Multi-specification mold system of blow-fill-seal device, and production method

Abstract

Disclosed in the present invention is a multi-specification mold system of a blow-fill-seal device, comprising an identification assembly and at least two molds (2) of different specifications. The identification assembly is used for determining whether the specification of a retrieved mold (2) matches a specification required for production of a blow-fill-seal device (4) and whether the mold (2) having a matching specification is accurately mounted on the blow-fill-seal device (4). The production method comprises: S1, before the production of the blow-fill-seal device (4), a control module setting a motion curve and alarm logic of a mold (2) required for the production, retrieving the mold (2) from a mold repository (1), a first detection member (3) identifying the specification of the mold (2) and sending the specification to the control module, the control module determining whether the specification of the mold (2) matches a motion curve and alarm logic required for the production, if yes, executing step S2, and if not, the system giving an alarm; S2, mounting the retrieved mold (2) on the blow-fill-seal device (4), if a second detection member (5) detects a corresponding positioning portion (41), executing step S3, and if the corresponding positioning portion (41) is not detected, the system giving an alarm; and S3, the second detection member (5) sending a detection signal to the control module, and performing the production of the blow-fill-seal device (4).

Description

A multi-specification mold system and production method for blow-fill-seal equipment

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411576440.1, filed on November 6, 2024, entitled "A Multi-Specification Mold System and Production Method for a Blow-Fill-Sealing Equipment", the full text of which is incorporated herein by reference as a part of this application. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to blow-fill-seal equipment and its production method, specifically to a multi-specification mold system and production method for blow-fill-seal equipment. Background Technology

[0004] As shown in Figure 1, the continuous blow-fill-seal equipment continuously extrudes molten plastic preforms without cutting them, conveying them to a set of vertically running molding dies. The molding dies mainly include a bottle body molding die and a sealing die. The molding dies open and close symmetrically, and the downward speed of the molding die lifting mechanism is consistent with the preform extrusion speed, ensuring that the plastic ampoules complete the molding, filling, and sealing processes in one go under aseptic conditions. The entire cycle is completed within 7-10 seconds. Detailed working principles of the continuous blow-fill-seal equipment are disclosed in Chinese patent document CN114835078A (a continuous production blow-fill-seal equipment and its usage method) and Chinese patent document CN115891106A (a blow-fill-seal mold device and molding method, and a continuous blow-fill-seal equipment and its usage method). The continuously formed plastic ampoule sheet is conveyed to the punching station via a mesh belt. The punching station is equipped with punching dies for punching the sheet, thereby separating the plastic ampoule from waste material.

[0005] Continuous blow-fill-seal equipment typically uses multiple sets of molds of different specifications (including forming molds and punching molds). The length of the forming sheet and the filling capacity vary depending on the mold specification. Therefore, each mold set is equipped with an independent motion curve (for example, for forming molds, this includes the mold's lifting speed and time, when the mold opens and closes, etc.) and alarm logic (e.g., equipment malfunction causing a mismatch between the actual and set motion curves). However, because the molds are very similar in size and internal bottle shape, manual identification can easily lead to mismatches between the mold and the motion curves and alarm logic, increasing the risk of mold or filling needle damage during equipment operation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a multi-specification mold system for blow-fill-seal equipment that helps reduce the risk of human operation, prevent damage to molds and filling needles, and improve production efficiency.

[0007] The present invention further provides a method for producing a multi-specification mold system for the above-mentioned blow-fill-seal equipment.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0009] A multi-specification mold system for a blow-fill-seal equipment includes an identification component and at least two different specifications of molds. The identification component is used to determine whether the specifications of the retrieved mold match the specifications required for production by the blow-fill-seal equipment and whether the mold with the matching specifications is accurately installed on the blow-fill-seal equipment.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention: the identification component includes a first detection component for identifying mold specifications, a second detection component for detecting whether the mold is installed in the correct position on the blow-fill-seal equipment, and a control module for the blow-fill-seal equipment. The second detection component is disposed on the mold, and the position of the second detection component is different on molds of different specifications. The blow-fill-seal equipment is provided with a positioning part corresponding to each of the second detection components. The control module stores the motion curves and alarm logic of molds of different specifications. Both the first detection component and the second detection component are signal connected to the control module.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention: each of the molds and the first detection piece are disposed in a mold storage warehouse.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention: the mold includes a forming mold, the forming mold includes a mold frame, a sealing mold, and multiple bottle body forming molds of different specifications. The mold frame and the sealing mold are mounted on a blow-fill-seal device. The identification component includes a first detection element for identifying the specifications of the bottle body forming mold, a second detection element for detecting whether the installation position of the bottle body forming mold on the mold frame is accurate, and a control module of the blow-fill-seal device. The second detection element is mounted on the bottle body forming mold, and the position of the second detection element is different on bottle body forming molds of different specifications. The mold frame is provided with positioning parts corresponding to each of the second detection elements. The control module stores motion curves and alarm logic of molds of different specifications. The first detection element and the second detection element are both signal-connected to the control module.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention: each of the bottle forming molds and the first detection component are housed in a mold storage warehouse.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention: the mold storage warehouse is provided with a door and a third detection element for detecting the opening and closing status of the door.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the positioning part is a positioning groove.

[0016] A method for producing a multi-specification mold system for the above-mentioned blow-fill-seal equipment includes the following steps:

[0017] S1. Mold Retrieval: Before the blow-fill-seal equipment begins production, the control module sets the mold motion curve and alarm logic required for production. The mold storage library retrieves the mold. The first detection component identifies the specifications of the retrieved mold and sends the specifications to the control module. The control module determines whether the retrieved mold specifications match the motion curve and alarm logic required for production. If they match, step S2 is executed. If they do not match, the system alarms.

[0018] S2. Install the mold: The retrieved mold is installed on the blow-fill-seal equipment. If the second detection component detects the corresponding positioning part, then proceed to step S3. If the corresponding positioning part is not detected, the system will alarm.

[0019] S3. The second testing component sends the testing signal to the control module, and the blow-fill-seal equipment begins production.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0021] The multi-specification mold system for blow-fill-seal equipment disclosed in this invention includes an identification component. The identification component is used to determine whether the specifications of the retrieved mold match the specifications required for production by the blow-fill-seal equipment, and to determine whether the mold with matching specifications is accurately installed on the blow-fill-seal equipment. If the specifications do not match or the installation position is incorrect, an alarm is triggered and the machine is stopped in time for manual intervention. This ensures that the retrieved mold specifications are accurate and that the mold is accurately installed on the blow-fill-seal equipment. The system has a high degree of automation, high efficiency, and good reliability, reduces the risk of human operation, and helps prevent damage to the mold and filling needle from impact.

[0022] The production method of the multi-specification mold system for blow-fill-seal equipment disclosed in this invention is beneficial to ensure that the selected mold specifications are accurate, match the scale required for the production of the blow-fill-seal equipment, and are accurately installed on the blow-fill-seal equipment. It has a high degree of automation, high efficiency, and good reliability, reduces the risk of human operation, and helps to prevent damage to the mold and filling needle due to impact.

[0023] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of the continuous blow-fill-seal device of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the mold storage library in this invention.

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the mold installed on the blow-fill-seal equipment in this invention.

[0027] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the mold installed on the blow-fill-seal equipment in this invention.

[0028] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of the production method of the multi-specification mold system of the present invention.

[0029] The labels in the diagram represent:

[0030] 1. Mold storage warehouse; 11. Third inspection piece; 12. Warehouse door; 2. Mold; 21. Forming mold; 211. Mold frame; 212. Sealing mold; 213. Bottle body forming mold; 22. Punching mold; 3. First inspection piece; 4. Blow-fill-seal equipment; 41. Positioning part; 5. Second inspection piece. Detailed Implementation

[0031] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0032] 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 technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0033] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "assembly," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Example 1

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the multi-specification mold system of the blow-fill-seal equipment in this embodiment includes an identification component and at least two different specifications of molds 2 (including forming mold 21 and punching mold 22). The identification component is used to determine whether the specifications of the retrieved mold 2 match the specifications required for production by the blow-fill-seal equipment 4 and whether the mold 2 with the matching specifications is accurately installed on the blow-fill-seal equipment 4.

[0036] The multi-specification mold system of this embodiment includes an identification component. The identification component is used to determine whether the specifications of the retrieved mold 2 match the specifications required for production by the blow-fill-seal equipment 4. On the other hand, it is used to determine whether the mold 2 with matching specifications is accurately installed on the blow-fill-seal equipment 4. If the specifications do not match or the installation position is incorrect, an alarm is triggered and the machine is stopped in time for manual intervention. This ensures that the retrieved mold 2 has accurate specifications and is accurately installed on the blow-fill-seal equipment 4. The system has a high degree of automation, high efficiency, and good reliability. It reduces the risk of human operation and helps prevent damage to the mold 2 and the filling needle from collisions.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the identification component includes a first detection element 3 for identifying the specifications of the mold 2, a second detection element 5 for detecting whether the installation position of the mold 2 on the blow-fill-seal device 4 is accurate, and a control module of the blow-fill-seal device 4. The second detection element 5 is disposed on the mold 2, and the position of the second detection element 5 on molds of different specifications is different. The blow-fill-seal device 4 is provided with a positioning part 41 corresponding to each second detection element 5. The control module stores the motion curves and alarm logic of molds of different specifications. The first detection element 3 and the second detection element 5 are both signal connected to the control module. Before production begins on the blow-fill-seal equipment 4, the control module sets the motion curve and alarm logic for the mold 2 required for production. The mold storage 1 retrieves the mold 2, and the first detection element 3 identifies the specifications of the retrieved mold 2 and sends them to the control module. The control module then determines whether the specifications of the retrieved mold 2 match the required motion curve and alarm logic. If they match, the mold 2 can be installed. The retrieved mold 2 is installed on the blow-fill-seal equipment 4. If the second detection element 5 detects the corresponding positioning part 41, it indicates that the retrieved mold 2 is installed in place, and the blow-fill-seal equipment 4 can begin production. This method offers high reliability and helps prevent damage to the mold 2 and the filling needle from impacts. The first detection element 3 can be, for example, visual recognition, barcode, or QR code recognition, while the second detection element 5 can be, for example, a position sensor or a limit switch.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each mold 2 and the first detection component 3 are housed in a mold storage 1. The mold storage 1 provides protection for each mold 2 and the first detection component 3, preventing contamination and damage. At the same time, the first detection component 3 can identify the specifications of the retrieved mold 2 as early as possible.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mold storage silo 1 is equipped with a silo door 12 and a third detection element 11 for detecting the opening and closing status of the silo door 12. When the third detection element 11 detects that the silo door 12 is opened and then closed again, it indicates that the retrieved mold 2 has been taken out of the silo. At this time, the first detection element 3 sends the specification information of the mold 2 to the control module, further improving the reliability of the system.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the positioning part 41 is a positioning groove, which facilitates positioning and does not affect the installation of the mold 2 on the blow-fill-seal equipment 4. Of course, in other embodiments, the positioning part 41 can also be a positioning protrusion, a positioning hole, etc., which will not be described in detail here. Example 2

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, in another embodiment of the multi-specification mold system of the blow-fill-seal equipment in this embodiment, the mold 2 can be retrieved as a whole set, taking the forming mold 21 as an example. Alternatively, each forming mold 21 can share a mold frame 211 and a sealing mold 212. The mold frame 211 and the sealing mold 212 are always installed on the blow-fill-seal equipment 4, so only the bottle body forming mold 213 of the required production specification needs to be retrieved, which helps to reduce the cost of the mold 2. Therefore, in this embodiment: the mold 2 includes the forming mold 21, the forming mold 21 includes the mold frame 211, the sealing mold 212 and multiple bottle body forming molds 213 of different specifications. The mold frame 211 and the sealing mold 212 are set on the blow-fill-seal equipment 4, the positioning part 41 is set on the mold frame 211, each bottle body forming mold 213 and the first detection piece 3 are stored in the mold storage 1, and the second detection piece 5 is set on the bottle body forming mold 213. During operation, first retrieve the bottle forming mold 213 of the required specifications for production, and then ensure that the retrieved bottle forming mold 213 is accurately installed in the corresponding position of the mold frame 211. Example 3

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, the production method of the multi-specification mold system of the blow-fill-seal equipment in this embodiment includes the following steps.

[0043] S1. Retrieve mold 2: Before the blow-fill-seal equipment 4 starts production, the control module sets the motion curve and alarm logic of the mold 2 required for production. The mold storage 1 retrieves the mold 2. The first detection piece 3 identifies the specifications of the retrieved mold 2 and sends the specifications to the control module. The control module judges whether the specifications of the retrieved mold 2 match the motion curve and alarm logic required for production. If they match, step S2 is executed. If they do not match, the system alarms.

[0044] S2. Install mold 2: Install the retrieved mold 2 on the blow-fill-seal equipment 4. If the second detection element 5 detects the corresponding positioning part 41, then execute step S3. If the corresponding positioning part 41 is not detected, the system alarms.

[0045] S3, the second detection component 5 sends the detection signal to the control module, and the blow-fill-seal equipment 4 begins production.

[0046] The production method of the multi-specification mold system of the blow-fill-seal equipment in this embodiment is beneficial to ensure that the specifications of the mold 2 are accurate and match the scale required for production of the blow-fill-seal equipment 4, and are accurately installed on the blow-fill-seal equipment 4. It has a high degree of automation, high efficiency, and good reliability, reduces the risk of human operation, and helps to prevent damage to the mold 2 and the filling needle due to collision.

[0047] Preferably, to further improve reliability, a manual confirmation step can be performed after step S2 to confirm whether the installed mold 2 matches the production requirements of the blow-fill-seal equipment 4. When the confirmed production requirements are inconsistent with the automatically matched mold motion curve and alarm logic, or when no signal is detected, the system alarms, the equipment stops running, and manual intervention is required; when the confirmed production requirements match the automatically matched mold motion curve and alarm logic, the system interlocks and enters production mode.

[0048] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of the present invention's concept are within the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principles of the present invention should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-specification mold system for a blow-fill-seal device, characterized in that: It includes an identification component and at least two different sizes of molds (2), the identification component being used to determine whether the size of the retrieved mold (2) matches the size required for production by the blow-fill-seal equipment (4) and whether the size-matched mold (2) is accurately installed on the blow-fill-seal equipment (4).

2. The multi-specification mold system of the blow-fill-seal equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The identification component includes a first detection element (3) for identifying the specifications of the mold (2), a second detection element (5) for detecting whether the mold (2) is installed in the correct position on the blow-fill-seal device (4), and a control module of the blow-fill-seal device (4). The second detection element (5) is located on the mold (2). The positions of the second detection element (5) on different specifications of molds (2) are different. The blow-fill-seal device (4) is provided with a positioning part (41) that corresponds to each of the second detection elements (5). The control module stores the motion curves and alarm logic of different specifications of molds (2). The first detection element (3) and the second detection element (5) are both signal connected to the control module.

3. The multi-specification mold system of the blow-fill-seal equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the molds (2) and the first test piece (3) is located in a mold storage warehouse (1).

4. The multi-specification mold system of the blow-fill-seal equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mold (2) includes a forming mold (21), which includes a mold frame (211), a sealing mold (212), and multiple bottle forming molds (213) of different specifications. The mold frame (211) and the sealing mold (212) are mounted on the blow-fill-seal device (4). The identification component includes a first detection element (3) for identifying the specifications of the bottle forming mold (213), a second detection element (5) for detecting whether the installation position of the bottle forming mold (213) on the mold frame (211) is accurate, and a control module of the blow-fill-seal device (4). The second detection element (5) is mounted on the bottle forming mold (213). The positions of the second detection elements (5) on the bottle forming molds (213) of different specifications are different. The mold frame (211) is provided with a positioning part (41) corresponding to each of the second detection elements (5). The control module stores the motion curves and alarm logic of the molds (2) of different specifications. The first detection element (3) and the second detection element (5) are both signal connected to the control module.

5. The multi-specification mold system of the blow-fill-seal equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: Each of the bottle forming molds (213) and the first inspection piece (3) is located in a mold storage warehouse (1).

6. The multi-specification mold system of the blow-fill-seal equipment according to claim 3 or 5, characterized in that: The mold storage warehouse (1) is equipped with a door (12) and a third detection device (11) for detecting the opening and closing status of the door (12).

7. The multi-specification mold system of the blow-fill-seal equipment according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The positioning part (41) is a positioning groove.

8. A method for producing a multi-specification mold system for a blow-fill-seal equipment according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: Includes the following steps, S1. Retrieve mold (2): Before the blow-fill-seal equipment (4) is produced, the control module sets the motion curve and alarm logic of the mold (2) required for production. The mold storage (1) retrieves the mold (2). The first detection piece (3) identifies the specifications of the retrieved mold (2) and sends the specifications to the control module. The control module judges whether the specifications of the retrieved mold (2) match the motion curve and alarm logic required for production. If they match, step S2 is executed. If they do not match, the system alarms. S2, Install mold (2): The retrieved mold (2) is installed on the blow-fill-seal equipment (4). If the second detection component (5) detects the corresponding positioning part (41), then step S3 is executed. If the corresponding positioning part (41) is not detected, the system alarms. S3, the second detection component (5) sends the detection signal to the control module, and the blow-fill-seal equipment (4) carries out production.

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