Manufacturing apparatus and method for resin containers

Abstract

The device for producing a resin container comprises: one injection molding unit that injection molds a bottomed cylindrical preform from a first resin material; another injection molding unit that injection molds an additional structure from a second resin material; a blow molding unit that blow molds the preform integrated with the additional structure while the preform and additional structure retain the heat of injection molding, to produce a resin container; and a conveyor that moves in the order from the one injection molding unit to the other injection molding unit or in the order from the other injection molding unit to the one injection molding unit and conveys the preform integrated with the additional structure to the blow molding unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method for resin containers.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as one of the manufacturing apparatuses for resin containers (hereinafter, also simply referred to as containers), a hot parison type blow molding apparatus is known. The hot parison type blow molding apparatus is configured to blow mold a container by utilizing the retained heat during the injection molding of a preform, and is advantageous in that it can manufacture containers that are diverse and excellent in aesthetic appearance as compared with the cold parison type.

[0003] Further, as one aspect of the above-mentioned container, a container in which additional structures such as a handle, a hanging tool, a clip-type lid, etc. are integrated with the container body is also known. When manufacturing this type of container with a hot parison type blow molding apparatus, a method of insert molding a pre-manufactured handle or the like during blow molding is known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Also, a method of simultaneously molding the corresponding parts of the additional structure during the injection molding of the preform (see, for example, Patent Documents 3 to 6) has also been proposed. In addition, a hanging tool, a clip-type lid, etc. may be attached later to the blow-molded container body.

[0004] Further, as another aspect of the above-mentioned container, a multi-chamber container is known in which a plurality of containers each having an opening are integrated by welding at the body part, and different types of contents can be separately accommodated (see, for example, Patent Documents 7 to 11).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

[0006] In the manufacturing of containers in which an add-on structure is integrated with the container body, if the add-on structure is manufactured separately from the container body and then integrated with the container body, special processes and equipment are required for attaching the add-on structure in addition to the equipment used to manufacture the container body. As a result, the container manufacturing process becomes complicated, and the container manufacturing equipment becomes large-scale. Furthermore, if the corresponding parts of the add-on structure are formed during injection molding of the preform, constraints arise because the add-on structure is made of the same material as the container body, and the difficulty of container manufacturing also increases.

[0007] On the other hand, the conventional method for manufacturing multi-chambered containers using the hot parison method is possible when the multiple containers constituting the multi-chambered container share the same color, material, shape, etc. However, this manufacturing method cannot handle cases where the multiple containers constituting the multi-chambered container have different characteristics such as color, material, shape, etc.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of these problems, and makes it possible to mold the add-on structure and the container body from different materials, and integrates the add-on structure into the container body. The vesselAn object is to provide a manufacturing apparatus that can be manufactured relatively easily.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0009] A manufacturing apparatus for a resin container according to an aspect of the present invention manufactures a resin container having a container body and an additional structure integrated with the container body. The manufacturing apparatus includes one injection molding part that injection-molds a bottomed cylindrical preform with a first resin material, another injection molding part that injection-molds the additional structure with a second resin material, and a blow molding part that manufactures a resin container by blow molding a preform integrated with the additional structure in a state having the retained heat during injection molding. , others A carrier that moves in order from the other injection molding part to the one injection molding part and conveys the preform integrated with the additional structure to the blow molding part. The transporter has a holding portion capable of holding an additional structure, the additional structure is injection molded into the holding portion in the other injection molding portion, and a preform is injection molded into the holding portion with the additional structure in place in the other injection molding portion.

Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to mold the additional structure and the container body with different materials, and it is possible to provide a manufacturing apparatus that can be manufactured relatively easily for the container with the additional structure integrated into the container body. The vessel It is possible to provide a manufacturing apparatus that can be manufactured relatively easily.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] [Figure 1] It is a figure which shows the 1st example of the preform and container of 1st Embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the preform and container of 1st Embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a figure which shows the 3rd example of the preform and container of 1st Embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the blow molding apparatus of 1st Embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a figure which shows typically an example of the manufacturing process of the container of 1st Embodiment. [Figure 6]It is a flowchart showing the steps of the method for manufacturing the container of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of the resin multi-chamber container of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram schematically showing an example of the manufacturing process of the multi-chamber container of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a continuation of FIG. 8.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, for the sake of easy understanding, the structures and elements other than the main part of the present invention will be described in a simplified or omitted manner. Also, in the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. Note that the shapes, dimensions, etc. of the elements shown in the drawings are schematically shown and do not represent actual shapes, dimensions, etc.

[0014] <<First Embodiment>> <Configuration Example of Preform> First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a configuration example of the preform 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. Here, all the containers manufactured in the first embodiment are configured by integrating an additional structure with the container body 1. In FIGS. 1(a), 2(a), and 3(a), the outlines of the container bodies 1 formed by blow molding the preforms 10 are shown by two-dot chain lines, respectively.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first example of the preform 10. The first example shows the preform 10 applied when a handle 20 is provided as an additional structure of the container body 1. FIG. 1(a) is a front view of the preform 10 of the first example, and FIG. 1(b) is a plan view of the preform 10 of the first example.

[0016] The overall shape of the preform 10 is a bottomed cylindrical shape with one end open and the other end closed. The preform 10 comprises a cylindrical body portion 12, a bottom portion 13 that closes the other end of the body portion 12, and a neck portion 11 formed in the opening 11a at one end of the body portion 12. The shape of the preform 10 is the same in the second and third examples described later, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0017] In the first example, the preform 10 has a handle 20 attached to the underside of the neck portion 11. The handle 20 is injection molded from a resin material different from the resin material of the preform 10 and has an annular mounting base 21 and a handle body 22. The mounting base 21 is formed directly below the neck portion 11 of the preform 10 (below the neck) and surrounds the outer circumference of the preform 10 in an annular shape.

[0018] The handle body 22 is provided at a predetermined position in the circumferential direction of the preform 10 and is integrally formed with the mounting base 21 in a cantilevered manner. The handle body 22 is curved on the outside of the mounting base 21 and extends toward the bottom side of the preform 10, and is sized to be easily grasped by a human hand. In addition, the tip of the handle body 22 (the end opposite to the mounting base 21) forms an engaging portion 22a that engages with the container body 1 during blow molding.

[0019] Figure 2 shows a second example of the preform 10. The second example shows a preform 10 that is applied when a hanging device 20A is provided as an additional structure to the container body 1. Figure 2(a) is a front view of the second example of the preform 10, and Figure 2(b) is a plan view of the second example of the preform 10.

[0020] In the second example, the preform 10 has a hanger 20A attached to the underside of the neck portion 11. The hanger 20A is injection molded from a resin material different from the resin material of the preform 10 and has an annular mounting base 21 and a flat hanger body 23. The configuration of the mounting base 21 is the same as in the first example described above.

[0021] The lifting device body 23 is formed to protrude outward from the mounting base 21. The lifting device body 23 has a gripping portion 24 provided on the free end side opposite to the mounting base 21, and a connecting portion 25 that connects the gripping portion 24 and the mounting base 21. The gripping portion 24 is a ring-shaped frame and is used, for example, when a person puts their fingers through the gap to transport the container body 1.

[0022] Figure 3 shows a third example of the preform 10. The third example shows a preform 10 that is applied when a lid portion 20B is provided as an additional structure to the container body 1. Figure 3(a) is a front view of the third example of the preform 10, and Figure 3(b) is a top view of the third example of the preform 10.

[0023] In the third example, the preform 10 has a lid portion 20B attached to the underside of the neck portion 11. The lid portion 20B is injection molded from a resin material different from the resin material of the preform 10 and has an annular mounting base portion 21, a lid body 26, and a hinge portion 27. The configuration of the mounting base portion 21 is the same as in the first example described above.

[0024] The lid body 26 is a bottomed cylindrical cap with dimensions corresponding to the neck portion 11, and can close the opening 11a by being placed over the neck portion 11. The hinge portion 27 is provided between the mounting base portion 21 and the lid body 26, and connects the lid body 26 to the neck portion 11 so that it can be opened and closed by elastic deformation.

[0025] <Description of container manufacturing equipment> Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the blow molding apparatus 30 of the first embodiment. The blow molding apparatus 30 of the first embodiment is an example of a container manufacturing apparatus, and employs a hot parison method (also called a one-stage method) in which the container is blow-molded by utilizing the heat retained during injection molding (internal heat quantity) without cooling the preform 10 to room temperature.

[0026] The following description explains an example of manufacturing a container having a handle 20 as an add-on structure, by injection molding a preform 10 of the first example. The following description also explains, as an example, a case where the preform 10 is injection molded first, and then the add-on structure is injection molded.

[0027] The blow molding apparatus 30 comprises a first injection molding section 31, a first temperature control section 32, a second injection molding section 33, a second temperature control section 34, a blow molding section 35, a removal section 36, and a transport mechanism 37. The first injection molding section 31, the first temperature control section 32, the second injection molding section 33, the second temperature control section 34, the blow molding section 35, and the removal section 36 are positioned at predetermined angles (for example, 60 degrees) around the transport mechanism 37.

[0028] (Conveying mechanism 37) The transport mechanism 37 includes a transport plate 37a that moves so as to rotate around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 4. One or more neck-shaped elements 37b (not shown in Figure 4) for holding the neck portion 11 of a preform or container are arranged on the transport plate 37a at predetermined angles. Note that the transport plate 37a and the neck-shaped elements 37b are examples of transport bodies.

[0029] The transport mechanism 37 rotates the transport plate 37a to transport the preform 10 held by the neck mold 37b in the following order: first injection molding section 31, first temperature control section 32, second injection molding section 33, second temperature control section 34, blow molding section 35, and removal section 36. The transport mechanism 37 can also raise and lower the transport plate 37a and perform operations related to mold closing and mold opening (release) in the first injection molding section 31 and the second injection molding section 33.

[0030] (First injection molding section 31) The first injection molding section 31 includes an injection cavity mold 40 and an injection core mold 41, and manufactures a preform 10. The first injection molding section 31 is an example of one injection molding section. 4 As shown, the first injection molding unit 31 is connected to a first injection device 38 that supplies a first resin material, which is the material for the preform 10.

[0031] Here, the first resin material is a thermoplastic synthetic resin and can be appropriately selected according to the specifications of the container body 1 to be manufactured. Specific examples of materials include PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), PCTA (polycyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate), Tritan (Tritan®: copolyester manufactured by Eastman Chemical Corporation), PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), PC (polycarbonate), PES (polyethersulfone), PPSU (polyphenylsulfone), PS (polystyrene), COP / COC (cyclic olefin polymer), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate: acrylic), and PLA (polylactic acid). In addition, additives such as colorants may be added to the first resin material.

[0032] The injection cavity mold 40 is a mold that defines the outer circumferential shape of the body 12 and bottom 13 of the preform 10. A resin supply nozzle 43 for introducing the first resin material from the first injection device 38 is connected to the underside of the injection cavity mold 40. The injection core mold 41 is a mold inserted into the injection cavity mold 40 and the neck mold 37b, and defines the inner circumferential shape of the preform 10. The neck mold 37b also functions as a mold that defines the outer circumferential shape of the neck 11 of the preform 10.

[0033] Figure 5(a) shows the injection molding process in the first injection molding section 31. In the first injection molding section 31, the mold space for the preform 10 is formed by closing the injection cavity mold 40, the injection core mold 41, and the neck mold 37b. Then, the first resin material is injected into the mold space from the first injection device 38 via the resin supply nozzle 43, thereby manufacturing the preform 10 in the first injection molding section 31.

[0034] Furthermore, even when the mold of the first injection molding unit 31 is opened, the neck mold 37b of the transport mechanism 37 remains closed and continues to hold and transport the preform 10. The number of preforms 10 that are simultaneously molded in the first injection molding unit 31 (i.e., the number of containers that can be simultaneously molded in the blow molding apparatus 30) can be set as appropriate.

[0035] (First temperature adjustment section 32) The first temperature control unit 32 includes a mold unit (not shown). Before the preform 10 is transported to the second injection molding unit 33, the first temperature control unit 32 equalizes the temperature and removes any temperature unevenness, adjusting the temperature distribution of the preform 10 to a predetermined state. The first temperature control unit 32 may also have a function to cool the preform 10 when it is in a high-temperature state after injection molding.

[0036] The mold unit of the first temperature control unit 32 may, for example, be equipped with a heating pot that houses the preform 10 and heats the preform 10 from the surroundings without contact, or it may be equipped with a temperature control mold that blows compressed air into the preform 10 to cool and adjust its temperature. For example, the above temperature control mold has a cavity mold (temperature control pot) capable of housing the preform 10 and an air introduction member that contacts the neck portion 11 and introduces compressed air into the preform 10.

[0037] (Second injection molding section 33) The second injection molding section 33 includes an injection mold 50 for injection molding the handle 20. The second injection molding section 33 is an example of the other injection molding section. The injection mold 50 is, for example, a split mold that is divided along a dividing line in the longitudinal direction of the preform 10 and has a mold space corresponding to the handle 20. If the additional structure to be injection molded is the above-mentioned hanger 20A or lid 20B, the dividing line of the injection mold 50 is changed as appropriate.

[0038] Also, the figure 4As shown, a second injection device 39 is connected to the second injection molding unit 33 to supply a second resin material, which is the material for the handle 20, and the second resin material is injected into the mold space of the injection mold 50. The second resin material is a thermoplastic synthetic resin, and the specific type of material is the same as described for the first resin material. The second resin material can be appropriately selected according to the specifications of the handle 20 to be manufactured.

[0039] Figure 5(b) shows the injection molding process in the second injection molding section 33. In the second injection molding section 33, the second resin material is injected while the preform 10 is housed in the injection mold 50. This forms a handle 20 below the neck of the preform 10. Even when the mold of the second injection molding section 33 is opened, the neck mold 37b of the transport mechanism 37 remains closed, holding and transporting the preform 10. Furthermore, the handle 20 is held to the preform 10 by welding or engagement during injection molding, and is therefore transported together with the preform 10.

[0040] (Second temperature adjustment section 34) The second temperature control unit 34 includes a mold unit (not shown). The second temperature control unit 34 is responsible for cooling the handle 20, which has been transported from the second injection molding unit 33, to a predetermined temperature. This prevents the handle 20 from being distorted by thermal shrinkage after injection molding. The second temperature control unit 34 also adjusts the temperature of the preform 10 to a temperature suitable for the final blow (for example, about 90°C to 105°C).

[0041] Furthermore, the mold unit of the second temperature control unit 34 may be configured to include a heating pot or a temperature control mold that blows compressed air into the preform 10, as long as it is possible to locally cool the handle 20.

[0042] (Blow-molded section 35) The blow molding unit 35 blow-moldes a preform 10 having a handle 20, which has been transported from the second temperature control unit 34, to manufacture a container with a handle 20. The blow molding unit 35 comprises a blow cavity mold 61, a bottom mold 62, a fitting core (blow core) 63, an air introduction / exit member 64, and a stretching rod 65.

[0043] The blow cavity mold 61 is a pair of split molds that define the shape of the body of the container 1. The preform 10 is housed inside the blow cavity mold 61 with the handle 20 positioned. The bottom mold 62 is a mold that defines the shape of the bottom of the container 1.

[0044] Furthermore, if the additional structures provided on the container are the above-mentioned hanger 20A and lid 20B, the blow cavity mold 61 is provided with a housing section (not shown) on the outside of the mold space for housing the hanger 20A and lid 20B. By housing the hanger 20A and lid 20B in this housing section, it becomes possible to blow mold the container body 1 without involving the hanger 20A or lid 20B.

[0045] The fitting core 63 is a mold inserted inside the neck mold 37b, and when inserted into the neck mold 37b, it is in close contact with the inner circumference or upper end surface of the neck portion 11 of each preform 10, maintaining airtightness with the preform 10 during blow molding. The fitting core 63 has an opening formed at the position of the opening 11a of the preform 10, and an air introduction / exit member 64 and an extension rod 65 are inserted through this opening.

[0046] The air inlet / outlet member 64 is a cylindrical member, and an extendable rod 65 that can move axially is concentrically arranged inside it. The gap between the fitting core 63 and the air inlet / outlet member 64, and the inside of the air inlet / outlet member 64, constitute the supply and exhaust passages for compressed air (blow air).

[0047] Figure 5(c) shows the blow molding process in the blow molding section 35. The blow molding section 35 blows compressed air into the preform 10 while stretching it to perform blow molding of the container body 1. When the container body 1 is formed, the tip of the handle 20 engages with the container body 1, causing the handle 20 to become integrated with the container body 1.

[0048] (Removal section 36) The removal section 36 is configured to release the neck portion 11 of the container with a handle manufactured in the blow molding section 35 from the neck mold 37b, and to remove the container to the outside of the blow molding apparatus 30.

[0049] <Explanation of container manufacturing method> Next, a method for manufacturing a container using the blow molding apparatus 30 of the first embodiment will be described. 6 This is a flowchart showing the steps involved in the manufacturing of a container.

[0050] (Step S101: First injection molding process) First, as shown in Figure 5(a), in the first injection molding section 31, the first resin material is injected from the first injection device 38 into the mold space formed by the injection cavity mold 40, the injection core mold 41, and the neck mold 37b, thereby manufacturing the preform 10.

[0051] Subsequently, when the first injection molding section 31 is opened, the transfer plate 37a of the transport mechanism 37 moves to rotate by a predetermined angle, and the preform 10 held in the neck mold 37b is transported to the first temperature control section 32, still containing the heat retained during injection molding.

[0052] (Step S102: First temperature adjustment step) Next, the preform 10 is placed in the mold unit of the first temperature control unit 32, and the temperature distribution is adjusted (uniform temperature distribution and removal of uneven temperature distribution). After that, the transfer plate 37a moves to rotate by a predetermined angle, and the neck mold 37b is transported to the second injection molding unit 33 while holding the preform 10.

[0053] (Step S103: Second injection molding process) Next, the neck mold 37b descends relative to the injection mold 50 of the second injection molding section 33, and the injection mold 50 is closed with the preform 10 housed inside it. Then, as shown in Figure 5(b), the second resin material is injected from the second injection device 39 into the mold space of the injection mold 50 to form the handle 20.

[0054] Subsequently, when the second injection molding section 33 is opened, the transfer plate 37a moves to rotate by a predetermined angle, and the preform 10 held in the neck mold 37b and the handle 20 welded to the preform 10 are transported to the second temperature control section 34.

[0055] (Step S104: Second temperature adjustment step) Next, the preform 10 and handle 20 are placed in the second temperature control unit 34, where the handle 20 is cooled and the temperature of the preform 10 is adjusted to a temperature suitable for the final blow. After that, the transfer plate 37a moves to rotate by a predetermined angle, and the temperature-adjusted preform 10 and handle 20 are transported to the blow molding unit 35.

[0056] (Step S105: Blow molding process) Next, the container is blow-molded in the blow molding section 35. First, the blow cavity mold 61 is closed, and the preform 10 and handle 20 are housed in the mold space. Then, by lowering the fitting core 63, the air inlet / outlet member 64 and the stretching rod 65 are inserted into the preform 10. Next, the stretching rod 65 is lowered to press the bottom 13 of the preform 10 from the inside, and longitudinal stretching is performed as needed. After that, blow air is supplied from the air inlet / outlet member 64 to stretch the preform 10 along the transverse axis.

[0057] As shown in Figure 5(c), when blown air is supplied, the preform 10 expands to tightly conform to the blow cavity mold 61 and the bottom mold 62, and is formed onto the container body 1. At this time, the tip of the handle 20 engages with the container body 1, causing the handle 20 to become integrated with the container body 1.

[0058] (Step S106: Container removal process) Once the blow molding is complete, the blow cavity mold 61 is opened. This allows the container to be moved out of the blow molding section 35. Next, the transfer plate 37a moves to rotate by a predetermined angle, and the container is transported to the removal section 36. In the removal section 36, the neck portion 11 of the container is released from the neck mold 37b, and the container is removed to the outside of the blow molding apparatus 30.

[0059] This completes one cycle in the container manufacturing process. Subsequently, the transfer plate 37a is moved to rotate by a predetermined angle, thereby repeating steps S101 to S106 described above. During operation of the blow molding apparatus 30, the manufacturing of six sets of containers, each with a time difference between each step, is carried out in parallel.

[0060] Furthermore, due to the structure of the blow molding apparatus 30, the time for each of the following steps—the first injection molding step, the first temperature adjustment step, the second injection molding step, the second temperature adjustment step, the blow molding step, and the container removal step—is the same length. Similarly, the transport time between each step is also the same length.

[0061] The effects and advantages of the first embodiment are described below. In the first embodiment, the blow molding apparatus 30 injects a preform 10 in a first injection molding section 31, and injects a handle 20, which is an add-on structure, integrally with the preform 10, in a second injection molding section 33, which is different from the first injection molding section 31. Then, the preform 10 is blow-molded in a blow molding section 35 to form the container body 1, thereby manufacturing a container in which the add-on structure (handle 20) is integrated with the container body 1.

[0062] In the first embodiment, the injection molding of the preform 10, the injection molding of the add-on structure, and the blow molding of the container body 1 are performed in a continuous process, making it easy to manufacture a container in which the add-on structure is integrated with the container body. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, since the preform 10 and the add-on structure are manufactured separately in different injection molding sections, the container body 1 formed from the preform 10 and the add-on structure can be molded from different materials.

[0063] <Modified form of the first embodiment> In the first embodiment described above, an example was described in which the preform 10 is first injection-molded in the first injection molding section 31, and then the add-on structure is injection-molded in the second injection molding section 33. However, in the first embodiment described above, the add-on structure may be injection-molded in the first injection molding section 31 first, and then the preform 10 may be injection-molded in the second injection molding section 33 so as to be integrated with the add-on structure. In this case, the first injection molding section 31 functions as the other injection molding section, and the second injection molding section 33 functions as one of the injection molding sections.

[0064] If the add-on structure is to be injection molded first, for example, the mounting base of the add-on structure can be held and transported using a neck mold 37b, and then in the subsequent injection molding section, resin material can be injected into the inside of the mounting base of the add-on structure to manufacture the preform 10.

[0065] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, an example was given in which an additional structure is formed below the neck of the preform 10. However, the position of the additional structure is not limited to the above, and for example, the additional structure may be formed so as to be directly connected to the neck portion 11. Also, the additional structure is not limited to a handle, a hanger, or a lid connected to the container body, but is a broad concept that encompasses the resin container and structures connected thereto. For example, the additional structure may be a structure such as a label tag (tag) or a structure such as a band connecting resin containers.

[0066] <<Second Embodiment>> <Example of a multi-chambered container configuration> First, with reference to Figure 7, an example of the configuration of the resin multi-chamber container of the second embodiment will be described. Figure 7(a) is a front view of the resin multi-chamber container, and Figure 7(b) is a top view of the resin multi-chamber container.

[0067] The multi-chambered container 110 is constructed by integrating a first container 110a and a second container 110b, each made of thermoplastic resin. The first container 110a and the second container 110b each have a neck portion 111 with a mouth portion 111a at the upper end, a cylindrical body portion 112 extending from the neck portion 111, and a bottom portion 113 extending from the body portion 112. Each neck portion 111 has a screw thread 111b formed therein for removing the cap. The first container 110a and the second container 110b are also constructed as independent containers and can each store contents (for example, liquids such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and seasonings) separately.

[0068] As an example, the first container 110a and the second container 110b shown in Figure 7 are formed to be almost identical in shape, and are integrated as a multi-chamber container 110 by welding the surfaces of their opposing body portions 12 together over their entire surfaces. The first container 110a and the second container 110b of the multi-chamber container 110 are integrated with their neck portions 111 facing the same direction.

[0069] Furthermore, in the multi-chambered container 110 shown in Figure 7, the first container 110a and the second container 110b are each made of different materials. For example, the first container 110a and the second container 110b may be made of different resin materials, or they may be made of the same type of resin material with different colorant compositions. Hereinafter, the resin material forming the first container 110a will also be referred to as the first resin material, and the resin material forming the second container 110b will also be referred to as the second resin material.

[0070] As described above, by forming the first container 110a and the second container 110b of the multi-compartment container 110 from different materials, for example, the appearance such as color can be changed between the first container 110a and the second container 110b, thereby improving the design of the multi-compartment container 110 and the distinguishability between the first container 110a and the second container 110b. Furthermore, by forming the first container 110a and the second container 110b of the multi-compartment container 110 from different materials, the physical properties of the first container 110a and the second container 110b can be changed according to the specifications of the contents to be stored, thereby improving the functionality of the multi-compartment container 110.

[0071] Furthermore, Figure 7 shows a multi-chambered container 110 in which the two containers have almost the same shape, but the characteristics of the first container 110a and the second container 110b differ in color, material, etc. However, for example, the neck shape and body shape of the two containers may differ as one of the characteristics of the first container 110a and the second container 110b. Note that if the neck shape and body shape differ between the first container 110a and the second container 110b, the first resin material and the second resin material may be the same.

[0072] <Description of the manufacturing equipment for multi-chambered containers> In the second embodiment, the basic configuration of the blow molding apparatus applied to the manufacture of a multi-chambered resin container is the same as that of the blow molding apparatus 30 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 4, and comprises a first injection molding section 31, a first temperature control section 32, a second injection molding section 33, a second temperature control section 34, a blow molding section 35, a removal section 36, and a transport mechanism 37. In the following description, the parts of the blow molding apparatus of the second embodiment that differ from the first embodiment will be described, and parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0073] (Conveying mechanism 37) In the transport mechanism 37 of the second embodiment, one or more neck-shaped elements 137b for holding the neck portion 111 of a preform or container are arranged on the transport plate 37a at predetermined angles. Note that the transport plate 37a and the neck-shaped elements 137b are examples of transport bodies.

[0074] The neck type 137b has, for example, a first holding part 137b1 for holding the neck portion 111 of the first container 110a and a second holding part 137b2 for holding the neck portion 111 of the second container 110b, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, and one neck type 137b can each hold the two neck portions 111 of the multi-chamber container 110. However, the configuration of the neck type 137b is not limited to the above, and a neck type for holding the neck portion 111 of the first container 110a and a neck type for holding the neck portion 111 of the second container 110b may be provided independently, and each neck portion 111 of the multi-chamber container 110 may be held using two neck types.

[0075] Conveying mechanism 37 The transport mechanism 37 rotates the transport plate 37a to transport the preforms 115a, 115b or the multi-chamber container 110 held by the neck mold 137b in the following order: first injection molding section 31, first temperature control section 32, second injection molding section 33, second temperature control section 34, blow molding section 35, and removal section 36. The transport mechanism 37 can also raise and lower the transport plate 37a and performs operations related to mold closing and mold opening (release) in the first injection molding section 31 and the second injection molding section 33.

[0076] (First injection molding section 31) The first injection molding unit 31 includes an injection cavity mold 140 and an injection core mold 141, and manufactures a first preform 115a corresponding to the first container 110a. The first injection molding unit 31 is also connected to a first injection device 38 that supplies a first resin material. Here, the first resin material is a thermoplastic synthetic resin, which can be appropriately selected according to the specifications of the first container 110a. The type of first resin material is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0077] The injection cavity mold 140 is a mold that defines the outer circumferential shape of the body and bottom of the first preform 115a. A resin supply nozzle 143 for introducing the first resin material from the first injection device 38 is connected to the underside of the injection cavity mold 140. The injection core mold 141 is a mold inserted into the injection cavity mold 140 and the first holding portion 137b1 of the neck mold 137b, and defines the inner circumferential shape of the first preform 15a. The first holding portion 137b1 of the neck mold 137b also functions as a mold that defines the outer circumferential shape of the neck portion 111 of the first preform 15a.

[0078] Figure 8(a) shows the injection molding process in the first injection molding section 31. In the first injection molding section 31, the mold space for the first preform 115a is formed by closing the injection cavity mold 140, the injection core mold 141, and the neck mold 137b. Then, the first resin material is injected into the mold space from the first injection device 38 via the resin supply nozzle 143, thereby manufacturing the first preform 115a in the first injection molding section 31.

[0079] Furthermore, even when the mold of the first injection molding section 31 is opened, the neck mold 137b of the transport mechanism 37 remains closed and continues to hold and transport the first preform 115a. The number of first preforms 115a that are simultaneously molded in the first injection molding section 31 (i.e., the number of multi-chamber containers 110 that can be simultaneously molded in the blow molding apparatus 30) can be set as appropriate.

[0080] (First temperature adjustment section 32) The first temperature control unit 32 includes a mold unit (not shown). Before the first preform 115a is transported to the second injection molding unit 33, the first temperature control unit 32 equalizes the temperature and removes any temperature unevenness, adjusting the temperature distribution of the first preform 115a to a predetermined state. The first temperature control unit 32 may also have a function to cool the first preform 115a, which is in a high-temperature state after injection molding.

[0081] The mold unit of the first temperature control unit 32 may, for example, include a heating pot that houses the first preform 115a and heats the first preform 115a from the surroundings without contact, or it may include a temperature control mold that blows compressed air into the first preform 115a to cool and adjust its temperature. For example, the above temperature control mold has a cavity mold (temperature control pot) capable of housing the first preform 115a and an air introduction member that contacts the neck portion 111 and introduces compressed air into the first preform 115a.

[0082] (Second injection molding section 33) The second injection molding unit 33 includes an injection cavity mold 150 and an injection core mold 151, and manufactures a second preform 115b corresponding to the second container 110b. A second injection device 39 for supplying a second resin material is connected to the second injection molding unit 33. The second resin material is a thermoplastic synthetic resin, and the specific type of material is the same as described for the first resin material. The second resin material may be a different resin material from the first resin material as described above, or it may be the same type of resin material with variations in composition, such as the amount and type of colorant, compared to the first resin material.

[0083] The injection cavity mold 150 is a mold that defines the outer circumferential shape of the body and bottom of the second preform 115b. A resin supply nozzle 153 for introducing the second resin material from the second injection device 39 is connected to the underside of the injection cavity mold 150. The injection core mold 151 is a mold inserted into the injection cavity mold 150 and the second holding portion 137b2 of the neck mold 137b, and defines the inner circumferential shape of the second preform 115b. The second holding portion 137b2 of the neck mold 137b also functions as a mold that defines the outer circumferential shape of the neck portion 111 of the second preform 115b.

[0084] Furthermore, in the injection cavity mold 150, a relief hole 150a is formed at the corresponding position of the first retaining portion 137b1, which is a accommodating space for, for example, the first preform 115a. Therefore, when closing the mold, the first preform 115a is inserted into the relief hole 150a, and interference between the first preform 115a and the injection cavity mold 150 can be avoided. In addition, the injection core mold 151 may be configured not to be inserted into, for example, the first retaining portion 137b1 and the first preform 115a.

[0085] Figure 8(b) shows the injection molding process in the second injection molding section 33. In the second injection molding section 33, the mold space for the second preform 115b is formed by closing the injection cavity mold 150, the injection core mold 151, and the neck mold 137b. The second resin material is then injected into the mold space from the second injection device 39 via the resin supply nozzle 153, thereby manufacturing the second preform 115b in the second injection molding section 33. Even when the mold of the second injection molding section 33 is opened, the neck mold 137b of the transport mechanism 37 remains closed, holding and transporting the first preform 115a and the second preform 115b.

[0086] (Second temperature adjustment section 34) The second temperature control unit 34 includes a mold unit (not shown). Before being transported to the blow molding unit 35, the second temperature control unit 34 equalizes the temperature of the first preform 115a and the second preform 115b manufactured in the second injection molding unit 33, and removes temperature unevenness, simultaneously adjusting the temperature distribution of the first preform 115a and the second preform 115b to a predetermined state. As a result, the temperatures of the first preform 115a and the second preform 115b are adjusted to a temperature suitable for the final blow (for example, about 90°C to 105°C) when they are transported from the second temperature control unit 34.

[0087] Furthermore, the mold unit of the second temperature control unit 34 differs from the mold unit of the first temperature control unit 32 in that it can accommodate both the first preform 115a and the second preform 115b, but other aspects are the same, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0088] (Blow-molded section 35) The blow molding section 35 blow-moldes the first preform 115a and the second preform 115b, whose temperatures have been controlled by the second temperature control section 34, to manufacture the multi-chamber container 110. The blow molding section 35 comprises a blow cavity mold 161, a bottom mold 162, a fitting core (blow core) 163, two sets of air inlet / outlet members 164, and a stretching rod 165.

[0089] The blow cavity mold 161 is a pair of split molds that define the body shape of the multi-chamber container 110. The first preform 115a and the second preform 115b are housed inside the blow cavity mold 161. The bottom mold 162 is a mold that defines the bottom shape of the multi-chamber container 110.

[0090] The fitting core 163 is a mold inserted inside the neck mold 137b, and when inserted into the neck mold 137b, it is in close contact with the inner circumference or upper end surface of the neck portion 111 of each preform 115a, 115b, maintaining airtightness with the preforms 115a, 115b during blow molding. The fitting core 163 has one set each of air inlet / outlet members 164 and stretching rods 165 positioned at the corresponding positions of the first preform 115a and the second preform 115b, respectively. Since the configurations of the two sets of air inlet / outlet members 164 and stretching rods 165 are the same, the configuration of the first preform 15a will be explained, and any redundant explanations of the other will be omitted.

[0091] The air inlet / outlet member 164 and the extension rod 165 are inserted through an opening formed in the fitting core 163. The air inlet / outlet member 164 is a cylindrical member, and the extension rod 165, which can move axially back and forth, is concentrically arranged inside it. The gap between the fitting core 163 and the air inlet / outlet member 164, and the inside of the air inlet / outlet member 164, constitute the supply and exhaust passages for compressed air (blow air).

[0092] Figures 9(a) to 9(c) show the blow molding process in the blow molding section 35. The blow molding section 35 blows compressed air into the first preform 115a and the second preform 115b while stretching them to blow-molde the container. The blow molding of the first container 110a and the second container 110b is performed simultaneously, and the first container 110a and the second container 110b are welded together during the shaping process to form a multi-chambered container. 110 It is manufactured.

[0093] (Removal section 36) The removal section 36 is configured to release the neck portion 111 of the multi-chamber container 110 manufactured in the blow molding section 35 from the neck mold 137b, and to remove the multi-chamber container 110 to the outside of the blow molding apparatus 30.

[0094] <Explanation of container manufacturing method> Next, a method for manufacturing a multi-chamber container 110 using the blow molding apparatus 30 of the second embodiment will be described. The steps of the manufacturing method of the second embodiment are the same as in Figure 6, and include a first injection molding step (S101), a first temperature adjustment step (S102), a second injection molding step (S103), a second temperature adjustment step (S104), a blow molding step (S105), and a container removal step (S106).

[0095] (Step S101: First injection molding process) First, as shown in Figure 8(a), in the first injection molding section 31, the first resin material is injected from the first injection device 38 into the mold space formed by the injection cavity mold 140, the injection core mold 141, and the first holding portion 137b1 of the neck mold 137b, thereby manufacturing the first preform 115a.

[0096] Subsequently, when the first injection molding section 31 is opened, the transfer plate 37a of the transport mechanism 37 moves to rotate by a predetermined angle, and the first preform 115a, held in the first holding section 137b1 of the neck mold 137b, is transported to the first temperature control section 32 while still containing the heat retained during injection molding.

[0097] (Step S102: First temperature adjustment step) Next, the first preform 115a is placed in the mold unit of the first temperature control unit 32, and the temperature distribution is adjusted (uniform temperature distribution and removal of uneven temperature distribution). After that, the transfer plate 37a moves to rotate by a predetermined angle, and the neck mold 137b is transported to the second injection molding unit 33 with the first preform 115a held in the first holding unit 137b1.

[0098] (Step S103: Second injection molding process) Next, the injection cavity of the second injection molding section 33 type As the neck mold 137b descends relative to 150, the first preform 115a is housed in the relief hole 150a of the injection cavity mold 150, and the injection cavity mold 150 and the neck mold 137b are closed. Subsequently, the injection core mold 151 is inserted into the second holding portion 137b2 of the neck mold 137b. Then, the second resin material is injected from the second injection device 39 into the mold space formed by the injection cavity mold 150, the injection core mold 151, and the second holding portion 137b2 of the neck mold 137b, and the second preform Mu Model 115b is manufactured.

[0099] Subsequently, when the second injection molding section 33 is opened, the transfer plate 37a moves to rotate by a predetermined angle, and the first preform 115a held in the first holding section 137b1 of the neck mold 137b, and the second preform 115b held in the second holding section 137b2, are both transported to the second temperature control section 34, still containing the heat retained during injection molding.

[0100] (Step S104: Second temperature adjustment step) Next, the first preform 115a and the second preform 115b are placed in the second temperature adjustment unit 34, and the temperature of the first preform 115a and the second preform 115b is simultaneously adjusted to bring them closer to a temperature suitable for the final blowing. After that, the transfer plate 37a moves to rotate by a predetermined angle, and the temperature-adjusted first preform 115a and the second preform 115b are transported to the blow molding unit 35.

[0101] (Step S105: Blow molding process) Next, the multi-chambered container 110 is blow-molded in the blow molding section 35. First, the blow cavity mold 161 is closed and the first pre-four Mu The first preform 115a and the second preform 115b are each housed in the mold space (Figure 9(a)). Then, by lowering the fitting core 163, the air inlet / outlet member 164 and the stretching rod 165 are inserted into the first preform 115a and the second preform 115b, respectively.

[0102] Next, as shown in Figure 9(b), the stretching rod 165 is lowered to press down on the bottom of the preforms 115a and 115b from the inside, and longitudinal stretching is performed as needed. After that, blown air is supplied from the air inlet / outlet member 164 to stretch each preform 115a and 115b along the transverse axis.

[0103] By supplying blown air, the first preform 115a and the second preform 115b expand to closely conform to the blow cavity mold 161 and the bottom mold 162, respectively, and are formed into the first container 110a and the second container 110b. Then, in the first container 110a and the second container 110b, the surfaces of the opposing body portions 112 are welded together over their entire surfaces to form a single unit, and the multi-chamber container 110 is manufactured (Figure 9(c)).

[0104] (Step S106: Container removal process) Once the blow molding is complete, the blow cavity mold 161 is opened. This allows the multi-chamber container 110 to move out of the blow molding section 35. Next, the transfer plate 37a moves to rotate by a predetermined angle, and the multi-chamber container 110 is transported to the removal section 36. In the removal section 36, the two neck portions 111 of the multi-chamber container 110 are released from the neck mold 137b, and the multi-chamber container 110 is removed to the outside of the blow molding apparatus 30. This completes one cycle in the manufacturing method of the multi-chambered container 110.

[0105] The effects and advantages of the second embodiment are described below. In the second embodiment, the blow molding apparatus 30 injects a first preform 115a in the first injection molding section 31 and then sequentially injection molds a second preform 115b in a second injection molding section 33, which is different from the first injection molding section 31. Then, the first preform 115a and the second preform 115b are blow molded simultaneously in the blow molding section 35 to form a multi-chambered container in which the first container 110a formed from the first preform 115a and the second container 110b formed from the second preform 115b are integrated. 110 To manufacture.

[0106] In the second embodiment, since the first preform 115a and the second preform 115b are manufactured separately in different injection molding sections, it is possible to easily change the characteristics such as color, material, and shape between the two preforms 115a and 115b. Therefore, in the blow molding apparatus 30 of this embodiment, a multi-chamber container 110 in which the first container 110a and the second container 110b, which have different characteristics such as color, material, and shape, are integrated can be easily manufactured.

[0107] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, a hot parison method is employed in which the first container 110a and the second container 110b are blow-molded while they retain heat from injection molding. As a result, the process from injection molding of the preform to blow molding of the multi-chamber container 110 is carried out continuously, and the multi-chamber container 110 can be manufactured in a relatively short manufacturing cycle. In addition, in the second embodiment, since the first container 110a and the second container 110b are welded together during blow molding to form the multi-chamber container, the manufacturing equipment and process can be simplified compared to cases where the first and second containers are manufactured separately and then bonded together in a later process. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the multi-chamber container 110, in which the first container 110a and the second container 110b with different characteristics are integrated, can be significantly reduced.

[0108] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various improvements and design modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0109] For example, in the blow molding apparatus 30 of the above embodiment, the first temperature adjustment unit 32 between the first injection molding unit 31 and the second injection molding unit 33 may be omitted, and the temperature may be adjusted using only the second temperature adjustment unit 34. In the blow molding apparatus 30 with the above configuration, the first injection molding unit 31, the second injection molding unit 33, the temperature adjustment unit (34), the blow molding unit 35, and the removal unit 36 ​​are arranged at positions rotated 72 degrees each around the transport mechanism 37.

[0110] Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1...Container body, 10...Preform, 11...Neck, 12...Body, 13...Bottom, 20...Handle, 20A...Hanging device, 20B...Lid, 21...Mounting base, 30...Blow molding device, 31...First injection molding section, 32...First temperature control section, 33...Second injection molding section, 34...Second temperature control section, 35...Blow molding section, 36...Removal section, 37...Conveying mechanism, 37a...Transfer plate, 37b...Neck type, 110...Multi-chamber container, 110a...First container, 110b...Second container, 111...Neck, 112...Body, 113...Bottom, 115a...First preform, 115b...Second preform, 137b...Neck type, 137b1...First holding section, 137b2...Second holding section,

Claims

1. A manufacturing apparatus for producing a resin container having a container body and an additional structure integrated with the container body, One injection molding section in which a bottomed cylindrical preform is injection molded with a first resin material, The other injection molding unit in which the aforementioned add-on structure is injection molded with a second resin material, A blow molding unit for manufacturing the resin container by blow molding the preform, on which the added structure is integrated, while it retains the heat from injection molding, A transporter moves from the other injection molding section to the first injection molding section, and transports the preform with the attached structure integrated to the blow molding section. The transporter has a holding portion capable of holding the additional structure, In the other injection molding section, the additional structure is injection molded into the holding section. In the aforementioned injection molding section, the preform is injection molded into the holding section while the added structure is being held. Manufacturing equipment for plastic containers.

2. The aforementioned additional structure is one of the following: a handle, a hanging device, a lid connected to the container body, a label tag, or a band capable of connecting two or more of the aforementioned resin containers. The apparatus for manufacturing a resin container according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned additional structure is attached to the outer circumference of the preform via an annular mounting base. The apparatus for manufacturing a resin container according to claim 2.

4. A method for manufacturing a resin container having a container body and an additional structure integrated with the container body, One injection molding process involves injection molding a bottomed cylindrical preform with a first resin material, The other injection molding step involves injection molding the aforementioned add-on structure with a second resin material, The process includes a blow molding step to manufacture the resin container by blow molding the preform, on which the added structure is integrated, while it still retains the heat from injection molding, The transporter is moved in the order from the other injection molding process to the one injection molding process, and the preform with the attached structure integrated is transported to the blow molding process. The transporter has a holding portion capable of holding the additional structure, In the other injection molding process, the additional structure is injection molded onto the holding portion. In the aforementioned injection molding process, the preform is injection molded onto the holding portion in which the add-on structure is held. A method for manufacturing resin containers.

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