Device for moving and orienting objects

Abstract

A device (1) for moving and orienting objects made of plastic (10) having a neck (10a) and a lateral surface (10b) extending around an axis of extension (100), the lateral surface forming at least one portion to be oriented (11) having geometric or thermal characteristics that are different from the remaining portion of the lateral surface (10b), the device (1) comprising a fixed frame (la) which supports at least one apparatus (2) for supporting the objects (10) which is movable along a movement path (200) between a pick-up position (201) and a release position (202), the supporting apparatus (2) comprising a supporting body (3) for an engagement head (4) which supports at least one gripper (5) which is movable between an open condition to allow the pick-up and release of a respective object (10) and a closed position for locking the object (10) around the respective neck (10a); the engagement head (4) is rotatable, on command, around an axis of orientation (101) arranged substantially parallel to the axis of extension (100) in order to orient the spatial position of the at least one portion to be oriented in the release position (202) with respect to the fixed frame (la), at least one motorized actuator (40) being provided which acts on command on the engagement head (4) between the pick-up position (201) and the release position (202) and is configured to rotate the engagement head (4) around the axis of orientation (101).

Description

[0001] DEVICE FOR MOVING AND ORIENTING OBJECTS

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for moving and orienting of objects, in particular plastic objects.

[0003] Systems for blow molding plastic objects, typically containers, are known which comprise an apparatus for blow molding preforms.

[0004] The preforms are fed to the preform blow molding apparatus by means of a feed line which is functionally connected to a conveyor associated with a preform thermal conditioning oven.

[0005] The conveyor is normally associated, at the inlet, with a further transfer device, designed to pick up the preforms from the feed line in order to transfer them to the conveyor.

[0006] Downstream of the blow molding apparatus there is an unloading apparatus, which is configured to extract the containers, and objects in general, from the respective mold to feed them to a further conveyance device.

[0007] If the molded products do not have an axially symmetrical lateral surface shape, for example have one or more faces which have a flat extension, it is sometimes necessary for the unloading apparatus to have a head, on which the engagement grippers are generally mounted, which can rotate around an orientation axis in order to be able to correctly orient the product in space.

[0008] In particular, with reference for example to containers having one or more flat faces, the plane of arrangement of said faces at the mold is usually inclined with respect to the opening / closing plane of the mold parts, in order to avoid undercut problems during extraction, while when the molded container is released from the unloading apparatus at least one of the flat faces must arrange itself at right angles or parallel to the movement direction.

[0009] Moreover, in some cases it is necessary to correctly orient the preform also in the step for feeding the preform to the mold since sometimes a differentiated heating of the preform around its own axis is provided depending on the final shape of the lateral surface.

[0010] Currently known solutions generally provide that the head with the grippers is rotated by means of dedicated cams, so as to cause a rotation of the grippers, and of the container supported by them, both around the axis of the unloading apparatus and about the axis of orientation.

[0011] Although widely used, known solutions are not without drawbacks.

[0012] In particular, when using cam mechanisms, the stresses to which the cam rollers are subjected allow to perform only head rotations of limited extent, and this entails a certain limitation in applications.

[0013] Moreover, it becomes complicated to manage the correct trajectories of the grippers, especially if elongated bodies of the telescopic type are to be used to support the grippers.

[0014] The aim of the present invention is to provide a device for moving and orienting objects which is capable of improving the background art in one or more of the above-mentioned aspects.

[0015] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a device for moving and orienting objects that allows containers that are not axially symmetrical to be correctly oriented during their extraction from the mold, or preforms designed to form containers that are not axially symmetrical with respect to the mold.

[0016] Not least object of the invention is to provide a device for moving and orienting objects which is highly reliable, relatively easy to provide and at competitive costs.

[0017] This aim, as well as these and other objects that will become better apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a device for moving and orienting objects according to claim 1, optionally provided with one or more of the characteristics of the dependent claims.

[0018] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the device for moving and orienting objects according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 is a view of a device for moving and orienting objects according to the invention;

[0020] Figure 2 is a top view of the device of Figure 1;

[0021] Figure 3 is a top view of the supporting apparatus;

[0022] Figure 4 is a perspective view, from behind, of the supporting apparatus;

[0023] Figure 5 is a perspective view, from the front, of the supporting apparatus;

[0024] Figure 6 is a top view of the apparatus associated with an object in the pick-up position;

[0025] Figure 7 is a view, similar to Figure 6, with the apparatus associated with an object in the release position;

[0026] Figure 8 is a schematic top view of a container blow molding system.

[0027] With reference to the figures, the device according to the invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, comprises a device for moving and orienting plastic objects 10 having a neck 10a and a lateral surface 10b extending around an axis of extension 100.

[0028] The lateral surface 10b forms at least one portion to be oriented 11, having geometric or thermal characteristics that are different from the remaining part of the lateral surface 10b.

[0029] In particular, with reference to the embodiment shown in the figures, the object 10 comprises a plastic bottle obtained by blow molding a preform, which has a lateral surface 10b.

[0030] The device 1 comprises a fixed frame 1 a which supports at least one apparatus 2 for supporting the objects 10.

[0031] The supporting apparatus 2 is movable along a movement path 200 between a pick-up position 201 and a release position 202 of the respective objects 10.

[0032] The supporting apparatus 2 comprises a supporting body 3 for an engagement head 4 which supports at least one gripper 5.

[0033] The gripper 5 is movable between an open condition, to allow the pick-up and release of a respective object 10, and a closed position, for locking the object 10 around the respective neck 10a.

[0034] The engagement head 4 is rotatable on command about an orientation axis 101 which is arranged substantially parallel to the axis of extension 100 in order to orient the spatial position of the at least one portion to be oriented 11 in the release position 202 with respect to the fixed frame la.

[0035] According to the present invention, at least one motorized actuator 40 is provided which acts on command on the engagement head 4 during its movement along the movement path 200 between the pick-up position 201 and the release position 202; the motorized actuator 40 is configured to rotate the engagement head 4 about the orientation axis 101.

[0036] The motorized actuator 40 comprises a pneumatic actuator 41 or an electric motor.

[0037] With reference to the embodiment shown in the figures, the orientation axis 101 is spaced with respect to the position of the axis of extension 100 of the object 10.

[0038] However, the orientation axis 101 may coincide spatially with the axis of extension 100 of the object 10.

[0039] In particular, according to a preferred practical embodiment shown in the figures, each supporting apparatus is associated with a pneumatic actuator 41.

[0040] The pneumatic actuator 41 has an actuator body 41a and a stem 41b connected kinematically to the engagement head 4 so that the movement of the stem 41b causes a rotation of the engagement head 4 about the orientation axis 101.

[0041] Conveniently, the actuator body 41a is supported by the supporting body, while the head of the stem 41b is kinematically connected to the engagement head 4.

[0042] Advantageously, the device 1 comprises a carousel structure 2a which rotates about a carousel axis 104 and is associated with a plurality of supporting apparatuses 2 which can rotate around the axis 102 of the carousel structure 2a.

[0043] Each supporting apparatus 2, by rotating around the axis 104 of the carousel structure 2a, cyclically travels along the movement path 200 between the pick-up position 201 and the release position 202.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the pick-up position comprises the cavity of a mold 30 which forms a closing surface 300 of mold parts 30a, 30b, while the release position 202 comprises a conveyor 31, for example a linear or star-shaped one, which is configured to move the molded objects 10 along a movement direction 301.

[0045] Preferably, the at least one portion 11 comprises at least one flat surface I la designed to be arranged, in the pick-up position 201, on a plane which is inclined with respect to the closing surface 300 of the mold parts 30a, 30b, and in the release position 202 on a plane which is substantially parallel or substantially perpendicular to the movement direction 301.

[0046] As can be seen clearly from what is shown in Figures 6 and 7, this positioning of the portion or portions 11 allows the mold parts to open, since there are no so-called “undercuts,” and allows the objects 10 to be fed, at the release position, to linear or circular conveyors, so that the portion 11 is arranged at right angles to the velocity component.

[0047] Preferably, the pneumatic actuator 41 is operated by an actuation valve 42 actuated by a control cam 43.

[0048] The or each actuation valve 42 can be supported by a subframe which integral in rotation, around the carousel axis 104, with the supporting apparatuses 2.

[0049] Preferably, the supporting apparatus 2 comprises an elongated body 6 which is extended along a main direction of extension 106.

[0050] The elongated body 6 is extendable and retractable on command along the main direction of extension 106 during its movement between the pick-up position 201 and the release position 202.

[0051] Conveniently, the elongated body 6 comprises a base body 6a and an appendage 6b which has a portion slidingly coupled to a seat which is formed on the base body and extends parallel to the main direction of extension 106.

[0052] The elongated body 6 is rotatable on command, advantageously at its end that is opposite the one that supports the grippers 5, about an articulation axis 107 which is extended substantially parallel to the axis of the carousel 104 between the pick-up position 201 and the release position 202.

[0053] The device 1 comprises control cam means of a known type, interposed between the elongated body 6 and the fixed frame la.

[0054] The control cam means are in particular configured to actuate the movements of elongation and retraction of the elongated body 6 along said main direction of extension 106 and / or the rotation of said elongated body 6 about said articulation axis 107.

[0055] According to a possible constructive variation, the pick-up position 201 can be arranged along a preform feeder arranged downstream of a preform heating oven and the release position 202 can comprise the cavity of a mold.

[0056] The operation of the device 1 according to the invention is as follows.

[0057] The elongated bodies 6 are rotated about the axis of the carousel 104 and during this rotation the grippers 5 move cyclically between the pick-up position 201 and the release position 202 along the movement path 200 by virtue of the control cam means.

[0058] During rotation around the axis 104, the grippers 5 move in space, around the axis of orientation 101 arranged substantially parallel to the axis of extension 100, to orient the spatial position of the at least one portion to be oriented in the release position 202 with respect to the fixed frame la.

[0059] In particular, with reference to the embodiment shown in the figures, the rotation of the apparatuses 2 around the carousel axis 104 causes the rotation of the subframe and of the actuation valves 42, which are activated and deactivated by the respective actuation cams 43.

[0060] The or each actuation valve 42 therefore actuates the respective motorized actuator 40, preferably constituted by the pneumatic cylinder 41, which thus acts on the respective engagement head 4 to rotate it around the orientation axis 101.

[0061] In practice it has been found that the invention achieves the intended aim and objects, providing a device that allows to orient reliably and without excessive stress the objects that exit from and optionally enter a mold.

[0062] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the accompanying claims; all the details may furthermore be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.

[0063] In practice, the materials used, so long as they are compatible with the specific use, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.

[0064] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application no. 102024000011293, from which this application claims priority, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0065] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device (1) for moving and orienting objects made of plastic (10) having a neck (10a) and a lateral surface (10b) extending around an axis of extension (100), said lateral surface forming at least one portion to be oriented (11) having geometric or thermal characteristics that are different from the remaining portion of the lateral surface, said device (1) comprising a fixed frame (la) which supports at least one apparatus (2) for supporting the objects (10) which is movable along a movement path (200) between a pick-up position (201) and a release position (202) of said objects, said supporting apparatus (2) comprising a supporting body (3) for an engagement head (4) which supports at least one gripper (5) which is movable between an open condition to allow the pick-up and release of a respective object (10) and a closed position for locking the object (10) around the respective neck (10a), characterized in that said engagement head (4) is rotatable, on command, around an axis of orientation (101) arranged substantially parallel to said axis of extension (100) in order to orient the spatial position of said at least one portion to be oriented in said release position (202) with respect to said fixed frame (la), at least one motorized actuator (40) being provided which acts on command on said engagement head (4) between said pick-up position (201) and said release position (202) and is configured to rotate said engagement head (4) around said axis of orientation (101).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one motorized actuator (40) comprises a pneumatic actuator (41) or an electric motor.

3. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a carousel structure (2a) which rotates about a carousel axis (104) associated with a plurality of supporting apparatuses (2) which can rotate about the axis (102) of the carousel structure (2a).

4. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said pick-up position comprises the cavity of a mold (30) which forms a closing surface (300) of the mold parts (30a, 30b), and in that said release position (202) comprises a conveyor (31) configured to move said molded objects (10) along a movement direction (301), said at least one portion (11) comprising at least one flat surface (I la) designed to arrange itself, in said pick-up position (201), on a plane which is inclined with respect to said closing surface (300) of the mold parts (30a, 30b), and in said release position (202) on a plane which is substantially parallel or substantially perpendicular with respect to said movement direction (301).

5. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said pneumatic actuator (41) is controlled by an actuation valve (42) driven by a control cam (43).

6. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one supporting apparatus (2) comprises an elongated body (6) which is extended along a main direction of extension (106) and can be elongated and retracted on command along said main direction of extension (106) during its movement between said pick-up position (201) and said release position (202).

7. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elongated body (6) is rotatable on command about an axis of articulation (107) which is extended substantially parallel to said carousel axis (104) between said pick-up position (201) and said release position (202).

8. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises control cam means interposed between said elongated body (6) and said fixed frame (la) and configured to actuate the elongation and retraction movements of said elongated body (6) along said main direction of extension (106) and / or the rotation of said elongated body (6) about said axis of articulation (107).

9. The device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said pick-up position (201) is arranged at and along a preform feeder arranged downstream of a preform heating oven, and in that said release position (202) comprises the cavity of a mold.

Images