TWO-PIECE INTERLOCKING SYSTEM WITH TWO ROTATIONAL AXES
The two-part interlocking system with synchronized actuators and connecting rods addresses the space constraint issue in conventional systems by enabling rotational movement, enhancing efficiency in molding machines.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2024000729
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-01-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-30
- Estimated Expiration
- 2044-01-25
AI Technical Summary
Conventional interlocking systems for molding caps require significant space due to the translation of carriages, which limits their efficiency in compact designs.
A two-part interlocking system with a chassis, locking bar, and sets of connecting rods actuated by synchronized actuators, allowing for rotational movement without the need for translation, thereby reducing spatial requirements.
The system achieves efficient interlocking of caps in a reduced space by utilizing rotational movements, optimizing space utilization in molding machines.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: TWO-PIECE INTERLOCKING SYSTEM WITH TWO AXES OF ROTATION technical field
[0001] The present invention relates to a two-part interlocking system, where the interlocking system comprises an interlocking bar whose movement consists of two rotations, and a molding machine comprising such an interlocking system. PREVIOUS STATE OF THE ART
[0002] A cap of the bottle type for a liquid product such as shampoo, conditioner, dishwashing liquid, or others, generally comprises a body and a seal. The body is designed to fit onto the bottle, and the seal is designed to be moved from a closed position to an open position and vice versa to allow the product to be retained in the bottle or to flow out of the bottle.
[0003] Such caps can also be used in other sectors such as, for example, the automotive industry or the medical field.
[0004] The body and the lid are molded together and are connected to each other by a hinge which allows the lid to be moved relative to the body.
[0005] Fig. 1 shows two caps 50, where each comprises a body 50a and a lid 50b hinged on the body 50a.
[0006] Conventionally, the body 50a and the lid 50b are molded in a molding machine between two jaws which have recesses and reliefs, and which come against each other to form cavities, where the body 50a and the lid 50b will be molded.
[0007] Fig. 1 shows one of the jaws 60 on which the bodies 50a are held.
[0008] Fig. 1 also shows a prior art interlocking system 100 which ensures the tilting of each cap 50b and its interlocking onto the associated body 50a.
[0009] The interlocking system 100 comprises two parallel guide rails 102 and for each guide rail 102, a carriage 104 that moves in translation on the guide rail 102.
[0010] For each carriage 104, the interlocking system 100 includes a first drive means 106, typically a motor with a ball screw, which ensures the translational movement of the carriage 104 along the guide rail 102. The two carriages 104 are opposite each other and move in a synchronized manner.
[0011] Each carriage 104 carries a lever arm 108, here in the form of a wheel, which is mounted to rotate freely on the carriage 104 around a rotation axis 112. The axes of the lever arms 108 of the two carriages 104 are coaxial and, for each carriage 104, the interlocking system 100 includes a second drive means 114, typically a motor, which ensures the rotational movement of the lever arm 108 of the carriage 104.
[0012] The interlocking system 100 also includes an interlocking bar 110 which is mounted between the two wheels 108 and offset from the axis of rotation 112.
[0013] The operation of the interlocking system 100 is then as follows. After molding, the caps 50 are positioned between the rails 102 and are still fixed here on the jaw 60. The carriages 104 are moved in translation along the rails 102 so as to bring the interlocking bar 110 under the caps 50b. The lever arms 108 are moved in rotation so as to pivot the caps 50b under the action of the interlocking bar 110 and at the same time, the carriages 104 are moved in translation along the rails 102 so that the interlocking bar 110 presses on each cap 50b to interlock it onto the associated body 50a.
[0014] Although such an interlocking system gives good results, it requires a significant amount of space due to the translation of the carriages 104. Description of the invention
[0015] An object of the present invention is to propose a nesting system which allows the operculum to be nested onto the body in a reduced space compared to the prior art.
[0016] To this end, an interlocking system is proposed for fitting a first part onto a second part, said interlocking system comprising:
[0017] - a chassis,
[0018] - a locking bar intended to bear against the second part to to fit it onto the first piece and extending parallel to an actuation axis between two ends,
[0019] - for each end, a set of connecting rods where the connecting rods of said set of Connecting rods are mounted between the chassis and said end via pivot joints whose axes are parallel to the actuation axis.
[0020] - for each set of connecting rods, two actuators actuating two of the links pivots of said connecting rod assembly and
[0021] - a control unit arranged to control each actuator.
[0022] According to a particular embodiment, each set of connecting rods comprises:
[0023] - a first connecting rod which has a proximal end mounted to rotate freely on the chassis and a distal end, and
[0024] - a second connecting rod which has a proximal end mounted movable in rotation on the distal end of the first connecting rod and a distal end fixed to the corresponding end of the connecting rod,
[0025] where one of the actuators is arranged to actuate the rotation of the proximal end of the first connecting rod, and where the other of the actuators is arranged to actuate the rotation of the proximal end of the second connecting rod.
[0026] According to a particular embodiment, each set of connecting rods comprises:
[0027] - a first connecting rod which has a proximal end mounted to rotate freely on the chassis and a distal end,
[0028] - a second connecting rod which has a proximal end mounted movable in rotation on the chassis and a distal end,
[0029] - a third connecting rod which has a proximal end mounted movable in rotation on the distal end of the first connecting rod and a distal end fixed to the corresponding end of the connecting rod, and
[0030] - a fourth connecting rod which has a proximal end mounted movable in rotation on the distal end of the second connecting rod and a distal end fixed to the corresponding end of the connecting rod,
[0031] where one of the actuators is arranged to actuate the rotation of the proximal end of the first connecting rod, and where the other of the actuators is arranged to actuate the rotation of the proximal end of the second connecting rod.
[0032] According to a particular embodiment, each set of connecting rods comprises:
[0033] - a first connecting rod which has a proximal end mounted to rotate freely on the chassis and a distal end,
[0034] - a second connecting rod which has a proximal end mounted movable in rotation on the chassis and a distal end,
[0035] - a third connecting rod which has a proximal end mounted movable in rotation on the distal end of the second connecting rod and one distal end, and
[0036] - a fourth connecting rod which has a proximal end mounted movable in rotation on the distal end of the third connecting rod and a distal end fixed to the corresponding end of the connecting rod,
[0037] where the distal end of the first connecting rod is mounted to rotate freely on the fourth connecting rod between the proximal end and the distal end of said fourth connecting rod,
[0038] where one of the actuators is arranged to actuate the rotation of the proximal end of the first connecting rod, and where the other of the actuators is arranged to actuate the rotation of the proximal end of the second connecting rod.
[0039] The invention also proposes a molding machine comprising means for molding to mold a first part and a second part and an interlocking system according to one of the previous variants. Brief description of the drawings
[0040] The features of the invention mentioned above, as well as others, will become clearer upon reading the following description of an exemplary embodiment, said description being made in relation to the accompanying drawings, among which:
[0041] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a prior art interlocking system,
[0042] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of an interlocking system according to a first embodiment of the invention in a first position,
[0043] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the interlocking system of [Fig.2] in a second position,
[0044] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the interlocking system of [Fig.2] in a third position,
[0045] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of an interlocking system according to a second embodiment of the invention in a first position,
[0046] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the interlocking system of [Fig.5] in a second position,
[0047] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of the interlocking system of [Fig.5] in a third position, and
[0048] [Fig.8]] is a perspective view of an interlocking system according to a third embodiment of the invention in a first position.
[0049] DETAILED STATEMENT OF IMPROVEMENTS
[0050] Figs. 2 to 4 show an interlocking system 200 according to a first embodiment of the invention, Figs. 5 to 7 show an interlocking system 500 according to a second embodiment of the invention and [Fig.8] shows an interlocking system 800 according to a third embodiment of the invention.
[0051] Each 200, 500, 800 interlocking system can be implemented in a molding machine which includes molding means such as jaws.
[0052] Molding means conventionally comprise jaws (only one of which 60 is shown) which are shaped to mold a first part 50a and a second part 50b joined to each other by a hinge molded at the same time as parts 50a and 50b. In the embodiment of the invention presented here, the first part 50a is a body 50a of a cap 50 and the second part 50b is a lid 50b of the same cap 50 hinged to the body 50a.
[0053] Generally speaking, the interlocking system 200, 500, 800 ensures the interlocking of the first part 50a onto the second part 50b and it comprises a chassis 201, 501, 801 which can be an independent chassis or part of the molding machine.
[0054] The interlocking system 200, 500, 800 also includes an interlocking bar 210, 510, 810 which is arranged to bear against the second part 50b in order to maneuver it and interlock it onto the first part 50a. As described below, the interlocking bar 210, 510, 810 is first positioned under the second part 50b, then rotates it around the hinge and finally passes over the second part 50b to interlock it onto the first part 50a.
[0055] The interlocking bar 210, 510, 810 extends parallel to an actuation axis 202, 502, 802 between its two ends 210a-b, 510a-b, 810a-b. In the embodiment of the invention presented here, the interlocking bar 210, 510, 810 carries wheels 209, 509, 809 which are preferably mounted freely for rotation on the interlocking bar 210, 510, 810 around the actuation axis 202, 502, 802 and the contact between the interlocking bar 210, 510, 810 and the second part 50b is made through the wheels 209, 509, 809.
[0056] For each end 210a-b, 510a-b, 810a-b of the connecting rod 210, 510, 810, the connecting system 200, 500, 800 comprises a set of connecting rods 250, 550, 850 where the connecting rods of said set of connecting rods 250, 550, 850 are mounted articulated between the frame 201, 501, 801 and said end 210a-b, 510a-b, 810a-b solely through pivot joints whose axes are parallel to the actuating axis 202, 502, 802. There is therefore one set of connecting rods 250, 550, 850 on the left and one on the right with respect to the connecting rod 210, 510, 810. The 210, 510, 810 connecting bar can be mounted fixed or free to rotate on a connecting rod.
[0057] For each set of connecting rods 250, 550, 850, the interlocking system 200, 500, 800 has two actuators 230a-b, 530a-b, 830a-b, so there are two actuators on the left and two on the right with respect to the interlocking bar 210, 510, 810, and each actuates one of the pivot links of said set of connecting rods 250, 550, 850 and there are thus two of the pivot links of said set of connecting rods 250, 550, 850 which are actuated.
[0058] The two sets of connecting rods 250, 550, 850 are identical, and the positions of the two actuators 230a-b, 530a-b, 830a-b are identical for both sides. The movement of the connecting rod 210, 510, 810 is then controlled by the actuators 230a-b, 530a-b, 830a-b, which move the sets of connecting rods 250, 550, 850 to ensure that the connecting rod 210, 510, 810 reaches the desired positions.
[0059] To this end, the interlocking system 200, 500, 800 includes a control unit 80 arranged to control each actuator 230a-b, 530a-b, 830a-b. To ensure proper movement of the interlocking bar 210, 510, 810, the actuators 230a-b, 530a-b, 830a-b are controlled synchronously so that the movements of the connecting rods should be identical on both sides.
[0060] Thus, the movement of the interlocking bar 210, 510, 810 is obtained solely by two controlled rotations and it is therefore no longer necessary to provide space for a translation and such an arrangement therefore allows a saving of space.
[0061] Each actuator 230a-b, 530a-b, 830a-b takes the form of a rotary motor, for example electric, with a movable rotating motor shaft and preferably with an encoder to determine the angular position of the motor shaft. As described below, the motor is fixed to the frame 201, 501, 801 or to a connecting rod.
[0062] In the embodiment of Figs. 2 to 4, each set of connecting rods 250 comprises a first connecting rod 250a which has a proximal end 252a mounted movably in rotation on the frame 201 and a distal end 252b, and a second connecting rod 250b which has a proximal end 254a mounted movably in rotation on the distal end 252b of the first connecting rod 250a and a distal end 254b integral with the corresponding end 210a-b of the socket bar 210. In this embodiment, the two connecting rods 250a-b are in series.
[0063] A first actuator 230a is arranged to actuate the rotation of the proximal end 252a of the first connecting rod 250a, and a second actuator 230b is arranged to actuate the rotation of the proximal end 254a of the second connecting rod 250b.
[0064] The first actuator 230a, and more particularly the motor 231a, is thus secured to the frame 201 by any suitable fastening means such as screws, and the proximal end 252a of the first connecting rod 250a is fixed to the drive shaft 233a of the first actuator 230a. There is a fixed connection between the drive shaft 233a of the first actuator 230a and the proximal end 252a of the first connecting rod 250a. Thus, the rotation of the drive shaft 233a of the first actuator 230a is transmitted to the first connecting rod 250a.
[0065] Similarly, the second actuator 230b, and more specifically the motor 231b, is fixedly mounted on the first connecting rod 250a by any suitable fastening means such as screws, and the proximal end 254a of the second connecting rod 250b is integral with the motor shaft 233b of the second actuator 230b. There is a fixed connection between the motor shaft 233b of the second actuator 230b and the proximal end 254a of the second connecting rod 250b. Thus, the rotation of the motor shaft 233b of the second actuator 230b is transmitted to the second connecting rod 250b. In the embodiment of the invention presented here, the drive shaft 233b of the second actuator 230b passes through the distal end 252b of the first connecting rod 250a which is mounted freely for rotation on the drive shaft 233b of the second actuator 230b.
[0066] Thus, the control unit 80 commands the two actuators 230a-b on each side and the interlocking bar 210 is moved. [Fig. 2] shows the interlocking bar 210 under the second part 50b, [Fig. 3] shows the interlocking bar 210 which makes pivot the second piece 50b around the hinge and [Fig.4] shows the interlocking bar 210 which passes over the second piece 50b to interlock it with the first piece 50a.
[0067] In the embodiment of Figs. 5 to 7, each set of connecting rods 550 comprises a first connecting rod 550a which has a proximal end 552a mounted mobilizably in rotation on the frame 501 and a distal end 552b and a second connecting rod 550b which has a proximal end 554a mounted mobilizably in rotation on the frame 501 and a distal end 554b.
[0068] Each set of connecting rods 550 also includes a third connecting rod 550c which has a proximal end 556a mounted movably in rotation on the distal end 552b of the first connecting rod 550a and a distal end 556b integral with the corresponding end 510a-b of the interlocking bar 510, and a fourth connecting rod 550d which has a proximal end 558a mounted movably in rotation on the distal end 554b of the second connecting rod 550b and a distal end 558b integral with the corresponding end 510a-b of the interlocking bar 510.
[0069] A first actuator 530a is arranged to actuate the rotation of the proximal end 552a of the first connecting rod 550a, and the second actuator 530b is arranged to actuate the rotation of the proximal end 554a of the second connecting rod 550b. In this embodiment, there are two pairs of connecting rods 550a, 550c and 550b, 550d, where the connecting rods of one pair are in series and where the two pairs are in parallel.
[0070] Each actuator 530a-b, and more particularly each motor 531a-b, is thus secured to the chassis 501 by all appropriate means of fastening such as screw elements.
[0071] The proximal end 552a of the first connecting rod 550a is fixed to the drive shaft 533a of the first actuator 530a, and the proximal end 554a of the second connecting rod 550b is fixed to the drive shaft 533b of the second actuator 530b. There is a fixed connection between the drive shaft 533a-b of each actuator 530a-b and the proximal ends 552a, 554a of the connecting rod 550a-b in question. Thus, the rotation of the drive shaft 533a-b of the actuator 530a-b is transmitted to the connecting rod 550a-b in question.
[0072] Thus, the control unit 80 controls the two actuators 530a-b on each side and the interlocking bar 510 is moved. [Fig. 5] shows the interlocking bar 510 under the second part 50b, [Fig. 6] shows the interlocking bar 510 rotating the second part 50b around the hinge, and [Fig. 7] shows the interlocking bar 510 passing over the second part 50b to interlock it with the first part 50a.
[0073] In the embodiment of [Fig. 8], each set of connecting rods 850 comprises a first connecting rod 850a which has a proximal end 852a mounted for rotational mobility on the frame 801 and a distal end 852b and a second connecting rod 850b which has a proximal end 854a mounted movably in rotation on the chassis 801 and a distal end 854b.
[0074] Each set of connecting rods 850 also includes a third connecting rod 850c which has a proximal end 856a mounted movably in rotation on the distal end 854b of the second connecting rod 850b and a distal end 856b, and a fourth connecting rod 850d which has a proximal end 858a mounted movably in rotation on the distal end 856b of the third connecting rod 850c and a distal end 858b integral with the corresponding end 810a-b of the socket bar 810.
[0075] In this embodiment, the distal end 852b of the first connecting rod 850a is mounted to rotate freely on the fourth connecting rod 850d between the proximal end 858a and the distal end 858b of said fourth connecting rod 850d.
[0076] A first actuator 830a is arranged to actuate the rotation of the proximal end 852a of the first connecting rod 850a, and the second actuator 830b is arranged to actuate the rotation of the proximal end 854a of the second connecting rod 850b.
[0077] Each actuator 830a-b, and more particularly each motor 831a-b, is thus secured to the chassis 801 by all appropriate means of fastening such as screw elements.
[0078] The proximal end 852a of the first connecting rod 850a is fixed to the drive shaft 833a of the first actuator 830a, and the proximal end 854a of the second connecting rod 850b is fixed to the drive shaft 833b of the second actuator 830b. There is a fixed connection between the drive shaft 833a-b of each actuator 830a-b and the proximal ends 852a, 854a of the connecting rod 850a-b in question. Thus, the rotation of the drive shaft 833a-b of the actuator 830a-b is transmitted to the connecting rod 850a-b in question.
[0079] Thus, the control unit 80 commands the two actuators 830a-b on each side and the interlocking bar 810 is moved. [Fig. 8] shows the interlocking bar 810 under the second part 50b.
[0080] According to a particular embodiment, the control unit 80 comprises, connected by a communication bus: a processor or CPU (Central Processing Unit); a RAM (Read Access Memory); a read-only memory, for example of the ROM (Read Only Memory) or EEPROM (Electrically-Erasable Programmable ROM) type or of the Flash type; a storage unit, such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or a storage media reader, such as an SD (Secure Digital) card reader; and an I / F interface manager.
[0081] The I / f interface manager allows the control unit 80 to communicate with, among other things, the actuators and encoders.
[0082] The processor is capable of executing instructions loaded into RAM from read-only memory, external memory, or a storage medium (such as than an SD card), or a communication network. When the hardware platform is powered on, the processor is able to read instructions from RAM and execute them. These instructions form a computer program, causing the processor to implement all or part of the steps and operations described here.
[0083] All or part of the steps and operations described herein can thus be implemented in software form by the execution of a set of instructions by a programmable machine, for example a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or a microcontroller, or be implemented in hardware form by a dedicated machine or electronic component (chip) or a dedicated set of electronic components (chipset), for example an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit). Generally, the control unit 80 comprises electronic circuitry adapted and configured to implement the operations and steps described herein.
Claims
Demands
1. A fitting system (200, 500, 800) for fitting a first part (50a) onto a second part (50b), said fitting system (200, 500, 800) comprising: - a frame (201, 501, 801), - a fitting bar (210, 510, 810) for bearing against the second part (50b) in order to fit it onto the first part (50a) and extending parallel to an actuating axis (202, 502, 802) between two ends (210a-b, 510a-b, 810a-b), - for each end (210a-b, 510a-b, 810a-b), a set of connecting rods (250, 550, 850) where the connecting rods of said connecting rod assembly (250, 550, 850) are mounted between the frame (201, 501, 801) and said end (210a-b, 510a-b, 810a-b) through pivot joints whose axes are parallel to the actuating axis (202, 502, 802), - for each connecting rod assembly (250, 550, 850), two actuators (230a-b, 530a-b, 830a-b) actuating two of the pivot joints of said connecting rod assembly (250, 550,850) and - a control unit (80) arranged to control each actuator (230a-b, 530a-b, 830a-b).
2. A connecting system (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that each set of connecting rods (250) comprises: - a first connecting rod (250a) having a proximal end (252a) mounted for rotation on the frame (201) and a distal end (252b), and - a second connecting rod (250b) having a proximal end (254a) mounted for rotation on the distal end (252b) of the first connecting rod (250a) and a distal end (254b) integral with the corresponding end (210a-b) of the connecting rod (210), where one of the actuators (230a) is arranged to actuate the rotation of the proximal end (252a) of the first connecting rod (250a), and where the other of the actuators (230b) is arranged to actuate the rotation of the proximal end (254a) of the second connecting rod (250b).
3. Interlocking system (500) according to claim 1, characterized in that each set of connecting rods (550) comprises: - a first connecting rod (550a) which has a proximal end (552a) mounted movably in rotation on the frame (501) and a distal end (552b), - a second connecting rod (550b) which has a proximal end (554a) mounted movably for rotation on the frame (501) and a distal end (554b), - a third connecting rod (550c) having a proximal end (556a) mounted for rotational movement on the distal end (552b) of the first connecting rod (550a) and a distal end (556b) fixed to the corresponding end (510a-b) of the connecting rod (510), and - a fourth connecting rod (550d) having a proximal end (558a) mounted for rotational movement on the distal end (554b) of the second connecting rod (550b) and a distal end (558b) fixed to the corresponding end (510a-b) of the connecting rod (510), where one of the actuators (530a) is arranged to actuate the rotation of the proximal end (552a) of the first connecting rod (550a), and where the other of the actuators (530b) is arranged to actuate the rotation of the proximal end (554a) of the second connecting rod (550b).
4. A connecting system (800) according to claim 1, characterized in that each set of connecting rods (850) comprises: - a first connecting rod (850a) which has a proximal end (852a) mounted movably in rotation on the frame (801) and a distal end (852b), - a second connecting rod (850b) which has a proximal end (854a) mounted movably for rotation on the frame (801) and a distal end (854b), - a third connecting rod (850c) having a proximal end (856a) mounted for rotational movement on the distal end (854b) of the second connecting rod (850b) and a distal end (856b), and - a fourth connecting rod (850d) having a proximal end (858a) mounted for rotational movement on the distal end (856b) of the third connecting rod (850c) and a distal end (858b) integral with the corresponding end (810a-b) of the connecting rod (810), wherein the distal end (852b) of the first connecting rod (850a) is mounted for rotational movement on the fourth connecting rod (850d) between the proximal end (858a) and the distal end (858b) of said fourth connecting rod (850d), wherein one of the actuators (830a) is arranged to actuate the rotation of the proximal end (852a) of the first connecting rod (850a), and where the other of the actuators (830b) is arranged to actuate the rotation of the proximal end (854a) of the second connecting rod (850b).
5. Molding machine comprising molding means (60) for molding a first part (50a) and a second part (50b) and a nesting system (200, 500, 800) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.