Bottle preform rejection device and bottle preform inspection and sorting system
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/CN2026/078457
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-02-28
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-03
Smart Images
Figure CN2026078457_03092026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Preform rejection device and preform detection and screening system
[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510236085.1, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on February 28, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field
[0002] This application relates to the field of plastic bottle processing equipment technology, such as a preform rejection device and a preform detection and screening system. Background Technology
[0003] Currently, in the plastic bottle processing and production process, due to inadequate protection measures during the transportation and storage of preforms, defects such as preform mouth deformation, support ring damage, and impurities inside the preform may occur. This will result in some preforms entering the heating machine of the blow molding equipment having defects, which will cause problems such as preform jamming on the transport star wheel and preform insertion, thus triggering alarms; it will also cause the machine to stop suddenly, resulting in damage to electrical components such as lights in the heating machine. Summary of the Invention
[0004] One objective of this application is to provide a preform rejection device that can reject defective preforms before they enter the heating machine, thereby reducing problems such as preform jamming and insertion on the transport star wheel, improving the safety and stability of equipment operation, and eliminating the need to heat and blow-dry defective preforms, which also reduces energy consumption to some extent.
[0005] To achieve this objective, the following technical solution is adopted in this application:
[0006] A preform rejection device is installed in front of the feed inlet of the blow molding machine. The preform rejection device includes:
[0007] The conveying mechanism includes a conveyor chain, which is configured to transport bottle preforms. The conveyor chain has a notch, and an auxiliary component is retractably connected to the notch to fill it to form a complete conveyor chain or to open the notch to form a rejection port.
[0008] The rejection mechanism includes multiple first air blowing elements and multiple second air blowing elements. Both the first and second air blowing elements are connected to an air supply device. The first air blowing elements are located at the top of the notch, and the second air blowing elements are located on one side of the bottom of the notch. Both the first and second air blowing elements are configured to blow air to reject the defective preforms. The blowing directions of the first and second air blowing elements are different.
[0009] In some embodiments, one end of the auxiliary component is provided with a first driving member, which is configured to drive the auxiliary component to move in a straight line in a direction toward or away from the gap, so as to fill or open the gap.
[0010] In some embodiments, the first driving member is a cylinder, and the cylinder is connected to an air supply device to drive the auxiliary member.
[0011] In some embodiments, an air storage tank is further connected between the cylinder and the air supply device, and the air storage tank stores driving gas to assist the continuous driving operation of the first driving member.
[0012] In some embodiments, the first driving member is further connected to a first control valve, the first control valve being configured to control the on / off connection between the first driving member and the air supply device; and / or,
[0013] The first air-blowing component is connected to a second control valve, which is configured to control the on / off connection between the first air-blowing component and the air supply device; and / or,
[0014] The second air blowing element is connected to a third control valve, which is configured to control the on / off connection between the second air blowing element and the air supply device.
[0015] In some embodiments, the rejection mechanism further includes a preform receiving hopper, which is disposed downstream of the blowing direction of the second blowing member, and the inner surface of the preform receiving hopper is provided with a buffer to cushion the preform that falls into it.
[0016] In some embodiments, the position of the first air-blowing element is adjustable; and / or,
[0017] The position of the second air blowing component is adjustable.
[0018] In some embodiments, the rejection mechanism further includes a first adjustment component, which includes a first adjustment rod, a second adjustment rod, a first clamping block, a second clamping block, and an adjustment plate; the first adjustment rod extends along a first direction, and the second adjustment rod extends along a second direction.
[0019] One end of the second adjusting rod is detachably connected to the first adjusting rod via the first clamping block. The first clamping block can slide along the first direction on the first adjusting rod and can rotate around the first adjusting rod.
[0020] The other end of the second adjusting rod is detachably connected to an adjusting plate via the second clamping block. The second clamping block can slide along the second direction on the second adjusting rod and can rotate around the second adjusting rod.
[0021] The first air blowing component is fixed to the adjusting plate, the adjusting plate has an oblong hole, the second clamp is detachably connected to a fastener, the fastener is slidably connected to the oblong hole, so that the adjusting plate can rotate around the axis of the third direction, the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.
[0022] In some embodiments, the rejection mechanism further includes a second adjustment component, which includes a third adjustment rod and a third clamping block. The third adjustment rod extends along a first direction, and the second air blowing element is detachably connected to the third adjustment rod via the third clamping block. The third clamping block can slide along the first direction on the third adjustment rod and can rotate around the third adjustment rod.
[0023] Another objective of this application is to provide a preform detection and screening system that can detect and effectively remove defective preforms before they enter the heating machine, thereby reducing problems such as preform jamming and insertion on the transport star wheel and improving the safety and stability of equipment operation.
[0024] To achieve this objective, the following technical solution is adopted in this application:
[0025] The preform inspection and screening system includes an imaging inspection system and the aforementioned preform rejection device. The imaging inspection system is configured to detect the quality of preforms transferred to the preform rejection device before the station where the notch is located.
[0026] The beneficial effects of this application are:
[0027] This application provides a preform rejection device and a preform inspection and screening system. A notch is provided in the conveyor chain transporting preforms, and an auxiliary component is retractably connected to the notch. Opening the auxiliary component at the notch allows defective preforms to fall off the conveyor chain. Then, under the combined action of a first and a second air blowing component, the fallen defective preforms are transported to a designated location. This preform rejection device not only removes defective preforms but also limits the rejection direction, preventing them from falling randomly and causing equipment damage. This improves the reliability of the preform rejection device and the operational safety and stability of the blow molding machine.
[0028] By setting up an imaging detection system to detect whether there are defects in the preforms, and then using a preform rejection device to effectively reject defective preforms before they enter the blow molding machine, the occurrence of problems such as preform jamming and insertion on the transport star wheel is reduced, thereby improving the safety and stability of equipment operation. Attached Figure Description
[0029] Figure 1 is an isometric view of the preform rejection device provided in a specific embodiment of this application;
[0030] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the preform rejection device provided in a specific embodiment of this application.
[0031] In the picture:
[0032] 10. Conveying mechanism; 11. Conveying chain; 111. Transport star wheel; 112. Guard plate; 113. Notch; 12. Drive assembly;
[0033] 21. Auxiliary component; 22. First drive component; 23. Gas storage tank; 24. First control valve;
[0034] 30. Rejection mechanism; 31. First air blowing component; 32. Second air blowing component; 33. Second control valve; 34. Receiving hopper; 35. First adjusting assembly; 351. First adjusting rod; 352. Second adjusting rod; 353. First clamping block; 354. Second clamping block; 355. Adjusting plate; 36. Second adjusting assembly; 361. Third adjusting rod; 362. Third clamping block;
[0035] 40. Base;
[0036] 200. Preform. Detailed Implementation
[0037] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. The specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present application and are not intended to limit the scope of the application. For ease of description, only the parts relevant to the present application are shown in the drawings, not the entire structure.
[0038] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" 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 direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two elements or the interaction between two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0039] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0040] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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 application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.
[0041] The preform rejection device and preform detection and screening system provided in this application are described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2.
[0042] The first direction is the Z direction in Figure 1, which is the vertical direction. The second direction is the X direction in Figure 1, and the third direction is the Y direction in Figure 1. The X, Y, and Z directions are perpendicular to each other.
[0043] This embodiment provides a preform rejection device, which is set in front of the feed inlet of a blow molding machine to reject defective preforms 200 in advance.
[0044] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, specifically, the preform rejection device includes a conveying mechanism 10 and a rejection mechanism 30. The conveying mechanism 10 includes a conveyor chain 11, which is configured to transport and convey preforms 200. The conveyor chain 11 has a notch 113, and an auxiliary component 21 is retractably connected to the notch 113 to fill it to form a complete conveyor chain 11 or to open the notch 113 to form a rejection opening. The rejection mechanism 30 includes multiple first air blowing components 31 and multiple second air blowing components 32. Both the first air blowing components 31 and the second air blowing components 32 are connected to an air supply device. The first air blowing components 31 are located at the top of the notch 113, and the second air blowing components 32 are located on one side of the bottom of the notch 113. Both the first air blowing components 31 and the second air blowing components 32 are configured to blow air to reject defective preforms 200. The blowing directions of the first air blowing components 31 and the second air blowing components 32 are different.
[0045] The preform rejection device in this embodiment has a notch 113 on the conveyor chain 11 that transports the preforms 200. An auxiliary component 21 is retractably connected to the notch 113, allowing defective preforms to fall off the conveyor chain 11 by opening the auxiliary component 21 at the notch 113. Then, under the combined action of the first air blowing component 31 and the second air blowing component 32, the fallen defective preforms 200 are transported to a designated location. This preform rejection device not only removes defective preforms 200 but also limits the rejection direction, preventing them from falling randomly and causing equipment damage. This improves the reliability of the preform rejection device and the operational safety and stability of the blow molding machine.
[0046] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the conveyor chain 11 includes a transport star wheel 111 and a guard plate 112. The guard plate 112 is arc-shaped and spaced apart from the transport star wheel 111 to form a circular transport line for preforms 200 with multiple transport stations.
[0047] For example, a notch 113 is provided at the position of the guard plate 112 corresponding to any station to form a rejection port. The transport of the preform 200 is only ensured when the auxiliary component 21 fills the notch 113. When the auxiliary component 21 is away from the notch 113, the preform 200 is in a free state and can be rejected from the conveyor chain 11 by the first air blowing component 31 and the second air blowing component 32.
[0048] In some embodiments, the conveying mechanism 10 further includes a drive component 12, the output of which is connected to the transport star wheel 111 to drive the transport star wheel 111.
[0049] In some embodiments, the drive assembly 12 includes a drive structure and a transmission component. The output end of the drive structure is connected to the transmission component, and the transmission component is connected to the transport star wheel 111. The drive structure transmits driving force to the transport star wheel 111 through the transmission component to realize the driving function of the drive assembly 12.
[0050] In this embodiment, one end of the auxiliary component 21 is provided with a first driving component 22. The first driving component 22 is configured to drive the auxiliary component 21 to move linearly in a direction toward or away from the gap 113, so as to fill or open the gap 113. In use, the auxiliary component 21 can be driven by the first driving component 22, thereby filling or opening the gap 113.
[0051] In some embodiments, the first driving component 22 may be a linear motor, a cylinder, or other similar structure, and no specific limitation is made here.
[0052] For example, in this embodiment, the first driving component 22 is a cylinder, which is connected to an air supply device to drive the auxiliary component 21. The cylinder is chosen because the first air blowing component 31 and the second air blowing component 32 use an air supply device. Therefore, the first driving component 22 is a cylinder, which can also be directly connected to the air supply device to drive the auxiliary component 21.
[0053] In some embodiments, a gas storage tank 23 is also connected between the cylinder and the gas supply device. The gas storage tank 23 stores driving gas to assist the continuous driving operation of the first driving member 22. This arrangement is to ensure that if several consecutive preforms 200 are defective preforms 200, the auxiliary member 21 needs to be continuously driven away from the notch 113. If the gas supply device is used directly to supply gas through the pipeline, there may be insufficient gas supply, which may result in the inability to meet the requirements of continuous rejection operation. The gas storage tank 23 ensures that the gas flow rate meets the requirements of continuous rejection operation when the first driving member 22 is operating continuously, thereby improving the reliability of the preform rejection device.
[0054] In some embodiments, a high-speed direct-acting cylinder is selected to improve the reaction speed of the first driving member 22, thereby making the preform 200 rejection faster and more reliable, and having its own limiting function, so as not to impact the notch 113 of the guard plate 112 and not to cause the preform 200 to jump during transportation.
[0055] In some embodiments, the first drive member 22 is further connected to a first control valve 24, which is configured to control the on / off connection between the first drive member 22 and the air supply device; and / or, the first air blowing member 31 is connected to a second control valve 33, which is configured to control the on / off connection between the first air blowing member 31 and the air supply device; and / or, the second air blowing member 32 is connected to a third control valve, which is configured to control the on / off connection between the second air blowing member 32 and the air supply device. This configuration ensures that the first drive member 22 and / or the first air blowing member 31 and / or the second air blowing member 32 have individual control valves to control their own operating states.
[0056] In some embodiments, the first drive member 22 is further connected to a first control valve 24, which is configured to control the on / off connection between the first drive member 22 and the air supply device; the first air blowing member 31 is connected to a second control valve 33, which is configured to control the on / off connection between the first air blowing member 31 and the air supply device; and the second air blowing member 32 is connected to a third control valve. This arrangement enables individual control of the action time and blowing time of the three structures to meet more needs.
[0057] For example, the first control valve 24, the second control valve 33 and the third control valve are all solenoid valves, which have the advantages of low energy consumption, low cost and fast response.
[0058] In some embodiments, the air outlet of the first drive member 22 is also provided with a quick exhaust valve. The quick exhaust valve shortens the reaction time and improves the operating speed of the first drive member 22.
[0059] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. In this embodiment, the number of the first air blowing element 31 and the second air blowing element 32 can be set according to actual needs. In this embodiment, there is one first air blowing element 31 and two second air blowing elements 32.
[0060] In some embodiments, the position of the first air blowing element 31 is adjustable; and / or, the position of the second air blowing element 32 is adjustable. Making the first air blowing element 31 and / or the second air blowing element 32 adjustable facilitates effective adjustment of the drop direction of the preform 200, improving the adaptability of the preform rejection device.
[0061] In some embodiments, the positions of the first air blowing element 31 and the second air blowing element 32 are adjustable to further increase the adjustment range of the drop direction of the preform 200, thereby further improving the adaptability of the preform rejection device.
[0062] Specifically, the rejection mechanism 30 also includes a first adjustment component 35, which includes a first adjustment rod 351, a second adjustment rod 352, a first clamping block 353, a second clamping block 354, and an adjustment plate 355. The first adjustment rod 351 extends along a first direction, and the second adjustment rod 352 extends along a second direction. One end of the second adjustment rod 352 is detachably connected to the first adjustment rod 351 via the first clamping block 353. The first clamping block 353 can slide along the first adjustment rod 351 in the first direction and can rotate around the first adjustment rod 351. This allows for the adjustment of the displacement of the first air blowing component 31 along the Z direction and its oscillation around the Z axis. Furthermore, the other end of the second adjusting rod 352 is detachably connected to an adjusting plate 355 via a second clamping block 354. The second clamping block 354 can slide along the second direction on the second adjusting rod 352 and can rotate around the second adjusting rod 352; thus, the displacement of the first air blowing component 31 along the X direction and its swing around the X-axis can be adjusted. The first air blowing component 31 is fixed to the adjusting plate 355, which has an oblong hole. The second clamping block 354 is detachably connected to a fastener, which slides in the oblong hole so that the adjusting plate 355 can rotate around the axis of the third direction. The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are all perpendicular to each other; thus, the swing adjustment of the first air blowing component 31 along the Y-axis can be achieved, thereby adjusting the position of the first air blowing component 31 in various directions.
[0063] In some embodiments, the rejection mechanism 30 further includes a second adjustment component 36, which includes a third adjustment rod 361 and a third clamping block 362. The third adjustment rod 361 extends along a first direction, and the second air-blowing component 32 is detachably connected to the third adjustment rod 361 via the third clamping block 362. The third clamping block 362 can slide along the third adjustment rod 361 in the first direction and can rotate around the third adjustment rod 361. This allows for adjustment of the displacement of the second air-blowing component 32 along the Z-direction and its oscillation around the Z-axis, i.e., position adjustment of the second air-blowing component 32 in the desired direction.
[0064] For example, the first clamping block 353, the second clamping block 354 and the third clamping block 362 all adopt the same clamping block structure. The clamping block structure is provided with an open fixing hole. The open fixing hole can be fitted onto the corresponding first adjusting rod 351, second adjusting rod 352 or third adjusting rod 361. The clamping block structure can be fixed by tightening the opening of the fixing hole under the action of the bolt. When the bolt is not tightened, its position can be adjusted.
[0065] In some embodiments, the rejection mechanism 30 further includes a preform receiving hopper 34, which is disposed downstream of the blowing direction of the second blowing member 32 to receive the falling defective preforms 200. In this embodiment, the preform receiving hopper 34 has a semi-enclosed structure to receive preforms 200 that are obliquely upward.
[0066] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the receiving hopper 34 is provided with a buffer to cushion the preforms 200 that fall into it, thereby preventing the preforms 200 from being ejected when they fall in and causing them to collide and fall outside the receiving hopper 34.
[0067] In this embodiment, the preform rejection device also includes a base 40 to support and install the conveying mechanism 10, the rejection mechanism 30, and the auxiliary component 21.
[0068] This embodiment also provides a preform inspection and screening system, which includes an imaging detection system and a preform rejection device as described in any of the above-mentioned solutions. The imaging detection system is configured to detect the quality of preforms 200 at stations before the station containing the notch 113 in the preform rejection device. By setting the imaging detection system to detect whether the preforms 200 have defects, and then effectively rejecting defective preforms 200 before they enter the blow molding machine by the preform rejection device, the occurrence of problems such as preform jamming and insertion on the transport star wheel 111 is reduced, thereby improving the safety and stability of equipment operation.
Claims
1. A preform rejection device, disposed in front of the feed inlet of a blow molding machine, the preform rejection device comprising: The conveying mechanism (10) includes a conveying chain (11) configured to transport bottle preforms (200). The conveying chain (11) has a notch (113) at which an auxiliary component (21) is retractably connected to fill the notch (113) to form a complete conveying chain (11) or to open the notch (113) to form a rejection port. The rejection mechanism (30) includes a plurality of first air blowing elements (31) and a plurality of second air blowing elements (32). The first air blowing elements (31) and the second air blowing elements (32) are both connected to an air supply device. The first air blowing element (31) is located at the top of the notch (113). The second air blowing element (32) is located on one side of the bottom of the notch (113). The first air blowing element (31) and the second air blowing element (32) are both configured to blow air to reject the defective preform (200). The blowing directions of the first air blowing element (31) and the second air blowing element (32) are different.
2. The preform rejection device according to claim 1, wherein, One end of the auxiliary component (21) is provided with a first driving component (22), which is configured to drive the auxiliary component (21) to move in a straight line toward or away from the gap (113) to fill or open the gap (113).
3. The preform rejection device according to claim 2, wherein, The first driving component (22) is a cylinder, which is connected to an air supply device to drive the auxiliary component (21).
4. The preform rejection device according to claim 3, wherein, A gas storage tank (23) is also connected between the cylinder and the gas supply device. The gas storage tank (23) stores driving gas to assist the continuous driving operation of the first driving component (22).
5. The preform rejection device according to claim 3, wherein, The first drive unit (22) is also connected to a first control valve (24), which is configured to control the on / off connection between the first drive unit (22) and the air supply device; and / or, The first air blowing element (31) is connected to a second control valve (33), which is configured to control the on / off connection between the first air blowing element (31) and the air supply device; and / or, The second air blowing element (32) is connected to a third control valve, which is configured to control the on / off connection between the second air blowing element (32) and the air supply device.
6. The preform rejection device according to claim 1, wherein, The rejection mechanism (30) further includes a preform receiving hopper (34), which is located downstream of the blowing direction of the second blowing member (32). The inner surface of the preform receiving hopper (34) is provided with a buffer to buffer the preform (200) that falls into it.
7. The preform rejection device according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The position of the first air blowing element (31) is adjustable; and / or, The position of the second air blowing element (32) is adjustable.
8. The preform rejection device according to claim 7, wherein, The rejection mechanism (30) further includes a first adjustment component (35), which includes a first adjustment rod (351), a second adjustment rod (352), a first clamping block (353), a second clamping block (354), and an adjustment plate (355); the first adjustment rod (351) extends along a first direction, and the second adjustment rod (352) extends along a second direction; One end of the second adjusting rod (352) is detachably connected to the first adjusting rod (351) via the first clamping block (353). The first clamping block (353) can slide along the first direction on the first adjusting rod (351) and can rotate around the first adjusting rod (351). The other end of the second adjusting rod (352) is detachably connected to an adjusting plate (355) via the second clamping block (354). The second clamping block (354) can slide along the second direction on the second adjusting rod (352) and can rotate around the second adjusting rod (352). The first air blowing component (31) is fixed to the adjusting plate (355), the adjusting plate (355) has a waist-shaped hole, the second clamping block (354) is detachably connected to a fastener, the fastener is slidably connected to the waist-shaped hole, so that the adjusting plate (355) rotates around the axis of the third direction, the first direction, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.
9. The preform rejection device according to claim 7, wherein, The rejection mechanism (30) further includes a second adjustment component (36), which includes a third adjustment rod (361) and a third clamping block (362). The third adjustment rod (361) extends along a first direction, and the second air blowing component (32) is detachably connected to the third adjustment rod (361) via the third clamping block (362). The third clamping block (362) can slide along the first direction on the third adjustment rod (361) and can rotate around the third adjustment rod (361).
10. A preform detection and screening system, comprising an imaging detection system and a preform rejection device as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the imaging detection system is configured to detect the quality of preforms (200) flowing to a station before the station where the notch (113) is located in the preform rejection device.