing substance. For example, in other words, the drive device 23 moves the preform 11 from the discharge end P3 of the first heating device 26a to the inlet end P6 of the second heating device 26b. At the discharge end P3 of the first heating device 26a, the preform is still visibly covered by the sterilizing substance, while at the inlet end P6 of the second heating device 26b, the preform is not visibly covered by the sterilizing substance.

[0052] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, control and adjustability can be integrated with respect to the time span that the sterilizing substance remains present and visible within the preform 11 as it moves along the first and second axes X1, X2 and the U-turn T connecting therebetween. For example, in certain protocols, the aim is to maximize the amount of time that the sterilizing substance remains present and visible on the preform 11 before the preform 11 enters the blow molding apparatus 100, while still ensuring that the preform 11 becomes visibly uncovered 19 c before passing the outlet end P8 of the second axis X2.

[0053] According to an example embodiment, the sterilization process is further improved based on the duration for which the sterilization substance within the preform 11 remains at least visibly less covered 19b before transitioning to being visibly uncovered 19c.

[0054] According to example embodiments, one or more devices, such as cameras, sensors, or other image capturing devices, may be positioned along the first axis X1, the second axis X2, and the U-turn T to maintain real-time awareness of the visibility of the sterilization substance within the preforms 11. For example, the one or more devices may be positioned near a viewing point VP positioned outside the path of the chain 24 and facing the chain 24, or, for example, the one or more devices may be positioned within the defined path of the chain 24, facing outwardly toward the chain 24, for example, to capture real-time images and / or video thereof, indicating whether the sterilization substance on the preforms 11 is visible as the preforms 11 move through the preform processing module 5 together with the chain 24. According to example embodiments, the one or more devices may be configured to face a direction substantially perpendicular to the path of the chain 24, or, for example, the one or more devices may be configured to face a direction at an angle relative to the defined path of the chain 24, for example, the one or more devices may be oriented at an angle between approximately 0.5 degrees and approximately 89.5 degrees relative to the defined path of the chain 24. According to example embodiments, the protocol may vary with respect to the duration of time that the preform 11 remains at least visibly less covered 19b and moves through.

[0055] For example, according to some protocols, the preform 11 transitions along the second axis X2 from being visibly less covered 19b to being visibly uncovered 19c (see Figure 2 According to another exemplary embodiment, the preform 11 transitions along the first axis X1 from being visibly less covered 19b to being visibly uncovered 19c (see Figure 3 According to another exemplary embodiment, the preform 11 transitions along one of the three sections α, β or γ of the U-turn T from being visibly less covered 19b to being visibly uncovered 19c.

[0056] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as the preform 11 moves along the first axis X1, the second axis X2, and the U-turn T connecting them, the preform 11 is visually inspected to confirm that the preform 11 has been sterilized, for example, that the preform 11 becomes visibly uncovered 19c before passing through the outlet port P8 of the second axis X2. Thus, the sterilization of the preform 11 can be visually inspected by human vision or by a technical system (e.g., one or more devices such as cameras, sensors, or other image capture devices). In this way, visual inspection of the sterilization solution within the preform 11 provides a real-time indication that a specific protocol is being adhered to, or, for example, that sterilization has been completed and the preform 11 is visibly uncovered 19c, e.g., without any visible sterilizing substance or chemical particles (in this example, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)).

[0057] According to an example embodiment, Figure 2-6 The orientation of the preform 11 shown in FIG is for illustrative purposes. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the orientation of the preform 11 changes along at least a portion of the first axis X1, the U-turn T, and / or the second axis X2, for example, to become oriented in an inverted orientation with its opening and neck facing downward and coupled to the mandrel of the chain 24. However, according to alternative exemplary embodiments, the orientation of the preform 11 may remain vertical while passing through the preform handling module 5, or, for example, the preform 11 may be oriented in any desired manner while passing through the preform handling module 5.

Claims

1. A packaging machine, characterized in that: The packaging machine has a preform handling module to prepare preforms for container production, the preform handling module comprising: a spraying unit (18) for spraying a sterilizing substance in the preform (11) to visibly cover the interior of the preform (11) with the sterilizing substance; an oven (20), the oven (20) having a heating device for heating the preform (11); and a drive device (13, 23) for moving the preform (11) inside the injection unit and then moving the preform (11) along the heating device inside the oven (20), The drive device (13, 23) moves the preform (11) from the upstream or feed port of the heating device to the downstream or discharge port of the heating device, wherein the preform (11) is visibly covered by the sterilizing substance at the upstream or feed port of the heating device and is visibly not covered by the sterilizing substance at the downstream or discharge port of the heating device.

2. The packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that In the oven (20), the driving device moves along a first axis (X1) and then moves along a second axis (X2) parallel to the first axis (X1), wherein the heating device includes a first heating device (26a) arranged along a portion of the first axis (X1) and a second heating device (26b) arranged along a portion of the second axis (X2).

3. The packaging machine according to claim 2, characterized in that The first heating device (26a) evaporates at least a portion of the sterilizing substance on the preform (11), so that the preform (11) is visibly covered before the first heating device (26a) and is visibly less covered after the first heating device (26a).

4. The packaging machine according to claim 3, characterized in that The first heating means (26a) does not evaporate all of the sterilizing substance, so that after the first heating means (26a) the preform is not visibly uncovered.

5. The packaging machine according to claim 3, characterized in that The second heating device (26b) evaporates the substance on the preform (11) so that the preform (11) is visibly covered at the inlet end (P5) of the second axis (X2) and is visibly uncovered at the outlet end (P8) of the second axis (X2).

6. The packaging machine according to claim 4, characterized in that The second heating device (26b) evaporates the substance on the preform (11) so that the preform (11) is visibly covered at the inlet end (P5) of the second axis (X2) and is visibly uncovered at the outlet end (P8) of the second axis (X2).

7. The packaging machine according to claim 3, characterized in that The first heating means (26a) evaporates all the sterilizing substance so that nothing remains visible on the preform after the first heating means (26a).

8. The packaging machine according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that: The drive device has a U-shaped turn (T) between the first axis (X1) and the second axis (X2) to transport the preform from the first heating device (26a) to the second heating device (26b).

9. The packaging machine according to claim 8, characterized in that The U-turn is divided into three sections (α, β, γ), and wherein the preform (11) undergoes post-heating evaporation during its movement along at least one of the three sections (α, β, γ) of the U-turn (T).

10. The packaging machine according to claim 9, characterized in that The preform (11) undergoes post-heating evaporation within the U-turn (T) so as to transition from being visibly less covered to being visibly uncovered within a first section of the U-turn (T).

11. The packaging machine according to claim 9, characterized in that The preform (11) undergoes post-heat evaporation within the U-turn (T) so as to transition from being visibly less covered to being visibly uncovered within a second section of the U-turn (T).

12. The packaging machine according to claim 9, characterized in that The preform (11) undergoes post-heating evaporation within the U-turn (T) so as to transition from being visibly less covered (19b) to being visibly uncovered (19c) within a third section of the U-turn (T).

13. The packaging machine according to claim 8, characterized in that The driving device (23) moves the preform (11) from the discharge port end (P3) of the first heating device (26a) to the feed port end (P6) of the second heating device (26b), wherein the preform (11) is still visibly covered at the discharge port end (P3) of the first heating device (26a), and is visibly uncovered at the feed port end (P6) of the second heating device (26b).

14. The packaging machine according to claim 9, characterized in that The driving device (23) moves the preform (11) from the discharge end (P4) of the first axis (X1) to the feed end of the second axis (X2), wherein the preform (11) is still visibly covered at the discharge end (P4) of the first axis (X1) and is visibly uncovered at the feed end of the second axis (X2).

15. The packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that The packaging machine further comprises a preform feeding module (10), which brings the preforms (11) to the injection unit (18).

16. The packaging machine according to claim 1, characterized in that The drive means (13, 23) take the form of a rotating star wheel (14) at the level of the spraying unit (18) and take the form of at least one base wheel (22) at the level of the oven (20).

Images