Container forming system suitable for cleaning and sterilizing containers, clamps, molds and interiors of containers, clamps and molds

Abstract

The utility model discloses a container forming system suitable for cleaning and sterilizing a container, a clamp, a mold and the interior of the container, the clamp and the mold. The container forming system comprises a sealing mechanism, a stretching rod device, the mold, a fluid controller, a fluid recovery pipeline, a storage cylinder body and corresponding switch valves, the system can be widely applied to all implementation stages of the whole production process flow of injecting pressurized fluid into various types of preforms to form containers, and is particularly applied to equipment for hydroforming and synchronously filling the containers, and the sealing mechanism is provided with a middle channel and a one-way valve and is connected with corresponding fluid; the stretching rod device also has various corresponding stretching rod deformations, and the container, the clamp, the mold and the interior of the stretching rod device can be cleaned and sterilized through two stages, so that waste and discharge of pressurized fluid can be prevented, serious sanitation problems are avoided, and production of sterile bottles is ensured; and the liquid level of the container after hydraulic forming and synchronous filling and the influence of foam on the liquid level are effectively controlled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of forming containers by injecting a molding fluid into a preform and forming the preform from the preform, and in particular to the application of a molding system comprising a sealing mechanism and a stretching rod device in various implementation stages of the actual production process of molding and filling different types of containers.

[0002] The invention relates to a method for cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing a mold and the inside of a sealing mechanism as well as a stretching rod and the inside and outside of a container.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a method for forming a container and simultaneously filling the container using a molding system comprising a sealing mechanism and a stretching rod device by using a liquid as a pressurized molding fluid for the container.

[0004] The present invention also relates to a method for suppressing foaming at the neck of a container and controlling the liquid level in a filled container using such a device. The present invention also relates to a method for using such a device to clean in place (CIP) and sterilize in place (SIP) the interior of a product cylinder and piping.

[0005] The preform of the present invention can be made of a thermoplastic material or a metal or metal-containing preform, such as a steel or aluminum alloy can. Examples of thermoplastic materials include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyetherimide (PEI), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), other polymers, or mixtures of these materials. The preform of the present invention can be heated or unheated.

[0006] In this application, the "cleaning, disinfection and sterilization medium" includes but is not limited to: alcohol, atomized alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, atomized hydrogen peroxide, steam, steam hydrogen peroxide, and other cleaning agents or dirt dissolving agents, etc., depending on different product types and process requirements.

[0007] In the present invention, "liquid" has a physical meaning, which means any incompressible and flowable medium. The liquid may have low viscosity (such as water or alcohol), medium viscosity (such as cooking oil or soup) or high viscosity (such as yogurt or creamy products). The liquid may be homogeneous or heterogeneous (such as containing fruit particles or small pieces of food). Incompressible liquids can be, for example, water or other beverages, body care products, home and garden care products, medical fluids, fuels, operating fluids, etc. Liquids include but are not limited to: drinking water, fruit juice drinks, soy milk drinks, milk drinks, coffee, fruit pulp, ink, eight-treasure porridge, mung bean porridge, fruit milk drinks, cosmetics, shower gel, shampoo and toothpaste, etc.; it is not limited to food, but can also be a sterilized fluid or water mixture or a verified sterile nutrient culture medium; it can be Newtonian or non-Newtonian.

[0008] The following examples of the present invention primarily utilize the compression molding of plastic preforms into containers. Each preform typically has a general shape, such as a test tube. To form the preform into a container, the preform is typically heated at a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the preform material and below the crystallization temperature of the preform material, thereby rendering the preform malleable and capable of expanding to the shape of the desired container.

[0009] In order to form a container, it is known to use a pressurized molding fluid injected into a heated ductile preform placed in a mold to shape the container according to the shape of the mold. The pressurized molding fluid is, for example, a gas during container blowing or a liquid during hydraulic molding. The molding process generally first injects a low-pressure first pressure P1 (for example, 3-16 bar) to form an intermediate preform state, and then injects a high-pressure second pressure P2 (for example, 16-40 bar or greater) to form the final finished container.

[0010] In this application, the first pressure P1 and the second pressure P2 are also terms used herein, the first pressure represents low pressure (such as 3-16 bar), and the second pressure represents high pressure (such as 16-40 bar or greater). Background Art

[0011] According to the different classifications of container molding mold temperatures, container injection molding is divided into cold mold molding and hot mold molding.

[0012] Cold mold forming is a process in which cooling water (below 80°C, usually ice water around 10°C) is introduced into the mold during the molding process, so that the heated preform is quickly cooled after molding and can be easily removed from the mold. Cold mold forming is widely used due to its low energy consumption cost.

[0013] In cold molding applications, due to the small internal volume of the preform, in order to reduce the energy consumption of sterilizing the container after molding, the preform is often injected with a disinfectant and sterilization medium first. This significantly reduces the time, energy and sterilization medium required for processing. However, there are disadvantages: the process is not safe for bottle sterilization or foreign matter (such as condensed water) exists in the mold, affecting the appearance of the bottle, and the seal, the inside of the mold and the stretch rod cannot be sterilized more effectively.

[0014] In hot mold forming applications, electric heating or a mold temperature controller is used to heat the heat-conducting oil or water circulating in the mold to increase the mold temperature (above 80°C, usually the mold temperature is 110°C ~ 160°C), which is used to eliminate the internal stress caused by the stretching of the bottle blank and increase the crystallinity of the bottle plastic to withstand high-temperature hot liquid and prevent the bottle from deforming.

[0015] When using hot mold forming, it is crucial to prevent the container from sticking to the mold after molding, making it difficult to remove, and to control deformation of the container after demolding. Before the mold is opened, the inner wall of the container needs to be cooled and shaped to facilitate removal of the container and control deformation after demolding. Currently, circulating cooling air technology is widely used: high-pressure air is blown into the interior of the hollow stretch rod and emptied in a cycle, with a blowing cycle time of approximately 0.1 to 2 seconds. Therefore, the high-pressure air consumption of hot mold forming equipment for heat-resistant containers is much higher than that of cold mold forming equipment. In addition, the quality requirements for preforms and finished containers are higher, and the finished product loss rate is high. Heating the mold, heating the bottle filling liquid, and cooling after filling all require a lot of energy.

[0016] Currently, plastic containers are commonly blown using compressed air and then filled separately on a separate filling machine. This leads to high equipment investment costs. Furthermore, the major drawbacks of compressed air blowing are low energy efficiency, high power consumption, and high costs. However, using pressurized liquid-based containers for simultaneous filling offers lower investment costs and energy consumption. However, this process is more complex, and in particular, the liquid released during container rupture can adhere to the mold and cause scarring defects in subsequent container molding.

[0017] One issue with hydroforming is contamination of the preform, as the product is introduced directly into the preform during the hydroforming process. Since the stretch rod and sealing mechanism come into contact with the product being hydroformed into the container, residual product on the stretch rod and sealing mechanism can become contaminated over time. Furthermore, residual product on the stretch rod or sealing mechanism can drip onto the heated preform before hydroforming. This contact can cause defects in the hydroformed container at that location, such as scarring and discoloration that affect its appearance. Another significant defect is the possibility of the molded container bursting or developing only small holes, which can result in contact between the hydroforming medium and the inner surface of the mold and require extensive cleaning of the mold cavity, a process that typically requires significant downtime. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive, multifunctional, and simultaneous molding and filling technology that is simple to manufacture (or easily adaptable to existing machines).

[0018] One of the objects of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned shortcomings by proposing a molding system including a sealing mechanism configured with an intermediate channel and a one-way valve and a stretching rod device, thereby ensuring the cleaning and sterilization of the inside and outside of the molded container.

[0019] The present invention also relates to a molding system including the aforementioned sealing mechanism and stretch rod assembly, applicable to processes using liquid as the pressurized molding fluid for containers and simultaneous filling. Specifically, the system is applied at various stages of the actual production process: pre-production testing and molding process adjustments for containers; system internal cleaning (CIP) / sterilization (SIP); water removal; molding station and fixture cleaning and sterilization; production; in-production troubleshooting and maintenance applications; and production completion and material discharge for the next production process. Summary of the Invention

[0020] To this end, the present invention relates to a method for cleaning and sterilizing a container, a fixture, a mold defining the contour of the container, and the interior thereof, and a molding system including a sealing mechanism and a stretching rod device, comprising:

[0021] - A sealing mechanism for sealing with the preform port and receiving a pressurized fluid and injecting the pressurized fluid into the preform, characterized in that it is provided with an intermediate channel and a one-way valve and / or connected to a cleaning, disinfection and sterilization medium, a gas line, a discharge line equipped with a waterproof and breathable membrane filter element, a defoaming agent line, a nitrogen filling line, a liquid filling line and / or a return line.

[0022] - A stretching rod device, used to extend into the preform and stretch the preform, including a solid stretching rod or a hollow stretching rod with a circular electric heating device embedded in the middle of the stretching rod, the hollow stretching rod having an open through-hole at the bottom and a one-way valve at the top connected to a cleaning, disinfection and sterilization medium and gas pipeline, a return pipeline, a defoaming agent pipeline and a liquid filling pipeline; and the stretching rod has the following other variations or combinations of the following variations:

[0023] The stretching rod device also includes an electric heating device embedded in the interior of the stretching rod, and includes a hollow middle and a solid stretching rod.

[0024] -The stretching rod is hollow in the middle, has an open through hole at the bottom, and has one or more thin tubes embedded in the middle.

[0025] -Stretching rod, hollow in the middle, with an open through hole at the bottom, in which a thin tube, an annular electric heating tube and a temperature detector are embedded.

[0026] -Stretching rod, with electric heating rod (or circular electric heating tube) and temperature detector embedded in the middle, closed at the top and bottom, that is, solid.

[0027] -Stretching rod, the lower end of the stretching rod is equipped with a built-in liquid sensing detection device, which senses the liquid level after the container is hydraulically formed and accurately replenishes the liquid level.

[0028] The container forming system of the present invention is suitable for cleaning and sterilizing the container, fixture, mold and the interior thereof, and includes, in addition to the above-mentioned sealing mechanism and stretching rod device, the following:

[0029] - a mold, which defines the outer contour of the container, can be opened to receive the preform and then closed, and opened to output the container after the container is formed;

[0030] - A fluid controller, connected to a fluid source and inputting pressurized molding fluid into the preform through the sealing mechanism, thereby expanding the preform. The fluid controller can have various structural components, including, but not limited to, a switch, a pressure flow controller, a liquid rapid pressurizer, or a combination of the above. It can be single or multiple, for example, one device can be a one-way valve and provide a first pressure liquid, while another can provide a second pressure liquid. Alternatively, one device can input liquid and another device can output liquid, achieving liquid circulation within the sealing mechanism while maintaining the liquid temperature. It can be connected to a product liquid storage tank, for example, via a pipeline.

[0031] - The virtual container, fluid recovery and discharge pipeline, storage cylinder, corresponding switch valve and connecting pipeline are used for cleaning and sterilizing the inside of the system before and after production, as well as for recovering and storing fluids during production. The virtual container can be fixed to the sealing mechanism through a mechanical snap-fit ​​and sealed with the bottom seal of the sealing mechanism. Alternatively, a thread can be configured on the outer side of the upper port of the virtual container to cooperate with and seal with the thread on the inner side of the middle of the bottom end face of the sealing mechanism to achieve reflux circulation of the fluid through the virtual container.

[0032] The sealing mechanism of the present invention can precisely control product liquid levels and eliminate foam during the container molding process, as well as clean and sterilize the sealing mechanism itself, the interior of the mold, and the stretch rod before and / or after molding. It is characterized by a one-way valve to prevent high-pressure fluid from entering and damaging the cleaning and sterilization piping components during container molding. The one-way valve is connected to an internal intermediate channel within the sealing mechanism, located between the preform port seal and the bottom sealing contact surface of the injection piston. Fluid can flow in and out of this intermediate channel through the one-way valve. Preferably, a small pipe is connected to the lower portion of the sealing mechanism's intermediate channel and extends into the interior of the preform port. The small pipe can be separately provided or integrated into the sealing mechanism's inner plug inserted into the preform port. Fluid can flow in and out of this pipe through a small hole at the bottom. Optionally, the sealing mechanism's intermediate channel is connected to an external connecting pipe in a single channel. Alternatively, the sealing mechanism's intermediate channel and the external connecting pipe are multiple and mutually independent.

[0033] Advantageously, during the cleaning phase before and after machine production or during periods of downtime, the operator can run the automatic cleaning and sterilization steps for the mold:

[0034] -Open the mold, seal the mechanism at the upper limit, open the gas purge, and clean the foreign matter on the inside and outside surfaces of the mold.

[0035] -The mold closes and the sealing mechanism descends to contact or approach the upper end surface of the mold.

[0036] -Open the gas to purge and clean the foreign matter on the inner surface of the mold,

[0037] - The stretching rod descends to the lower limit position and continues to purge. Optionally, the purge gas source can come from the upper part of the sealing mechanism, or the gas connected to the one-way valve of the sealing mechanism can be used.

[0038] -When the purge is completed, the sterilization medium is injected into the one-way valve of the sealing mechanism. The sterilization medium can be used alone or mixed with gas to form an atomized medium to sterilize the sealing mechanism itself, the inside of the mold and the stretch rod.

[0039] - Turn off the sterilization medium and allow it to dry naturally or use gas to purge and dry or activate the sterilization medium.

[0040] -After cleaning and sterilization, the sealing and stretching rod rise to the upper limit.

[0041] The above process can be repeated according to the process requirements of different specifications and types of products.

[0042] The stretch rod device of the present invention can clean and sterilize the sealing mechanism, the interior of the mold, and the stretch rod itself during the cleaning phase before and after machine production or during production stoppages, that is, before and / or after container molding. It can also clean and sterilize the interior of the container after the container is molded. It is characterized by being equipped with a one-way valve to prevent high-pressure fluid media from mixing into and damaging the cleaning and sterilization pipeline facilities during container molding. It is also more effective and has a wider range of applications than the above-mentioned sealing mechanism (for example, it has better implementation effects for taller and larger containers). It can be used alone or in combination with the above-mentioned sealing mechanism.

[0043] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for cleaning and sterilizing a forming mold, a sealing mechanism, and a stretch rod using a stretch rod device, the method comprising:

[0044] During the cleaning phase before and after production, or during periods of downtime, the machine operates an automated cleaning process: the mold closes, the seal descends until it contacts or approaches the mold's upper surface, a first pressure gas is injected into the upper end of the stretch rod, and the rod descends to its lower limit, purging the inner surface while descending to remove foreign matter. Once the purge is complete, a sterilization medium is injected. This medium can be used alone or mixed with the gas from the upper end of the stretch rod to form an atomized medium, sterilizing the seal, the mold interior, and the inner and outer surfaces of the stretch rod. The sterilization medium is then dried naturally or purged with gas to dry or activate the sterilization medium. After cleaning and sterilization, the seal and stretch rod ascend to their upper limit. Depending on the process requirements for different product types, the stretch rod can be moved up and down during cleaning and sterilization, and the above process is repeated.

[0045] Preferably, after the equipment starts production, after detecting that the preform begins to enter the heating box for heating, and before the preform enters the mold for forming, the sealing mechanism and stretch rod device are cleaned and sterilized in a cycle or only a purge action is performed to ensure that the mold is clean and sterile. This prevents bacteria or foreign matter (such as condensed water or foreign matter adhering to the mold due to condensed water) from being present on the mold before the preform enters the mold.

[0046] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for cleaning and sterilizing conveying clamps for preforms and containers using a sealing mechanism and / or a stretching rod device. The method includes, when the machine is in a non-production state, the sealing mechanism is at the upper limit, and the machine is running to convey the clamp to the upper part of the mold, that is, the clamp is at the lower part of the seal, opening the above-mentioned sealing mechanism and / or stretching rod device cleaning and sterilization cycle, and cleaning and sterilizing the clamp. The advantage is that it reduces the need for external dedicated clamp cleaning and sterilization devices, reduces equipment costs, increases the internal space of the equipment, and facilitates maintenance.

[0047] Preferably, during the production process, if a mold is detected to have a container molding anomaly (such as damage), which may contain residual debris or liquid (in the case of liquid pressure molding), the preform about to enter the mold can be automatically rejected, and the above cycle or only the purge action can be performed on the mold separately to remove foreign matter and ensure product quality.

[0048] Due to the application of the above technical solution, the present invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0049] The ability to clean and sterilize individual molds and fixtures one by one ensures the production of sterile bottles while also ensuring that no bacteria and / or foreign matter from outside the bottles enter the filling machine, preventing contamination and affecting the normal production of the filling machine and product quality.

[0050] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for cleaning and sterilizing the interior of a container after forming using a stretch rod device, the method comprising:

[0051] When using pressurized gas to blow mold containers, after the container is 100% formed and the hollow stretch rod is at the lower limit, the high-pressure gas inside the container is discharged. Simultaneously, a sterilizing medium gas or steam mixture is injected from the upper end of the stretch rod and blown into the container. The sterilizer is then quickly purged or cleaned by subsequent cleaning processes. The stretch rod then rises to the upper limit, completing the cleaning and sterilization of the container interior. The gas pressure injected from the upper end of the stretch rod can be adjusted to the first or second pressure according to the process requirements of different product specifications and types. This has the advantage of cleaning and / or sterilizing the interior of the formed container, ensuring a cleaner container interior and improving product quality.

[0052] Preferably, the present invention relates to a method of using a sealing mechanism and / or a stretch rod device as a first pressurized fluid injection device in a container forming application, the method comprising:

[0053] After the preform is heated and enters the mold, the seal descends, the stretch rod descends, and the first pressure molding fluid is injected from the sealing mechanism and / or the one-way valve at the upper end of the stretch rod. After the stretch rod descends to the lower limit to complete the initial preforming of the container by biaxial stretching, the second pressure molding fluid is injected to complete the container molding. The advantage is that the molding fluid flows out from the lower hole of the stretch rod, which can better prevent the inner wall of the preform (especially the upper part) from contacting the outer surface of the stretch rod or the molding fluid, causing rapid cooling and thus affecting the molding process. It can also reduce the amount of the first pressure molding fluid used, especially in applications using liquid as the container molding fluid. It can reduce the amount of gas or foam inside the container after molding, reducing the impact on the container filling level. The advantages of using a sealing mechanism to provide the first pressure fluid are more obvious in liquid pressure molding applications, which will be described in detail below.

[0054] According to another aspect of the present invention, when steam is used as a disinfection and sterilization medium in the above invention, the steam can be generated by an external generator, or by embedding an electric heating and temperature detection device inside the stretching rod, and then injecting a disinfection and sterilization atomized liquid from the upper end of the stretching rod and heating it.

[0055] Optionally, when an external generator is used to provide steam, in order to prevent heat loss from the stretching rod, a capillary tube and a temperature detection device are embedded in the middle of the stretching rod, and an insulation layer is added to the annular gap outside the capillary tube. The advantage is that the temperature can be maintained, the sterilization effect can be ensured, and energy consumption can be reduced.

[0056] Optionally, the self-heating stretch rod can be designed as a hollow or solid stretch rod:

[0057] A capillary tube is embedded in the center of the hollow heating stretch rod, and an annular electric heating tube and insulation layer are embedded in the annular gap outside the capillary tube. The length and position of the electric heating tube and insulation layer within the stretch rod can be determined according to process requirements, or curved capillary tubes and electric heating tubes can be used. The advantages of this method are that the heating pipeline is more stable, the steam pressure generated is more stable than that of ordinary spirally wound heating tubes, it is less prone to clogging, and it has more diverse functions.

[0058] The solid heating stretching rod is an electric heating rod (or a circular electric heating tube) embedded in the lower part of the stretching rod and the position where it may contact the fluid in the container. The upper part of the heating rod (or the inside of the heating tube) is encapsulated with an insulation layer in other gaps. The length of the heating rod (or heating tube) and the insulation layer and their position in the stretching rod can be determined according to process requirements. Its advantage is that for certain types of products, it can be used directly to perform axial stretching on the preform, eliminating the step of injecting the first pressure fluid. During the stretching process, the inner wall of the preform will not cool down when it contacts the stretching rod, resulting in poor molding. When the stretching is completed or is about to be completed, the second pressure fluid is directly injected to form the container. Especially in liquid pressure molding applications, the sealing mechanism is connected to a pipeline and / or a waterproof and breathable membrane (hydrophobic) filter element. After the container is formed, the pipeline is used to vent and / or reflux, which can reduce the impact of air in the container on the liquid level and capacity.

[0059] As described in the above-mentioned heated stretching invention, the present invention relates to a method for using a heated stretch rod device to heat and sterilize a stretch rod in a container forming application, and eliminating the first pressure fluid to perform container forming, the method comprising:

[0060] Before the preform enters the mold for molding, the lower part of the stretch rod may contact the product position area in the container to heat and sterilize it. The temperature and sterilization time can be adjusted according to different product types and process requirements (such as 120℃-180℃, 20 minutes). After sterilization is completed, the stretch rod is cooled and maintained in a certain temperature range (such as 50-95℃ for PET plastic) to ensure that the inner wall of the preform contacts the outer surface of the stretch rod during the stretching process of the stretch rod descending to stretch the preform. The preform temperature will not drop and it can still be stretched normally in both directions. After molding, optionally, if it is a hydraulic molding application, an exhaust pipe can be installed on the sealing mechanism, and a waterproof and breathable membrane filter can be built in and / or externally connected to exhaust the air in the container. The sealing mechanism rises again, and at the same time, the first pressure gas or slightly positive pressure (such as 1.5 bar) gas (such as carbon dioxide) behind the stretch rod or the one-way valve of the sealing mechanism is opened to blow the residual liquid in the sealing mechanism and on the stretch rod into the container to complete the container molding and filling. The advantage is that the use of the first pressure fluid is eliminated, especially in container hydraulic forming applications, which can reduce the abnormal cooling and forming caused by the preform contacting the liquid too early during the container forming process, and can also reduce the amount of gas or foam inside the container after forming, reducing the impact of uneven filling liquid level in the container.

[0061] Optionally, for the production of certain types of products using solid stretching rods, such as the injection and pressurized liquid molding and simultaneous filling of large-capacity containers above 1 liter, it is necessary to inject a first pressure fluid for initial pre-molding. In this structure, the first pressure fluid can only be provided by the pipeline connected to the one-way valve of the sealing mechanism.

[0062] Optionally, the lower tail end of the stretch rod may be equipped with a liquid sensing device (such as a liquid level probe). This device has the advantage of accurately sensing the actual liquid level in the container during container hydraulic forming and synchronous filling, and accurately replenishing the liquid level to ensure product quality.

[0063] The present invention also relates to a container forming system including the above-mentioned sealing mechanism and stretch rod device, which is applied to a process of pressurized forming and simultaneous filling of a container using a liquid as a fluid, and specifically to various implementation stages in actual production applications, including:

[0064] - Test container molding process adjustment before production - System internal cleaning (CIP) / sterilization (SIP) - Drive out water - Clean and sterilize molding station and fixture - Production - Troubleshooting and maintenance application during production - After production is completed, discharge the material and enter the next production process.

[0065] - Test container molding process adjustment before production:

[0066] The molding system of the present invention relates to a method for testing and adjusting the container molding process before production of container hydraulic molding. The method includes: before formal production, first transferring the heated preform into the mold, then lowering the stretching rod to stretch it, and at the same time or after the stretching is completed, injecting a first pressure gas from the sealing mechanism and / or the stretching rod one-way valve, the preform expands to form a container pre-finished product (for example, 92% of the volume of the finished container), and at the same time detecting whether the container pre-finished product is damaged or leaking, and then taking it out of the mold, checking that the quality of the pre-finished product is normal, and then entering the production stage to pressurize and fill the container with liquid. The advantage is that it prevents the influence of changes in various process factors, resulting in abnormal quality or damage of the container when it just enters production, liquid leakage from the mold, and increased cleaning difficulty.

[0067] Preferably, the molding system is first injected with an easy-to-clean liquid (e.g., one that is easily removed from the equipment and does not promote microbial growth) to perform pressure injection molding and container filling. After verifying that the molding process is functioning properly, the easy-to-clean liquid is removed and formal production can commence. This approach is advantageous for containers with difficult-to-clean products (e.g., toothpaste) and prevents machine hygiene issues caused by cracking or leakage during process adjustments, thereby reducing costs and improving efficiency.

[0068] - CIP cleaning / SIP sterilization inside the molding system - driving out water:

[0069] It also relates to a method for cleaning the valves in the product pipelines within the molding system CIP and sterilizing SIP, as well as a method for driving out water with the product when the product is ready to enter production after completion. The method includes: a cleaning fluid (such as a heated acid or alkali liquid) and a sterilizing fluid (such as a mixture of steam and sterile water) flow from the product storage cylinder through a sealing mechanism and are sealed by a lower dummy cup (virtual container), flow upward from a small hole at the bottom of the stretch rod into the interior of the stretch rod, and flow back to the storage cylinder from the top, including flowing back to the storage cylinder from a discharge pipe connected to the one-way valve of the sealing mechanism and / or the lower opening of the virtual container, thereby completing the cyclic cleaning and sterilization. Optionally, the stretch rod descends into the virtual container for cleaning and sterilization. Optionally, for an electrically heated stretch rod, auxiliary heating can be performed by the stretch rod as needed.

[0070] -Water expulsion: This is also the pre-production preparation stage. After the system is cleaned and sterilized, there is cleaning and sterilization liquid (not product liquid, usually sterile water) in the internal pipelines of the molding system, which needs to be discharged during production. At this time, the product can be injected to expel it, and the product is discharged from the interior of the equipment through the stretch rod and / or the discharge pipe connected to the one-way valve of the sealing mechanism, so that the molding system is filled with product liquid.

[0071] - Cleaning and sterilization of molding station and fixtures - Production: As described above and in detail later, the description will not be repeated here.

[0072] - Application of troubleshooting and maintenance in production - production completion and material arrangement:

[0073] According to another aspect, the present invention also relates to a method for emptying the liquid in the internal pipeline of the system. When production is completed or the equipment needs to be inspected and repaired, in order to prevent the presence of liquid inside the equipment from affecting the operation, it is necessary to first stop pressurizing the product liquid, install a dummy container on the sealing mechanism, open the injection piston, and then open the first pressure gas connected to the stretching rod device and / or the one-way valve of the sealing mechanism, and use the gas to blow the liquid in the system out of the machine and return it to the storage cylinder or discharge it.

[0074] Preferably, an air source is installed in the pipeline after the outlet valve of the product storage cylinder to simultaneously blow out the product pipeline. Optionally, before the above-mentioned water removal stage, the internal pipelines of the molding system can be purged of any cleaning and sterilization liquids using this method, and then the product liquid can be injected to resume production.

[0075] In the application of the above-mentioned container hydraulic forming for some product liquids that are more prone to bubbles and foam, the present invention also relates to a method for controlling the container filling level and eliminating foam using the above-mentioned device, the method comprising:

[0076] When the preform is 100% completed by injecting the second pressure liquid, the stretching rod is at the upper limit and the second pressure liquid injection is closed. At this time, most of the residual gas and foam in the container are concentrated in the upper part and / or inside the stretching rod. The discharge pipe connected to the one-way valve of the sealing mechanism is opened to release the pressure. At the same time, the stretching rod and / or the first pressure liquid connected to the one-way valve of the sealing mechanism are opened to inject and replenish the liquid level. At this time, due to the effect of pressure, the liquid will be quickly injected into the upper part of the container and push the residual gas and foam to be discharged from the discharge pipe on the one-way valve of the sealing mechanism. After the residual gas and foam in the container are emptied, the first pressure liquid injection is closed and the container is opened. The first pressure gas or slightly positive pressure gas (e.g., 1.5 dar) is injected into the one-way valve of the stretching rod and / or the sealing mechanism, and / or the defoaming agent connected to the stretching rod and / or the sealing mechanism is opened to blow the residual liquid inside the stretching rod and the sealing mechanism into the container. The Bernoulli principle, particularly the Venturi effect, is then utilized to blow the liquid above the container liquid level out of the container through the discharge pipe on the one-way valve of the sealing mechanism. The air pressure and purge duration are adjusted according to the product type and container size to ensure that the liquid in the container is at the liquid level after the purge. The discharge pipe on the sealing mechanism is then closed, and the sealing mechanism is raised to complete the container forming and filling. The advantages of this method are that the control is relatively simple and does not require complex equipment to solve the difficult problems of removing foam and controlling the liquid level in hydroforming applications.

[0077] Preferably, the molding system of the present invention further includes a method for performing hydraulic molding by utilizing the water hammer effect and preventing the water hammer effect:

[0078] - Utilization of the water hammer effect: Depending on the type of products and equipment, the pressure of the second pressure liquid used in the system can be adjusted to a lower level (e.g., the container wall thickness is thin). At the same time as the second pressure liquid injection begins, the sealing mechanism and / or the return line on the stretch rod one-way valve are opened. When the preform is about to be fully formed, they are closed again. The water hammer effect is used to increase the pressure in the container. After the container is formed, the second pressure liquid injection is closed.

[0079] - Methods for preventing water hammer: Depending on the type of product and equipment, the system's secondary pressure liquid can be adjusted to a higher pressure (e.g., for thicker container walls). However, to prevent damage to equipment components caused by water hammer vibrations, the return line to the sealing mechanism and / or the stretch rod check valve is opened just as the pressurized liquid in the container is about to reach the required pressure. Then, when the pressure in the container is detected to be at the normal molding pressure, the sealing mechanism and / or the return line to the stretch rod check valve are immediately closed. The pressure in the container is maintained for the time required for molding to complete before the secondary pressure liquid injection is shut off. This not only discharges excess foam and liquid mixture but also helps prevent damage to machine components caused by excessive pressure due to water hammer.

[0080] Due to the application of the above technical solution, the present invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0081] Container forming and filling are carried out simultaneously, which improves work stability and production efficiency, reduces factory space, equipment costs and production costs, and increases investment returns. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0082] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the accompanying drawings are only used to illustrate selected embodiments and are not intended to illustrate all possible implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0083] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of using a sealing mechanism for purge cleaning and sterilization;

[0084] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of using a stretch rod device for purge cleaning and sterilization;

[0085] Figure 3 and Figure 3.1 is a schematic diagram of a pressurized gas blow molding container application in which a stretching device is used to sterilize the interior of the container after the container is formed;

[0086] Figures 4.1-4.5 is a schematic diagram of a stretching rod device using various stretching rod deformations according to the principles of the present invention;

[0087] Figures 5.1-5.5It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sealing mechanism and the transfer of the heated preform into the mold for stretching and preforming of various containers;

[0088] Figures 6.1-6.2 It is a schematic diagram of the internal cleaning, sterilization and water removal of the container molding system;

[0089] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an example of the practical application of the principles of the present invention in the production of small-capacity 200ml PET containers and simultaneous filling of products;

[0090] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an example of the practical application of the principles of the present invention in the production of large-capacity 1500ml PET containers and simultaneous filling of products;

[0091] Figure 9 The present invention is applied to the production of 600ml PET containers and the simultaneous filling of products.

[0092] Note that the embodiments shown in the figures may be modified in whole or in part to provide other embodiments of the present technology that may combine or separate various actions, wherein these actions may operate substantially simultaneously or may overlap in at least some operational aspects, such that certain actions shown as operating in concert or at least overlapping in action may also be initiated and completed separately and in a sequential manner without any overlap in action. Likewise, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, actions described separately may be combined or at least overlapped or initiated in the absence of physical or structural barriers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] The present invention relates to the technical field of forming containers, such as bottles, for example beverage bottles containing water, carbonated water, carbonated soft drinks, juice, tea, energy drinks, alcoholic, non-alcoholic beverages or other types of liquids, such as personal or household care products, pharmaceutical products, viscous food products and non-food products, such as but not limited to cooking oil, ketchup, yogurt, toothpaste, etc.

[0094] The container of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, a shape of a bottle, a keg, a can or a box, and also includes a container-shaped lid or cover.

[0095] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a forming system which is part of a forming machine for producing containers from preforms which are generally fed continuously into the machine for forming.

[0096] The present invention is applicable to, but not limited to, linear machines or rotary machines, and can be applied to two-step processes, one-step processes, and extrusion blow molding processes.

[0097] The present invention can be applied to both the field of "air blowing," where a container is formed by injecting pressurized gas into a preform, and the field of "hydroforming," where a container is formed by injecting pressurized liquid into a preform. Because air blowing technology is well known and conventional, the following description will primarily focus on hydroforming technology. However, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to hydroforming technology and can readily be applied to air blowing technology.

[0098] This invention is primarily used in cold mold container forming, but some of the inventive devices are also applicable to hot mold forming applications. It is suitable for both ambient temperature or refrigerated fluids and heated fluids. It can be used to develop new equipment or retrofit existing equipment.

[0099] Conventional equipment injects both the primary and secondary pressure molding fluids into the preform from the center of the upper seal. Typically, the primary and secondary pressure fluid control switches are integrated into the same valve block, with the fluids injected through the seal into the preform through the same outlet channel. This is costly and inconvenient to convert to simultaneous hydroforming and filling. Simultaneous hydroforming and filling reduces contact space between transfer fluids and the container exterior, thereby reducing contamination and ensuring product quality.

[0100] In the present invention, the first and second pressure and slightly positive pressure gases can be ambient air, carbon dioxide, nitrogen or other gases.

[0101] Typically, a molding machine for producing containers is composed of multiple molds 2. These mold stations, along with the sealing mechanism and stretch rod assembly, are collectively referred to as molding stations. In other words, the machine comprises multiple molding stations. Although not shown in detail in the accompanying drawings, mold 2 can be opened on both the left and right sides. By opening mold 2, preforms 12 can be inserted, closed to form molded containers 10, and then reopened to remove containers from mold 2, typically using grippers 9 to remove container 10.

[0102] The injection piston 13 of the present invention and the sealing mechanism 1 and stretching rod 3, the sealing mechanism 1 and the container port and other contact positions with the pressurized fluid all include corresponding seals (not shown). The seals can be made of a polytetrafluoroethylene ring resistant to cleaning agents or other materials, such as perfluororubber, metal, EPDM rubber, or a suitable material composite.

[0103] In the following description, the terms "upper" and "lower" are defined relative to a longitudinal axis Y, which corresponds to the axis of the container to be produced and extends substantially vertically when the container is positioned on its bottom. The apparatus can also be tilted along the longitudinal axis Y (not shown), particularly when the pressurized liquid 14 is used solely as a container forming medium and is not retained within the container. After the container is formed, the corresponding valve assembly as described above is opened to drain and recover the liquid 14. Preferably, a hollow stretch rod assembly 3 is used to inject gas or sterile water to purge the container downward from the bottom to accelerate the discharge of the liquid 14 within the container and any remaining liquid 14. Optionally, the gas can be added to the sterilizing agent to simultaneously sterilize the bottle interior.

[0104] The sealing mechanism 1, the stretching rod device 3 and the injection piston 13 of the present invention can be controlled by a servo, mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic system according to actual needs, or by a combination of the above-mentioned various controls.

[0105] An intermediate channel 1.1 connected to the outside is provided inside the sealing mechanism 1 between the sealing portion of the preform port 12.1 and the sealing contact end surface 1.2 of the bottom of the injection piston 13, through which fluid can be input and output.

[0106] Preferably, the sealing mechanism 1 is further provided with an inner plug 1.3 at the sealing position with the preform port 12.1, such as Figure 5.4 It can be used to assist in guiding the preform when the seal is lowered, and it is also helpful to reduce the pressure on the port during the pressure forming of the container, ensuring that the container port does not deform.

[0107] Preferably, the sealing mechanism 1 is provided with a pipeline 1.31 on the inner plug provided at the sealing position with the preform port 12.1. Figure 5.4 As shown, the fluid can be input and output through the small hole at the bottom of this pipeline, thereby achieving precise control of the internal product liquid level after the container is hydroformed.

[0108] Preferably, the sealing mechanism 1 has no inner plug at the sealing position with the preform port 12.1, and only has a pipe 1.4 extending into the preform port 12.1. Figure 5.5 As shown, the fluid can be input and output through the small hole at the bottom of this pipeline, thereby achieving precise control of the internal product liquid level after the container is hydroformed.

[0109] The sealing mechanism 1 can be kept in a normally lower position in contact with or close to the mold, and then rise when the preform is to be loaded; or it can be kept in an normally upper position away from the mold, and then lowered to seal the preform after the preform is loaded.

[0110] The pressurization of the liquid 14 can be achieved by a high-pressure pump, a piston or other devices; the pressurization process can be carried out on the path to the fluid controller 15 or by the fluid controller 15 itself; the pressurization process can be carried out by inputting the pressurized source main pipe into the energy storage cylinder and then being supplied by the energy storage cylinder.

[0111] As shown in the accompanying drawings, the one-way valves connected to the sealing mechanism 1 and the stretching rod assembly 3 can be one or more. These can be one-way valves 5 and 7 to prevent fluid from flowing outward, or one-way valves 4 and 8 to prevent fluid from flowing inward. The one-way valves can be built into the sealing mechanism 1 and the stretching rod assembly 3, or they can be externally connected to the sealing mechanism 1 and the stretching rod assembly 3 (not shown). Similarly, for different applications, the pipeline connected to the one-way valve can be a single one or a multi-channel manifold connected to the one-way valve. Preferably, a gas recovery valve group and filter and corresponding pipelines (not shown) are connected to the sealing mechanism 1 to achieve gas recycling, such as for use as a first pressure or slightly positive pressure gas, to reduce energy consumption.

[0112] Preferably, the pipeline connecting the sealing mechanism 1 and the one-way valves 5 and 7 on the stretch rod assembly 3 is connected to a concentrated liquid, additive, or granular material, such as syrup or fruit pulp. After forming, the container is checked for damage before refilling. This can reduce product waste and thus costs for filling difficult-to-clean products, especially by reducing the difficulty of cleaning after spillage caused by container damage during the forming process. Optionally, sterile water or carbonated water can be connected to the pipeline and flushed clean after the concentrated liquid or granular material is injected.

[0113] Typically, the sealing mechanism 1 and the stretching device 3 are equipped with a chemical corrosion resistant pressure detection element (not shown) (such as an acid and alkali resistant pressure sensor), which can detect the pressure in the container during the molding process to determine whether the container is formed normally. If the pressure in the pressurized molding stage does not meet the actual set value (such as the container is damaged and leaking), the pressurization source can be immediately shut down to end the subsequent molding process, preventing the waste of pressurized fluid and reducing fluid loss, especially avoiding serious hygiene problems caused by abnormal discharge of pressurized liquid.

[0114] Preferably, Figure 5.1 A cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing pipeline and corresponding sealing components are installed in the space 1.5 on the lower end surface of the sealing mechanism 1. When the seal descends to enclose the preform, the valve 11 is opened to introduce a cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing medium to disinfect and sterilize the outer side of the preform port 12.1 and the inner space below the seal. A chemically and corrosion-resistant preform detection element 1.6 (such as an optical fiber sensor resistant to acid and alkali cleaning agents) can also be installed. When the seal descends and detects a preform, pressurization and molding of the container will only begin. If the seal descends and no preform is detected, the corresponding valve group will not be activated. This prevents the wasteful discharge of compressed air and pressurized liquid, and especially avoids serious health problems caused by abnormal discharge of pressurized liquid, thereby saving costs.

[0115] Depending on the process requirements for different types of product liquids, the temperature of the pressurized liquid can be room temperature, or the liquid can be cooled or heated before pressurization. The fluid controller 15 can have different structural components, and can be, but not limited to, a switch, a pressure flow controller, a liquid rapid pressurizer, or a combination of the above components. It can be single or multiple, such as one device with a one-way valve and providing a first pressure liquid and another device providing a second pressure liquid. Alternatively, one device can input liquid and another device can output liquid, so that the liquid can circulate inside the sealing mechanism 1 while maintaining the temperature of the liquid. It can be connected to the storage tank of the product liquid through, for example, a pipeline.

[0116] Now, the appended claims and the objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent when referring to the accompanying drawings and reading the description of the embodiments given below, in which:

[0117] refer to Figures 1 to 2 , which shows the cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of the mold and sealing mechanism, as well as the stretch rod and fixture. The following process can be repeated according to the process requirements of different specifications and types of products:

[0118] -Purge cleaning method:

[0119] like Figure 1 As shown, use the sealing mechanism, the sealing mechanism is at the upper limit and the lower limit, open the upper middle part of the sealing mechanism (as shown Figure 1 .1) or one-way valve 5 (such as Figure 1 .2) The connected gas 6 (such as 7 bar) is used to purge the sealing mechanism and the inside of the mold 2 and the fixture 9 (such as Figure 1 .3) When the foreign matter is blown away. During the process, the stretching rod 3 is lowered (such as Figure 1 .4) to clean the stretching rod.

[0120] like Figure 2 As shown, a hollow stretching rod is used, and the sealing mechanism and the stretching rod are at the upper limit position. Figure 2 .3, open the gas 6 (such as 7 bar) to purge the mold 2 and the fixture 9 (when handing over); then the sealing mechanism descends ( Figure 2 .1), the stretching rod continues to purge and descends at the same time ( Figure 2 .2) Clean the mold, the inside of the sealing mechanism and the stretching rod.

[0121] - Disinfection and sterilization method: During the above-mentioned purging operation, the gas 6 is replaced with a disinfection and sterilization medium or a mixture of a sterilization medium and a gas.

[0122] Example: Disinfectant atomized alcohol (eg, pressure 2 bar, 75% concentration) is intermittently injected from the sealing mechanism one-way valve 5 and / or the stretch rod one-way valve 7 to disinfect and sterilize the mold and the inside of the sealing mechanism as well as the stretch rod and the clamp.

[0123] Another embodiment: hydrogen peroxide vapor (e.g., 3.5 bar, 130°C, 3% concentration) is intermittently injected through the sealing mechanism one-way valve 5 and / or the stretch rod one-way valve 7, and then 130°C hot air is separately injected to activate and decompose the hydrogen peroxide, thereby disinfecting and sterilizing the mold and the interior of the sealing mechanism, as well as the stretch rod and the clamp.

[0124] The aforementioned method for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing the mold, the interior of the sealing mechanism, and the stretching rod and fixture using the sealing mechanism 1 and stretching device 3 is characterized by the inclusion of a one-way valve to prevent high-pressure fluid from entering and damaging the cleaning and sterilization piping during container molding. The stretching device 3 is more effective and has a wider range of applications than the sealing mechanism 1 (for example, it offers better results for taller and larger containers). It can be used alone or in combination with the sealing mechanism 1. This method can be performed before or after machine production, or during periods of downtime (such as after normal maintenance or overhaul). It can also be performed during production if a mold is detected to be abnormally molded (such as damaged) and may contain residual debris or liquid (in the case of liquid pressure molding processes). The machine automatically removes the preform about to enter the mold and then performs the aforementioned cycle or simply performs a purge on the mold to remove foreign matter and ensure product quality. Its internal location eliminates the need for external cleaning and sterilization equipment, reduces equipment costs, increases internal space, and facilitates maintenance. It is also possible to clean and sterilize individual molds and fixtures one by one, ensuring the production of sterile bottles while also ensuring that no bacteria and / or foreign matter from outside the bottles enter the filling machine, preventing contamination and affecting the normal production of the filling machine and product quality.

[0125] refer to Figure 3 , which describes a method for sterilizing the interior of a container using a stretching device 3 immediately after the container is formed in a pressurized gas blown container forming application:

[0126] Embodiment: After the container is 100% formed, when the hollow stretch rod 3 is at the lower limit position, when the high-pressure gas inside the container is discharged, the sterilization medium gas or steam mixture (such as 3.5 bar, temperature 130 ° C, 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide) is injected from the upper part of the stretch rod 3 and blown into the container, and then quickly purged with gas or cleaned by subsequent work sections, and then the stretch rod 3 rises to the upper limit position. Preferably, as Figure 3.1Fluid injection can also be performed during the stretch rod's ascent, completing the cleaning and sterilization of the container interior. The purge gas pressure injected into the upper portion of the stretch rod can be adjusted to the first or second pressure, depending on the process requirements of different product types and specifications. This advantage is that it cleans and / or sterilizes the interior of the molded container, preventing contamination or foreign matter from being present during the molding process, ensuring a cleaner container interior and improving product quality.

[0127] like Figures 1 to 3 A first pressure fluid is connected to the sealing mechanism check valve 5 and / or the stretch rod check valve 7. This fluid can be used as the first pressure fluid for preforming containers in container molding applications. This advantage is that the molding fluid flows out of the lower hole of the stretch rod 3, which can better prevent the inner wall of the preform (especially the upper part) from contacting the outer surface of the stretch rod or the molding fluid, thereby rapidly cooling and causing molding defects. It also reduces the amount of the first pressure molding fluid used. In particular, in applications where liquids are used as the container molding fluid, this can reduce the amount of gas or foam inside the container after molding, reducing the impact on the container filling level. The specific embodiments below will be described in more detail.

[0128] Now refer to Figures 4.1 to 4.5 , which shows various variations of the stretch rod device 3, including:

[0129] like Figure 4.1 and 4.2 The stretch rod is embedded with an electric heating rod 3.21 or an annular electric heating tube 3.2, a temperature sensor, and wires 3.4 in the middle. It is sealed at the top and bottom, meaning it is solid. Depending on the length of the preform and the height of the finished container, the heating rod 3.21 and the annular heating tube 3.2 are embedded in the lower portion of the stretch rod, where they may come into contact with the container's inner wall and the fluid. Insulation layers 3.3 and 3.6 are encapsulated above and below the heating rod and heating tube, or in other gaps within the annular electric heating tube, to prevent heat loss and abnormal conduction.

[0130] like Figure 4.3 and 4.5 The stretch rod is hollow in the middle, with an open through-hole at the bottom. One or more capillaries 3.1 are embedded and integrated in the middle. The capillaries embedded in the middle of the stretch rod are connected to the upper one-way valve and pipeline, respectively. Different fluids connected to the upper one-way valve can be input and output through different capillaries.

[0131] like Figure 4.3 The single thin tube 3.1 is wrapped with a heat insulation layer 3.3, so that the heating fluid will not lose heat or conduct abnormally when passing through the thin tube.

[0132] like Figure 4.4The figure shows a hollow heated stretch rod. The stretch rod is hollow in the middle, with an open through-hole at the bottom. A single capillary tube 3.1 is embedded in the center. A circular electric heating tube 3.2 (such as a micro MCH alumina ceramic heating tube), a temperature sensor and corresponding wires 3.4, and a thermal insulation layer 3.3 (such as oxide aerogel) are embedded in the annular gap outside the capillary tube. The electric heating tube heats the capillary tube, thereby heating the fluid passing through it. The length and position of the circular heating tube and insulation layer within the stretch rod can be determined based on the process requirements of different product types, or a curved capillary tube can be used. This advantageously provides a more linear and stable heating circuit, generating steam with a more stable pressure than conventional spirally wound heating tubes, making it less prone to clogging and providing a wider range of functions. It can serve as a fluid medium channel in the aforementioned cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization methods. Furthermore, by heating the lower outer surface of the stretch rod, the inner wall of the preform, which contacts the stretch rod during extension, is prevented from cooling and causing poor container formation. This allows for the elimination of the first pressurized fluid injection during container formation during production. The end of the stretching rod is also provided with a heat insulating block 3.6 to prevent the end of the stretching rod from being overheated and penetrating the bottom of the preform when the stretching rod enters the preform and extends.

[0133] like Figure 4.5 Three capillaries 3.1 are embedded in the center of the stretch rod, covered in thermal insulation. Different capillaries 3.1 can be connected to upper check valves 7 and 8, allowing for separate fluid input and output. A liquid sensor 3.5 is built into the lower end of the stretch rod, with a wire 3.51 passing through one of the capillaries. This sensor's advantage lies in its ability to accurately sense the actual liquid level within the container during both hydraulic forming and simultaneous filling, enabling precise replenishment to ensure product quality.

[0134] like Figure 4.1 、 4.2 and Figure 4.4The heated stretch rod shown can be adjusted to heat the lower outer surface of the stretch rod by adjusting the heating position of the stretch rod and the position of the heat-insulating material of the lower device according to the different lengths of preforms and the height of the formed container. Its advantage is that for certain types of products, it can heat and sterilize the stretch rod itself during container forming applications, that is, heat and sterilize the area of ​​the stretch rod below that may contact the product in the container. The temperature and sterilization time can be adjusted according to different product types and process requirements (such as 120°C-180°C for 20 minutes). After sterilization, the stretch rod is cooled and maintained within a certain temperature range (such as 50-90°C for PET plastic, preferably 70-75°C). This ensures that when the stretch rod is lowered to stretch the preform, the inner wall of the preform contacts the outer surface of the stretch rod, and the preform temperature does not drop. Normal biaxial stretch forming can still be performed, effectively preventing the inner wall of the preform from contacting the stretch rod and cooling, resulting in poor forming. After molding, if the application is hydraulic molding, an exhaust return line can be installed on the sealing mechanism one-way valve 4, and a waterproof and breathable membrane (hydrophobic) filter element 23 can be internally and / or externally connected to exhaust the air in the container. At the same time, the first pressure gas or slightly positive pressure (e.g., 1.5 bar) gas (e.g., carbon dioxide) connected to the stretch rod and / or the sealing mechanism one-way valve 5 or 7 is opened to blow the residual liquid in the sealing mechanism and on the stretch rod into the container, completing the container molding and filling. Advantages include eliminating the use of the first pressure fluid, especially in container hydraulic molding applications. This can reduce the premature contact of the preform with the liquid during the container molding process, resulting in cooling and thus molding abnormalities. It can also reduce the amount of gas or foam inside the container after molding, thereby reducing the impact of uneven filling levels in the container.

[0135] According to the process requirements of different product types, the stretching rods shown above can be used separately or in combination.

[0136] Now, referring to FIG. 5 to FIG. Figure 9 , which shows the process of forming a container 10 after the preform 12 enters the mold 2 in the embodiment of liquid pressure molding and synchronous filling container application, specifically involving the following various implementation stages in actual production application:

[0137] - Test container molding process adjustment before production - System internal cleaning (CIP) / sterilization (SIP) - Drive out water - Clean and sterilize molding station and fixture - Production - Troubleshooting and maintenance application during production - After production is completed, discharge the material and enter the next production process.

[0138] - Test container molding process adjustment before production:

[0139] The present invention relates to a method for testing and adjusting the container molding process before production of a container hydraulic molding system, the method comprising: referring to Figure 5.2Before the formal production, the heated preform 12 is first transferred to the mold 2, and then the stretch rod 3 is lowered to stretch the preform 12. Figure 5.3 , at the same time or after the stretching is completed, the first pressure gas (such as 12 bar) connected to the one-way valve 5 or 7 of the injection stretching rod and / or the sealing mechanism is injected, such as Figure 5.4 When the preform 12 expands to form a container pre-product 10.1 (for example, 92% of the volume of the finished container), the first pressure injection is closed, and the container pre-product 10.1 is checked for damage or leakage. The gas in the pre-product 10.1 is then discharged and removed from the mold 2. After the pre-product 10.1 is checked to ensure that all quality indicators are normal, it can enter the subsequent production process. The advantage of this method is that it prevents the influence of various process factors that lead to abnormal quality or damage of the container at the beginning of production, liquid leakage from the mold, and increased cleaning difficulty.

[0140] Alternatively, the molding system can be initially injected with an easy-to-clean liquid (e.g., one that is easily removed from the equipment and does not promote microbial growth) for 100% pressurized injection molding and simultaneous filling of the container. After verifying that the container molding process is functioning properly, the easy-to-clean liquid can be removed and production can resume. This approach offers the advantage of preventing cracking and leakage in containers with difficult-to-clean products (e.g., toothpaste) during initial production, which could result from various process factors and potentially make the machine interior difficult to clean.

[0141] - CIP cleaning / SIP sterilization inside the molding system - water removal method:

[0142] It also involves the CIP and SIP cleaning of the product pipeline valves inside the molding system and the method of driving out water before entering the production after completion. The method includes: first installing a dummy container on the sealing mechanism, referring to Figure 6.1 , the virtual container 24 is fixed by a mechanical snap fit and sealed with the bottom seal 1.7 of the sealing mechanism; Figure 6.2 The virtual container 24.1 can also be fixed to the inner side of the middle of the bottom end surface of the sealing mechanism by screw thread. It is characterized in that the cleaning fluid (such as acid heated to 60°C or alkali solution heated to 80°C) and the sterilizing fluid (such as a mixture of steam and sterile water at 130°C) flow from the product storage tank through the fluid controller 15 and the stretching rod and / or the sealing mechanism one-way valve 5 or 7 into the sealing mechanism and is sealed by the lower virtual container 24, and then from the sealing mechanism one-way valve 4 or the lower opening of the virtual container 24.1 (such as Figure 6.2) flows back to the storage cylinder, preferably, the stretching rod one-way valve 7 is intermittently closed to allow liquid to flow in, and the return line valve 17 connected to the stretching rod one-way valve 8 is opened to allow the cleaning or sterilizing fluid to flow upward from the small hole at the bottom of the stretching rod into the interior of the stretching rod, and then flow back to the storage cylinder from the top to complete the cyclic cleaning and sterilization. Preferably, the stretching rod reciprocates and descends to the inside of the virtual container for cleaning and sterilization. Optionally, for a stretching rod with an electric heating function, auxiliary heating can be performed by the stretching rod as needed, and the effect is more significant. Preferably, the injection piston 13 is intermittently opened and closed to increase the turbulence inside the sealing mechanism and enhance the cleaning effect. Preferably, the cleaning or sterilizing fluid is returned to the storage cylinder by another fluid controller 15, which can increase the fluid flow rate and thus enhance the effect.

[0143] -Water removal method: also the pre-production preparation stage, refer to Figure 6.1 and 6.2 After the above-mentioned system is cleaned and sterilized, cleaning and sterilization liquid (such as non-product liquid, typically sterile water) remains in the molding system's internal piping and needs to be drained during production. At this point, the injection piston 13 is opened, and product is injected from the liquid source through the fluid controller 15 into the sealing mechanism 1 for expulsion. The product is then discharged from the interior of the device through another fluid controller 15, or through a return line connected to the sealing mechanism and / or the stretch rod check valve 4 or 8, or the lower opening of the virtual container 24.1, filling the device system with product liquid. The injection piston 13 is then closed, and a first pressure gas (e.g., 5 bar) is injected after the stretch rod and / or the sealing mechanism check valve 5 or 7. This blows the product from the sealing mechanism 1's lower end surface into the virtual container through the return line connected to the sealing mechanism check valve 4, or out through the discharge port at the lower portion of the virtual container 24.1, ultimately purging the entire system. This method has the advantage of effectively preventing product liquid from dripping onto the mold 2 or remaining within the sealing mechanism 1 after the virtual container is removed, thereby causing container molding anomalies and increasing cleaning difficulties.

[0144] According to another aspect, the present invention also relates to a method for emptying the liquid in the system's internal pipelines: When part of the product liquid is not suitable for direct contact with the cleaning and sterilization liquid used in the pipeline, gas can be added from the liquid source pipeline inlet and the storage cylinder for purging (not shown), and the first pressure gas connected after the stretch rod and / or the sealing mechanism one-way valve 5 or 7 is injected for purging, thereby purging the liquid inside the equipment pipeline and discharging it for discharge or recovery. Optionally, nitrogen can be used for purging or the gas can be heated for purging and drying. After purging, product liquid is injected from the liquid source again, and the air inside the system is discharged through the return pipeline connected after the sealing mechanism one-way valve 4 and / or by opening the switch valve 22 of the external waterproof and breathable membrane filter element 23.

[0145] Alternatively, for devices with multiple fluid controllers 15, the injection piston 13 can be closed before the water is removed, with one fluid controller 15 inputting fluid and another fluid controller 15 outputting fluid. This ensures that the product liquid does not enter the sealing mechanism 1 from the lower end surface of the injection piston 13 to the interior of the virtual container, reducing the difficulty of cleaning this area.

[0146] - Cleaning and sterilization of molding station and fixtures - Production: As described above and in the following embodiments, the description will not be repeated here.

[0147] - Application of troubleshooting and maintenance in production - production completion and material arrangement:

[0148] This phase, also known as when production is finished or equipment needs to be inspected and repaired during production, requires stopping product liquid pressurization to prevent the presence of liquid inside the equipment from affecting operation. The method used for draining water, described above, is then followed to empty the system's internal piping. Liquids within the equipment's piping are then blown out and discharged or recycled into a storage tank. Alternatively, for difficult-to-clean liquids, a dirt dissolving agent can be connected behind the stretch rod and / or the sealing mechanism's one-way valve 5 or 7 for cleaning.

[0149] In the application of the above-mentioned container hydraulic forming for some product liquids that are more prone to bubbles and foam, the present invention also relates to a method for controlling the container filling level and eliminating foam using the above-mentioned device, the method comprising:

[0150] When the preform is 100% completed by injecting the second pressure liquid, the stretching rod is at the upper limit, and the second pressure liquid injection is closed. At this time, most of the residual gas and foam in the container are concentrated in the upper part and inside the stretching rod. The discharge pipe connected to the one-way valve 4 of the sealing mechanism is opened to release the pressure. At the same time, the stretching rod and / or the liquid injection connected to the one-way valve 5 and / or 7 on the sealing mechanism are opened. At this time, due to the effect of pressure, the liquid will be quickly injected into the upper part of the container and push the residual gas and foam to be discharged from the discharge pipe of the one-way valve 4 on the sealing mechanism. After the residual gas and foam in the container are emptied, the liquid injection is closed, and the first pressure gas or slightly positive pressure gas (for example, 1.5 dar) connected to the one-way valve 5 and / or 7 on the sealing mechanism is opened, and / or Alternatively, the defoamer connected to the stretch rod and / or sealing mechanism check valves 5 and / or 7 is opened to blow residual liquid within the stretch rod and sealing mechanism into the container. The Bernoulli principle, particularly the Venturi effect, is then utilized to blow liquid or foam above the container's liquid level out of the container through a discharge pipe connected to the check valve 4 on the sealing mechanism. The distance between the internal passageway of the stretch rod and / or sealing mechanism and the check valve or fluid input on / off valve can be adjusted according to the product type and container size. When the gas purge is activated, any residual liquid in the passageway is blown into the container to replenish the liquid level. The purge duration and pressure are adjusted accordingly to ensure that the liquid in the container is at the liquid level after the purge. The discharge pipe on the sealing mechanism is then closed, and the sealing mechanism is raised, completing the container forming and filling. This method has the advantage of being relatively simple to control, eliminating the need for complex equipment to solve the challenges of removing foam and controlling the liquid level in hydroforming applications.

[0151] In container hydroforming applications, when the second pressurized liquid injection piston 13 is opened, the liquid injection causes the preform to expand until it contacts the closed mold, whereupon the flow stops and a water hammer effect occurs, causing a significant increase in pressure within the container. The present invention can adjust the water hammer pressure to suit the production of different product types by controlling the amount of gas contained in the liquid and preform. Preferably, the molding system of the present invention further includes methods for utilizing and preventing the water hammer effect for hydroforming:

[0152] - Utilizing the water hammer effect: Depending on the type of products and equipment, the pressure of the second pressure liquid used in the system is adjusted to be relatively low (e.g., if the container wall thickness is thinner, about 0.12 mm, use 20 bar). At the same time as the second pressure liquid begins to be injected, the sealing mechanism and / or the return line connected to the stretch rod one-way valve 4 or 8 are opened. When the preform expands to the point where it is about to contact the closed mold and water hammer occurs, when the pressure value in the container is detected to be at the pressure required for preform molding (e.g., about 22 bar), the sealing mechanism and / or the return line connected to the stretch rod one-way valve 4 or 8 are closed. The water hammer effect is used to increase the pressure in the container (e.g., about 25 bar), and then the injection of the second pressure liquid is closed. The above process can be repeated as needed to increase the pressure in the container (e.g., about 25 bar) and maintain it for a time (e.g., 0.3 seconds) to achieve container molding.

[0153] -Preventing the water hammer effect. The vibration caused by the water hammer effect can also cause damage to equipment components. The present invention can also prevent the water hammer effect and achieve container molding: according to some product types and equipment, the pressure of the second pressure liquid used in the system can be adjusted to be relatively large (for example, if the container wall thickness is thicker, about 0.3 mm, 32 bar is used). When the second pressure liquid injection piston 13 is opened, the liquid is injected to cause the preform to expand until it contacts the closed mold, then the flow stops and a water hammer effect occurs. When it is detected that the pressure of the pressurized liquid in the container is about to reach the required pressure value (such as about 35 bar), the return line connected to the sealing mechanism and / or the stretch rod one-way valve 4 or 8 is opened, and the pressure in the container (such as about 30 bar) is maintained for a duration (such as 0.4 seconds) to achieve container molding. Then, the second pressure liquid injection piston 13 and the return line connected to the sealing mechanism and / or the stretch rod one-way valve 4 or 8 are closed. Optionally, after opening the sealing mechanism and / or the return line connected to the stretching rod one-way valve 4 or 8, it is also possible to close it when it is detected that the pressure in the container drops to (e.g., about 29 bar), maintain the pressure in the container (e.g., 32 bar) for a duration (e.g., 0.4 seconds) to achieve container molding, and then close the second pressure liquid injection piston 13.

[0154] Depending on the product type, the diameter of the return line can be adjusted based on calculations and experimental results to accommodate the production of different types of products. Alternatively, an automatic flow control valve can be installed on the return line connected to the sealing mechanism and / or the stretch rod check valve 4 or 8. A closed-loop control program can be used to adjust the return valve opening based on the measured pressure value within the container to the actual required pressure value, ensuring that the molding pressure within the container meets the required pressure. This can not only discharge excess foam and mixed liquid that appear during the container molding process, but also effectively utilize the water hammer effect and prevent it from causing excessive pressure that can damage machine components.

[0155] Now, reference Figures 7 to 9, which shows embodiments of the present invention incorporating the principles of the present invention in the actual production of different products. Since some elements and steps are the same in the figures, for the purpose of brevity, the same elements are represented by the same reference numerals, and the discussion of the functions and operating steps of the same elements is omitted. In this regard, the following description of the later examples focuses on the differences from the previous examples, and some of the same elements and steps should be referred to the discussion of the previous embodiments.

[0156] refer to Figure 7 , which shows an example of producing small-capacity PET containers and simultaneously filling them with products, such as 200ml toothpaste or yogurt, etc., using Figure 4.1 The solid embedded annular electric heating tube stretching rod shown in the figure is cleaned and dried by the CIP cleaning and SIP sterilization of the pipeline before production. The internal pipeline of the system is emptied and dried by the above-mentioned method of emptying the liquid in the system, and then the product liquid 14 is injected into the sealing mechanism 1. Then the virtual container is removed, and then the mold and the sealing mechanism as well as the stretching rod and the clamp are cleaned and sterilized by the above-mentioned purging cleaning and sterilization method. The temperature of the contact position between the lower part of the stretching rod and the interior of the stretched preform is kept at 70-75°C, and then the heated and sterilized preform 12 is loaded into the mold 2 and the port is sealed by the sealing mechanism 1. Then the stretching rod is lowered to axially stretch the preform 12, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in the left molding station, when the bottom of the preform 12 contacts or is about to contact the bottom of the mold 2, the injection piston 13 is opened, and the pressurized liquid 14 at a second pressure (such as 30 bar) enters the preform 12 through the fluid controller 15 and stretches the molded container to simultaneously fill the product (such as Figure 7 The molding station on the right side) is then raised, and the stretch rod is closed when the container is 100% formed. At the same time, the pipeline valve 16 connected to the one-way valve 4 of the sealing mechanism is opened. When it is detected that the pressure in the container drops to close to the first pressure (e.g., 6 bar), the pipeline valve 16 is closed, and then the discharge valve 16.1 is opened. Then, the first pressure gas (e.g., 4 bar) connected to the one-way valve 5 of the sealing mechanism is opened to blow out the residual liquid on the upper part of the container port and inside the sealing mechanism through the one-way valve 4 of the sealing mechanism. Then, the first pressure gas connected to the one-way valve 5 of the sealing mechanism and the discharge valve 16.1 are closed. Then, the sealing mechanism 1 is raised, and then the mold is opened and the container is taken out by the clamp to enter the next step, such as capping and labeling.

[0157] refer to Figure 8, which shows an example of producing a large-capacity PET container and simultaneously filling it with a product, such as 1500ml of water or juice tea. Using a conventional hollow stretch rod, after the pre-production pipeline CIP cleaning and SIP sterilization are completed, the aforementioned water-discharging method is applied to drain the liquid inside the system with the product, and then the dummy container is removed. The mold and sealing mechanism, as well as the stretch rod and fixture, are then cleaned and sterilized using the aforementioned purge cleaning and sterilization method. The heated and sterilized preform 12 is then loaded into the mold 2, and the port is sealed by the sealing mechanism 1. The stretch rod is then lowered to axially stretch the preform 12, as shown. Figure 8 As shown in the left molding station, before or at the same time as the preform 12 begins to be stretched axially or just after it begins to be stretched, the first pressure gas 6 (e.g., 8 bar) connected to the stretch rod one-way valve 7 is opened to radially stretch the preform 12. When the bottom of the preform 12 contacts or is about to contact the bottom of the mold 2, the first pressure gas connected to the stretch rod one-way valve 7 is closed, the injection piston 13 is opened, and the pressurized liquid 14 at a second pressure (e.g., 35 bar) enters the preform 12 through the fluid controller 15 and is radially stretched again. The molding container is then filled with the product, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in the molding station on the right, the stretch rod then rises. When the container is 100% molded, the injection piston 13 is closed and the pipeline valve 16 connected to the sealing mechanism check valve 4 is opened. When it is detected that the pressure in the container has dropped to a level close to a first pressure (e.g., 5 bar), the pipeline valve 16 is closed. Then the discharge valve 16.1 is opened and the product liquid connected to the sealing mechanism check valve 5 is opened to replenish the liquid level. When the liquid level meets the capacity requirement, the valve is closed again. Then, the slightly positive pressure gas (e.g., 1.5 bar) connected to the stretch rod check valve 7 and the sealing mechanism check valve 5 is opened to purge the residual liquid on the upper part of the container port, the interior of the sealing mechanism, and the interior and exterior of the stretch rod out of the sealing mechanism check valve 4 and then close the valve again. When it is detected that the pressure in the container has dropped to or close to the ambient pressure, the pipeline valve 16.1 is closed and the sealing mechanism 1 is raised. Then the mold is opened and the container is removed by the fixture to enter the next step, such as capping and labeling.

[0158] The above embodiment is used for example when producing and filling containers of gas-containing liquid products, such as carbonated beverages such as beer or sparkling water. After the container is 100% formed and the injection piston 13 and pipeline valve 16 are closed, when the pipeline valve 16.1 is opened to release the pressure, the subsequent process is controlled differently at the liquid level replenishment point: at this time, when it is detected that the container pressure drops to about 3 bar, the pipeline valve 16.1 is temporarily closed, and the product liquid (about 4 bar) connected to the sealing mechanism one-way valve 5 is opened to replenish the liquid level to prevent the pressure difference between the gas-containing liquid inside and outside the container from splashing and affecting the liquid level. When the liquid level meets the capacity requirement, the pipeline valve 16.1 is opened again and the subsequent process continues, wherein, preferably, carbon dioxide is used as the purge gas.

[0159] refer to Figure 9, which shows an example of producing 600ml PET containers and simultaneously filling them with products such as milk or soy milk. Figure 4.4 The hollow heated stretch rod shown in the figure is also sterilized and sterilized as described above, and the temperature of the capillary tube inside the stretch rod is maintained at 80-85°C. Figure 9 As shown in the left molding station, before or at the same time as the preform 12 starts axial stretching or just after the stretching begins, the first pressure (e.g., 6 bar) product liquid 14 connected to the stretch rod one-way valve 7 is opened to radially stretch the preform 12. The product liquid is heated by contacting the internal pipeline of the stretch rod (e.g., heated to about 50°C), which can effectively prevent the liquid from conducting heat too quickly, causing the preform to cool down due to contact, resulting in poor molding of the container, especially the shoulder that first contacts the liquid. When the bottom of the preform 12 contacts or is about to contact the bottom of the mold 2, the first pressure product liquid connected to the stretch rod one-way valve 7 is closed, the injection piston 13 is opened, and the second pressure (e.g., 30 bar) pressurized liquid 14 enters the preform 12 through the fluid controller 15 and is radially stretched again to simultaneously fill the container with the product, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown in the molding station on the right, the stretching rod rises, and when the container is 100% molded, the injection piston 13 is closed, and the pipeline valve 16 connected to the sealing mechanism one-way valve 4 is opened at the same time. When it is detected that the pressure in the container drops to close to the first pressure (such as 6 bar), the pipeline valve 16 is closed, and then the discharge valve 16.1 is opened. At the same time, the micro-positive pressure gas connected to the stretching rod one-way valve 7 and the sealing mechanism one-way valve 5 is opened to blow the liquid remaining on the upper part of the container port, the inside of the sealing mechanism, and the inside and outside of the stretching rod into the container. Excess liquid or foam is blown out from the sealing mechanism one-way valve 4, and then the micro-positive pressure gas injection and pipeline valve 16.1 are closed and the sealing mechanism 1 is raised. The mold is opened and the container is taken out by the clamp to enter the next step, such as capping and labeling.

[0160] Based on the container size and the desired liquid level after molding, the Bernoulli principle, particularly the Venturi effect, can be utilized through calculations and experimental results to adjust the inner diameter of the stretch rod, the internal space size of the sealing mechanism, and the timing and duration of the purge. Preferably, the stretch rod is controlled to rest just above the liquid level during its ascent. This allows the application of a slightly positive pressure gas to blow excess liquid or foam out of the container above the liquid level, achieving precise liquid level control while simultaneously eliminating foam.

[0161] For products with high requirements on the liquid level in the container, it is preferred to use a stretch rod with a built-in liquid sensing device at the lower end (such as Figure 4.5 ), when the stretch rod rises, the position of the liquid sensor 3.5 at its bottom is controlled to stay at the liquid level line required by the product in the container. When the sensor 3.5 detects the liquid, the liquid level will no longer be replenished, and the subsequent process will be carried out and the stretch rod will be raised to the upper limit.

[0162] Optionally, the first pressure fluid used to inject the radially stretched preform into the intermediate container preform can also be provided by the first pressure fluid connected to the one-way valve 5 of the sealing mechanism, especially in applications using a solid stretch rod.

[0163] refer to Figures 7 to 9 The system includes a pressurized storage cylinder 21 and a normal-pressure storage cylinder 21.1, connected to corresponding pressure and liquid level detection devices (not shown). The upper portion is connected to a waterproof and breathable membrane filter element 20 / 20.1 and valves 19 / 19.1. When high pressure is detected within the cylinder, valves 19 / 19.1 are opened to discharge or recover gas within the cylinder. The lower portion is also connected to a liquid output line and valves 18 / 18.1. When the liquid level is detected to be high, valves 18 / 18.1 are opened to discharge or recover liquid within the cylinder. Typically, multiple molding stations in a machine are connected to the same storage cylinder 21 / 21.1.

[0164] Preferably, a reflux pump (not shown) is installed between the pipeline valves 16.1 and 17.1 connected to the sealing mechanism check valve 4 and / or the stretch rod check valve 8 and the storage cylinder. During the container molding or CIP cleaning and SIP sterilization process, the pipeline valves 16.1 and 17.1 are opened and the reflux pump is started at the same time. The reflux pump accelerates the pumping of the foam and / or air mixture and liquid into the storage cylinder, which can reduce the total time for molding and filling a single container, enhance the cleaning and sterilization effect, and improve production capacity and efficiency.

[0165] Although the above embodiments mainly involve aseptic container molding and product filling, the present invention is more applicable to the simultaneous molding and filling of non-sterile product containers with simpler structures and technical requirements, such as the production of non-food liquid products such as household care products. Preferably, the first pressure and slightly positive pressure gas source connected to the one-way valve 5 of the sealing mechanism and / or the one-way valve 7 of the stretch rod on each molding station is replaced by a separate small ducted fan 25 (such as a powerful small fan of a DC brushless motor) (such as a small fan). Figure 5.1 ), using the Bernoulli principle, especially the Venturi effect, to quickly transport gas, control the liquid level of the container, optimize the product manufacturing process and machine structure, especially for rotating machines, can reduce the configuration of gas pipelines and rotary distribution joints, making the machine structure simpler and lowering the cost.

[0166] The one-way valve 4 / 5 of the sealing mechanism and / or the one-way valve 7 / 8 of the stretching rod on the molding station may not be equipped with a one-way valve as needed, and only the corresponding switch valves are used to ensure that the fluid does not flow back. Preferably, the switch valve also has a one-way valve function, such as Figure 5.1 Valves 4.1 / 5.1 and 7.1 / 8.1 are shown in the figure.

[0167] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the exemplary embodiments shown here serve only to illustrate the principles of the present invention and are shown schematically and not to scale. In particular, the dimensions and size ratios of the components shown relative to one another are for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art are free to determine the actual dimensions and size ratios based on their specialized knowledge. Furthermore, only the components necessary for understanding the present invention are shown. A real device may have additional components.

[0168] The foregoing description of the embodiments is provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable where applicable and may be used in selected embodiments even if not specifically shown or described. The same may vary in many respects. Subsequent variations are not to be considered a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

[0169] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure provides numerous additional advantages and unexpected results. The foregoing embodiments are intended only to illustrate the technical concepts and features of the present invention. Their purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present invention accordingly, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent variations or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and substance of the present invention are intended to be encompassed within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A container forming system suitable for cleaning and sterilizing containers, fixtures, molds, and the interior of the container, comprising: - a sealing mechanism, for sealing with the preform port and receiving pressurized fluid and injecting the pressurized fluid into the preform, characterized in that it is equipped with an intermediate channel and a one-way valve and is connected to the cleaning, disinfection and sterilization medium and gas pipelines, the exhaust pipeline and the waterproof and breathable membrane filter element, as well as the defoaming agent pipeline, the nitrogen filling pipeline, the liquid filling pipeline and the return pipeline; - a stretching rod device, used to extend into the preform and stretch the preform, including a solid stretching rod or a hollow stretching rod with a circular electric heating device embedded in the middle of the stretching rod, the hollow stretching rod having an open through-hole at the bottom and a one-way valve at the top connected to a cleaning, disinfection and sterilization medium and gas pipeline, a return pipeline, a defoaming agent pipeline and a liquid filling pipeline; - a mold, which defines the outer contour of the container, can be opened to receive the preform and then closed, and opened to output the container after the container is formed; - A fluid controller, connected to a fluid source and inputting pressurized molding fluid into the preform through the sealing mechanism, thereby expanding the preform; -Virtual container and fluid recovery and discharge pipeline and storage cylinder and corresponding switch valves and connecting pipelines.

2. The container forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The one-way valves configured in the sealing mechanism and / or the stretching rod device in the system are built-in, including one-way valves that prevent fluid from flowing out and one-way valves that prevent fluid from flowing in.

3. The container forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The one-way valves configured for the sealing mechanism and / or the stretching rod device in the system are externally located, and include one-way valves that prevent fluid from flowing outward and one-way valves that prevent fluid from flowing inward.

4. The container forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A manifold is connected behind the one-way valve configured for the sealing mechanism and / or the stretching rod device in the system. Multiple fluids connected to the manifold are input and output through the same one-way valve under the control of corresponding switch valves.

5. The container forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing mechanism and / or stretching rod device in the system are equipped with multiple one-way valves, each of which is connected to a pipeline and a switch valve respectively, and the fluid is input and output through a separate one-way valve under the control of the corresponding switch valve.

6. The container forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing mechanism and / or the stretching rod device in the system are not separately equipped with a one-way valve, but are protected by a switch valve that controls the inflow and outflow of fluid in the pipeline. The switch valve integrates a one-way valve function to prevent fluid backflow.

7. The container forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing mechanism in the system also includes an injection piston, which can be moved up and down to achieve contact or non-contact of its bottom with the internal surface of the sealing mechanism, thereby opening and closing the injection of the pressurized molding fluid.

8. The container forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing mechanism in the system also includes an intermediate channel provided between the lower part of the contact surface between the bottom of the injection piston and the sealing part of the preform port. The intermediate channel is connected to the external pipeline via a one-way valve, and the fluid can be input and output from the container through this intermediate channel.

9. The container forming system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower part of the middle channel of the sealing mechanism in the system is connected to a small pipe and extends into the interior of the preform port. The small pipe can be configured separately or integrated on the inner plug of the sealing mechanism inserted into the preform port. The fluid can be input and output through the small hole at the bottom of this small pipe via the middle channel.

10. The container forming system according to claim 1, wherein: The middle channel of the sealing mechanism in the system is connected to the external connecting pipeline.

11. The container forming system according to claim 1, wherein: The middle channel of the sealing mechanism in the system and the external connecting pipeline are multiple and are not interconnected.

12. The container forming system according to claim 1, wherein: The space at the bottom end surface of the sealing mechanism in the system is connected to a cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing medium pipeline and a corresponding sealing member. During the preform molding process, the medium is simultaneously injected to clean and sterilize the lower outer portion of the container port.

13. The container forming system according to claim 1, wherein: A chemical-resistant and corrosion-resistant preform detection element is installed in the spatial position on the bottom end surface of the sealing mechanism in the system. The detection element is opposite to the lower position of the preform port and detects the position, thereby detecting whether a preform is placed in the mold.

14. The container forming system according to claim 1, wherein: A seal is installed on the bottom end face of the sealing mechanism in the system, and a mechanical clip is configured on the outside to fix it to the external virtual container. The external virtual container can be installed on the sealing mechanism and fixed with the clip, and is in close contact and sealed with its bottom seal.

15. The container forming system according to claim 1, wherein: A seal is installed on the bottom end face of the sealing mechanism in the system, and a mechanical screw thread is provided on the inner middle side of the upper end face to fix it with the external virtual container. The upper part of the external virtual container also has corresponding screw threads and can be installed in the middle of the bottom end face of the sealing mechanism and fixed, and in close contact and sealing with its bottom seal.

16. The container forming system according to claim 1, wherein: The lower part of the virtual container in the system is provided with an opening, and is connected to the storage cylinder via corresponding pipelines and switch valves.

17. The container forming system according to claim 1, wherein: The lower part of the virtual container in the system is sealed, and the fluid enters and exits the virtual container through the small hole at the lower part of the hollow stretching rod.

18. The container forming system according to claim 1, wherein: The stretching rod device in the system is equipped with a hollow stretching rod, the middle of the stretching rod is hollow and embedded with one or more thin tubes, and there is an open through hole at the bottom. The thin tubes in the stretching rod can be straight or curved and are equipped with a heat insulation layer at the corresponding position on the outside.

19. The container forming system according to claim 1, wherein: The thin tube embedded in the middle of the hollow stretching rod in the system is connected to the upper one-way valve and the pipeline respectively, and different fluids connected to the upper one-way valve can be input and output from different thin tubes respectively.

20. The container forming system according to claim 1, wherein: A single thin tube is embedded in the middle of the hollow stretching rod in the system, and a circular electric heating ring tube, a temperature detector and corresponding thermal insulation materials are embedded outside the thin tube. The thin tube is heated by the circular electric heating tube, thereby heating the fluid passing through the inside of the thin tube. The heating position of the stretching rod and the position of the thermal insulation material of the lower device can be adjusted accordingly according to the different lengths of preforms and the height of the formed container, thereby heating the lower outer surface of the stretching rod, ensuring that when the preform is extended, the inner wall of the preform contacts the stretching rod and does not cool down, resulting in poor container forming.

21. The container forming system according to claim 1, wherein: The system has a built-in liquid sensing detection device at the bottom end of the stretching rod. The wires of the liquid sensing detection device pass through a thin tube embedded in the stretching rod and wrapped with thermal insulation material. After the container is hydraulically formed, it senses the liquid level and accurately replenishes the liquid level.

22. The container forming system according to claim 1, wherein: The stretching rod device in the system is equipped with a solid stretching rod, in which a circular electric heating tube, a temperature detector and corresponding thermal insulation materials are embedded in the middle of the stretching rod. The stretching rod is closed at the top and bottom. The heating position of the stretching rod and the position of the thermal insulation material of the device can be adjusted accordingly according to the different lengths of preforms and the height of the formed container, ensuring that when the preform is extended, the inner wall of the preform contacts the stretching rod and does not cool down, resulting in poor container forming.

23. The container forming system according to claim 1, wherein: A small ducted fan is separately connected to the fluid input control switch valve connected to the sealing mechanism and / or the stretching rod device in the system, and the wind pressure gas of the ducted fan is used to replace the compressed air gas supply. The Bernoulli principle is used to quickly transport the gas into the container port and output it upward to the sealing mechanism.

24. The container forming system according to claim 1, wherein: The system is a container hydraulic molding and synchronous filling system, which is a molding system that uses liquid as a pressurized molding fluid and synchronous filling of the container.

25. The container forming system according to claim 1, wherein: The system includes more than one fluid controller, which is connected between a fluid source and a sealing mechanism via a pipeline. The fluid can be input into the sealing mechanism from one fluid controller and output from the sealing mechanism by another fluid controller.

26. The container forming system according to claim 1, wherein: The system includes one or more storage cylinders connected to the sealing mechanisms and / or one-way valves of the stretching rod devices of multiple molding stations via return lines equipped with switching valves. A waterproof and breathable membrane filter element and a switching valve are installed on the upper part of the storage cylinder, and the lower part is connected to the output line and the switching valve. Different fluid pressures are maintained inside different storage cylinders.

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