Continuous blow-fill-seal machine

Abstract

A continuous blow-fill-seal machine, comprising a filling device (1), a mold device (2) arranged below the filling device (1), and a feeding mechanism (3) for supplying a blank (4) to the mold device (2). The mold device (2) comprises a first lifting mechanism (21), a second lifting mechanism (22), and a first forming mold (23), a second forming mold (24) and a lower clamping mechanism (25) which are sequentially arranged from top to bottom, wherein the lower clamping mechanism (25) is arranged on the first lifting mechanism (21), the first forming mold (23) and the second forming mold (24) are arranged on the second lifting mechanism (22), the second forming mold (24) is configured to seal a first container (5) and form a second container (6), and the first forming mold (23) is configured to seal the second container (6) and form a third container (7). The continuous blow-fill-seal machine has the advantages of decreasing waste, reducing costs, improving production efficiency, etc.

Description

Continuous Blowing Filling and Sealing Machine Cross-references to related documents

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to a Chinese patent application filed on September 24, 2023, with application number 202322600077.X and invention name “Continuous Blowing, Filling and Sealing Integrated Machine”. The full text of the Chinese patent application is incorporated herein by reference as a part of this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of food and medicine packaging machinery and methods, and in particular to a continuous blowing, filling and sealing machine. Background Art

[0003] Continuous BFS machines enable a closed, aseptic production process that combines extrusion, molding, filling, sealing, and demolding in a single step. Currently, the market primarily utilizes rotary multi-mode continuous BFS machines, single-station single-mold machines, or dual-station dual-mold continuous BFS machines. Rotary multi-mode continuous BFS machines offer high production capacity, but they also suffer from complex structures, difficult commissioning, high equipment costs, and limited flexibility in product changeover. Single-station single-mold continuous BFS machines offer advantages such as simple structure, ease of operation, low equipment costs, and flexible product changeover, but they suffer from low production capacity and may not meet demand. Dual-station single-mold continuous BFS machines are developed from single-station single-mold continuous BFS machines by adding an extrusion system, filling system, and mold forming system. While these machines inherit some of the advantages of single-station continuous BFS machines and improve production capacity, the addition of a single station increases equipment costs and makes precision commissioning of products produced at both stations difficult.

[0004] Patent document (CN115891106 A) discloses a continuous blow-fill-seal (BFS) production system and its use method. The system comprises a third forming mold, a sealing mold positioned above the third forming mold, an upper clamping member positioned above the sealing mold, and a lower clamping member positioned below the upper clamping member. The sealing mold is provided with a pusher for driving the upper clamping member to synchronize during mold closing. The upper clamping member is connected to a reset drive. In its use, the third forming mold is closed against the blank, and the container is formed and then filled. The sealing mold is closed, driving the upper clamping member to synchronize with the blank. The sealing mold is then opened. Alternatively, the third forming mold and sealing mold are opened simultaneously, and the reset drive separates the upper clamping member from the blank. However, this solution only allows for the formation and filling of one container at a time, resulting in high costs, significant waste, and low production efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and provide a continuous blowing, filling and sealing machine that reduces waste, lowers costs and improves production efficiency.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] A continuous blowing, filling and sealing machine includes a filling device, a mold device arranged below the filling device, and a feeding mechanism for supplying embryos to the mold device. The mold device includes a first lifting mechanism, a second lifting mechanism, and a first forming mold, a second forming mold and a lower clamping mechanism arranged in sequence from top to bottom. The lower clamping mechanism is arranged on the first lifting mechanism, the first forming mold and the second forming mold are arranged on the second lifting mechanism, the second forming mold is used to seal a first container and form a second container, and the first forming mold is used to seal the second container and form a third container.

[0008] As a further improvement of the above technical solution:

[0009] The second molding die includes a pair of second molding templates and a second driving mechanism for driving the second molding templates to move closer and farther away. The inner side of the second molding template is provided with a first molding groove for closing the first container and a second molding groove for molding the second container.

[0010] The first molding die includes a pair of first molding templates and a first driving mechanism for driving the pair of first molding templates to move closer and farther away. The inner side of the first molding template is provided with a third molding groove for closing the second container and a fourth molding groove for molding the third container.

[0011] The second molding groove is located above the first molding groove, and the fourth molding groove is located above the third molding groove.

[0012] The second molding groove and the third molding groove are butted against each other when the first molding die and the second molding die are both closed.

[0013] The lower clamping mechanism includes a pair of clamping plates and a lower clamping driving mechanism for driving the pair of clamping plates to move closer and farther away. The inner side of the clamping plates is provided with a first container positioning groove and a second container positioning groove that are connected to each other from top to bottom.

[0014] Cooling channels are provided on the sides of the first container positioning groove and the second container positioning groove.

[0015] A container sealing portion positioning groove is provided on the inner side of the clamping plate below the second container positioning groove.

[0016] The first container positioning groove penetrates to the top surface of the clamping plate, and the container sealing portion positioning groove penetrates to the bottom surface of the clamping plate.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are:

[0018] The continuous blowing, filling and sealing integrated machine of the present invention adopts two forming dies and a clamping mechanism for use in conjunction with each other, and can complete the forming and filling of two containers by clamping once, thereby reducing waste, lowering costs and improving production efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the continuous blowing, filling and sealing machine of the present invention.

[0020] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the mold device of the continuous blowing, filling and sealing machine of the present invention.

[0021] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of the forming template and the lower clamping mechanism of the continuous blowing, filling and sealing machine of the present invention in the first state.

[0022] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of the second state of the forming template and the lower clamping mechanism of the continuous blowing, filling and sealing machine of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the use process of the continuous blowing, filling and sealing machine of the present invention, wherein a1 is a diagram showing the state of the embryo body descending, a2 is a diagram showing the state of the filling after the first container is formed, a3 is a diagram showing the state of the filling device ascending and resetting, a4 is a diagram showing the state of the filling after the second container is formed, a5 is a diagram showing the state of the second forming mold opening, a6 is a diagram showing the state of the lower clamping mechanism ascending; a7 is a diagram showing the state of the lower clamping mechanism clamping the first container; a8 is a diagram showing the state of the first forming mold opening, a9 is a diagram showing the state of the forming mold synchronously ascending to the set position; and a10 is a diagram showing the state of the second forming mold closing the second container and forming the third container.

[0024] The numbers in the figure represent:

[0025] 1. Filling device; 2. Mold device; 21. First lifting mechanism; 22. Second lifting mechanism; 23. First molding mold; 231. First molding template; 232. First driving mechanism; 233. Third molding groove; 234. Fourth molding groove; 24. Second molding mold; 241. Second molding template; 242. Second driving mechanism; 243. First molding groove; 244. Second molding groove; 25. Lower clamping mechanism; 251. Clamping plate; 252. Lower clamping driving mechanism; 253. First container positioning groove; 254. Second container positioning groove; 255. Container sealing part positioning groove; 3. Feeding mechanism; 4. Embryo; 5. First container; 6. Second container; 7. Third container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0027] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "inside", etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0028] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. Throughout the description of this application, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0029] In this application, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connection" and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; they can refer to mechanical connection or electrical connection. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] Figures 1 to 5 show an embodiment of a continuous blowing, filling and sealing machine according to the present invention. The continuous blowing, filling and sealing machine according to this embodiment includes a filling device 1, a mold device 2 arranged below the filling device 1, and a feeding mechanism 3 for supplying a blank 4 to the mold device 2. The mold device 2 includes a first lifting mechanism 21, a second lifting mechanism 22, and a first forming mold 23, a second forming mold 24 and a lower clamping mechanism 25 arranged in sequence from top to bottom. The lower clamping mechanism 25 is provided on the first lifting mechanism 21, the first forming mold 23 and the second forming mold 24 are provided on the second lifting mechanism 22, the second forming mold 24 is used to seal the first container 5 and form the second container 6, and the first forming mold 23 is used to seal the second container 6 and form the third container 7.

[0031] This solution is particularly suitable for containers with the head facing upward and a larger neck diameter. Taking the container filling with the head facing upward as an example, the production process of the continuous blowing, filling and sealing integrated machine of the present invention is as follows: as shown in a1 in Figure 5, the feeding mechanism 3 supplies the embryo 4 to the mold device 2; as shown in a2 in Figure 5, the second forming mold 24 clamps the embryo 4 and forms the first container 5, and the second lifting mechanism 22 drives the first forming mold 23 and the second forming mold 24 to descend synchronously with the embryo 4; the filling device 1 descends to the set position to fill the first container 5, as shown in a3 in Figure 5, and resets after the filling is completed; as shown in a4 in Figure 5, the first forming mold 23 clamps the embryo 4 and seals the head of the first container 5 and forms the second container 6, and the second lifting mechanism 22 drives the first forming mold 23 and the second forming mold 24 to descend synchronously with the embryo 4; as shown in a4 in Figure 5, the filling device 1 descends to the set position The second container 6 is filled in the second position and reset after filling is completed; the second lifting mechanism 22 drives the first molding die 23 and the second molding die 24 to descend synchronously with the embryo 4; as shown in a5 in Figure 5, the second molding die 24 is opened, as shown in a6 in Figure 5, the first lifting mechanism 21 drives the lower clamping mechanism 25 to rise into the second molding die 24, and then clamps the first container 5 as shown in a7 in Figure 5; as shown in a8 in Figure 5, the first molding die 23 is opened, the first lifting mechanism 21 drives the lower clamping mechanism 25 to descend synchronously with the first container 5 and the second container 6, and the second lifting mechanism 22 drives the first molding die 23 and the second molding die 24 to descend synchronously to the set position as shown in a9 in Figure 5; as shown in a10 in Figure 5, the lower clamping mechanism 25 is opened, the second molding die 24 clamps the embryo 4 and seals the head of the second container 6 and forms the third container 7.

[0032] Taking the filling of the container with the tail facing upward as an example, the production process of the continuous blowing, filling and sealing integrated machine of the present invention is as follows: as shown in a1 in FIG5 , the feeding mechanism 3 supplies the embryo 4 to the mold device 2; as shown in a2 in FIG5 , the second forming mold 24 clamps the embryo 4 and forms the first container 5, and the second lifting mechanism 22 drives the first forming mold 23 and the second forming mold 24 to descend synchronously with the embryo 4; the filling device 1 descends to the set position to fill the first container 5, as shown in a3 in FIG5 , and resets after the filling is completed; as shown in a4 in FIG5 , the first forming mold 23 clamps the embryo 4 and seals the tail of the first container 5 and forms the second container 6, and the second lifting mechanism 22 drives the first forming mold 23 and the second forming mold 24 to descend synchronously with the embryo 4; as shown in a4 in FIG5 , the filling device 1 descends to the set position to fill the second container 6, After filling is completed, it is reset; the second lifting mechanism 22 drives the first molding die 23 and the second molding die 24 to descend synchronously with the embryo 4; as shown in a5 in Figure 5, the second molding die 24 is opened, as shown in a6 in Figure 5, the first lifting mechanism 21 drives the lower clamping mechanism 25 to rise into the second molding die 24, and then clamps the first container 5 as shown in a7 in Figure 5; as shown in a8 in Figure 5, the first molding die 23 is opened, the first lifting mechanism 21 drives the lower clamping mechanism 25 to descend synchronously with the first container 5 and the second container 6, and the second lifting mechanism 22 drives the first molding die 23 and the second molding die 24 to descend synchronously to the set position as shown in a9 in Figure 5; as shown in a10 in Figure 5, the lower clamping mechanism 25 is opened, the second molding die 24 clamps the embryo 4 and closes the tail of the second container 6 and forms the third container 7.

[0033] The continuous blowing, filling and sealing machine uses two forming dies in conjunction with a clamping mechanism. It can form and fill two containers in one clamping operation, thus reducing waste, lowering costs and improving production efficiency.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second molding die 24 includes a pair of second molding templates 241 and a second driving mechanism 242 for driving the second molding templates 241 toward and away from each other. The inner sides of the second molding templates 241 are provided with a first molding groove 243 for enclosing the first container 5 and a second molding groove 244 for forming the second container 6. The second driving mechanism 242 is used to drive the pair of second molding templates 241 toward and away from each other to achieve mold opening and closing. The second molding grooves 244 of the pair of second molding templates 241 are arranged relative to each other. When the mold is closed, the second molding grooves 244 of the pair of second molding templates 241 are combined to form a cavity for molding the first container 5. The first molding grooves 243 of the pair of second molding templates 241 are arranged relative to each other. When the mold is closed, the first molding grooves 243 of the pair of second molding templates 241 are combined to form a cavity for enclosing the container.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first molding die 23 includes a pair of first molding templates 231 and a first driving mechanism 232 for driving the pair of first molding templates 231 toward and away from each other. The inner sides of the first molding templates 231 are provided with a third molding groove 233 for enclosing the second container 6 and a fourth molding groove 234 for forming the third container 7. The first driving mechanism 232 is used to drive the pair of first molding templates 231 toward and away from each other, achieving mold opening and closing. The fourth molding grooves 234 of the pair of first molding templates 231 are arranged relative to each other. When the mold is closed, the fourth molding grooves 234 of the pair of first molding templates 231 combine to form a cavity for molding the second container 6. The third molding grooves 233 of the pair of first molding templates 231 are arranged relative to each other. When the mold is closed, the third molding grooves 233 of the pair of first molding templates 231 combine to form a cavity for enclosing the second container 6.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second molding groove 244 is located above the first molding groove 243 , and the fourth molding groove 234 is located above the third molding groove 233 .

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second molding groove 244 and the third molding groove 233 are butted against each other when the first molding die 23 and the second molding die 24 are both closed.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower clamping mechanism 25 includes a pair of clamping plates 251 and a lower clamping drive mechanism 252 for driving the clamping plates 251 toward and away from each other. The inner sides of the clamping plates 251 are provided with a first container positioning groove 253 and a second container positioning groove 254, which communicate with each other vertically. Driven by the first lifting mechanism 21, the lower clamping mechanism 25 can rise between the paired forming molds (after the molds are opened) and simultaneously clamp and secure the container between the molds, effectively preventing the embryo 4 from shaking during the opening and closing of the molds.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, cooling channels are provided on the sides of the first container positioning groove 253 and the second container positioning groove 254. The cooling liquid flowing into the cooling channels in the clamping plate 251 can cool the formed container, which is beneficial to ensure the consistency of the container.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a container sealing portion positioning groove 255 is provided on the inner side of the clamping plate 251 below the second container positioning groove 254 .

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first container positioning groove 253 penetrates to the top surface of the clamping plate 251 , and the container sealing portion positioning groove 255 penetrates to the bottom surface of the clamping plate 251 .

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first lifting mechanism 21 includes a servo motor, a ball screw connected to the servo motor, and a screw nut mounted on the ball screw. The lower clamping mechanism 25 is connected to the screw nut. During use, the servo motor drives the ball screw to rotate, and the screw nut moves up and down on the ball screw. The lower clamping mechanism 25 rises and falls synchronously with the screw nut, resulting in a simple and reliable overall structure and high motion precision. Of course, in other embodiments, the first lifting mechanism 21 may also adopt other forms. The second lifting mechanism 22 can have the same structure as the first lifting mechanism 21 and will not be described in detail.

[0043] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, this is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can, without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, utilize the technical content disclosed above to make many possible changes and modifications to the technical solution of the present invention, or modify it into an equivalent embodiment with equivalent changes. Therefore, any simple modification, equivalent change, and modification made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention shall fall within the scope of protection of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A continuous blowing, filling and sealing machine, comprising a filling device (1), a mold device (2) arranged below the filling device (1), and a feeding mechanism (3) for supplying a blank (4) to the mold device (2), characterized in that: The mold device (2) comprises a first lifting mechanism (21), a second lifting mechanism (22), and a first molding mold (23), a second molding mold (24), and a lower clamping mechanism (25) arranged in sequence from top to bottom, wherein the lower clamping mechanism (25) is arranged on the first lifting mechanism (21), the first molding mold (23) and the second molding mold (24) are arranged on the second lifting mechanism (22), the second molding mold (24) is used to close the first container (5) and mold the second container (6), and the first molding mold (23) is used to close the second container (6) and mold the third container (7).

2. The continuous blowing, filling and sealing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second molding die (24) comprises a pair of second molding templates (241) and a second driving mechanism (242) for driving the second molding templates (241) to move closer and further away, and the inner side of the second molding template (241) is provided with a first molding groove (243) for sealing the first container (5) and a second molding groove (244) for molding the second container (6).

3. The continuous blowing, filling and sealing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first molding die (23) comprises a pair of first molding templates (231) and a first driving mechanism (232) for driving the pair of first molding templates (231) to move closer and further away, and the inner side of the first molding template (231) is provided with a third molding groove (233) for sealing the second container (6) and a fourth molding groove (234) for molding the third container (7).

4. The continuous blowing, filling and sealing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second molding groove (244) is located above the first molding groove (243), and the fourth molding groove (234) is located above the third molding groove (233).

5. The continuous blowing, filling and sealing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second molding groove (244) and the third molding groove (233) are butted against each other when the first molding mold (23) and the second molding mold (24) are both closed.

6. The continuous blowing, filling and sealing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The lower clamping mechanism (25) comprises a pair of clamping plates (251) and a lower clamping driving mechanism (252) for driving the pair of clamping plates (251) to move closer and further away, and a first container positioning groove (253) and a second container positioning groove (254) which are connected up and down are provided on the inner side of the clamping plates (251).

7. The continuous blowing, filling and sealing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: Cooling channels are provided on the sides of the first container positioning groove (253) and the second container positioning groove (254).

8. The continuous blowing, filling and sealing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: A container sealing portion positioning groove (255) is provided on the inner side of the clamping plate (251) below the second container positioning groove (254).

9. The continuous blowing, filling and sealing machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first container positioning groove (253) penetrates to the top surface of the clamping plate (251), and the container sealing portion positioning groove (255) penetrates to the bottom surface of the clamping plate (251).

Images