Multi-mold continuous blow-fill-seal apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed in the present invention is a multi-mold continuous blow-fill-seal apparatus, comprising a forming mold (1), with a parison extrusion assembly (5) being provided above the forming molds (1). The multi-mold continuous blow-fill-seal apparatus further comprises a guiding mechanism (2) and a mounting base (4) for mounting the guiding mechanism (2), the mounting base (4) being located below the forming mold (1), and the guiding mechanisms (2) being configured to form a guiding channel (23) through which a molded material chain (3) passes. The present invention has the advantages of providing guidance for the ejection of the molded material chain to reduce shaking and deviation of the material chain during ejection, and further assisting in demolding of the material chain to avoid mold sticking and improve the aesthetic appearance.

Description

A multi-mode continuous blow-fill-seal device

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510057250.7, filed on January 14, 2025, entitled "A Multi-mode Continuous Blow-Fill-Seal Device", the full text of which is incorporated herein by reference as a part of this application. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to the field of food and pharmaceutical packaging technology, specifically to a multi-mode continuous blow-fill-seal device. Background Technology

[0004] Blow-fill-seal (BFS) technology is an aseptic filling technology widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, especially continuous BFS, which is increasingly used due to its excellent aseptic packaging capabilities and high throughput. Multi-mold continuous BFS uses multiple sets of molds that rotate continuously around a preform to form the container and complete the filling inside the preform. This type of machine is compatible with products with capacities from 0.4 to 20 ml. Existing continuous BFS systems use chain-type molds that operate continuously. During demolding, the ampoule is held by the mold in the upper mold-closing section, which has the disadvantage of causing the ampoule to stick to the mold during demolding, resulting in neck distortion and affecting the product's appearance. This phenomenon is more pronounced for ampoules with a 5 ml or larger capacity and an inverted design. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a multi-mold continuous blow-fill-seal device that provides guidance for the feeding of the molding material chain, reduces the shaking and deviation of the material chain during feeding, thereby assisting the material chain to demold, avoiding sticking to the mold, and improving the appearance.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A multi-mold continuous blow-fill-seal device includes a molding die, a preform extrusion assembly above the molding die, a guiding mechanism, and a mounting base for mounting the guiding mechanism. The mounting base is located below the molding die, and the guiding mechanism is used to form a guiding channel through which the formed material chain passes.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present invention, the guiding mechanism includes a first guide plate and a second guide plate, the guiding channel is located between the first guide plate and the second guide plate, the guiding channel is arranged along the material chain discharge direction and is close to the mold opening of the forming mold.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, the guiding mechanism further includes a connecting seat, wherein the first guide plate and the second guide plate are detachably connected to the mounting seat via the connecting seat.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the connecting seat includes a support plate and a fixing plate, the first guide plate and the second guide plate are detachably disposed on the corresponding support plate, the support plate is movably disposed on the fixing plate, the moving direction is the direction in which the first guide plate and the second guide plate move closer and further away from each other, and the fixing plate is detachably connected to the mounting seat.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the fixing plate is provided with a waist-shaped hole, the support plate can move within the waist-shaped hole, and is locked by a first locking member.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, the mounting base is provided with a slot, the fixing plate is provided with a locking block at both ends, the locking block is slidably disposed in the slot, and the locking block is provided with a second locking member for locking with the mounting base.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the mounting base is provided with a telescopic drive, and the first guide plate and the second guide plate are respectively connected to the telescopic ends of the corresponding telescopic drive. The telescopic drive is used to drive the corresponding guide plate to move obliquely.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, the top of both the first guide plate and the second guide plate is provided with a pre-guide slope.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the height of a single mold of the molding die is b, the vertical distance from the top of the mold opening of the molding die to the top of the first guide plate or the second guide plate is a, wherein b < a < 1.5b, the width of the formed material is d, and the diameter of the guide channel is c, wherein 0.5mm < cd < 1.5mm.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, the opening time of the blow-fill-seal device is T1, the time when the molding die begins to operate stably is T2, and the time when the guiding mechanism forms the guiding channel is T3, wherein T3 is later than T2 and T1.

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

[0018] The multi-mold continuous blow-fill-seal equipment disclosed in this invention extrudes a tube preform using a tube preform extrusion assembly, which then shapes the tube preform using a molding die. After the material chain is formed, a guiding mechanism forms a guiding channel to guide the formed material chain, reducing shaking and deviation during material chain unloading. This assists in demolding the material chain, preventing the material chain from sticking to the molding die and causing neck twisting, thus improving the product's aesthetics. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the initial state of the first embodiment of the multi-mode continuous blow-fill-seal device of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of the guiding state of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 is an enlarged structural diagram of point A in Figure 2.

[0022] Figure 4 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the guide mechanism in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of one side of the guide mechanism in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 is a side view of the guide mechanism in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 is a top view of the guide mechanism in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 8 is a structural schematic diagram of the initial state of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 9 is a structural schematic diagram of the guiding state of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 10 is an enlarged structural diagram of point B in Figure 9.

[0029] The labels in the diagram represent: 1. Molding mold; 2. Guiding mechanism; 21. First guide plate; 22. Second guide plate; 23. Guide channel; 24. Connecting seat; 241. Support plate; 242. Fixing plate; 243. Waist-shaped hole; 244. First locking element; 245. Locking block; 246. Second locking element; 25. Pre-guided inclined plane; 3. Material chain; 4. Mounting seat; 41. Slot; 43. Telescopic drive; 5. Tube preform extrusion assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[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. Example 1

[0034] Figures 1 to 7 illustrate an embodiment of the multi-mold continuous blow-fill-seal device of the present invention. The multi-mold continuous blow-fill-seal device of this embodiment includes a molding die 1, a tube preform extrusion assembly 5 above the molding die 1, a guiding mechanism 2 and a mounting seat 4 for mounting the guiding mechanism 2. The mounting seat 4 is located below the molding die 1, and the guiding mechanism 2 is used to form a guiding channel 23 through which the formed material chain 3 passes.

[0035] In this multi-mold continuous blow-fill-seal equipment, the tube preform extrusion assembly 5 extrudes the tube preform and forms it through the forming mold 1. After the material chain 3 is formed, the guiding mechanism 2 forms a guiding channel 23 to guide the formed material chain 3, reducing the shaking and deviation of the formed material chain 3 when it is unloaded, thereby assisting the material chain 3 to demold, avoiding the material chain 3 from sticking to the forming mold 1 and causing neck twisting, and improving the aesthetics of the product.

[0036] Further, as shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4, in this embodiment, the guiding mechanism 2 includes a first guide plate 21 and a second guide plate 22. The guiding channel 23 is located between the first guide plate 21 and the second guide plate 22. The guiding channel 23 is arranged along the discharge direction of the material chain 3 and is close to the mold opening of the molding die 1. After the material chain 3 is formed, the first guide plate 21 and the second guide plate 22 are in place, forming the guiding channel 23. The guiding channel 23 is arranged along the discharge direction, which helps to restrict the discharge direction of the material chain 3 after discharge. Moreover, the guiding channel 23 is close to the mold opening of the molding die 1, which further facilitates the demolding of the material chain 3.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, in this embodiment, the guiding mechanism 2 also includes a connecting seat 24, through which the first guide plate 21 and the second guide plate 22 are detachably connected to the mounting seat 4. This facilitates the installation and removal of the first guide plate 21 and the second guide plate 22 after the material chain 3 has been formed.

[0038] Further, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, in this embodiment, the connecting seat 24 includes a support plate 241 and a fixing plate 242. A first guide plate 21 and a second guide plate 22 are detachably mounted on their respective support plates 241. The support plate 241 is movably mounted on the fixing plate 242, with the moving direction being the direction in which the first guide plate 21 and the second guide plate 22 move closer and further apart. The fixing plate 242 is detachably connected to the mounting seat 4. By adjusting the mounting position of the support plate 241 on the fixing plate 242, the first guide plate 21 and the second guide plate 22 can be moved closer or further apart to adjust the width of the guide channel 23, adapting to the guidance of containers of different specifications and improving adaptability. Furthermore, the guide plates and support plates 241, and the fixing plate 242 and mounting seat 4 are all detachably connected, facilitating assembly and disassembly.

[0039] Further, as shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the fixing plate 242 is provided with a waist-shaped hole 243, and the support plate 241 can move within the waist-shaped hole 243 and be locked by the first locking member 244. By adjusting the locking position of the first locking member 244 within the waist-shaped hole 243, the installation position of the support plate 241 on the fixing plate 242 can be finely adjusted. The structure is simple and the adjustment is convenient.

[0040] Further, as shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the mounting base 4 is provided with a slot 41, and the fixing plate 242 is provided with locking blocks 245 at both ends. The locking blocks 245 slide in the slot 41, and the locking blocks 245 are provided with a second locking member 246 for locking with the mounting base 4. During installation, the fixing plate 242 is inserted into the slot 41 of the mounting base 4 from one end until the locking blocks 245 at both ends are respectively locked in the slot 41, and then locked by the second locking member 246 to complete the installation. The structure is simple and the installation is convenient. Preferably, the slot 41 is located at the bottom of the mounting base 4, and the second locking member 246 is locked at the bottom, which facilitates installation during the operation of the molding die 1.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, in this embodiment, both the first guide plate 21 and the second guide plate 22 are provided with pre-guided inclined surfaces 25 at their tops. This facilitates the smooth entry of the forming material chain 3 into the guide channel 23.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the height of a single mold of the molding die 1 is b, the vertical distance from the top of the mold of the molding die 1 to the top of the first guide plate 21 or the second guide plate 22 is a, b < a < 1.5b, the width of the formed material is d, and the diameter of the guide channel 23 is c, 0.5mm < cd < 1.5mm. This improves the guiding and limiting effect and the demolding effect of the guide channel 23.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the start-up time of the blow-fill-seal equipment is set to T1, the time when the forming mold 1 begins to operate stably is set to T2, and the time when the guiding mechanism 2 forms the guiding channel 23 is set to T3, with T3 being later than T2 and T1. Since the tube blank's melting effect is not yet optimal when the machine is first started, the container cannot be formed at this time. The rotating forming mold 1 brings the tube blank down, and the material chain 3 brought out from the middle of the forming mold 1 is soft at the end, swaying greatly in the left and right directions, and cannot pass normally through the guiding channel 23. Therefore, it is best to wait until the tube blank's melting stabilizes, the forming mold 1 begins vacuum operation, and the container can be formed normally before installing the guiding plate to form the guiding channel 23. Once the guiding plate is installed in place, it does not need to be moved further and can continuously guide the material chain 3. Example 2

[0044] Figures 8 to 10 illustrate another embodiment of the multi-mode continuous blow-fill-seal device of the present invention. This embodiment is largely the same as the first embodiment, except that: in this embodiment, the mounting base 4 is equipped with a telescopic drive 43, and the first guide plate 21 and the second guide plate 22 are respectively connected to the telescopic ends of the corresponding telescopic drive 43. The telescopic drive 43 is used to drive the corresponding guide plate to move obliquely. When the molding die 1 enters the vacuum forming container state, after the die chain 3 is formed, after a delay of 10-30 seconds, the telescopic drives 43 (cylinders) on both sides extend obliquely, driving the first guide plate 21 and the second guide plate 22 to move into position, forming a guide channel 23 for guidance. Compared to the first embodiment, this embodiment uses the telescopic drive 43 to drive the guide plate to move into position, eliminating the need for manual installation, saving time and effort. Furthermore, the telescopic drive 43 drives the guide plate to move obliquely, avoiding contact with the molding die 1 during movement. Specifically, the telescopic drive 43 is obliquely mounted on the mounting base 4 to facilitate the oblique movement of the guide plate.

[0045] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can make many possible variations and modifications to the technical solutions of the present invention, or modify them into equivalent embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention, without departing from the scope of the present invention, should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-mold continuous blow-fill-seal device, comprising a molding die (1), wherein a preform extrusion assembly (5) is provided above the molding die (1), characterized in that: It also includes a guide mechanism (2) and a mounting base (4) for mounting the guide mechanism (2), the mounting base (4) being located below the forming mold (1), the guide mechanism (2) being used to form a guide channel (23) through which the formed material chain (3) passes.

2. The multi-mode continuous blow-fill-seal equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guiding mechanism (2) includes a first guide plate (21) and a second guide plate (22). The guiding channel (23) is located between the first guide plate (21) and the second guide plate (22). The guiding channel (23) is arranged along the material chain (3) discharge direction and is close to the mold opening of the forming mold (1).

3. The multi-mode continuous blow-fill-seal equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The guide mechanism (2) also includes a connecting seat (24), and the first guide plate (21) and the second guide plate (22) are detachably connected to the mounting seat (4) through the connecting seat (24).

4. The multi-mode continuous blow-fill-seal equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connecting seat (24) includes a support plate (241) and a fixing plate (242). The first guide plate (21) and the second guide plate (22) are detachably mounted on the corresponding support plate (241). The support plate (241) is movably mounted on the fixing plate (242). The moving direction is the direction in which the first guide plate (21) and the second guide plate (22) move closer and further away from each other. The fixing plate (242) is detachably connected to the mounting seat (4).

5. The multi-mode continuous blow-fill-seal device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fixing plate (242) is provided with a waist-shaped hole (243), and the support plate (241) can move within the waist-shaped hole (243) and be locked by the first locking member (244).

6. The multi-mode continuous blow-fill-seal device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The mounting base (4) is provided with a slot (41), and the fixing plate (242) is provided with a locking block (245) at both ends. The locking block (245) slides in the slot (41), and the locking block (245) is provided with a second locking member (246) for locking with the mounting base (4).

7. The multi-mode continuous blow-fill-seal equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mounting base (4) is provided with a telescopic drive (43). The first guide plate (21) and the second guide plate (22) are respectively connected to the telescopic end of the corresponding telescopic drive (43). The telescopic drive (43) is used to drive the corresponding guide plate to move obliquely.

8. The multi-mode continuous blow-fill-seal device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that: The top of the first guide plate (21) and the second guide plate (22) are both provided with a pre-guide slope (25).

9. The multi-mode continuous blow-fill-seal equipment according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that: The height of a single mold of the forming mold (1) is b, the vertical distance from the top of the mold of the forming mold (1) to the top of the first guide plate (21) or the second guide plate (22) is a, b < a < 1.5b, the width of the formed material is d, and the diameter of the guide channel (23) is c, 0.5mm < cd < 1.5mm.

10. The multi-mode continuous blow-fill-seal device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: Let the opening time of the blow-fill-seal device be T1, the time when the molding die (1) starts to run stably be T2, and the time when the guiding mechanism (2) forms the guiding channel (23) be T3, where T3 is later than T2 and T1.

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