Rotary fluid distributors, and preform internal processing apparatus equipped with such fluid distributors.

Abstract

To provide a rotary fluid distributor for processing equipment that can improve the performance of dust removal equipment. [Solution] A rotary fluid distributor (60) for processing the interior of a thermoplastic material preform, comprising a fixed stator (62), an external rotor (64) fixed to a carousel and having at least one processing port (66A) connected to at least one injection tube, and a distribution chamber radially interposed between the stator (62) and the rotor (64), wherein the stator (62) has a fixed blocking surface that blocks each processing port (66A) across angular sectors of their circular paths called "inactive angular sectors (72-OFF)".

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotary fluid dispenser. The present invention also relates to a processing apparatus for processing the interior of a preform made of a thermoplastic material by injection of a processing gas, the processing apparatus comprising a rotary carousel carrying a holding member for holding the preform, an injection tube carried on the carousel corresponding to each holding member, and such a rotary fluid dispenser.

Background Art

[0002] Examples of processing apparatuses for processing the interior of at least one preform made of a thermoplastic material by injection of a pressurized gas are known from the prior art. These are, for example, dust removal apparatuses that inject pressurized air, or apparatuses that inject a sterilizing gas into the interior of the preform for sterilization.

[0003] In known methods, preforms made of thermoplastic materials are intended for the manufacture of containers such as bottles, vials, pots, etc.

[0004] Preforms are generally manufactured by injection molding a thermoplastic material at generally different industrial sites before their conversion into the containers. The preforms are then transported unpacked from their manufacturing sites to their conversion sites and are often stored individually.

[0005] As a result, it has been found that various types of dust are likely to penetrate into the interior of the preforms. "Dust" is understood to mean, without limitation, not only fine particles of material, for example, small pieces of dust, but also, for example, packaging pieces such as cardboard, or thermoplastic materials, particularly in the form of filaments, but not limited thereto.

[0006] The use of dust removal devices for processing containers obtained from preforms is known from the prior art. However, the performance of such devices is not satisfactory due to the large volume of the containers compared to the preforms. This is why dust removal devices are advantageously used to remove dust present inside preforms. A dust removal device for removing dust from preforms is, for example, placed upstream of the furnace.

[0007] It may be recalled that, in order to manufacture a container, the preform is thermally adjusted in a furnace to soften the material of the body by blow molding or stretch blow molding in one of the molds of the molding unit, and then by heating it to a temperature that allows for conversion of the body material.

[0008] For this purpose, the dust removal device comprises an injection means, which consists of a tube capable of injecting compressed air into the interior of the preform and a tube associated with a suction means capable of simultaneously discharging the injected air and dust from the preform. The injection tube is translationally movable relative to the preform and is mounted to slide axially between a retracted extreme position and an inserted extreme position in which at least a portion of the tube is housed inside the preform.

[0009] In conventional dust removal devices, air is continuously injected through an orifice located at the free end of the tube at the start of the descent phase, i.e., at the latest during introduction into the preform. The injection tube is eccentric with respect to the axis of the preform to limit the occurrence of an "overpressure plug" while the tube is being introduced into the preform. This overpressure plug is caused by the fact that the injection tube has already released pressurized air when it is lowered from its retracted limit position to its inserted limit position.

[0010] Such a radial offset of the tube axis relative to the preform axis can limit the depth to which the tube can be inserted into the preform without interference between the tube and the preform. In certain preforms, the resulting dust removal is unsatisfactory because the tube, at its ultimate insertion point, is too far from the bottom of the preform to effectively dislodge dust that is significantly concentrated at the bottom due to gravity.

[0011] In addition to the fact that the "overpressure plug" phenomenon also limits the speed at which the injection tube is lowered, the applicant has established that the dust-removing air injected during the lowering motion has the effect of pushing the dust onto the internal surface and does not have the effect of clearing the dust present inside the preform as desired.

[0012] Equipment for manufacturing containers from preforms made of thermoplastic material (also called "blow molding machines") may, for example, comprise at least one furnace in sequence, a molding unit, and optionally a filling machine, with a labeling machine and a capping machine for closing the containers after filling located upstream or downstream of the filling machine. In such equipment, the rate of container production increases continuously, and consequently, the duration of the dust removal cycle performed by dust removal devices incorporated into such equipment should also be considered. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0013] It is also desirable to improve the performance of such dust removal equipment in order to improve reliability and thereby reduce operating costs, especially air consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The present invention proposes a rotary fluid distributor for equipment for processing preforms made of thermoplastic material, the rotary fluid distributor being, An internal stator, intended to be fixedly mounted to the base and equipped with a processing gas supply pipe, An external rotor mounted to rotate around a stator about a central axis and having at least one processing port that penetrates the rotor radially, wherein the processing port is intended to be connected to at least one injection tube for injecting a processing gas into a preform, and the processing port moves along a circular path about the central axis, the external rotor and A distribution chamber is radially interposed between a stator and a rotor, and is supplied with a processing gas by a supply pipe, wherein the processing port opens into the distribution chamber over at least a first angular sector of its circular path, called the "active angular sector," and the distribution chamber is... Equipped with, The stator is characterized by having fixed blocking surfaces that block each processing port across a second angular sector of their circular paths, which are called "inactive angular sectors."

[0015] Another feature of the rotary fluid distributor is that the circular path of the processing port is divided into two angular sectors, each comprising a single active angular sector and a single inactive angular sector.

[0016] According to another feature of the rotary fluid distributor, the stator comprises a core equipped with a supply pipe and an element mounted and fastened to the core and having a sealing surface.

[0017] According to another feature of the rotary fluid distributor, the mounted element is formed by a processing ring that is radially interposed between the stator core and the rotor.

[0018] Another characteristic of rotary fluid distributors is that the distribution chamber is defined radially between the processing ring segments and the rotor.

[0019] Another characteristic of rotary fluid distributors is that the rotor has multiple processing ports uniformly distributed around it.

[0020] According to another feature of the rotary fluid distributor, the rotor comprises at least one mounted sleeve with all the processing ports.

[0021] According to another feature of the rotary fluid distributor, the processing ring is replaceable in such a way that it is possible to adjust the range of the non-active angular sector.

[0022] The present invention also relates to a processing apparatus for processing the interior of a preform made of a thermoplastic material by injecting a processing gas, a rotary carousel mounted on a fixed base so as to be rotatable about a central axis, the rotary carousel carrying holding members for holding the preforms, injecting tubes carried on the carousel corresponding to each holding member, comprising a processing apparatus characterized by comprising a rotary fluid distributor implemented according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0023] According to another feature of the processing apparatus, each injection tube is mounted so as to be able to slide on the carousel between a retracted extreme position intended to be completely outside the preform supported by the associated holding member and an inserted extreme position intended to be inserted into the interior of the preform supported by the associated holding member, and the apparatus comprises at least one actuator that is automatically controlled according to the angular position of the carousel, and each injection tube, from upstream to downstream, a first retracted angular sector in which each injection tube takes its retracted extreme position, a second insertion angular sector along which each injection tube moves from its retracted extreme position to its inserted extreme position, a third inserted angular sector along which each injection tube takes its inserted extreme position, a fourth retraction angular sector along which each injection tube moves from its inserted extreme position to its retracted extreme position, It moves along a circular path that is divided into The active angular sector of the rotary fluid dispenser coincides with at least a third inserted angular sector.

[0024] According to another feature of the processing device, the non-active angular sector of the rotary fluid dispenser coincides with at least a second inserted angular sector.

[0025] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, and reference should be made to the accompanying drawings for the purpose of understanding it.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a top view schematically showing a processing device implemented according to the teachings of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an axial cross-sectional view along the section 2-2 of FIG. 1, showing a processing station provided with an injection tube controlled by a pneumatic ram at its inserted extreme position. [Figure 3] It is an axial cross-sectional view along the section 3-3 of FIG. 1, showing a processing station provided with an injection tube controlled by a pneumatic ram at its retracted extreme position. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view on a larger scale showing a rotary fluid dispenser implemented according to the teachings of the present invention and installed at the center of the processing device of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is an axial cross-sectional view along the section 5-5 of FIG. 4, showing various stages of the rotary fluid dispenser. [Figure 6] It is a horizontal cross-sectional view along the section 6-6 of FIG. 4, showing a processing stage of the rotary fluid dispenser. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view showing a processing ring equipped with a processing stage of the rotary fluid dispenser to control the opening and closing of the processing port. [Figure 8] It is a horizontal cross-sectional view along the section 8-8 of FIG. 4, showing a first control stage of the rotary fluid dispenser. [Figure 9]This is a perspective view showing a first control ring equipped with a first control stage of a rotary fluid distributor to control the circulation of the working gas within the working port. [Figure 10] This is a horizontal cross-sectional view along section 10-10 in Figure 4, showing the second control stage of the rotary fluid distributor. [Figure 11] This figure shows a fluid scheme illustrating the circulation of the working gas in the processing station of a processing device when the processing device is operating in normal mode. [Figure 12] This figure shows a fluid scheme illustrating the circulation of the working gas in the processing station of a processing device when the processing device is operating in safety mode. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] In the remainder of the description, elements exhibiting the same structure or equivalent function are indicated by the same reference number.

[0028] The remainder of the description adopts a vertical orientation parallel to the central axis "Z1" of the carousel 32 and directed from the bottom to the top according to the arrow "V" in the figure, rather than in a restrictive manner. A radial orientation directed radially outward from the central axis "Z1" of the carousel 32, as well as a tangential orientation directed perpendicular to the radial and axial orientations, are also adopted. The term "circumferential" is used to describe motion or elements extending in the form of an arc of a circle centered on the central axis "Z1" of the carousel 32.

[0029] Figure 1 shows a processing apparatus 20 for processing the interior of a preform 22 made of thermoplastic material. In this case, as a non-limiting example, it is a dust removal apparatus.

[0030] In one variant of the present invention not shown, it is a sterilization device for sterilizing the interior of each preform by injecting a sterilizing gas into the interior of each preform. Such a device is particularly useful when the preform is sized such that it is impossible for the injection of gas through a nozzle located on the outside of the preform to reach the bottom of the preform. This is especially true when a localized overpressure of gas is formed in the center of the preform, forming a plug.

[0031] Such a preform 22 is shown in Figure 2. The preform is made of a thermoplastic material, in this case polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is conventionally obtained by injection molding. It has a substantially axially symmetric shape with respect to the principal axis line "Z0" of the vertical orientation.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, it has a cylindrical body 24 with tubular walls, the body being closed at its lower end by a bottom 26 and extended at its upper end by a neck 28 which is also tubular and opens vertically toward the top. The inner surface 29 of the walls defines the internal boundary of the preform 22. The neck 28 is generally injection molded in such a way that it already has its definitive shape, but the body 24 of the preform 22 is intended to undergo relatively large deformations during subsequent molding steps to form the final container.

[0033] The neck 28 of the preform 22 also includes an annular collar 30 that projects radially. In this case, the collar 30 is positioned at the joint between the base of the neck 28 and the body 24.

[0034] The processing unit 20 includes a carousel 32 mounted on a fixed base 34 so as to be able to rotate about a central vertical axis "Z1". The base 34 is fixed to the ground on which the processing unit 20 is placed.

[0035] More specifically, the carousel 32 is moved by a vertical shaft 36 on the central axis "Z1" using, for example, an electric motor (not shown), in a continuous counterclockwise rotation as indicated by arrow F in Figure 1.

[0036] The carousel 32 carries a holding member 38 for holding the preforms 22 in order to move the preforms 22 in a line along a common path in the shape of an arc centered on the central axis "Z1".

[0037] In this case, the retaining member 38 is formed by a semicircular notch made on the outer circumference of the ring 40. The ring 40 is fixedly mounted on the carousel 32. Each retaining member 38 allows for the accommodation of a portion of the body 24 of the preform 22 located directly beneath the collar 30, while the collar 30 rests on the upper surface of the ring 40, thus allowing the preform 22 to move along its path.

[0038] In one variant of the present invention not shown, the retaining member is formed by a gripper that grasps each preform directly above or below the collar.

[0039] To prevent the preforms 22 from falling due to centrifugal force while the carousel 32 is rotating, an arched rail 42 fixed to the base 34 is positioned along the arc path of the preforms 22. Thus, the preforms 22 slide along the rail 42, which allows the preforms to be held radially inside their associated retaining members 38.

[0040] The ring 40 comprises, for example, 32 or 40 retaining members 38 evenly distributed around it. The processing apparatus 20 is designed to enable high throughput of preforms 22, for example, transporting about 60,000 preforms per hour and removing dust.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the preform 22 is transported to the inlet 44 of the processing apparatus 20 by an input wheel 46, indicated by a circle in Figure 1. After processing, in this case after dust removal, the preform 22 is transferred to an outlet 50 onto an outlet wheel 48, also indicated by a circle in Figure 1. The input wheel 46 and the outlet wheel 48 are notched wheels having a retaining member 38, similar to, for example, those described in the carousel 32. Between the inlet 44 and the outlet 50, the path of the preform 22 extends over an angular sector exceeding 180°, for example, about 300°.

[0042] The carousel 32 also includes several processing stations 52 that process the preform 22 as it is transported from the inlet 44 to the outlet 50, and in this case remove dust from the preform. Each processing station 52 is supported on the carousel 32, that is, each processing station 52 rotates in cooperation with the carousel 32 about a central axis "Z".

[0043] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, each processing station 52 comprises at least one injection tube 54 supported on the carousel 32. Each injection tube 54 is positioned vertically in relation to its associated holding member 38. Thus, the carousel 32 comprises as many injection tubes 54 as there are holding members 38.

[0044] Each injection pipe 54 has a free lower end with an injection nozzle 55 and an upper end with a supply orifice 58 intended to be connected to a supply source (not shown) of pressurized processing gas, as will be described in more detail below. Here, since the process involves dust removal, the processing gas is formed, for example, by air. The pressure of the dust removal gas is, for example, about 7 bar.

[0045] In one variant, if the processing device is a sterilizer for sterilizing the inside of a preform, the processing gas is formed by a sterilization gas. This is a gas containing a strong oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide and / or peracetic acid.

[0046] Each injection tube 54 is mounted so as to be able to slide vertically on the carousel 32 between an extreme position where it is retracted vertically upward as shown in Figure 3, and an extreme position where it is inserted downward as shown in Figure 2.

[0047] In the inserted limit position, the lower end of the injection tube 54, which forms a vertical straight line, is intended to be inserted into the interior of the preform 22, and its neck 28 is supported by an associated retaining member 38. In this case, the injection tube 54 is coaxial with the main axis "Z0" of the preform 22. In this inserted limit position, the injection nozzle 55 is positioned at a short distance "d" from the bottom 26 of the preform 22.

[0048] In its retracted extreme position, the injection tube 54 is completely withdrawn from the preform 22 supported by the associated retaining member 38, allowing the dust-removed preform 22 to be transported radially outward to the discharge wheel 48, and allowing new preform 22 coming radially inward from the input wheel 46 to be received by the retaining member 38.

[0049] The sliding of each injection tube 54 is controlled by at least one actuator, which is automatically controlled according to the angular position of the carousel 32. In the embodiment shown in the figure, each processing station 52 is provided with a single actuator that allows the sliding of all injection tubes 54 of the processing station 52 to be controlled simultaneously.

[0050] Such actuators are formed by electric motors controlled, for example, by a rotating collector or by any other known suitable driving means. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the actuator is formed by a pneumatic ram 56, which will be described in more detail below.

[0051] When the processing unit 20 is operating in normal mode, each injection tube 54 travels from upstream to downstream along a circular path divided into multiple angular sectors fixed to the base 34, as shown in Figure 1. Herein, a description of the operation of the processing unit 20 in normal mode is provided for one injection tube 54, and this description can be provided for each of the injection tubes 54.

[0052] In the following, along a first angle sector called the retracted angle sector "S0", the injection tube 54 takes its retracted limit position. Along this first retracted angle sector "S0", each preform 22 is received by one of the retaining members 38 at the inlet 44, but the associated injection tube 54 remains in its retracted upper position.

[0053] The carousel 32 continues to rotate, carrying the injection tube 54 to a second angle sector, which will be referred to below as the insertion angle sector "S1". As a result, the injection tube 54 moves from its retracted limit position to its inserted limit position. This insertion angle sector "S1" extends, for example, over a range of approximately 25°.

[0054] When the injection tube 54 reaches its inserted limit, it enters a third angular sector "S2" in its path, and each injection tube 54 remains in its inserted limit. The injection nozzle 55 releases a continuous jet of pressurized processing gas, which rises along the inner surface 29 of the preform 22 up to the neck 28, thereby displacing dust contained within the preform 22. The dust displacing from the preform 22 is collected by a dust extractor (not shown) so as not to contaminate other preforms 22. The inserted angular sector "S2" extends, for example, over approximately 120°.

[0055] When the injection tube 54 reaches a fourth angle sector, which will be referred to below as the retracted angle sector "S3", the injection tube 54 moves from its inserted limit position to its retracted limit position. This retracted angle sector "S3" extends, for example, over a distance of approximately 25°.

[0056] When the injection pipe 54 reaches its retracted limit position, it returns to the retracted angular sector "S0" of its path. The injection pipe 54 reaches its retracted limit position before the preform 22 reaches the outlet 50, so that the preform 22, which has thus been dust-removed, can be transferred to the discharge wheel 48.

[0057] The source of the processing gas is fixed to the ground. To enable the transport of the processing gas to each injection pipe 54, the processing apparatus 20 includes a rotary fluid distributor 60 having at least a first processing stage 60A.

[0058] As shown in detail in Figures 4 and 5, such a rotary fluid distributor 60 includes an internal stator 62. The stator 62 is fixedly mounted to the base 34 by utilizing a flat section 63 that cooperates with, for example, an anti-rotation device (not shown) to prevent rotation relative to the base 34. The stator 62 has an overall cylindrical shape coaxial with the central axis "Z1".

[0059] The rotary fluid distributor also includes an external rotor 64. The external rotor 64 has the shape of a vertical-axis sleeve. The rotor 64 is mounted so as to be rotatable coaxially with the central axis "Z1" around the stator 62. The rotor 64 rotates integrally with the carousel 32.

[0060] As shown in Figure 5, guide bearings 65 for guiding the rotor 64 in rotation are interposed radially between the rotor 64 and the stator 62. In this case, the rotary fluid distributor 60 includes two guide bearings 65 positioned at each of its vertical ends.

[0061] These are rolling bearings 65 in this case. In one variant of the invention not shown, they are sliding bearings.

[0062] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, to form the first processing stage 60A, the rotor 64 is provided with at least one processing port 66A that penetrates the rotor radially. The processing port 66A is connected to at least one injection pipe 54 via a flexible conduit 68 shown in Figures 2 and 3. As a result, the processing port 66A travels along a circular orbit centered on the central axis "Z1".

[0063] Each processing port 66A is connected in this case to a processing station 52. Each processing station 52 in this case comprises four injection tubes 54. Thus, one processing port 66A can simultaneously supply four consecutive injection tubes 54 of the processing unit 20. Therefore, the processing unit 20 shown in Figure 1 comprises 40 injection tubes 54 supported in four groups by each of the 10 processing stations 52. Thus, the rotor 64 comprises 10 processing ports 66A arranged at the same level and evenly distributed around a portion of the rotor 64. More specifically, the 10 processing ports 66A are identical such that the portion of the rotor 64 containing them exhibits rotational symmetry about the central axis "Z1".

[0064] This configuration has the advantage of allowing a limit on the number of processing ports 66A provided on the rotor 64, while also allowing control of the sector-by-sector processing gas distribution, as described below.

[0065] In one variant not shown, each processing port may be supplied with a different number of injection tubes, for example, one, two, three or more.

[0066] Referring to Figure 6, the distribution chamber 70A for the processing gas is radially interposed between the stator 62 and the rotor 64 at the level of the processing port 66A. Thus, the processing port 66A can open into the distribution chamber 70A via an internal opening 71A across at least a first angular sector of its circular path, which is called the "active angular sector 72-ON".

[0067] As shown in Figure 5, the distribution chamber 70A extends over a vertical height "H" that is approximately equal to or slightly greater than the height of the internal opening 71A of the processing port 66A. In the embodiment shown in the drawing, the internal opening 71A of the processing port 66A has a circular cross-section. In this case, the height "H" of the distribution chamber 70A is slightly greater than the diameter of the internal opening 71A.

[0068] The airtightness of the distribution chamber 70A is ensured vertically in both directions by two spacer rings 84 interposed radially between the rotor 64 and the stator 62. In this case, the spacer rings 84 are fixed to the stator 62 and mounted to be slidable relative to the rotor 64.

[0069] In this case, each spacer ring 84 is made of a metallic material. An annular inner seal 85A made of an elastomer material is interposed radially between the stator 62 and the spacer ring 84, and an annular outer seal 85B is interposed radially between the rotor 64 and the spacer ring 84. The outer seal 85B is radially supported so as to slide against the outer cylindrical surface of the spacer ring 84. The inner and outer cylindrical surfaces of the spacer ring 84 have a sufficiently smooth surface condition to ensure airtightness of the distribution chamber 70A in the vertical direction.

[0070] The first processing stage 60A thus includes a processing port 66A and a distribution chamber 70A.

[0071] The stator 62 includes a process gas supply pipe 74 that supplies process gas to the distribution chamber 70A. More specifically, the process gas supply pipe 74 connects at least one upstream orifice 76 formed on the upper axial end face 78 of the stator 62 to at least one downstream orifice 80 that opens into the distribution chamber 70A. In this case, the downstream orifice 80 opens radially outward at the same level as the process port 66A. As an example, the stator 62 in this case comprises a single upstream orifice 76 and a single downstream orifice 80. In this case, the process gas supply pipe 74 is formed from a single bent conduit having an entirely vertical portion connected to the upstream orifice 76 and a radial portion connected to the downstream orifice 80.

[0072] To ensure proper use of the compressed processing gas, measures are taken to interrupt the supply from the injection tube 54 over at least one angular sector of their path, referred to as the "inactive angular sector 72-OFF". In this case, the circular path of the processing port 66A is divided into two complementary angular sectors, each having a single active angular sector 72-ON and a single inactive angular sector 72-OFF. For example, the active angular sector 72-ON corresponds to at least the entirety of the inserted angular sector "S2".

[0073] Furthermore, the inactive angle sector 72-OFF of the rotary fluid distributor 60 coincides with at least the insertion angle sector S1. This makes it possible to avoid the overpressure plug effect mentioned in the preamble of the description. As a result, it is possible to align the injection tube 54 with the axis "Z0" of the preform 22, and thus minimize the distance "d".

[0074] As illustrated in the example, the active angle sector 72-ON extends over the entire inserted angle sector "S2" and over at least a portion of the receding angle sector "S3", while the inactive angle sector 72-OFF extends over the complementary portion of the receding angle sector "S3", over the receded angle sector "S0", and over the inserted angle sector "S1". Therefore, the active angle sector 72-ON extends, for example, over approximately 145° from the start of the inserted angle sector "S2", while the inactive angle sector 72-OFF extends over the complementary portion of the path, i.e., approximately 215°.

[0075] To implement this sector-based supply of the injection tube 54 in a simple and inexpensive manner, the stator 62 is provided with a fixed blocking surface 82A that blocks each processing port 66A across the inactive angular sector 72-OFF of their circular paths, as shown in Figure 5. For this purpose, the blocking surface 82A has the shape of a cylindrical segment that extends circumferentially across the inactive angular sector 72-OFF around the central axis "Z1" of the stator 62, while the distribution chamber 70A extends across the active angular sector 72-ON.

[0076] A functional radial clearance is provided between the barrier surface 82A and the rotor 64, allowing the rotor 64 to rotate without friction. However, this clearance is so small that the flow rate of the processing gas that can reach the processing port 66A blocked by the barrier surface 82A is negligibly small.

[0077] In the example shown in the figure, the stator 62 is made up of multiple separate elements. Thus, the stator 62 comprises a core 86 equipped with a processing gas supply pipe 74. The core 86 has a cylindrical shape and is located at the center of the stator 62.

[0078] The stator 62 further comprises a mounted element fastened to the core 86 and having a blocking surface 82A. In this case, the mounted element is formed by a first ring called a processing ring 88A, which is radially interposed between the core 86 and the rotor 64 of the stator 62. As shown in Figure 7, the processing ring 88A is vertically bounded by a planar annular upper surface and a planar annular lower surface, and radially bounded by an internal cylindrical surface 90A and an external cylindrical surface 92A.

[0079] The processing ring 88A is fitted and housed around the core 86. Advantageously, although the processing ring 88A is not compressed and housed around the core 86, it has radial clearances that allow the ring to slide vertically, enabling the ring to be easily installed and removed.

[0080] In this case, the distribution chamber 70A is radially bounded between the outer surface segment of the processing ring 88A and the rotor 64. For this purpose, the outer surface 92A has a concave recess 94A on the segment. The remaining portion of the outer surface 92A has a smooth cylindrical surface that forms a barrier surface 82A. The concave recess 94A is vertically bounded, for example, by two edges 96.

[0081] In one modified form, the concave depression extends across the entire height of the processing ring.

[0082] The processing ring 88A is intended to be fastened around the core 86 at the level of the processing port 66A and at the level of the downstream orifice 80 of the processing gas supply pipe 74. The processing ring 88A is radially passed through a conduit 98 that allows the downstream orifice 80 to communicate with the interior of the distribution chamber 70A. The conduit 98 is in this case located in the center of the recess in the circumferential direction.

[0083] The processing ring 88A is interchangeably mounted to the core 86 in such a manner that the range of inactive angular sectors 72-OFF can be adjusted by replacing the current processing ring 88A with a replacement processing ring 88A having a cutting surface 82A that extends over different angular sectors.

[0084] The processing ring 88A is fastened to the core 86 by radial fastening screws 100, in this case two radial fastening screws, as shown in Figure 6, for example.

[0085] In one variant not shown, the processing ring rotates integrally with the core by a complementary vertical engagement means, such as a flat section or a spline. The processing ring is then prevented from moving vertically by a spacer ring fastened to the core, for example, by a "circlip" type elastic washer.

[0086] In this case, the processing ring 88A is made of a rigid plastic material. The processing ring 88A is manufactured, for example, by molding.

[0087] In one variant, the processing ring 88A is made of a metallic material.

[0088] As described above, the actuator in this case is formed by a pneumatic ram 56.

[0089] Referring to Figure 2, each pneumatic ram 56 is automatically controlled according to the angular position of the carousel 32. The pneumatic ram 56 includes a piston 102 that controls the raising and lowering of the associated injection tube 54. The pneumatic ram 56 also includes a cylinder 104 to which the piston 102 is mounted, so as shown in Figure 3, that it can slide vertically between a first upper limit position corresponding to the retracted limit position of the associated injection tube 54 and a lower limit position corresponding to the inserted limit position of the associated injection tube 54, as shown in Figure 2.

[0090] A first working chamber 106 for controlling the pneumatic ram 56 at its first extreme position is defined between the piston 102 and one of the vertical ends of the cylinder 104. In this case, the first working chamber 106 controls the rise of the injection pipe 54 toward its retracted extreme position.

[0091] Since a double-acting pneumatic ram 56 is involved here, the pneumatic ram 56 also includes a second working chamber 108 for controlling the pneumatic ram 56 at a second limiting position where a boundary is defined between the piston 102 and the other vertical end of the cylinder 104. The second working chamber 108 in this case controls the descent of the injection pipe 54 toward its inserted limiting position.

[0092] In one variant, the pneumatic ram is a single-acting ram. In this case, the pneumatic ram comprises only a single working chamber for controlling the sliding of a piston at one of its extreme positions, and the piston is controlled at the other extreme position by an elastic return member such as a spring.

[0093] The pneumatic ram 56 is controlled by a rotary fluid distributor 60. In this regard, the rotary fluid distributor 60 includes additional stages called control stages 60B and 60C, which are associated with the working chambers 106 and 108 of the pneumatic ram 56, respectively.

[0094] As can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the different stages 60A, 60B, and 60C are stacked vertically. Processing stage 60A is located at the upper end of the rotary fluid distributor 60 in this case.

[0095] Reference numerals associated with elements belonging to the first control stage 60B are denoted by the suffix "B".

[0096] As shown in Figures 4 and 8, to form the first control stage 60B, the rotor 64 is provided with at least a first operating port 66B connected by a conduit 110B to the associated working chamber of the pneumatic ram 56, in this case the second chamber 108. Thus, the operating port 66B travels along a circular orbit centered on the central axis "Z1". In an unrestrictive manner, the first control stage 60B is associated with the second working chamber 108 to control the injection tube 54 toward its inserted limit position.

[0097] Each processing station 52 is equipped with a pneumatic ram 56. Thus, the first control stage 60B of the rotor 64 comprises 10 working ports 66B arranged at the same level and evenly distributed around a portion of the rotor 64. More specifically, the 10 working ports 66B are identical such that the portion of the rotor 64 containing them exhibits rotational symmetry about the central axis "Z1".

[0098] Each operating port 66B is, in this case, vertically aligned in a line with the processing ports 66A associated with the same processing station 52.

[0099] As shown in Figure 8, the first control stage 60B includes a pressure chamber 70B-1 radially interposed between the stator 62 and the rotor 64 at the level of the operating port 66B. Thus, the operating port 66B can open into the pressure chamber 70B-1 via an internal opening 71B across a first angular sector of its circular path, called the “operating angular sector 112B-IN”.

[0100] The first control stage 60B also includes an exhaust chamber 70B-2 radially interposed between the stator 62 and the rotor 64 at the level of the operating port 66B. Thus, the operating port 66B can open into the exhaust chamber 70B-2 through its internal opening 71B across a second angular sector of its circular path, which is called the “exhaust angular sector 112B-OUT”.

[0101] The operating angle sector 112B-IN and the exhaust angle sector 112B-OUT are two separate angle sectors that do not overlap. A radial separation partition 114B is provided to isolate the pressure chamber 70B-1 from the exhaust chamber 70B-2.

[0102] The pressure chamber 70B-1 and the exhaust chamber 70B-2 extend over a common vertical height "H" that is approximately equal to or slightly higher than the height of the internal opening 71B of the operating port 66B. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the internal opening 71B of the operating port 66B has a circular cross-section. In this case, the height of the pressure chamber 70B-1 and the exhaust chamber 70B-2 is slightly greater than the diameter of the internal opening.

[0103] The airtightness of the pressure chamber 70B-1 and the exhaust chamber 70B-2 is ensured in the same manner as the airtightness of the distribution chamber 70A, namely by two circular spacer rings 84 interposed radially between the rotor 64 and the stator 62, thereby ensuring airtightness in both directions perpendicularly. An inner seal 85A made of elastomer material is interposed radially between the stator 62 and the spacer rings 84, and an outer seal 85B is interposed radially between the rotor 64 and the spacer rings 84.

[0104] The stator 62, more specifically the core 86 of the stator 62, comprises a pressure pipe 116 that supplies compressed working gas to the pressure chamber 70B-1. More specifically, the pressure pipe 116 connects at least one upstream orifice 118 formed in this case on the upper end face 78 of the stator 62 to at least one downstream orifice 120B for supplying to the pressure chamber 70B-1. In this case, the downstream orifice 120B opens radially outward at the same level as the working port 66B. As an example, the stator 62 in this case comprises a single upstream orifice 118 and a single downstream orifice 120B for supplying to the pressure chamber 70B-1. In this case, the pressure pipe 116 is formed from a single bent conduit including an overall vertical portion connected to the upstream orifice 118 and a radial portion connected to the downstream orifice 120B.

[0105] The core 86 of the stator 62 further comprises an exhaust pipe 122B that allows for the discharge of pressurized working gas contained in the exhaust chamber 70B-2. More specifically, the exhaust pipe 122B connects at least one upstream orifice 124B opening into the exhaust chamber 70B-2 to at least one downstream orifice 126B formed in this case on the upper end face 78 of the stator 62. In this case, the upstream orifice 124B opens radially outward at the same level as the working port 66B. As an example, the stator 62 in this case comprises a single upstream orifice 124B and a single downstream orifice 126B. In this case, the exhaust pipe 122B is formed from a single curved conduit including an overall radial portion connected to the upstream orifice 124B and a vertical portion connected to the downstream orifice 126B.

[0106] The gas escaping through the exhaust pipe 122B has a pressure lower than the pressure of the working gas entering through the supply conduit, but is still higher than atmospheric pressure.

[0107] The first control stage 60B of the stator 62 includes two fixed shutoff surfaces 82B-1 and 82B-2 that shut off each operating port 66B across intermediate angular sectors 112B-OFF1 and 112B-OFF2 of their circular paths.

[0108] The first intermediate angle sector 112B-OFF1 is interposed circumferentially between the operating angle sector 112B-IN and the exhaust angle sector 112B-OUT in the direction of rotation of the rotor 64 indicated by the arrow "F" in Figure 8. The second intermediate angle sector 112B-OFF2 is interposed circumferentially between the exhaust angle sector 112B-OUT and the operating angle sector 112B-IN in the direction of rotation of the rotor 64 indicated by the arrow "F" in Figure 8.

[0109] For this purpose, each of the blocking surfaces 82B-1, 82B-2 has the shape of a cylindrical segment that extends circumferentially on the intermediate angle sector around the central axis "Z1" of the stator 62. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the first blocking surface 82B-1, which corresponds to the intermediate angle sector 112B-OFF1 located immediately before the receding angle sector "S3", extends over a much smaller angle than the second blocking surface 82B-2, which corresponds to the intermediate angle sector 112B-OFF2 located immediately before the insertion angle sector "S1". For example, the first intermediate angle sector 112B-OFF1 extends over 20°, while the second intermediate angle sector 112B-OFF2 extends over 60°.

[0110] A functional radial clearance is provided between each of the shut-off surfaces 82B-1, 82B-2 and the rotor 64, allowing the rotor 64 to rotate without friction. However, this clearance is so small that the flow rate of the working gas that can reach the operating port 66B, which is shut off by the shut-off surfaces 82B-1, 82B-2, is negligibly small.

[0111] With respect to the processing stage 60A, the stator 62 further comprises mounted elements, which are fastened to the core 86 and include blocking surfaces 82B-1, 82B-2 and a separation partition wall 114B. As shown in Figure 9, the mounted elements are formed in this case by a ring called a first control ring 88B, which is radially interposed between the core 86 and the rotor 64 of the stator 62. The first control ring 88B is vertically bounded by a planar annular upper surface and a planar annular lower surface, and radially bounded by an internal cylindrical surface 90B and an external cylindrical surface 92B.

[0112] The first control ring 88B is housed in a tight fit around the core 86. Advantageously, the first control ring 88B is not housed in a crimped position around the core 86, but is housed with a radial clearance that allows the ring to slide vertically, enabling the ring to be easily attached and detached.

[0113] One of the two chambers 70B-1, referred to as the external chamber, is radially bounded between a segment of the outer surface 92B of the first control ring 88B and the rotor 64. For this purpose, the outer surface 92B is provided with a concave recess 94B-1 on the segment. The remaining portion of the outer surface 92B has a smooth cylindrical surface. The concave recess 94B-1 is vertically bounded, for example, by two edges 96.

[0114] In one modified form, the concave recess extends across the entire height of the first control ring.

[0115] The internal pressures of the two chambers 70B-1 and 70B-2 are intended to be very different. Therefore, the pressure in pressure chamber 70B-1 is intended to be much higher than the pressure in exhaust chamber 70B-2. If the two chambers are implemented in the same manner as the external chamber 70B-1, the working gas can pass through a functional gap secured between at least one of the shut-off surfaces 82B-1 and 82B-2 and the rotor 64, for example, a functional gap with a defined boundary between the first shut-off surface 82B-1 and the rotor 64, which extends over an intermediate angle sector 112B-OFF1 that is shorter than the second intermediate angle sector 112B-OFF2. Therefore, a negligible portion of the working gas arriving via the pressure pipe 116 exits again directly via the exhaust pipe 122B. To avoid such leakage, it has been proposed to reduce the passage portion between the two chambers 70B-1 and 70B-2 via the functional gap.

[0116] To do so, the other of the two chambers 70B-2, called the internal chamber, is radially bounded between the second internal cylindrical surface 90B segment of the first ring 88B and the core 86. For this purpose, the inner surface is provided with a concave recess 94B-2 on the segment. In this case, the recess 94B-2 extends over the entire height of the first control ring 88B.

[0117] In this case, the internal chamber 70B-2 constitutes the exhaust chamber 70B-2, while the external chamber 70B-1 constitutes the pressure chamber 70B-1.

[0118] To connect the internal chamber 70B-2 to the working port 66B across the exhaust angle sector 112B-OUT, the external cylindrical surface 92B segment is provided with multiple through-orifices 128B distributed along its length at the level of the working port 66B. This reduces the passage portion between the two chambers 70B-1 and 70B-2 to the sum of the portions of the through-orifices 128. However, the dimensions and number of through-orifices are still sufficient to allow the working gas contained in the associated working chambers 106 and 108 to escape towards the exhaust chamber 70B-2 across the exhaust angle sector.

[0119] The internal chamber 70B-2 is circumferentially separated from the external chamber 70B-1 by radial separation partitions 114B, each having one of the barrier surfaces 82B-1 and 82B-2.

[0120] In one variant of the present invention not shown, the internal chamber forms a pressure chamber, while the external chamber forms an exhaust chamber.

[0121] The first control ring 88B is intended to be fastened around the core 86 at the level of the operating port 66B and at the level of the downstream orifice 120B of the pressure pipe 116 and the upstream orifice 124B of the exhaust pipe 122B. The first control ring 88B is radially passed through a conduit 130B that allows the downstream orifice 120B of the pressure pipe 116 to communicate with the interior of the pressure chamber 70B-1. The conduit 130B is in this case located in the circumferential center of the recess. The upstream orifice 124B of the exhaust pipe 122B opens, in part, directly into the recess that defines the boundary of the exhaust chamber 70B-2.

[0122] The first control ring 88B is interchangeably mounted on the core 86 in such a manner that the range of angular sectors 112B-IN, 112B-OFF1, 112B-OUT, and 112B-OFF2 can be adjusted by replacing the current first control ring 88B with an interchangeable control ring having pressure chambers and exhaust chambers 70B-1 and 70B-2 that extend across different angular sectors.

[0123] The first control ring 88B is fastened to the core 86, for example, via fastening screws 132.

[0124] In one variant not shown, the first control ring rotates integrally with the core by a complementary vertical engagement means, such as a flat section or a spline. The first control ring is then prevented from moving vertically using a spacer ring.

[0125] The first control ring 88B is made of a rigid plastic material in this case. The first control ring 88B is manufactured, for example, by molding.

[0126] In one variant, the control ring is made of a metallic material.

[0127] Since a double-acting pneumatic ram 56 is involved here, the rotary fluid distributor 60 includes a second control stage 60C that is substantially identical to the first control stage 60B. Therefore, the second control stage 60C includes the same operating ports 66C as the first control stage 60B, but they are connected to the first operating chamber 106 of the associated pneumatic ram 56.

[0128] However, the second control stage 60C differs from the first control stage in that the positions of the pressure chamber 70C-1 and the exhaust chamber 70C-2 have been changed so that the pressure chamber 70B-1 of the first control stage 60B and the exhaust chamber 70C-2 of the second control stage 60C coincide, and the exhaust chamber 70B-2 of the first control stage 60B and the pressure chamber 70C-1 of the second control stage 60C coincide. Therefore, the operating angle sector 112C-IN of the second control stage 60C coincides with the exhaust angle sector 112B-OUT of the first control stage 60B, while the exhaust angle sector 112C-OUT of the second control stage 60C coincides with the operating angle sector 112B-IN of the first control stage 60B.

[0129] Therefore, the description of the first control stage 60B provided above is applicable to the second control stage 60C. See Figure 10, where the suffix "B" in the reference numerals is replaced with the suffix "C".

[0130] In this case, the second control stage 60C is positioned vertically below the first control stage 60B.

[0131] In this case, the pressure chamber 70C-1 of the second control stage 60C is supplied via the same pressure pipe 116. Thus, the entire vertical portion of the bent conduit forming the pressure pipe 116 is common to the two control stages 60B and 60C, and supplies the second radial portion connected to two downstream orifices 120C that supply the pressure chamber 70C-1 of the second control stage 60C.

[0132] In contrast, the second control stage 60C has an exhaust pipe 122C that is different from the exhaust pipe 122B associated with the first control stage 60B. The two exhaust pipes 122B and 122C are not in communication with each other inside the core 86.

[0133] The second control stage 60C also includes a control ring 88C similar to the control ring 88C of the first control stage 60B. The control ring 88C of the second control stage 60C is identical to the control ring 88B shown in Figure 9 by reversing the ring, that is, by reversing the direction of the arrow "V".

[0134] For safety reasons, the processing unit 20 can operate according to a safety mode in which, in the event of a malfunction of the processing unit 20, all actuators are controlled to move quickly and simultaneously to their retracted extreme positions to avoid the injection tube 54 colliding with other elements such as the preform 22.

[0135] If the processing apparatus 20 is equipped with a pneumatic ram 56, and it is necessary to supply working gas to a first working chamber 106 associated with the pneumatic ram 56 in order to control the injection pipe 54 to its retracted limit position, the rotary fluid distributor 60 includes a fourth safety stage 60D, as in the example shown in the drawings. This safety stage 60D acts as a rotary connector that simultaneously supplies working gas to all pneumatic rams 56, controlling them to move toward their retracted limit positions.

[0136] In this case, the safety stage 60D is located at the lower end of the rotary fluid distributor 60.

[0137] To form the safety stage 60D, the rotor 64 is provided with the same number of safety ports 66D that penetrate it radially as the processing unit 20 is provided with the pneumatic ram 56. Each safety port 66D is connected to an associated first working chamber 106. Each safety port 66D travels along a circular orbit centered on the central axis "Z1". The connection to the first working chamber 106 is made by a circuit selector 133 that allows the first working chamber 106 to be alternately connected to the safety ports 66D or working ports 66C of the second control stage 60C.

[0138] Therefore, the rotor 64 is provided with 10 safety ports 66D that are arranged at the same level and evenly distributed around a portion of the rotor 64. More specifically, the 10 safety ports 66D are identical such that the portion of the rotor 64 containing them exhibits rotational symmetry about the central axis "Z1".

[0139] Each safety port 66D is, in this case, vertically aligned in a line with the processing ports 66A associated with the same processing station 52.

[0140] A safety chamber 70D is radially interposed between the stator 62 and the rotor 64 at the level of the safety ports 66D. The safety chamber 70D has an annular shape that encircles the stator 62. Thus, each safety port 66D always opens into the safety chamber 70D through an internal opening 71D along its entire circular path. In this case, the safety chamber 70D is radially bound directly inward by the core 86 and radially bound directly outward by the rotor 64.

[0141] The safety chamber 70D extends over a vertical height approximately equal to or slightly greater than the height of the internal opening 71D of the safety port 66D. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the internal opening 71D of the safety port 66D has a circular cross-section. In this case, the height of the safety chamber 70D is slightly greater than the diameter of the internal opening 71D.

[0142] The core 86 of the stator 62 includes a safety pipe 134 for supplying working gas to the safety chamber 70D. More specifically, the safety pipe 134 connects at least one upstream orifice 136 formed in this case on the upper end face 78 of the stator 62 to at least one downstream orifice 138 opening into the safety chamber 70D. As an example, the stator 62 in this case includes a single upstream orifice 136 and a single downstream orifice 138. The safety pipe 134 in this case is formed from a single bent conduit including an overall vertical portion connected to the upstream orifice 136 and a radial portion connected to the downstream orifice 138. In this case, the safety pipe 134 is independent of the pressure pipe 116, i.e., the two pipes 116, 134 are not in communication with each other.

[0143] The safety pipe 134 is supplied with working gas in a controlled manner using an upstream distributor 140 that alternately supplies either the pressure pipe 116 or the safety pipe 134. The distributor 140 is located upstream of the rotary fluid distributor 60. In this case, the upstream distributor 140 has three positions. In the first normal position, shown in Figure 11 and corresponding to the normal mode, it supplies the pressure pipe 116 while the safety pipe 134 is shut off. In the safe position, shown in Figure 12 and corresponding to the safe mode, it supplies working gas to the safety pipe 134 while the pressure pipe 116 is shut off. In the neutral position (not shown), corresponding to the complete shutdown of the processing unit 20, neither of the two pipes is supplied with working gas.

[0144] The safety pipe 134 and the pressure pipe 116 are connected in this case to the same working gas source via the upstream distributor 140. The source of the processing gas is different in this case from the source of the working gas. The source of the working gas is fixed to the ground here.

[0145] Furthermore, in safety mode, it must be possible to always discharge the working gas contained in the second working chamber 108 of the pneumatic ram 56 via the exhaust device 143. For this purpose, the second working chamber 108 is connected to a downstream distributor 142 of the spool distributor type, which is controlled between the normal operating position shown in Figure 11 and the safety position shown in Figure 12. Thus, the downstream distributor 142 is supported on the carousel 32. The downstream distributor 142 allows the second working chamber 108 to be alternately connected to the associated working port 66B in normal mode, or to the exhaust device 143 supported on the carousel 32 in safety mode.

[0146] In this case, the spool of the downstream distributor 142 is elastically returned to its normal operating position. To automatically control the downstream distributor 142 to its safe position, the spool of the downstream distributor 142 is actuated by an actuator (not shown), such as a piston or an electric coil, using a conduit connecting the safety chamber 70D to the downstream distributor 142. Thus, the working gas pushes the spool toward its safe operating position against the elastic return force.

[0147] For this purpose, the rotor 64 is equipped with activation orifices 144 arranged alternately around the safety stage 60D of the rotor 64, at the same level as the safety port 66D. Each activation orifice 144 is connected to the ram of the associated downstream distributor 142.

[0148] When the processing unit 20 operates in normal mode, the upstream distributor 140 takes its normal position. The safety chamber 70D is then connected to the exhaust device 146 located upstream of the upstream distributor 140, while compressed working gas is supplied to the pressure chambers 70B-1 and 70C-1 of the control stages 60B and 60C. The circuit selector 133 is controlled to connect the first working chamber 106 of the pneumatic ram 56 to the associated working port 66C of the second control stage 60C. The downstream distributor 142 takes its normal position, with the second working chamber 108 of the pneumatic ram 56 connected to the associated working port 66B of the first control stage 60B.

[0149] As shown in Figure 12, when the processing unit 20 operates in safety mode, the upstream distributor 140 takes its safety position. Compressed working gas is then supplied to the safety chamber 70D, while the pressure chambers 70B-1 and 70C-1 of the control stages 60B and 60C are connected to the exhaust device 148 located upstream of the upstream distributor 140. The circuit selector 133 is controlled to connect the first working chamber 106 of the pneumatic ram 56 to the safety port 66D of the safety stage 60D. The downstream distributor 142 takes its safety position with the second working chamber 108 of the pneumatic ram 56 connected to the exhaust device 143.

[0150] During the installation of the rotary fluid distributor 60, the processing ring 88A and control rings 88B, 88C are inserted vertically around the core 86 and stacked with spacer rings 85 interposed vertically. In this case, the stack leans upward against the shoulder of the core with another spacer ring 85 interposed between the processing ring 88A and the shoulder. The stack is then held in place by an elastic ring band.

[0151] Chamber 70D is fitted around the core and formed using the last spacer ring fastened at a vertical distance from spacer ring 85 at the lower end of the stack.

[0152] Next, the processing ring 88A and rings 88B and 88C rotate together with the core 86 by their respective screws 100 and 132.

[0153] Next, the rotor 64 is fitted around the stator 62, which is formed in this manner, with rolling bearings 65 interposed between them.

[0154] To simplify the installation of the rotary fluid distributor 60 and to allow it to be adapted without distinction to processing devices 20 having potentially single-acting rams, double-acting rams or other types of actuators, the rotor 64 is manufactured as a plurality of mounted sleeves, each corresponding to a part of the rotor 64. Thus, the first sleeve 64A of the rotor 64, having all the processing ports 66A, is used to manufacture the processing stage 60A. Here, a single sleeve 64B of the rotor 64, having all the working ports 66B and 66C, is common in this case to two control stages 60B and 60C. Finally, the last sleeve 64D of the rotor 64, having all the safety ports 66D and the activation orifice 144, is used to manufacture the safety stage 60D. All of the sleeves 64A, 64B, and 64D of the rotor 64 are stacked in this case and held together vertically by at least one vertical anchor bolt 150.

[0155] Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to use the process gas only in the useful portion of the path of the injection pipe 54. Furthermore, the process gas is distributed in a simple manner by the rotary fluid distributor 60.

Claims

1. A rotary fluid distributor (60) for a thermoplastic material preform (22) processing facility, An internal stator (62) is intended to be fixedly mounted to the base (34) and includes a processing gas supply pipe (74), An external rotor (64) mounted to rotate around a stator (62) about a central axis (Z1), comprising at least one processing port (66A) that penetrates the rotor (64) radially, the processing port being intended to be connected to at least one injection tube (54) for injecting a processing gas into a preform (22), the processing port (66A) moving along a circular path about the central axis (Z1), the external rotor (64) and A rotary fluid distributor (60) comprising a distribution chamber (70A) radially interposed between a stator (62) and a rotor (64), to which a processing gas is supplied by a supply pipe (74), wherein a processing port (66A) opens into the distribution chamber (70A) over at least a first angular sector of its circular path, called an "active angular sector (72-ON)", and the distribution chamber (70A), A rotary fluid distributor (60) is characterized by having a stator (62) which includes a fixed blocking surface (82A) that blocks each processing port (66A) across a second angular sector of their circular path, called an "inactive angular sector (72-OFF)".

2. The rotary fluid distributor (60) according to claim 1, characterized in that the circular path of the processing port (66A) is divided into two angular sectors comprising a single active angular sector (72-ON) and a single inactive angular sector (72-OFF).

3. The rotary fluid distributor (60) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the stator (62) comprises a core (86) on which a supply pipe (74) is provided, and a mounted element fastened to the core (86) and having a shut-off surface (82A).

4. The rotary fluid distributor (60) according to claim 3, characterized in that the mounted element is formed by a processing ring (88A) radially interposed between the core (86) and rotor (64) of the stator (62).

5. The rotary fluid distributor (60) according to claim 4, characterized in that the distribution chamber (70A) has a radial boundary defined between the segments of the processing ring (88A) and the rotor (64).

6. The rotary fluid distributor (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the rotor (64) comprises a plurality of processing ports (66A) uniformly distributed around the rotor (64).

7. The rotary fluid distributor (60) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the rotor (64) comprises at least one mounted sleeve (64A) having all of the processing ports (66A).

8. The rotary fluid distributor (60) according to any one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the processing ring (88A) is replaceable in such a way that it is possible to adjust the range of the inactive angular sector (72-OFF).

9. In a processing apparatus (20) for processing the interior of a thermoplastic material preform (22) by injecting a processing gas, A carousel (32) mounted on a fixed base (34) so ​​as to be rotatable about a central axis (Z1), the carousel (32) carrying a holding member (38) for holding a preform (22), Each holding member (38) is supported on the carousel (32) and includes an injection tube (54), A processing apparatus (20) comprising, A processing apparatus (20) comprising a rotary fluid distributor (60) implemented according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Each injection tube (54) is mounted to be able to slide on the carousel (32) between a retracted extreme position intended to be completely outside the preform (22) supported by the corresponding retaining member (38) and an inserted extreme position intended to be inserted inside the preform (22) supported by the corresponding retaining member (38), and the device (20) includes at least one actuator (56) that is automatically controlled according to the angular position of the carousel (32), and each injection tube (54) moves from upstream to downstream, Each injection tube (54) has a first retracted angular sector (S0) along which it takes its retracted limit position, Each injection tube (54) moves along a second insertion angle sector (S1) from its retracted limit position to its inserted limit position, Each injection tube (54) has a third inserted angular sector (S2) along which it takes its ultimate inserted position, Each injection tube (54) moves along a fourth retracted angle sector (S3) from its inserted limit position to its retracted limit position, Move along the circular path which is divided into sections. The processing apparatus (20) according to claim 9, characterized in that the active angular sector (72-ON) of the rotary fluid distributor (60) coincides with at least a third inserted angular sector (S2).

11. The apparatus (20) according to claim 10, characterized in that the inactive angle sector (72-OFF) of the rotary fluid distributor (60) coincides with at least the second insertion angle sector (S1).

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