Apparatus and method for manufacturing objects by compression molding

Abstract

To provide an apparatus and method that make it possible to obtain a compression molded body having a property as uniform as possible.SOLUTION: An apparatus for forming an object includes: an extruder that supplies a continuous extrusion of polymeric material; at least one separation part for separating unit quantities of polymeric material from the continuous extrudate polymeric material by cutting the continuous extrudate; and at least one mold section including a first mold part and a second mold part. The apparatus further includes a thermal adjustment device configured to act on the unit quantities while it is located within the at least one mold part and before the closed position is achieved by adjusting the heat of at least one surface part of the unit quantities that is different from a mounting part of the unit quantities that is mounted on the receiver.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a container, a cap, a container for a container by compression molding of a polymer material. The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for manufacturing preforms for, or for other purposes.

[0002] Apparatuses are known for producing objects by compression molding of polymer materials. The apparatus includes an extruder for supplying a continuous extrudate of a polymeric material and a transporter supporting a plurality of conveying sections. Each conveyor section interacts with the continuous extrudate emerging from the extruder. More specifically, when the conveying section passes near the extruder, The cutting edge separates the unit amount of molten polymeric material from the continuous extrudate. The quantity is collected by a conveying section and transported by the conveying section until it reaches the vicinity of the mold. At this point, the transfer section moves the material between the male and female parts of the mold to form the desired object. The unit dose is released into a mold so that it can be shaped.

[0003] While the unit dose is being transported by the transport member, the portion of the unit dose that comes into contact with the transport member is The mass is cooled more rapidly than the rest of the mass due to contact with the transport part. The fractional part is the part that gives the molded object different aesthetic and optical properties compared to the surrounding area. This spot is formed on the molded object, and the spot has a It is clearly visible and undesirable as it worsens the appearance.

[0004] On the formed object, cutting edges separate unit portions from the continuous extrudate coming out of the extruder. Defects can also occur in the polymer material where it interacts with the cutting edge. In addition to cooling the portion of the polymer material that is used, These edges are cooled rapidly until almost solid, creating unit-volume edges. Uniformity in the behavior of polymeric materials when the mass is compressed between the male and female parts of a mold As a result, areas of the molded object lack homogeneity.

[0005] Portions of polymeric material that are prematurely cooled during cutting and / or conveying of the unit portions may be The polymer material is weakly bonded to the surrounding polymer material due to the relatively low temperature of the part. These areas can cause areas of the molded article to become cold sealed (known as "cold seal areas"). The zones are susceptible to fracture during subsequent processes to which the molded object is subjected, or during the life of the object itself. For example, if the molded object is a preform, during the blow molding process where foam is transformed into a bottle, or by accidental impact or dropping of the bottle. Breakage can occur in the following cases:

[0006] Implementation of prior art devices for manufacturing objects made at least in part of polymeric materials Examples are disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 5,629,999, 5,729,999, and 5,729,999. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 0198708 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 5,401,154 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0001510 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The object of the present invention is to improve the apparatus and method for manufacturing objects by compression molding of polymeric materials. To do this.

[0009] A further object is to provide a process which makes it possible to obtain compacts with properties which are as homogeneous as possible. The present invention provides a device and method for

[0010] Another object is to produce objects of good quality, even in terms of their appearance, by compression molding of polymeric materials. The present invention aims to provide an apparatus and method that allows for the creation of a body.

[0011] A further object is to provide a method for compressing a polymer material to form a composite material, which is then compressed into a mold. Defects caused by uneven cooling of polymer materials during processing, such as Apparatus and method for forming an object that is substantially free of visible spots or cryo-sealed areas The purpose is to provide the law. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for forming an object, the apparatus comprising: an extruder for supplying a continuous extrudate, and cutting the continuous extrudate to produce a single extrudate from the continuous extrudate; at least one separator for separating a quantity of polymeric material; and a first mold part and a second mold part. The first mold part and the second mold part include at least one mold part including: The unit portion is placed on a receiving portion selected from the first mold part and the second mold part. an open position and a forming chamber having a shape corresponding to the object, the first mold part and the second mold part; The apparatus is reciprocally movable between a closed position defined between the mold halves and a closed position defined between the mold halves. At least one of the unit portions different from the mounting portion of the unit portion mounted on the receiving portion and adjusting the heat of the at least one surface portion of the metal. to act on said unit dose while located within said mold section and before said closed position is achieved. The heat regulation device is configured as follows:

[0013] The thermal conditioning device may be operated while the unit portions are separated from the continuous extrudate and / or while the unit portions are separated from the continuous extrudate. Acting on a surface portion of the unit quantity that is cooled while the unit quantity is conveyed toward the mold section. The temperature of the surface portion of the unit quantity may thereby be adjusted to the temperature of the unit of polymer material. This allows the temperature of the unit to be returned to a value close to that of the other parts of the unit. The temperature distribution within the mass can be relatively uniform, resulting in improved quality of the formed object. In particular, premature cooling of the surface area of ​​the unit portion during cutting and / or transport is prevented. Prevent the presence of spots on the formed object due to the above-mentioned defects, or at least to prevent the above-mentioned defects from occurring. It is possible to make such spots less visible than surgery.

[0014] Preventing the presence of cold sealed areas on the molded object that would later constitute fracture initiation points; or It is possible to at least limit it.

[0015] The heat transferred to the surface portion of the unit quantity by the thermal adjustment device causes the unit quantity This allows for local softening of the unit amount until the amount is (almost) melted. and while said unit dose is separated from said continuous extrudate and / or conveyed towards said die section. Any portion of the unit dose that solidifies during transport will return to a viscous condition similar to that of the adjacent portions. whereby the unit dose can be filled into the forming cavity to form the desired object. As a result, the unit amount can be formed by compression molding. The object being measured has relatively uniform properties.

[0016] The thermal adjustment device is disposed outside the receiving part. the surface portion of the unit portion that is not placed on the receiving portion, i.e., the unit portion is placed on the receiving portion; When the heating is performed, it is possible to mainly heat the portion exposed to the atmosphere. The surface portion is usually formed during the separation of the unit portion from the continuous extrudate and / or the die section. The surface portion is the portion that cools down most while being conveyed to the This is because the displacement mass comes into contact with the mechanical parts of the device before being released and directed towards the receiving part.

[0017] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a motion device for displacing the mold sections along a path. The closed position can be achieved by the mold section along the path downstream of the open position. It is Noh.

[0018] The path of the mold sections may be a closed loop, for example a circle.

[0019] In alternative embodiments, the path of the mold sections may be linear, for example straight.

[0020] In one embodiment, the thermal regulation device is configured to limit heat loss to the outside by opening the thermal regulation device in the open position. and a containment structure disposed within a region of the path of the mold section interposed between the closed position and the closed position. It has a structure.

[0021] By virtue of the containment structure, the heat is transferred to the mold while the mold sections are in the open state. The mold section is then released toward the receiving portion of the mold section. The cooling of the unit dose can be avoided, and the first mold part and the second mold part can be cooled immediately thereafter. It is molded between the parts.

[0022] In one embodiment, the containment structure is configured to pass through the mold sections and the containment structure. The containment structure can be heated only by the heat released by the unit amount. No special components are provided for heating, so a passive heat regulation device is defined.

[0023] In this case, the thermal regulation device is particularly simple and the energy consumption of the thermal regulation device is very low. Sai.

[0024] In one embodiment, the thermal adjustment device is a heating element that heats the atmosphere within the containment structure. Equipped with a heating section.

[0025] The heating element may be a heat source that emits hot air, a laser source, a plasma source, or one or more The lamp may be an infrared lamp, which allows light to pass through the interior of the mold sections and the containment structure. If the heat released by the unit quantity is not sufficient, the thermal performance of the containment structure is It is possible to increase the efficacy.

[0026] In one embodiment, the thermal adjustment device is configured to heat the surface portion of the unit dose. a heating device configured to emit a predetermined table of the unit dose. This allows for effective heating of the surface area.

[0027] The heating device is adapted to direct heat energy to a precise location on the surface portion of the unit quantity. It can be configured as follows.

[0028] This type of heating device determines the position where the portion is most cooled during cutting and / or transport. When it is possible to direct the energy to the location known with good precision It is useful for.

[0029] In one embodiment, the heating device is arranged along the surface portion to heat the surface portion. The laser source may comprise a laser source configured to emit a displaceable laser beam. This allows the shape of the unit portion and the pre-formed portion to be formed before being placed on the receiving portion of the mold half. Imprints produced on the unit quantities by components of the device with which the unit quantities come into contact. The laser beam is then applied along a surface portion having any desired shape, taking into account the It becomes possible to move.

[0030] In one embodiment, the first mold section may comprise a male mold section, and the second mold section may comprise a female mold section. It may include a mold portion.

[0031] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming an object, the method comprising: providing a continuous extrudate of polymeric material; Separating unit amounts of polymeric material from the continuous extrudate by cutting the continuous extrudate. and providing at least one mold section including a first mold section and a second mold section; The first mold part and the second mold part are spaced apart from each other while the first mold part and the second mold part are spaced apart from each other. placing the unit dose onto a receiving portion selected from a second mold portion; A forming chamber having a shape corresponding to the object is formed in the first mold part and the second mold part. the first and second mold portions are pressed together until a closed position defined between the first and second mold portions is achieved. and In the method, before the closed position is achieved, the front end of the container resting on the receiving part is At least one surface portion of the unit portion different from the portion on which the unit portion is placed is heat-regulated. can be.

[0032] The method provided by the second aspect of the invention is similar to that described above for the apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention. This allows you to obtain the benefits you need.

[0033] In one embodiment, the surface portion of the thermally conditioned unit portion is cut into the continuous extrudate. interacting with a separating portion during the step of separating said unit portions from said continuous extrudate by cutting It is a part.

[0034] In one embodiment, the surface portion of the thermally conditioned unit portion is cut into the continuous extrudate. After the cutting step, during the step of conveying the unit dose toward the mold section, the conveying section It is the interacting part.

[0035] In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for forming an object, the apparatus comprising: a poly an extruder that supplies a continuous extrudate of a polymer material; and a cutting device that cuts the continuous extrudate to form the continuous extrudate. at least one separation section for separating a unit dose of polymeric material from the output; and a first mold section. At least one mold section includes a second mold section. The mold portion is configured to receive the unit dose on a receiving portion selected from the first mold portion and the second mold portion. the first mold part has an open position in which the object is placed and a forming chamber having a shape corresponding to the object; and a closed position defined between the first and second mold portions. further comprising: before the unit portion is transformed between the first mold part and the second mold part; A localized heat source is provided for directing thermal energy to a selected portion of the unit dose.

[0036] Due to the third aspect of the invention, it is possible to achieve a more uniform temperature distribution within the unit dose. is.

[0037] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a track for delivering the unit dose to the mold section. At least one conveyor movable along the conveyor.

[0038] The local heat source is provided at a point on the track, so that the unit amount is applied to the mold. It is possible to transfer heat to the unit quantity while it is being transported to the portion.

[0039] In one embodiment, the localized heat source heats the unit while the unit portion falls into the receiving portion. It is provided to transfer heat to the portion.

[0040] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming an object, the method comprising: providing a continuous extrudate of polymeric material; Separating unit amounts of polymeric material from the continuous extrudate by cutting the continuous extrudate. and providing at least one mold section including a first mold section and a second mold section; The first mold part and the second mold part are positioned at a distance from each other while the first mold part is being pressed against the second mold part. placing the unit dose onto a receptacle selected from the mold part and the second mold part; A forming chamber having a shape corresponding to the object is formed in the first mold part and the second mold part. the first and second mold portions are pressed together until a closed position defined between the first and second mold portions is achieved. and moving the closed position of the valve to a local heat source before the closed position is achieved. The heat energy released by the unit quantity is directed to the surface area.

[0041] The method provided by the fourth aspect of the invention is similar to that described above for the apparatus according to the third aspect of the invention. This allows you to obtain the benefits you need. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show some exemplary, non-limiting embodiments thereof. can be better understood and implemented.

[0043] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic top view of a portion of an apparatus for making an object by compression molding. FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the female part of the device of FIG. 1 shown within a containment structure; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a male component with a delivery section discharging a dose of polymeric material in an alternative embodiment of the device of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 4 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 3 showing a heating element for heating a unit portion; [Figure 5] 5 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 4 showing a heating element according to an alternative embodiment; [Figure 6] 6 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 5 showing a heating element according to another alternative embodiment; [Figure 7] 2 is a schematic view of the female portion of an alternative embodiment of the device of FIG. 1, provided with a heating element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] FIG. 1 shows an apparatus 1 for producing objects by compression molding of polymeric materials. The objects that can be obtained are containers, container caps, container preforms, coffee or other The object may be a recessed object such as a capsule for a powdered substance, or other type of object. The apparatus 1 comprises an extrusion device 2 suitable for providing a continuous extrudate of polymeric material. In the example, the polymer material is fed from the extrusion device 2 along a substantially vertical delivery direction from top to bottom. However, other delivery directions are possible. For example, polymeric materials may be delivered in a substantially vertical direction. along a direction from bottom to top or along a delivery direction inclined relative to the vertical, You can come out of 2.

[0045] The extrusion device 2 has a single layer structure, i.e., a continuous extrusion made of a single polymer material. or alternatively to provide a multi-layer extrudate, i.e., The polymeric material may be configured to include at least two layers of polymeric material.

[0046] The device 1 periodically passes near the outlet of the extrusion device 2 and the continuous extrudate coming out of the extrusion outlet is and at least one separation portion, the details of which are not visible in the drawing, arranged to cut In this way, the separating section separates the unit quantities 6 of the polymeric material from the continuous extrudate. That is, a predetermined mass of polymeric material is isolated that can be compressed to obtain an object.

[0047] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the unit dose 6 has a generally spherical, parallelepiped, or cylindrical shape. However, other shapes of the unit dose 6 are also possible.

[0048] The device 1 further comprises a conveying device 3 including at least one conveying portion 4 for conveying unit doses 6. In the illustrated example, a plurality of conveying units 4 are provided, only some of which are shown schematically in FIG. Thus, the transport device 3 may comprise a transport carousel. .

[0049] The transport unit 4 is movable along a track T, which is circular in the illustrated example. The condition of is not necessary, and the orbit T can be any general form of closed loop with at least one non-circular extension. It may be a typical trajectory.

[0050] In the illustrated example, each conveying portion 4 has a concave shape, such as a "C" or a "U", and the concave portion is It faces forward with respect to the forward direction F of the conveying section 4.

[0051] In the illustrated example, each conveying section 4 has a cutting edge on the upper edge of the conveying section 4. As it passes through, the cutting edge separates a unit portion 6 from the continuous extrudate. The cutting edge of the feeding section 4 acts as a separator for separating the unit portions 6 from the continuous extrudate. The unit dose 6 is received in a recess in the carrier 4. The inside of this recess is surrounded by a transport surface. The unit amount 6, still in a molten state, is applied to the transport surface due to its viscosity. It can be worn.

[0052] The apparatus 1 further comprises at least one mold 5 for compression molding the unit doses 6, The desired object is then produced from it by molding. In the example shown, even if this condition is not necessary, However, there are a number of moulds 5 mounted in the peripheral area of ​​the moulding carousel 7. FIG. 1 shows only a portion of the forming carousel 7 diagrammatically.

[0053] Each mold 5 comprises a first or male mold portion 9 and a second or female mold portion 8, They are aligned with each other along the molding direction, which is vertical in the example shown. 0, while the male part 9 comprises a punch.

[0054] The female part 8 and the male part 9 are movable between an open position P1 and a closed position P2 by an actuator device (not shown). In the open position P1, the female part 8 and the male part 9 are spaced apart from each other. As a result, it is possible to insert, for example, a unit dose 6 carried by a conveyor 4 into a mold 5 In the closed position P2, the female part 8 and the male part 9 are brought close to each other to form a molding chamber. The mold chamber has a shape that corresponds to the object to be obtained.

[0055] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the female part 8 is located below the male part 9. The unit amount 6 is When the mold 5 is aligned vertically, it is released by the conveyor 4. The quantity 6 falls into a cavity 10 below the female part 8 .

[0056] In this embodiment, the female part 8 is therefore the receiving part, i.e. the unit portion 6 to be molded. However, as will be explained in more detail below, the receiving portion is This condition is not essential, as the male portion 9 may also be used.

[0057] The unit dose 6 is inserted into the mold 5 while the mold 5 is in the open position P1. Then the female part 8 and the male part The parts 9 start to move towards each other and the unit quantity 6 moves in contact with the female part 8 until it reaches the closed position P2. The unit portion 6 is molded between the male portion 9 and the molded portion 5 into the desired shape. The molded object is heated until it reaches a temperature at which it can be handled without damage. The female part 8 and the male part 9 are again connected to each other. They move away from each other until they reach the open position P1, where the molding cycle is repeated. Repeatedly, the molded object is removed from the mold 5 and a new unit portion 6 is inserted into the mold 5. It is possible to do this.

[0058] The apparatus 1 further comprises a moving device for moving the mold 5 along the path P. Each die 5 reaches an open position P1 at a predetermined point on the path P. Each mold 5 further has a position P1 at which it reaches the open position P1 relative to the direction M of movement of the mold 5 along the path P. The path P located downstream reaches a closed position P2 at a further predetermined point.

[0059] The device 1 is configured such that the unit dose 6 is inserted into the mold 5, and more precisely, the unit dose 6 is inserted into the receiving portion of the mold 5. 1 and 2, the unit dose 6 is inserted into the female portion 8 and a thermal adjustment device 11 configured to thermally adjust the unit dose 6 while it is placed on the Prepare for this.

[0060] The thermal adjustment device 11 is particularly adapted to act on the unit dose 6, into which the unit dose 6 is inserted. The mold 5 has one point on the path P where the open position P1 is realized and another point on the path P where the closed position P2 is realized. In other words, the thermal adjustment device 11 is operated for a unit time before the mold 5 achieves the closed position P2. The amount 6 is configured to be thermally adjusted.

[0061] In the embodiment under consideration, as shown in more detail in FIG. 2, the thermal regulator 11 is , i.e. at least the receiving part of the mold 5 carrying at least the female part 8 in which the cavity 10 is created. It is provided with an at least partially surrounding containment structure 12 .

[0062] The containment structure 12 moves along a path P, causing the female portion 8 to move the unit mass 6. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. The containment structure 12 includes a lower wall 14 disposed below the cavity 10 and an upper wall 15 disposed above the female portion 8. 5 and two side walls 16 interposed between a bottom wall 14 and a top wall 15. The structure 12 may have a cylindrical shape that surrounds at least a portion of the path P of the mold 5. In the example, the path P is circular, and in plan view the containment structure 12 has the shape of an arc. .

[0063] The containment structure 12 has an entrance opening through which the female parts 8 of the mold are inserted. The unit dose 6 can enter the containment structure 12 near the point where it is received. , and further, that the female part 8 exits the containment structure 12 near the point on the path P where the closed position P2 is reached. It has an outlet opening through which

[0064] As shown in FIG. 2, the containment structure 12 is formed so that the rods 19 supporting the female part 8 of the mold 5 can pass through. It has a passage 18 through which the

[0065] The containment structure 12 is formed when the unit dose 6 has already been released into the mold 5 and has not yet been fully formed. The function of the containment structure is to maintain a relatively high temperature along the length of the path P. The structure 12 prevents or in any case limits the radiation of heat outside itself. The air present within the containment structure 12 is forced through a corresponding female portion passing through the interior of the containment structure 12. The temperature is kept relatively high by heat transferred from the unit portion 6 placed on the portion 8.

[0066] In one embodiment, the female part 8 of the mold 5 is thermally conditioned to have a relatively high temperature. In this case, the air present in the containment structure 12 flows along the length of the path P. The female part 8 of the mold 5 passing through the interior of the mold 2 also heats the mold 2 continuously.

[0067] In another embodiment, the female part 8 of the mold 5 is thermally conditioned to have a relatively low temperature. In this case, the air present in the containment structure 12 can be heated by the The female part 8 gives a negligible contribution.

[0068] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the containment structure 12 may be smaller than the example shown in FIG. Containment structure 12 may have fewer or fewer walls. For example, containment structure 12 may have no top wall 15, and In this case, the containment structure 12 is a very simple structure, but limits heat dissipation to the outside.

[0069] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the heating adjustment device 11 is of the passive type, i.e. The heating regulator 11 is connected to the unit dose 6 and (if any) some components of the device 1, e.g. The heat emitted by the mold parts 8 is used to maintain a relatively high temperature within the containment structure 12. A heating element is also provided to actively heat the air inside the containment structure 12. The active heating element may be, for example, a hot air source, or a laser source, or a plasma mold heating element, or The active heating element may include one or more elements disposed within the containment structure 12. Alternatively, a plurality of infrared lamps may be provided. The walls of the containment structure 12 may be provided with one or more reflective mirrors.

[0070] In operation, the extrusion device 2 provides a continuous extrudate of polymeric material. The continuous extrudate passes near the outlet of the conveying section 4, where it is cut and separated into unit portions 6. The conveying unit 4 moves along the track T until it reaches a position between the female part 8 and the male part 9 of the mold 5. At this point, the unit dose 6 is released by the transport unit 4 and In this way, the unit dose 6 falls into the cavity 10 below the female part 8. 6 is placed on the rest 17 of the mold 6. The corresponding mold 5 is in the open position P1.

[0071] The female part 8 with the unit dose 6 deposited in the cavity 10 is moved along a path P, whereby The air present in the containment structure 12 is divided into unit quantities 6 by a relative quantity. The temperature is kept at a high level to prevent the cooling of the unit portion 6 or the rise in the surface temperature of the unit portion 6. The air present in the containment structure 12 is different from the stationary portion 17 of the unit quantity 6 resting on the female portion 8. Acting on the surface 20 of different unit quantities 6, i.e., the surface 20 of unit quantities 6 exposed to air .

[0072] This is, for example, the relationship between the unit amount 6 of the conveying section 4 that separates the unit amount 6 from the extruder 2 and the blade tip. Interaction or the unit quantity of the conveying part 4 that the unit quantity 6 comes into contact with while approaching the mold 5 Due to the interaction between 6 and the transport surface, the unit dose 6 is cooled before being deposited in the mold 5. Any part of the surface of the unit amount 6 is heated.

[0073] As a result, the mold 5 is brought into the closed position P2 and the unit dose 6 is pressed between the female part 8 and the male part 9. The unit quantity 6 has a relatively uniform temperature. It allows the material to flow easily between the female part 8 and the male part 9, thereby ensuring good quality. Produces a high-quality molded object.

[0074] In particular, this involves the formation of spots or fracture origins on the surface of the formed object - cutting edges and / or caused by premature cooling of the portion of the unit dose 6 in contact with the transport surface of the conveying section 4 In fact, portions of the portion 6 that have cooled prematurely during cutting and / or transport of the portion 6 may be The unit dose 6 is heated again as it passes through the containment structure 12, thereby On the surface of the unit mass 6, and on the surface of the unit mass 6 and the core of the unit mass 6, which is naturally hotter than the surface It is possible to obtain a relatively uniform temperature distribution between the

[0075] 3 and 4 show an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for producing an object by compression molding. A mold 105 is shown diagrammatically.

[0076] The mold 105 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 mainly includes a male part 109 disposed below a female part 108. 1 and 2. The male part 109 is vertical in the illustrated example. The female portion 108 is aligned with the male portion 108 along the molding direction. The portion 109 acts as a receiving portion into which the unit dose 106 is deposited.

[0077] More specifically, the male portion 109 has a side area on which the unit dose 106 can be placed. The unit dose 106 is defined by the intended receiving surface 21. More specifically, the unit dose 106 It is intended to be placed on the male part 109 at the resting part 117. In the example shown, the receiving surface 21 is substantially flat, but other shapes for the receiving surface 21 are possible.

[0078] The apparatus in which the mold 105 is included is as already described with reference to the apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. , includes an extruder arranged to deliver a continuous structure which may be made of a single material or multiple layers. The extruder has a rectangular outlet, resulting in a continuous structure that is substantially parallelepiped or cubic. 3 and 4, the unit amount 106 can be separated. As shown, the unit quantity 106 is a pair of larger units, each of which may be rectangular or square. One of the two larger surfaces rests on the receiving surface 21. The other, larger surface is intended to rest on the receiving surface 21. On the other side, a conveying section 104 has the function of conveying a unit dose 106 from the extruder to a die 105. is placed in contact with the

[0079] The distance between the larger faces of the unit quantity 106 defines the thickness of the unit quantity 106. , the thickness of the unit quantity 106 is smaller than the linear dimensions of the two larger faces.

[0080] The conveying section 104 of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is different from the conveying section 4 of the apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. Each conveying portion 104 has a different structure. The larger surface of the contralateral unit dose 106 is defined by the flat delivery surface 22 to which it is attached.

[0081] In addition to being movable along the track T, each transport section 104 is configured to have the same structure as described above with reference to FIG. In this way, the conveying unit 104 can rotate around the axis R of the arm 23 to which it is connected. In addition to conveying the unit dose 106 from the extruder to the die 105, the conveying section 104 also conveys the unit dose The volume 106 has a vertical axis at the extruder exit and may be substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction or may be inclined. From the initial configuration, the unit dose 106 is ejected onto the male portion 109 of the mold 105 in a substantially horizontal position. The unit quantity 106 can be rotated until the final configuration where:

[0082] The conveying section 104 conveys the continuous extrudate coming out of the extruder as it passes near the exit. 1. The cutting edge 24 is capable of cutting the material to separate the unit portions 106 therefrom. The cutting edge 24 is a separator for separating the unit dose 106 from the polymer material exiting the extruder. It has the functions of a department.

[0083] The carrier 104 is placed on the receiving portion, i.e., the male portion 109, of the mold 105 when the mold 105 is in the open position. The female part 108 is positioned to deposit a unit dose 106. For simplicity, the female part 108 is shown in FIG. It has not been done.

[0084] After the unit dose 106 is released onto the male portion 109, the conveying portion 104 moves along the track T. The male part 109 and the female part 108 are moved away from the mold 105 by the 109 and 108. The male and female portions 109 and 108 are moved relative to each other until they reach a position where the desired object is It is formed between

[0085] The male part 109 and the female part 108 are attached to a support structure 25, which in the illustrated example is the body of the forming carousel 7. Therefore, it is supported.

[0086] The apparatus is configured such that the unit dose 106 is placed on the receiving or male portion 109 before the mold 105 is in the closed position. It further comprises a thermal regulator 111 for thermally conditioning the unit dose 106 before reaching the target temperature.

[0087] The thermal regulator 111 is adapted to emit a laser beam 27 having a suitable wavelength in the illustrated example. A heating element including a suitable laser source 26 is provided.

[0088] Further, to redirect the laser beam 27 onto the unit quantity 106, A system of mirrors 28 is provided. In the example shown, the system of mirrors 28 is Although shown as being located on the outside, this condition is not necessary. The system may be included in the laser source 26.

[0089] The laser beam 27 is positioned to be directed onto the surface 120 of the unit dose 106. 0 is separate from the stationary portion 117 where the unit portion 106 rests on the male portion 109 of the mold 105.

[0090] In the illustrated example, the surface 120 is near the edge of the unit portion 106 and is located on the conveyor 104. The cutting edges 24 act to separate the unit portions 106 from the continuous extrudate. This allows the polymer material forming the unit dose 106 to cool. The polymer material of which the unit quantity 106 is composed is very thin near the edge where the 4 acts. It may also be cured to the point where it automatically solidifies.

[0091] The laser beam 27 is focused on the edge of the cutting edge 24 at or near the edge of the unit quantity 106. This allows for the heating of the polymer material that is being cured. It is possible to soften the material, which results in the material crystallizing, or in any case It solidifies too quickly in the mold 105, which can cause defects in the molded object. Avoid this.

[0092] Alternatively or additionally, the surface portion 120 that the laser beam 27 can heat is The surface of the unit portion 106 opposite to the surface of the male portion 109 that contacts the receiving surface 21, i.e., The unit portion 106 may be located on a surface of the unit portion 106 that is in contact with the conveying surface 22 of the feed portion 104. This surface may also be cooled for contact with the transport 104 .

[0093] In the device shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the number of unit doses 106 interacting with the conveying member 104 and / or cutting edge 24 is It is possible to accurately identify the surface area.

[0094] As a result, the laser beam 27 actually cools during cutting and / or transport of the unit dose 106. The unit amount 106 can be precisely directed to the surface area and effectively heat these areas. do.

[0095] That is, the laser beam 27 was previously cooled the most, causing uneven filling of the mold 105. may flow or cause surface defects on the formed object. Heat can be transferred locally and targeted to a unit amount of surface area.

[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, after the unit dose 106 is placed on the receiving portion of the mold 105, the unit dose 106 is The mold 105 moves along a path P. Also, in order to move the mold 105 from the open position to the closed position, a unit amount 106 is The receiving portion (i.e., the male portion 109 in the illustrated embodiment) is placed on the other portion of the mold 105 (i.e., In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, it may move towards the female portion 108.

[0097] In the illustrated example, the laser source 26 is mounted on a support structure 25 that supports the mold 105. The support structure 25 is configured to also move a laser source 26 along a path P.

[0098] The system of mirrors 28 is such that when a unit dose is brought by the male part 109 towards the female part 108 2, the laser beam 27 is displaced so that it follows the movement of the unit mass 106. The system of mirrors 28 is further configured so that the laser beam 27 is not dot-shaped but is directed in a direction The laser beam 27 is directed at the surface of the unit amount 106 so as to heat the surface portion 120 having a certain surface area. The laser beam 27 is configured to be displaced along the layer 120. and / or to "brush" the surface 120 of the unit dose 106 in contact with the transport surface 22. to be turned into

[0099] In operation, after the unit dose 106 is discharged onto the male portion 109 of the mold 105 in the open position of the mold 105 , the laser source 26 is activated to emit a laser beam 27. The laser beam 27 Before 105 reaches the closed position, it interacts with a unit dose 106 resting in a receptacle of the mold 105 . In particular, the laser beam 27 is directed to the surface of the unit volume 106, which is cooled most during cutting and / or transport. 120 on the edge of the unit portion 106 where the unit portion 106 is separated from the continuous extrudate, and / or directed onto the face of the unit portion 106 opposite the mounting surface 117.

[0100] The shape of the mold 105 is characterized by the use of a laser beam 27 to heat a surface portion of the unit portion 106. In fact, the unit dose 106 rests on the male portion 109, so that the unit dose 106 is The laser beam, as opposed to what would happen if received within a cavity in a mold part, There is no part of the receiving part that can interfere with 27.

[0101] FIG. 5 partially illustrates a mold 205 according to another embodiment, which is shown with respect to the male portion 209 of the mold 205. 3 and 4 as they relate to the thermal conditioning device 211 with the laser source 226 located at a fixed position. This differs from the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0102] In particular, a support 29 is provided which is fixed relative to the male portion 209 and which supports a laser source 226. 226 and directs the laser beam 227 emitted by the laser source 226 toward the unit dose 106 as needed. It also supports a system of mirrors 228 for turning.

[0103] To move the male portion 209 away from or towards the corresponding female portion If movable along the molding direction, the laser source 226 moves together with the male portion 209 . Therefore, the laser light 227 reaches the desired point on the surface 120 of the unit volume 106 where heat is to be transferred. In other words, in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the laser beam 227 is The movement is simply a scanning movement of the surface 120 of the unit quantity 106 to be heated. While the portion 209 moves towards the corresponding female portion, it is not necessary to provide a following movement for the male portion. .

[0104] FIG. 6 partially shows a mold 305 according to another embodiment, which is shown on the apparatus to which the mold 305 belongs. 3 and 4 as they relate to the thermal conditioning device 311 with the laser source 326 located at a fixed position. This is different from the mold shown in.

[0105] The laser source 326 is configured to displace the laser beam 327 according to the following three movements: Three moves means, - the unit dose 106 follows while being conveyed along the path P of movement of the mold 305 move - The unit quantity 106 follows while the unit quantity 106 is moved by the male part 309 towards the female part. Other moves to make - a scanning motion that transfers heat to all points on the surface 120 of the unit volume 106 to be heated is.

[0106] The heating adjustment devices 211 and 311 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively, are the same as those described above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. It operates in the same manner as described above, in particular the separation of the unit portions 106 from the continuous extrudate. on the edge of the unit dose 106 interacting with the separation part, or on the surface of the unit dose 106 in contact with the transport part, Allows heat to be transferred.

[0107] The solutions shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5 use a laser source for each mold, while Figure 6 The solution presented in uses a single laser source for all molds or for a group of molds. Therefore, the solution shown in Figure 6 is more efficient than the solutions shown in Figures 3 to 5. It requires fewer components and fewer laser sources. In the solution shown in FIG. 5, it is easier to control the movement of the laser beam.

[0108] 7 partially illustrates a mold 405 according to another embodiment. The mold 405 is similar to the mold shown in FIGS. The mold 5 is similar to the mold 5, and has a female portion 508 disposed below the male portion. It has a cavity 10 facing inwards.

[0109] Within the cavity 10 is a unit dose 6 deposited by a transport, for example of the type shown in FIG. The unit dose 6 is placed on the female part 508 at the unit dose placement portion 17 .

[0110] Further, a thermal device including a hot air source 30 configured to thermally condition the surface portion 20 of the unit portion 6 is provided. The surface portion 20 has a mounting portion 508 arranged to contact the female portion 508. 17. When mold 405 is in the open position, surface 20 is exposed to air.

[0111] The hot air source 30 blows the unit dose 6 along the path P of the mold 405, while the unit dose 6 has already been deposited in the cavity 10. , is positioned in a region of the path where the mold 405 has not yet reached the closed position.

[0112] The hot air source 30 may be configured to blow hot air, particularly at the point where the unit dose 6 interacts with the separating and / or conveying section. It emits hot air that allows the surface 20 of the unit quantity 6 to be heated. This allows for a more uniform temperature distribution at the surface of the volume, resulting in Improve the quality of the object.

[0113] Instead of the hot air source 30, a flame treatment unit, one or more infrared lamps, a plasma device, or Other heat sources may be provided.

[0114] Features of the embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 may differ from those explicitly mentioned. For example, the containment structures described with reference to FIGS. 12, or the hot air source 30 described with reference to FIG. 7, is a device in which the male part is placed under the female part. Similarly, the laser sources shown in Figures 4-6 can be used to It may be used in combination with an underlying mold.

[0115] The thermal regulator may be of the static type, as in the example of FIGS. 1 and 7, in which case the thermal regulator The device is placed in a fixed position and heats a predetermined area of ​​the mold path. The apparatus may be a dynamic mold, as in the example of FIGS. 4 to 6, and the thermal adjustment device may be a unit dose variable. This allows various points to be heated in sequence.

[0116] The above description refers to a molding carousel comprising a plurality of molds attached to a peripheral region of the molding carousel. The apparatus is referred to in which the forming carousel is rotatable about its axis.

[0117] However, the above discussion regarding the thermal regulator and the heating of unit doses within the mold is not limited to multiple This may also apply to an apparatus with only one mold, rather than multiple molds.

[0118] Furthermore, the mold(s) may be moved along a path that is not necessarily circular, for example, a loop or a linear path. The object may be movable along a general path that is closed by

[0119] The conveying device does not necessarily include a conveying section that delivers the unit dose from the extruder to the die, but may include the aforementioned This may not be necessary if a different extruder and die arrangement is employed.

[0120] The unit amount is determined not only by the separator attached to the conveyor but also by any conveyor. A different separation section, for example, a blade or a laser beam interposed between the extruder and the transport device, This also allows it to be separated from the continuous extrudate.

[0121] The female and male mold parts are generally first and second mold parts, i.e. If the resulting object does not have a concave shape, it may be formed by a punch and / or a mold part without a cavity. may be substituted with

[0122] In the above description, reference has always been made to thermal conditioning devices positioned along the path of the mold.

[0123] More specifically, the thermal conditioning device may be provided at a location along the path of the mold. The location is the point on the path where the mold receiver receives the unit dose and the further point on the path where the mold reaches the closed position. This is the case, for example, with the thermal regulator shown in FIG. .

[0124] As a specific case of the above situation, the position of the thermal adjustment device is as shown in Figs. From the point of the path where the receiving portion of the mold receives the unit dose, the further path where the mold reaches the closed position It may extend to a point.

[0125] The thermal adjustment device also allows the mold to receive the unit dose regardless of its position. When the die is in the part of the path intervening between the point and a further point on the path where the die reaches the closed position This can be achieved, for example, by the thermal control as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5. If the connecting device is movable along the path of the mold together with the mold or part of it, or if the embodiment of FIG. This can occur when the thermal adjustment device is in the rest position, as can occur in the embodiment.

[0126] Activation of the thermal regulation device can be achieved, for example, by generating a laser beam or by using a laser to activate the thermal regulation device. This may be done by activating the generation of heat by any other heat source included in the device.

[0127] These are thermally conditioned while the unit dose is being placed in the mold and before the closed position is reached. This is an example where the device is configured to act on unit doses.

[0128] Additionally or alternatively, a die may be provided upstream of the die, such that the die is in contact with the die receiving surface. It is possible to provide a thermal regulator that acts on the unit dose before it is placed on the part.

[0129] In this case, the thermal regulation device is adapted to direct a unit amount of thermal energy onto a selected surface. The heating element may also include a localized heat source.

[0130] The local heat source may be a laser source, an infrared lamp, a flame treatment unit, or a plasma device. It is also possible.

[0131] For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a laser placed at a predetermined point along the track T of the conveyor 4 A local heat source may be provided, including source 511 .

[0132] The laser source 511 emits a laser beam onto a target object exposed to air, i.e., a target object attached to the corresponding carrier 4. The laser beam is directed to the surface of the unit amount 6 that is not adhered to the surface. It may be moved with a scanning motion to heat a predetermined area of ​​the surface.

[0133] In this way, it is possible to obtain a thermally more uniform and better quality object. It is possible to generate unit doses of heat.

[0134] The local heat source may also be used in a transport section different from that shown in FIG. 1, for example, the type shown in FIG. A carrier section, or a mutual arrangement of the female and male parts different from that shown in FIG. 1, e.g. The part may be used in combination with a carrier that is positioned below the female part.

[0135] Also, local heat sources can be applied at different points on the path of the unit dose, for example, when the unit dose is on the receiving part of the mold. For example, a local heat source can be placed in the area where the heat energy is emitted. The unit portion may be configured to be directed toward the receiving portion of the mold, while the unit portion descends toward the receiving portion of the mold. .

[0136] More generally, the thermal regulator therefore regulates the instant that a unit dose is cut from the continuous extrudate. The unit quantity is traced from the moment the mold with the unit quantity inserted reaches the closed position. The ion beam may be placed at any point along the path.

[0137] In summary, The apparatus for forming an object comprises an extruder (2) for supplying a continuous extrudate of polymeric material, at least one separation section for separating unit portions (6; 106) of polymeric material from the continuous extrudate by cutting the continuous extrudate, and at least one mold (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) comprising a first mold section (9; 109; 209; 309) and a second mold section (8; 108; 508), the first mold section (9; 109; 209; 309) and the second mold section (8; 108; 508) having an open position in which the unit portion (6; 106) rests on a receiving portion selected from the first mold section (9; 109; 209; 309) and the second mold section (8; 108; 508), and a forming chamber having a shape corresponding to the object is provided in the first mold section (9; a second mold part (8; 108; 508) and a second mold part (8; 108; 508) and a closed position defined between the first mold part (8; 108; 508), the device further comprising a thermal adjustment device (11; 111; 211; 311; 411) configured to act on the unit portion (6; 106) after it has been released into the at least one mold part and before the closed position is achieved by adjusting the temperature of at least one surface portion (20; 120) of the unit portion (6; 106) that is different from a resting portion (17; 117) of the unit portion (6; 106) resting on the receiving part. It is characterized by:

[0138] In one embodiment, The thermal adjustment device (11; 411) is provided at a position along the path (P) of the at least one mold (5; 405) between one point on the path (P) where the receiver receives the unit dose (6) and another point on the path (P) where the at least one mold achieves the closed position. .

[0139] In one embodiment, the thermal adjustment device (11) extends from the one point on the path (P) where the receiver receives the unit dose (6) to the other point on the path (P) where the at least one mold (5) achieves the closed position.

[0140] In one embodiment, the thermal adjustment device (111; 211; 311) is configured to act at a position within the path (P) of the at least one mold (105; 205; 305) that is located between one point on the path (P) at which the receiving portion receives the unit portion (106) and another point on the path (P) at which the at least one mold (105; 205; 305) achieves the closed position.

[0141] In one embodiment, the thermal regulation device (11; 111; 211; 311; 411) is located outside the receiving part.

[0142] In one embodiment, The thermal adjustment device (11; 111; 211; 311; 411) comprises a laser source (26; 226 326) emitting a laser beam (27; 227; 327) intended to be directed onto the surface portion (20; 120) of the unit dose (6; 106). In one embodiment, the laser source (26; 226; 326) is configured to move the laser beam (27; 227; 327) to scan a plurality of points on the surface portion (20; 120) of the unit dose (6; 106). In one embodiment, the laser source (26; 226; 326) is provided in a fixed position and the at least one mold (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) is movable relative to the laser source (26; 226; 326). In one embodiment, the thermal adjustment device (11; 111; 211; 311; 411) comprises a heat source (30) arranged along a path (P) along which the mold (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) moves, the heat source (30) being located between one point on the path (P) where the open position is achievable and another point on the path (P) where the closed position is achievable. In one embodiment, the heat source (30) is a hot air source, a flame treatment unit, an infrared lamp, or the like. and plasma equipment. In one embodiment, the device further comprises a motion device for displacing the mold (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) along a path (P), the thermal adjustment device (11; 111; 211; 311; 411) comprising a containment structure (12) located within a region of the path (P) between one point on the path (P) where the open position is achievable and another point on the path (P) where the closed position is achievable, thereby limiting heat loss to the outside. In one embodiment, the containment structure (12) further comprises a heating section for heating the atmosphere within the containment structure (12). In one embodiment, the heating unit comprises at least one infrared lamp disposed within the containment structure (12) and at least one mirror supported on a wall of the containment structure (12) that directs infrared light towards the surface portion (20; 120) of the unit dose (6; 106). The method of forming the object is providing a continuous extrudate of polymeric material; Separating unit amounts (6; 106) of polymeric material from the continuous extrudate by cutting the continuous extrudate; providing at least one mold (5; 105; 205; 305; 405) comprising a first mold part (9; 109; 209; 309) and a second mold part (8; 108, 508); placing said unit dose (6; 106) on a receiving portion selected from said first mould part (9; 109; 209; 309) and said second mould part (8; 108; 508) while said first mould part (9; 109; 209; 309) and said second mould part (8; 108; 508) are spaced apart from each other; and moving the first mold part (9; 109; 209; 309) and the second mold part (8; 108; 508) relative to one another until a closed position is achieved in which a forming chamber having a shape corresponding to the object is defined between the first mold part (9; 109; 209; 309) and the second mold part (8; 108; 508), characterized in that before the closed position is achieved, at least one surface portion (20; 120) of the unit portion (6; 106) different from the placed portion (17; 117) of the unit portion (6; 106) is thermally conditioned while the unit portion (6; 106) is placed on the receiving part. In one embodiment, the surface portion (20; 120) of the unit portion (6; 106) that is thermally conditioned interacts with a separation portion during the step of cutting the continuous extrudate to separate the unit portion (6; 106) from the continuous extrudate. In one embodiment, the surface portion (20; 120) of the thermally conditioned unit portion (6; 106) interacts with a conveying portion (4; 104) that conveys the unit portion (6; 106) towards the die after the step of cutting the continuous extrudate. .

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for forming an object, comprising: an extruder providing a continuous extrudate of polymeric material; at least one separating section for separating unit amounts of polymeric material from the continuous extrudate by cutting the continuous extrudate; at least one mold including a first mold portion and a second mold portion; the first and second mold parts are reciprocally movable between an open position in which the unit portion is placed on a receiving portion selected from the first and second mold parts, and a closed position in which a forming chamber having a shape corresponding to the object is defined between the first and second mold parts; the apparatus further comprising a localized heat source for directing heat energy to a selected portion of the unit portion before the unit portion is transformed between the first mold part and the second mold part; the localized heat source is configured to locally and targetedly transfer heat to a selected portion of the unit quantity that was previously cooled the most, and to heat a predetermined area of ​​the surface portion of the unit quantity by emitting a scanningly movable heating beam to impinge on a plurality of points on the surface portion of the unit quantity; Device.

2. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one transport for conveying said unit dose to said at least one mold.

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the localized heat source is provided at a point along a path of the unit portion so as to direct heat to a portion of the unit portion that is not in contact with the transport portion while the unit portion is supported on the transport portion.

4. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the localized heat source is configured to transfer heat to the portion as it falls into the receptacle.

5. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the localized heat source is selected from the group including a hot air source, a flame treatment unit, an infrared lamp, and a plasma device.

6. 1. A method of forming an object, comprising: providing a continuous extrudate of polymeric material; separating unit quantities of polymeric material from the continuous extrudate by cutting the extrudate; providing at least one mold including a first mold portion and a second mold portion; placing the unit dose onto a receptacle selected from the first mold part and the second mold part while the first mold part and the second mold part are spaced apart; moving the first and second mold parts relative to one another until a closed position is achieved in which a forming chamber having a shape corresponding to the object is defined between the first and second mold parts; Before the closed position is achieved, thermal energy emitted by a local heat source is transferred locally and targeted to the previously cooled surface portion of the unit quantity; and directing thermal energy to the unit amount of surface portion includes emitting a heating beam and scanning the heating beam to impinge on a plurality of points on the unit amount of surface portion, thereby heating a predetermined area of ​​the unit amount of surface portion; method.

7. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the heat energy emitted by the localized heat source is directed to the surface portion of the unit portion that interacts with a separation portion during the step of cutting the continuous extrudate to separate the unit portion from the continuous extrudate.

8. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the heat energy emitted by the localized heat source is directed to the surface portion of the unit portion that interacts with a conveying portion that conveys the unit portion toward the die after the step of cutting the continuous extrudate.

9. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the localized heat source transfers heat to the portion as it falls into the receptacle.

10. 7. The method of claim 6, the unit dose is conveyed to the at least one mold by at least one conveyor movable along a path; the localized heat source is provided at a point on the path to direct heat to a portion of the unit dose that is not in contact with the transport portion while the unit dose is supported on the transport portion; method.

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