Apparatus for aligning and orienting preforms

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for orienting and aligning plastic preforms (10) provided with collars (11) larger than the preform body (12), which comprises a device for feeding preforms (10) in random arrangements substantially onto a discharge and conveyance surface (2) for conveying the preforms (10) to a conveyor device (3) which comprises a slot (5) defined by at least one pair of longitudinal guiding bodies (6a, 6b) which are adapted to move the preforms (10) along a conveyance direction (100) in a condition wherein the preforms are suspended at the collar (11), along the conveyor device (3) there being arranged at least one positioning and removal device (20) for the incorrectly- seated preforms (10), characterized in that the at least one positioning and removal device (20) is chosen from the group comprising: - a capturing device (21) for incorrectly-seated preforms, which comprises a capturing head (22) arranged in an upward region with respect to the flow of preforms (10) conveyed by said pair of longitudinal guiding bodies (6a, 6b); - a removal device (25) comprising a removal star conveyor (26) which can rotate about an axis of rotation (104) and is configured to discharge the incorrectly- seated preforms (10) laterally with respect to the flow of preforms (10).

Description

[0001] APPARATUS FOR ALIGNING AND ORIENTING PREFORMS

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for aligning and orienting preforms for making plastic containers.

[0003] Several types of apparatuses are known for aligning and orienting preforms.

[0004] In a first known type, an inclined device is provided with a row of receptacles arranged along the perimeter of the machine which are designed to accommodate a respective preform (loaded in random arrangements).

[0005] By rotating the inclined device, each receptacle brings the preform to a first slot, which has a transverse dimension that is smaller than the collar (or ring) of the preform but which is sufficient to allow the preform, by rotating, to position itself vertically; subsequently, the preform is brought to a second slot, which has a transverse dimension that is greater than the collar, so that the preform can freely slip below the device and be brought to an inclined guide ramp which is designed to feed it to the blow-molding machine.

[0006] A second type of alignment device is constituted by a hopper, which defines internally a concentric annulus with a plurality of seats which are designed to each accommodate a respective preform; the hopper is inclined so that the preforms, in random arrangements, remain in the lower part, while as they change height they come to arrange themselves in the seats.

[0007] European patent application EP2079651 describes a device for unscrambling and orienting plastic preforms with collars having dimensions greater than the preform body, and has a hopper constituted by a base and by vertical containment walls.

[0008] Inside the hopper is an annulus, which rotates about an axis of rotation and is provided with two or more rows of compartments arranged along corresponding concentric circumferences, and an annular plane of arrangement of the objects, which extends for an angular portion underneath the annulus, with a break at the defined outlet point of the preforms.

[0009] Other types of apparatuses are known, which for example takeadvantage of centrifugal force as described in US7975852 in the name of Sidel, or in US8985308 in the name of Krones.

[0010] International patent application WO2023 / 228041 describes an apparatus for orienting and aligning plastic preforms with collars having dimensions greater than the preform body, comprising a device for feeding preforms in random arrangements substantially at a first end of a discharge and conveyance surface delimited laterally by containment walls and having a conveyor device for conveying the preforms from the first end to the second end; the conveyor device comprises, in particular, a slot defined by a pair of longitudinal guiding bodies which are adapted to move the preforms along a conveyance direction defined by the slot, which has a transverse dimension that is greater than the dimension of the preform body and smaller than the dimension of the collar, in order to receive at least a part of the preforms in the condition wherein the preforms are suspended at the collar.

[0011] The solution described in WO2023 / 228041, although being advantageous from the technical point of view, exhibits some drawbacks, especially in dealing with jams or handling the discharge of preforms arranged horizontally which, if not removed from the flow, can lead to frequent machine shutdowns.

[0012] The aim of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for aligning and orienting preforms for making plastic containers which is capable of improving the known art in one or more of the above-mentioned aspects, in so doing appreciably reducing jams and consequent machine shutdowns.

[0013] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to make available an apparatus for aligning and orienting preforms for making plastic containers that is extremely simple from the point of view of construction, as well as reliable in its operation.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for aligning and orienting preforms for making plastic containers that is highly reliable, easy to implement and at low cost.This aim and these and other objects which will become more apparent hereinafter are achieved by an apparatus for aligning and orienting preforms for making plastic containers according to claim 1 , optionally provided with one or more of the characteristics of the dependent claims.

[0015] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description that follows of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment, of the apparatus for aligning and orienting preforms for making plastic containers according to the invention, which is illustrated for the purposes of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus overall;

[0017] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus from another viewpoint;

[0018] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the discharge and conveyance surface;

[0019] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the capturing device;

[0020] Figures 5 to 7 are side views of the operation of the capturing device when an incorrectly-seated preform passes through;

[0021] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the removal device;

[0022] Figures 9 to 10 are views from above of the operation of the removal device when an incorrectly- seated preform passes through;

[0023] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI of Figure 9.

[0024] With reference to the figures, the apparatus for orienting and aligning preforms 10 according to the invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, comprises a supporting structure la which is constituted, for example, by a footing connected to supporting posts.

[0025] The preforms 10 comprise plastic preforms with collars 11 of which the dimensions are greater than the preform body 12.

[0026] The apparatus 1 comprises a device for feeding preforms 10 inrandom arrangements substantially onto a discharge and conveyance surface 2 in order to convey the preforms 10 to a conveyor device 3.

[0027] The conveyor device 3 comprises a slot 5 defined by at least one pair of longitudinal guiding bodies 6a and 6b which are adapted to move the preforms 10 along a conveyance direction 100 defined by the slot 5, which has a transverse dimension greater than the dimension of the preform body 12 and smaller than the dimension of the collar 11 of the preforms 10 in order to receive at least one part of the preforms 10 in a condition wherein the preforms are suspended at the collar 11.

[0028] Preforms are described as correctly seated when they are arranged suspended at the collar 11 with the preform body arranged substantially in a vertical direction.

[0029] At least one positioning and removal device 20 for the incorrectly-seated preforms 10 is arranged along the conveyor device 3.

[0030] The incorrectly-seated preforms 10 arranged along the conveyor device are usually arranged horizontally with at least one end thereof resting on a part of the preform located upstream or downstream, so impeding its correct positioning.

[0031] According to the present invention, the at least one positioning and removal device 20 is selected from the group comprising:

[0032] - a capturing device 21 for incorrectly- seated preforms 10, which comprises a capturing head 22 arranged in an upward region with respect to the flow of preforms 10 conveyed by the pair of longitudinal guiding bodies 6a and 6b; the capturing head 22 is movable along a movement trajectory which is arranged on a vertical plane which is substantially parallel to the flow of preforms 10 between a first operating or capture position and a second operating or retention position due to the passage of incorrectly- seated preforms 10;

[0033] - a removal device 25 comprising a removal star conveyor 26 which can rotate about a substantially vertical axis of rotation 104 and has, at itsperimetric edge 26, a plurality of engagement recesses 27 which can engage, during the rotation of the removal star conveyor 26, the correctly- seated preforms 10, the removal star conveyor 26 being configured to discharge the incorrectly-seated preforms 10 laterally with respect to the flow of preforms 10.

[0034] Advantageously, the discharge and conveyance surface 2 comprises an inclined recirculation surface 3 which extends upward along the direction of removal away from a first portion of the slot 5 which lies between a first end 2a and a second end 2b.

[0035] According to an important aspect of the present invention, an elongated movement element 30 is provided which is rotatable about its own axis of extension and is arranged substantially parallel to and above the slot 5 and extends, at least partially, between the first end 2a and the second end 2b.

[0036] Advantageously, the outer surface 30a of the elongated movement element 30 has a contouring that is configured to prevent jams.

[0037] By way of example, the contouring comprises a protrusion 30b wound in the manner of a helix around the outer surface 30a of the elongated movement element 30.

[0038] At the second end 2b there are, conveniently, pusher means 50 which are adapted to move the preforms 10 arranged on the inclined recirculation surface 3 along a movement direction 101, which is opposite to the conveyance direction 100, in order to move the preforms 10 that are not received by the slot 5 from the second end 2b towards the first end 2a.

[0039] Preferably, the pusher means 50 comprise at least one device for emitting an air jet and / or a rotor with flexible paddles 51.

[0040] Advantageously, the slot 5 is connected, at the first end 2a, to a guiding section which extends along at least one direction of extension that has a substantially vertical component.

[0041] In particular, the guiding section comprises, in sequence, at least onefirst guiding section which extends along a substantially vertical direction, and at least one connecting portion between the at least one first guiding section and the slot 5.

[0042] The apparatus 1 comprises, downstream of the second end 2b, above the longitudinal guiding bodies 6a and 6b, a retention guide 60 having at least two lateral portions 61 which are configured to delimit, in an upward region, the movement of the preforms 10 during their motion along the conveyance direction 100.

[0043] The apparatus 1 comprises, for example, a pitched longitudinal element with two slopes which defines, on opposite sides with respect to its apex 62, the lateral portions 61.

[0044] The retention guide 60 has, in general, a substantially curvilinear transverse cross-section with the concavity facing downwards in order to allow the preforms 10 to oscillate exclusively in the vertical plane parallel to the conveyance direction 100 so as to facilitate the transition of the preforms 10 to the condition in which they are correctly seated.

[0045] Preferably, below at least one portion of the retention guide 60, there are lateral guiding means 70 which are configured to define respective lateral guides 71 which act at the sides of the preform bodies 12.

[0046] In particular, the lateral guides 71 are adjustable on command to be moved toward / away from the conveyance direction 100.

[0047] Preferably, as shown in Figure 11, the lateral guiding means are positioned at the positioning and removal devices 20.

[0048] Conveniently, the longitudinal guiding bodies 6a and 6b lead directly to a straight feeding section of a feeding star conveyor.

[0049] The capturing device 21 and / or the removal device 25 are arranged, at least partially, at recesses 28 defined on the retention guide 60.

[0050] Preferably, the positioning and removal device 20 comprises, in sequence, the capturing device 21 and the removal device 25.

[0051] Conveniently, the longitudinal guiding bodies 6a and 6b comprise arespective motorized belt or chain.

[0052] In more detail and with reference to the practical embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7, the capturing device 21 is functionally associated with at least one blower 24 which can be activated following the transition of the capturing head 22 from the first operating position to the second operating position.

[0053] In particular, the blower 24 is configured to emit an air jet at the regions occupied by the preforms 10 located downstream of the incorrectly-seated preform that caused the actuation of the capturing head 22, so as to facilitate the falling of the preform body 12 into the slot 5.

[0054] Advantageously, the blower 24 is adapted to emit an air jet in the opposite direction to the flow of preforms 10, so as to facilitate, under certain conditions, the transition of the preforms to the correct position.

[0055] Preferably, the capturing head 22 is associated with return means which are configured to automatically return it from the second operating position toward the first operating position.

[0056] In this regard, it is possible for the capturing head 22 to be part of a rocking arm structure 22a mounted so that it can oscillate on a connecting structure 22b.

[0057] In particular, the rocking arm structure 22a can move about an axis of oscillation 103 that is substantially horizontal and perpendicular with respect to the conveyance direction 100.

[0058] Advantageously means are further provided for adjusting the position of the capturing head 22 with respect to the flow of the preforms.

[0059] In this regard, as shown in the figures, the means of adjustment can be interposed between the rocking arm structure 22a and the connecting structure 22b and are defined, by providing for example a screw-and-nut coupling 22c that makes it possible to position the rocking arm structure 22a at different heights.

[0060] Below the rocking arm structure 22b, the retention guide 60 has arecess shaped like a slit 28a which is designed to be passed through by the capturing head 22 in order to allow, among other things, its transition between the first operating position and the second operating position and vice versa.

[0061] With reference to what is shown in Figures 8 to 11, the removal device 25 comprises a lateral recess 28 which is defined at the retention guide 60.

[0062] The lateral recess 28b is defined at the other end of the axis of extension of the slot 5 with respect to the axis of rotation 104 of the removal star conveyor 26.

[0063] In particular, the lateral recess 28b is configured to retain the correctly-seated preforms 60 during their flow by the lateral recess 28b, and in order to allow the discharge of the incorrectly-seated preforms 10, which are therefore arranged substantially horizontally, as a consequence of the outward thrust exerted by the removal star conveyor 26.

[0064] Preferably, the removal star conveyor 26 is mounted so as to rotate idly on the axis of rotation 104, on a support and it is pulled in rotation as a result of the advancement of the correctly-seated preforms along the conveyance direction 100.

[0065] The operation of the apparatus 1 for orienting and aligning preforms 10 in plastic, according to the invention, is the following.

[0066] The preforms 10 are discharged, in random arrangements, at the first end 2a of the discharge and conveyance surface 2.

[0067] From here the preforms 10 are brought to the slot 5 which conveys them toward the second end 2b of the discharge and conveyance surface 2.

[0068] The action of the elongated movement element 30 prevents the risk of jams of groups of preforms 10 at the region above the slot 5.

[0069] The preforms 10 that are not correctly seated in the slot 5, or which are expelled from it, are returned by the action of the pusher 50 toward the first end 2a so that they can be positioned in the slot 5.

[0070] Providing the retention guide 60 arranged above the longitudinal guiding bodies 6a and 6b and configuring it as a curved roof also prevents thepreforms 10 under pressure, coming from the second end 2b, from rising upward. The shape structure of the retention guide 60, and the optional presence of the lateral guiding means 70, furthermore makes it possible for preforms 10 that are not yet perfectly vertical to become aligned correctly in conveyance.

[0071] The positioning, along the section comprised between the discharge surface 2 and the oven, of longitudinal guiding bodies 6a and 6b for conveying the preforms, and of at least one positioning and removal device 20 moreover makes it possible to reduce to the minimum the machine shutdowns owing to jams of preforms.

[0072] In practice it has been found that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects by providing an apparatus 1 for orienting and aligning preforms 10 that is extremely practical and efficient.

[0073] In particular, the lengthwise extension of the apparatus has successfully been appreciably reduced, so making it possible to pack the preforms 10 directly along the extension of the longitudinal guiding bodies 6a and 6b.

[0074] In this manner, it is possible to “enter” the oven area directly without the need for an intermediate conveyor.

[0075] Providing the retention guide 60 arranged above the longitudinal guiding bodies 6a and 6b and configuring it as a curved roof also prevents the preforms 10 under pressure from rising upward. The shape structure of the retention guide 60 furthermore makes it possible for preforms 10 that are not yet perfectly vertical to become aligned correctly in conveyance.

[0076] Devices can also be provided for generating air jets, advantageously compressed air jets, which in the event of a blockage of the apparatus 1, for example owing to an excessive buildup of preforms 10, are configured to blow air at the buildup region to unblock it, and make the machine return to operation automatically.

[0077] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerousmodifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

[0078] In practice the materials employed, provided they are compatible with the specific use, and the contingent dimensions and shapes, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

[0079] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102025000008814 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0080] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, such reference signs have been inserted 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. An apparatus (1) for orienting and aligning plastic preforms (10) provided with collars (11) larger than the preform body (12), which comprises a device for feeding preforms (10) in random arrangements substantially onto a discharge and conveyance surface (2) for conveying said preforms (10) to a conveyor device (3) which comprises a slot (5) defined by at least one pair of longitudinal guiding bodies (6a, 6b) which are adapted to move said preforms (10) along a conveyance direction (100) defined by said slot (5) and having a transverse dimension greater than the dimension of said preform body (12) and smaller than the dimension of said collar (11) of said preforms (10) in order to receive at least one part of said preforms (10) in a condition wherein said preforms are suspended at said collar (11), along said conveyor device (3) there being arranged at least one positioning and removal device (20) for the incorrectly- seated preforms (10), characterized in that said at least one positioning and removal device (20) is chosen from the group comprising:- a capturing device (21) for incorrectly-seated preforms, which comprises a capturing head (22) arranged in an upper region with respect to the flow of preforms (10) conveyed by said pair of longitudinal guiding bodies (6a, 6b), said capturing head (22) being movable along a movement trajectory which is arranged on a vertical plane which is substantially parallel to the flow of preforms (10) between a first operating or capture condition and a second operating or retention position due to the passage of incorrectly- seated preforms (10);- a removal device (25) comprising a removal star conveyor (26) which can rotate about a substantially vertical axis of rotation (104) and has, at its perimetric edge (26), a plurality of engagement recesses (27) which can engage, during the rotation of said removal star conveyor (26), the correctly-seated preforms (10), said removal star conveyor being configured to discharge the incorrectly-seated preforms (10) laterally with respect to the flow of preforms (10).

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said discharge and conveyance surface (2) comprises an inclined recirculation surface (3 a) which extends upward along the direction away from a first portion of said slot (5) which extends between a first end (2a) and a second end (2b), an elongated movement element (30) being provided which is rotatable about its own axis of extension and is arranged substantially parallel to and above said slot (5) and extends, at least partially, between said first end (2a) and said second end (2b).

3. The apparatus (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, at the second end (2b), at least one pusher (50) which is adapted to move the preforms (10) arranged on the inclined recirculation surface (3a) along a movement direction (101), which is substantially opposite to the conveyance direction (100), in order to move the preforms (10) that are not received by the slot (5) from the second end (2b) towards the first end (2 a).

4. The apparatus (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, downstream of said second end (2b), above said longitudinal guiding bodies (6a, 6b), a retention guide (60) having at least two lateral portions (61) which are configured to delimit, in an upward region, the movement of the preforms (10) during their motion along the conveyance direction (100).

5. The apparatus (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said retention guide (60) has a substantially curvilinear transverse cross-section with the concavity facing downwards in order to allow said preforms to oscillate exclusively in the vertical plane parallel to said conveyance direction (100) so as to facilitate the transition of said preforms (10) to the condition in which they are correctly seated.

6. The apparatus (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, below at least one portion of said retention guide (60), lateral guiding means (70) which are configured to definerespective lateral guides (71) which act at the sides of said preform bodies (12), said lateral guides (71) being adjustable on command toward / away from the conveyance direction (100).

7. The apparatus (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said capturing device (21) and / or said removal device (25) are arranged, at least partially, at recesses (28) defined on said retention guide (60).

8. The apparatus (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, in sequence, said capturing device (21) and said removal device (25).

9. The apparatus (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said longitudinal guiding bodies (6a, 6b) comprise a respective motorized belt or chain.

10. The apparatus (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said capturing device (21) is functionally associated with at least one blower (24) which can be activated following the transition of said capturing head from a first operating position to said second operating position.

11. The apparatus (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said capturing head is associated with return means which are configured to automatically return it from said second operating position toward said first operating position.

12. The apparatus (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said removal device (25) comprises a lateral recess (28a) of said retention guide (60) which is defined on the opposite side of the axis of extension of the slot (5) with respect to the axis of rotation (104) of said removal star conveyor (26) and is configured to retain the correctly-seated preforms (10) and to allow the discharge of the incorrectly-seated preforms (10) following the thrust applied by said removal star conveyor

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