Preform holding assembly and preform transfer mechanism having the same

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the bottle embryo production technical field especially relates to bottle embryo fixed subassembly and have bottle embryo fixed subassembly's bottle embryo conveying mechanism, bottle embryo fixed subassembly, including a bottle embryo fixed column, still be equipped with fixed part, bearing part and return spring on the bottle embryo fixed column, the fixed part is installed in the top of bottle embryo fixed column, bearing part is located in the middle part of bottle embryo fixed column, and the bearing part between adjacent is the meshing position, installs return spring between the top of bottle embryo fixed column and bearing part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of plastic preform production technology, and particularly relates to a preform fixing component and a preform conveying mechanism having the preform fixing component. Background Technology

[0002] After injection molding, the preform needs to be heated to facilitate final molding by subsequent molding equipment. Traditionally, after preform production, the bottle neck is mounted upwards on preform holders before being transported to the heating zone. However, this upward-facing mounting increases the likelihood of dust entering the preform, affecting molding quality. Furthermore, the upward-facing mounting, due to the preform's tendency to fall, requires holders to hold it in place, which can easily damage the internal structure.

[0003] The announcement number is CN 102431155 A Chinese invention patent discloses a preform heating and conveying device entitled "Automatic Preform Loading and Unloading Mechanism for Plastic Preform Heater". The invention includes a preform conveying device mounted on a frame, which includes a drive gear and a driven gear. The drive gear is driven by a motor to rotate. A transmission chain is mounted on the drive gear and the driven gear. A preform loading and unloading mechanism is mounted at one end of the preform conveying mechanism. The preform loading and unloading mechanism includes a slide rail mounted on the frame. One side of the slide rail has a preform loading slide connected to a dial, and the other side of the slide rail has a preform unloading slide. One end of the slide rail is beveled, and the other end is straight. A preform insertion device is mounted outside the transmission chain. The preform insertion device includes a main rod mounted in a housing, a rotating gear mounted on the main rod, a return spring mounted in the housing, and a roller fixing block below it. A lifting hole is opened on the side wall of the housing. A roller rod is mounted on the roller fixing block, and a roller is mounted on the outside of the roller to cooperate with the slide rail. A preform insert is mounted at the lower end of the main rod, with an expansion hole inside. An expansion spring and a steel ball are mounted in the expansion hole, and the steel ball contacts the inner wall of the preform.

[0004] The invention involves conveying the preform with the bottle opening facing upwards for heating, which makes it easy for dust to fall into the preform. It also requires holding the preform inside, and the process of unloading the preform is not simple or convenient, resulting in a decrease in the quality of the preform molding and damage to the inner wall.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to address the problems existing in the current technology. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a preform conveying mechanism, which aims to solve the technical problems in the prior art where preforms are heated with the bottle mouth facing upwards, making it easy for dust to fall in, damaging the inner wall, and causing inconvenience in unloading the preforms.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the preform fixing assembly provided in this utility model embodiment includes a preform fixing column, characterized in that the preform fixing column is further provided with a fixing part, a bearing component and a return spring; the fixing part is installed at the top of the preform fixing column; the bearing component is located in the middle of the preform fixing column, and adjacent bearing components are in an engagement position; the return spring is installed between the top of the preform fixing column and the bearing component.

[0008] The preform fixing assembly further includes a retaining wheel and a nut; the nut is installed at the bottom of the preform fixing post, and the retaining wheel is located at the bottom of the preform fixing post and abuts against the nut.

[0009] The preform fixing assembly further includes a sleeve and a sprocket; the sleeve is disposed between the bearing component and the retaining wheel; the sprocket is disposed between the bearing component and the sleeve.

[0010] The bottom surface of the retaining wheel gradually thickens from the edge to the center to form a mating surface.

[0011] The preform conveying mechanism having the above-mentioned preform fixing assembly includes:

[0012] The bracket includes two parallel slide rails, a gear frame located between one end of the two slide rails, and several support seats for mounting and supporting the two slide rails.

[0013] The driving device includes a drive motor, a driving gear, and a driven gear, wherein the driving gear and the driven gear are respectively disposed between the two ends of the two slide rails; the drive motor is disposed below the driving gear, and the driven gear is mounted on the gear frame;

[0014] The conveying device includes several preform fixing components arranged in sequence and several connecting plates; each preform fixing post passes through two overlapping connecting plates, and the beginning and end of each connecting plate are respectively connected to two adjacent preform fixing posts, thereby connecting the preform fixing posts into a closed chain linkage structure, and mounted on two slide rails, the driving gear and the driven gear.

[0015] An engagement position is formed between two adjacent preform fixing posts; the ratchet teeth of the driving gear and the driven gear are inserted into the engagement position between the two adjacent preform fixing posts that move along them.

[0016] Each of the slide rails includes two parallel guide plates, which are mounted on the top surface of the support base. Each of the two guide plates has a limiting strip on its opposite side. The two limiting strips are parallel to each other and their top surfaces are lower than the top surfaces of the guide plates to form a step. The gap between the two guide plates is a groove, and the preform fixing column is inserted into the groove. The lower connecting plate of the overlapping connecting plates is placed at the step.

[0017] The drive device further includes a chain assembly; the chain assembly is fixedly disposed below the slide rail and includes a motor, a tension wheel, a winding wheel, and a chain; the chain and the slide rail extend in the same direction, the chain includes a plurality of linearly arranged connecting posts and a plurality of upper and lower connecting members, each of the upper connecting members connecting to the top of an adjacent connecting post, and adjacent upper connecting members overlapping end to end at the top of the connecting post; each of the lower connecting members connecting to the bottom of an adjacent connecting post, and adjacent lower connecting members overlapping end to end at the bottom of the connecting post, thereby forming a sprocket engagement position between adjacent connecting posts.

[0018] The conveying device further includes a pull-down assembly, which includes a cylinder, a mounting plate on the piston rod of the cylinder, and guide posts on both sides of the cylinder. The two ends of the mounting plate are slidably mounted on the guide posts. A pair of support frames are pivotally connected to the mounting plate. At least two fixed seats and at least two elastic elements are provided on the top surface of the mounting plate. One end of each elastic element is fixed to the fixed seat, and the other end abuts against one of the support frames. A clamping plate is provided at the top of each support frame. The two clamping plates are arranged opposite each other, and their opposite sides are inclined surfaces that slope from the top surface of the clamping plates to the bottom surface.

[0019] The bracket has a lifting frame in front of the pull-down assembly. The lifting frame has a ramp with an upward slope near the pull-down assembly, thereby raising the preform fixing column that travels onto the ramp.

[0020] The preform heating and conveying device provided in this embodiment of the utility model has at least one of the following technical effects:

[0021] The preform fixing assembly allows for the inverted conveying of preforms by setting a fixing part on the top of the preform fixing column, reducing the amount of dust falling into the preform. The preform fixing column only supports the preform, thus minimizing damage to the inner wall of the preform.

[0022] The preform holder is equipped with a return spring. When the preform is transported to the unloading point, the pull-down assembly pulls down the preform holder, causing it to detach from the preform. After the preform is removed, the pull-down assembly releases the preform holder, and the return spring returns the preform holder to its original position. This preform transport process does not damage the inner wall and allows for convenient and rapid unloading.

[0023] With the cooperation of the sprocket and the chain in the preform fixing assembly, the preform fixing column rotates continuously with the preform during the preform conveying process, and the preform is heated evenly. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the preform conveying mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 Another structural schematic diagram of the preform conveying mechanism provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 A top view of the preform conveying mechanism provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the preform fixing component 310 and the connecting plate 320 of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A sectional view;

[0030] Figure 6 For along Figure 3 Sectional view of line AA in the middle;

[0031] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0032] Figure 8 for Figure 6 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of chain 244.

[0034] Figure 10 This is a structural schematic diagram of the pull-down assembly 350 and the lifting frame 360 ​​of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the embodiments of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0036] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, it should be understood that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indications, such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inside, outside, etc., the orientation or positional relationship of the indications is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. This is only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this utility model and simplifying the description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0037] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of embodiments of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0038] In this embodiment of the invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this embodiment of the invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0039] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, a preform conveying mechanism is provided, including a support 100, a drive device 200, and a conveying device 300. The conveying device 300 is mounted in a closed ring on the support 100 and the drive device 200, and the drive device 200 drives the conveying device 300 to rotate in a closed ring.

[0040] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 7 The bracket 100 includes two parallel slide rails 110, a gear frame 120 located between one end of the two slide rails 110, and several support seats 130 for mounting and supporting the two slide rails 110. (See reference...) Figure 1 2, 7, and 8, the drive device 200 includes a drive motor 210, a driving gear 220, and a driven gear 230. The driving gear 220 and the driven gear 230 are respectively located between the two ends of the two slide rails 110. The drive motor 210 is located below the driving gear 220, and the driving gear 220 is mounted on its drive shaft. The driven gear 230 is mounted on the gear carrier 120. The drive motor 210 serves as a power source, driving the transmission device 300 to rotate.

[0041] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The conveying device 300 is a closed chain-type linkage structure, including several preform fixing assemblies 310 arranged in sequence and several connecting plates 320. Each preform fixing assembly 310 includes a preform fixing post 311. The preform is placed on the preform fixing post 311 with its mouth facing down. Each preform fixing post 311 passes through two overlapping connecting plates 320, and the beginning and end of each connecting plate 320 are connected to two adjacent preform fixing posts 311, thereby connecting the preform fixing posts 311 into a closed chain-type linkage structure, which is mounted on two slide rails 110, a driving gear 220, and a driven gear 230.

[0042] Specifically, an engagement position 313 is formed between adjacent preform fixing posts 311. This engagement position 313 can match either the ratchet on the driving gear 220 or the ratchet on the driven gear 230. The ratchet on the driving gear 220 and the ratchet on the driven gear 230 are inserted into the engagement position 313 between adjacent preform fixing posts 311. Driven by the drive device 200, the driving gear 220 rotates, pushing the preform fixing posts 311 to move through the ratchet, thereby forming a meshing transmission, so that the conveying device 300 rotates in a closed-loop chain manner along the slide rail 110, with the driving gear 220 and the driven gear rotating in a chain manner.

[0043] Each slide rail 110 includes two parallel guide plates 111, which are mounted on the top surface of the support base 130. A limiting strip 112 is provided on each of their opposite sides. The two limiting strips 112 are also parallel to each other, and their top surfaces are lower than the top surfaces of the guide plates, forming a step 113. The gap between the two guide plates 111 is a groove 114, used to install the conveying device 300.

[0044] The conveying device 300 is placed in the groove 114 of the slide rail 110 and can rotate along it. Specifically, the preform fixing post 311 is inserted into the groove 114, and the lower connecting plate 320 of the overlapping connecting plates 320 is placed at the step position 113. The step position 314 provides a support surface for the connecting plate 320 to slide on it and limits the connecting plate 320 to prevent it from falling, thereby enabling the conveying device 300 to slide stably.

[0045] Furthermore, referring to Figure 4 and 5 The preform fixing column 311 is equipped with a fixing part 314, a bearing component 315, a return spring 316, a sleeve 317, a sprocket 318, a retaining wheel 319, and a nut 319a. The fixing part 314 is installed on the top of the preform fixing column 311 and can be installed by means of pins or snap-fits. The fixing part 314 is used to support the preforms that need to be conveyed and processed. By setting the fixing part on the top of the preform fixing column, the preforms can be inverted for conveying, reducing the amount of dust in the air falling into the preform. Since the preform fixing column only supports the preform, it minimizes damage to the inner wall of the preform.

[0046] Bearing components 315 are located in the middle of the preform fixing column 311. Adjacent bearing components 315 are in meshing positions 313, and adjacent bearing components 315 respectively abut against the driving gear 220 or the driven gear 230. When the driving gear 220 and the driven gear 230 rotate, the ratchet engages in the meshing positions 313 between adjacent bearing components 315, pushing the preform fixing column 311 to move along the slide rail 110.

[0047] A return spring 316 is installed between the top of the preform holder 311 and the bearing component 315. When the preform is transported to the unloading point, the preform holder is pulled down by a pull-down assembly, causing it to detach from the preform. After the preform is removed, the pull-down assembly releases the preform holder, and the return spring returns the preform holder to its original position. This preform transport process does not damage the inner wall, and unloading is convenient and fast.

[0048] Nut 319a is installed at the bottom of preform fixing post 311, and clamping wheel 319 is located at the bottom of preform fixing post 311 and abuts against nut 319a. Clamping wheel 319 is used as the part for pulling down and gripping the following pull-down assembly 350.

[0049] The sleeve 317 is located between the bearing component 315 and the retaining wheel 319; the sprocket 318 is located between the bearing component 315 and the sleeve 317. With the cooperation of the sprocket and the chain described below, during the preform transport process, the preform fixing column continuously rotates the preform, ensuring uniform heating of the preform.

[0050] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 8 and Figure 9The drive unit 200 also includes a chain assembly 240. The chain assembly 240 is fixedly mounted below the slide rail 110 and includes a motor 241, a tension wheel 242, a winding wheel 243, and a chain 244. The chain 244 extends in the same direction as the slide rail 110 and engages with a sprocket 318. When the drive motor 210 operates, it drives the preform fixing assembly 310 to rotate in a closed-loop chain along the front slide rail 110 and the rear slide rail 102. The chain 244 engages with the sprocket 318 on the preform fixing post 311 that moves along it. Specifically, the chain 244 includes a plurality of linearly arranged connecting posts 2441, and a plurality of upper and lower connecting members 2442 and 2443. Each upper connecting member 2442 connects to the top of an adjacent connecting post 2441, and adjacent upper connecting members 2442 overlap at the top of the connecting post 2441. Each lower connecting member 2443 connects to the bottom of an adjacent connecting post 2441, and adjacent lower connecting members 2443 overlap at the bottom of the connecting post 2441, thereby forming a sprocket engagement position 2444 between adjacent connecting posts. The ratchet teeth on the sprocket 318 are evenly distributed, and each ratchet tooth can be inserted into the sprocket engagement position 2444 to match it. When the preform fixing assembly 310 rotates in a closed-loop chain, driven by the motor 241, the chain 244 rotates along the sprocket 318 passing through it. The rotation of the sprocket 318 in turn drives the preform fixing column 311 to rotate, so that the preform can be heated evenly when heated by the heating device during transportation. Commonly used heating methods in preform conveying mechanisms include infrared heating, hot air circulation heating, and electromagnetic induction heating. Their structures and principles are well-known technologies that should be known to those skilled in the art, and this application does not limit them.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 10 The conveying device 300 also includes a pull-down assembly 350, which is located below the preform section 110 and is used to pull down the preform fixing assembly 310. Specifically, the pull-down assembly 350 includes a cylinder 351, a mounting plate 352 on the piston rod of the cylinder, and guide posts 353 on both sides of the cylinder 351. The two ends of the mounting plate 352 are slidably mounted on the guide posts 353. A pair of support frames 354 are pivotally connected to the mounting plate 352. At least two fixing seats 355 and at least two elastic members 356 are provided on the top surface of the mounting plate 352. One end of each elastic member 356 is fixed to the fixing seat 355, and the other end abuts against a support frame 354. A clamping plate 357 is provided at the top of each support frame 354. The two clamping plates 357 are arranged opposite each other, and their opposite sides are inclined surfaces 357a that are inclined from the top surface of the clamping plate 357 to the bottom surface.

[0052] The two clamping plates 357 cooperate with the retaining wheel 319 on the preform fixing assembly 310. Specifically, the bottom surface of the retaining wheel 319 gradually thickens from the edge to the center to form a mating surface 319b.

[0053] When the pull-down assembly 350 is working, the cylinder 351 pushes the mounting plate 352 upward along the guide post 353, causing the two clamping plates 357 to clamp the bottom surface of the retaining wheel 319, with the inclined surface 357a in contact with the mating surface 319b. Then, the cylinder 351 continues to push the mounting plate 352 upward, pushing the inclined surface 357a in the opposite direction through the mating surface 319a, causing the two clamping plates 357 to slide off the bottom surface of the retaining wheel 319 and open relative to each other. This causes the top ends of the two support frames 354 to also open, and the bottom ends of the two support frames 354 to move away from the elastic element 356, thus bringing them closer together. Then, under the pulling force of the elastic element 356, the bottom ends of the two support frames 354 return to their original open position, causing the top ends of the two support frames 354 to move closer together, clamping the preform fixing post 311 on the top surface of the retaining wheel 319. At this point, the upward push of cylinder 351 against mounting plate 352 ends, and it begins its downward reset movement, pulling down preform fixing post 311. This causes preform fixing post 311 to move downward, detaching from the preform and completing the unloading action. As preform fixing post 311 moves downward, the unloading action is completed. Preform fixing post 311 then continues forward, moving away from the pull-down assembly, and is then reset by the action of the reset spring.

[0054] Preferably, refer to Figure 10 The support 100 has a lifting frame 360 ​​in front of the pull-down assembly 350. The lifting frame 360 ​​has a ramp 361 that rises slowly at a certain slope near the pull-down assembly 350, thereby raising the bottle preform fixing column 311 on the ramp 361, that is, pushing the bottle preform fixing column 311 upward, and moving the bottle preform fixing column 311 that has passed the ramp 361 upward, so that the pull-down assembly 350 behind can pull down to complete the unloading action.

[0055] Preferably, the retaining wheel 319 is annular, which facilitates the pull-down assembly 350 to grip the preform fixing post 311.

[0056] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A preform fixing assembly, comprising a preform fixing post, characterized in that, The preform fixing post is also provided with a fixing part, a bearing component and a return spring; the fixing part is installed at the top of the preform fixing post; the bearing component is located in the middle of the preform fixing post, and adjacent bearing components are in an meshing position; the return spring is installed between the top of the preform fixing post and the bearing component.

2. The preform fixing assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a retaining wheel and a nut; the nut is installed at the bottom of the preform fixing post, and the retaining wheel is located at the bottom of the preform fixing post and abuts against the nut.

3. The preform fixing assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a sleeve and a sprocket, wherein the sleeve is disposed between the bearing component and the retaining wheel; and the sprocket is disposed between the bearing component and the sleeve.

4. The preform fixing assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the retaining wheel gradually thickens from the edge to the center to form a mating surface.

5. A preform conveying mechanism having the preform fixing assembly according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, include: The bracket includes two parallel slide rails, a gear frame located between one end of the two slide rails, and several support seats for mounting and supporting the two slide rails. The driving device includes a drive motor, a driving gear, and a driven gear, wherein the driving gear and the driven gear are respectively disposed between the two ends of the two slide rails; the drive motor is disposed below the driving gear, and the driven gear is mounted on the gear frame; The conveying device includes several preform fixing components arranged in sequence and several connecting plates; each preform fixing post passes through two overlapping connecting plates, and the beginning and end of each connecting plate are respectively connected to two adjacent preform fixing posts, thereby connecting the preform fixing posts into a closed chain linkage structure, and mounted on two slide rails, the driving gear and the driven gear.

6. The preform conveying mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, An engagement position is formed between two adjacent preform fixing posts; the ratchet teeth of the driving gear and the driven gear are inserted into the engagement position between the two adjacent preform fixing posts that move along them.

7. The preform conveying mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the slide rails includes two parallel guide plates, which are mounted on the top surface of the support base. Each of the two guide plates has a limiting strip on its opposite side. The two limiting strips are parallel to each other and their top surfaces are lower than the top surfaces of the guide plates to form a step. The gap between the two guide plates is a groove, and the preform fixing column is inserted into the groove. The lower connecting plate of the overlapping connecting plates is placed at the step.

8. The preform conveying mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drive device further includes a chain assembly; the chain assembly is fixedly disposed below the slide rail and includes a motor, a tension wheel, a winding wheel, and a chain; the chain and the slide rail extend in the same direction, the chain includes a plurality of linearly arranged connecting posts, and a plurality of upper connecting members and lower connecting members, each upper connecting member connecting to the top of an adjacent connecting post, and adjacent upper connecting members overlapping at the top of the connecting post; each lower connecting member connecting to the bottom of an adjacent connecting post, and adjacent lower connecting members overlapping at the bottom of the connecting post, thereby forming a sprocket engagement position between adjacent connecting posts.

9. The preform conveying mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The conveying device further includes a pull-down assembly, which includes a cylinder, a mounting plate on the piston rod of the cylinder, and guide posts on both sides of the cylinder. The two ends of the mounting plate are slidably mounted on the guide posts. A pair of support frames are pivotally connected to the mounting plate. At least two fixed seats and at least two elastic elements are provided on the top surface of the mounting plate. One end of each elastic element is fixed to the fixed seat, and the other end abuts against one of the support frames. A clamping plate is provided at the top of each support frame. The two clamping plates are arranged opposite each other, and their opposite sides are inclined surfaces that slope from the top surface of the clamping plates to the bottom surface.

10. The preform conveying mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that, The bracket has a lifting frame in front of the pull-down assembly. The lifting frame has a ramp with an upward slope near the pull-down assembly, thereby raising the preform fixing column that travels onto the ramp.

Images