DE19654658A1 - Handling flangeless pressure injection mouldings, preforms and plastic bottles during e.g. production, blowing etc. - Google Patents

Abstract

This process is used in handling preforms at a blow moulding unit, for vessels in thermoplastic materials. The preform is supplied for tempering by a heater, and thence to the blow moulding station. A carrier moves the preform. In the novel process, during its handling, the mouth (42) of the preform is surrounded by an encasing top section. Also claimed are: (i) a method of filling vessels, based on a similar principle, in that a top section is fitted for handling and filling, only to be removed after filling; and (ii) a similar combined process of blowing and filling vessels, using the same top section throughout; and a washing process using the same principle. Preferably the top section (70) is located over the threaded section of the bottle preform neck. It is screwed on or pushed on and has an external support ringed profile. Thus equipped, the preform is put onto and handled by a transport mandrel, carried along its path. A grip moves it along its path. The vessel is connected to the top section which has an external profile. The top section can be removed before filling. It can be re-useable or one-way. The wall thickness near the mouth is a function of the axial stressing expected (e.g. in blow moulding or movement). It has suitability for support by the casing top.

Description

The invention relates to a method for handling Moldings in the area of a device for blow molding of containers made of a thermoplastic material, at which is a preform of at least one heating device for temperature control and at least one blow molding station Blow molding is supplied and in which the moldings along at least part of their route are held by a support element.

The invention also relates to a method for filling containers.  

The invention also relates to a method for Handling moldings when performing a Blowing process for shaping and a subsequent one Filling process.

In addition, the invention relates to a method for Cleaning containers.

In addition, the invention also relates to Process for the injection molding of moldings, in which plasticized plastic injected into a mold and a hollow preform with a closed bottom, open mouth and a lateral outer profile in an opening section is produced.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a preform ling for the production of blow molded containers, one closed floor, one interior, one open mouth and a mouth section with since Lich outer profile.

In addition, the invention also relates to one Container formed by blow molding from a preform ling is made and a closed bottom, an interior, an open mouth and one Mouth section with a lateral outer profile.

Finally, the invention relates to an attachment element for containers, which has a base body with an inner profile is provided, which is adapted to a External profile of a mouth section of the container is trained.

According to the known prior art Vorrich blow molding blanks det, preforms made of a thermoplastic material,  for example preforms made of PET (polyethylene tereph thalat) within a blow molding machine Feed processing stations. Typically points such a blowing machine, a heater and a blowing device, in the area of which previously tempered preform through biaxial orientation a container is expanded. The expansion takes place with the help of compressed air that is to be expanded in the Preform is initiated. The procedural Procedure for such an expansion of the preform is explained in DE-OS 43 40 291. The device can also be used to finish blown Take the container out of the blower.

The basic structure of a blowing station for loading Container shaping is described in DE-OS 42 12 583 and options for tempering the preforms are explained in DE-OS 23 52 926.

Within the blow molding device, the Preforms as well as the blown containers with the help different handling devices transport be animals. The Ver turning of mandrels on which the preforms be plugged on.

The use of support bodies for handling the Preforms have the advantage that the preform linge with their mouth on a coupling element of the Support body can be plugged in and that during of the further transport movements the Trans used port elements only on the support body and not act directly on the preform. This will Damage and deformation due to warming soft preform avoided. In addition, a Material removal through direct-acting gripping elements, the  for example, could lead to dust generation, avoided.

The known support body in the form of transport mandrels have high mechanical strength and thereby requires high reliability and a long time Lifespan. Especially when using rotating transport devices, however, run away forces that affect the handling speed pregnant.

The use of gripping pliers for handling Preforms are used, for example, in the FR-OS 27 20 679. An expanding mandrel that holds Insert into a mouth area of the preform bar is explained in WO 95 33 616.

According to the prior art occur in handling the preforms and the handling of the blown Be but a variety of problems that have been solved individually so far Occur in combination with restrictions to lead.

The object of the present invention is therefore a Introductory procedure for handling moldings to improve the type mentioned so that the Ge design freedom in handling is increased.

This object is achieved in that while handling the molding along the trans portweges at least part of a mouth section the molding from a sleeve-shaped attachment element is enclosed.  

Another object of the present invention is a Procedure for filling containers in the introduction adjust the type mentioned so that containers with he further design diversity can be handled.

This object is achieved in that before filling in the area of a muzzle cut the container a sleeve-like attachment element is arranged, which after termination of Filling process is removed from the container.

An additional object of the present invention is a blow molding process and Filling moldings of the type mentioned in the introduction to be modified in such a way that a favorable material flow provided.

This object is achieved in that before blowing the molding in the area of a mouth section of a preform a sleeve-shaped Auf sentence element is arranged that the molding with the Attachment element both a blower and passes through a filling device and that after a Completion of the filling process of the attachment element from Molding is separated.

There is also an object of the present Invention therein, a method for injection molding Preforms of the type mentioned in the introduction to modifi adorn.

This object is achieved in that after demolding the preform at least one Part of the mouth section of a sleeve-shaped Attachment element is enclosed.  

Furthermore, a preform of the introduction mentioned Art be designed so that a material saving is possible.

This object is achieved in that the mouth section free from one laterally over standing support ring is formed and that the Mouth section at least in areas of one Attachment element is enclosable.

In addition, a container of the aforementioned type Type can be provided with reduced weight.

This object is achieved in that the mouth section free from one laterally over standing support ring is formed and that in the area of the mouth section an attachment element can be arranged is.

Finally, there is a task for the present Er invention also in an essay element of the introductory part mentioned type in such a way that an adjustment to modified mouth sections of containers give is.

This object is achieved in that the base body is sleeve-shaped and one Allows access to a container interior.

By the inventive method and the he constructions according to the invention make it possible a number of advantages to re alize. First, from an aesthetic point of view improved outer design of the finished container provided because laterally protruding elements that the appearance of small containers in particular  disturb, be avoided. In addition, a Weight saving realized with high pieces pay significant cost savings.

Another advantage is that the material thickness in the mouth section, among other things is that the preform is under high pressure, typically a pressure of 30 bar to 40 bar, for Container is expanded. This pressure is also in the Mouth section and must avoid ver formations are intercepted accordingly. At a Enclosure of the mouth section by the essay The wall thickness can be used as an outside support sleeve be reduced in the mouth section such that just an adjustment to that of the usual hand Habung and the filling processes occurring axial Powers are given. This results in another Material savings and thus a reduction in costs.

Last but not least is the arrangement of the support sleeve in the mouth section, an external geometry is provided represents, for example, without damage to the Preform or container of handling direction can be detected. With a suitable one Material selection for the support sleeve can tolerances in the transfer by self now permissible centerings are enlarged so that a club mechanical processes can be increased.

The handling of the attachment elements for the preforms respectively the blown container can be in a lot fold variations take place. In particular, an up put and remove the attachment elements on under take place at different points in the handling process and so it can be optimally adjusted to each specific application requirements. In particular, it is also true for all individuals  Handling steps possible, the attachment parts either as single-use components or as reusable and perform traceable components. The before each seen handling of the attachment elements also affects the choice of materials for their manufacture.

For multiple uses and local circulation because turn out to be due to wear resistance Attachment elements made of metal as advantageous. At on path training or locally extended hand other materials, for example wise plastics.

The sleeve-shaped design of the attachment element can for example already provided in terms of production technology be, this is particularly advantageous if the on screwed element on the mouth section shall be. But it is also conceivable, one more to provide partial training of the attachment element and the sleeve-like basic shape only after an arrangement opening in the mouth section by suitable connection manufacture elements.

With a suitable construction of the attachment element it is particularly possible to blow within machines and the filling machines the previous hand to maintain habitation geometry and through the arrangement of the attachment element with a molded support ring Container or a preform with its own support ring replicate. With a modification of the previous one Devices, the arrangement is also conceivable of the support ring in the area of the attachment element store or form bracket profiles that the Ver support rings are superior.  

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing shown schematically. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a simplified schematic representation of an apparatus for blow molding containers,

Fig. 2 shows a cross section through a preform with attached supporting sleeve,

Fig. 3 is a partial illustration of a preform with cut support sleeve in another embodiment,

Fig. 4 is a representation according to FIG. 3 again with modified attachment element,

Fig. 5 is a plan view of a preform which is provided with a two-part cap member,

Fig. 6 is an enlarged longitudinal section through a preform without a support ring and

Fig. 7 shows a longitudinal section through a blown container without a support ring.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the device for blow molding containers has a heating wheel ( 1 ) and a blowing wheel ( 2 ). Preforms to be processed are fed via a feed rail ( 3 ) into the area of a turning device ( 4 ) and transported by transfer wheels ( 5 , 6 , 7 ) into the area of the heating wheel ( 1 ). In this variant, the preforms are hung with their mouths oriented upwards along the feed rail ( 1 ) and rotated by the turning device ( 4 ) by 180 °. Heating in the area of the heating wheel ( 1 ) takes place in such a way that the preforms are oriented upright with their mouths facing downward. But it is also conceivable to carry out a hanging heater without previous turns of the preforms.

Heating devices ( 8 ) and cooling devices ( 9 ) are arranged along the heating wheel ( 1 ). Preferably, a cooling device ( 9 ) is arranged between two heating devices ( 8 ). The heating devices ( 8 ) heat the preforms with the aid of IR radiation and the cooling devices ( 9 ) blow air onto the surfaces of the heated preforms for surface cooling.

After completion of the heating and passing through a cooling section, the tempered preforms are transported from a transfer wheel ( 10 ) to the blowing wheel ( 2 ) and used here in molds ( 11 ) which are held by blowing stations ( 12 ). The blowing stations ( 12 ) can be opened and closed like a book. After the blowing process has been completed, completely blown containers are removed from the blowing station ( 12 ) and fed to a delivery section ( 15 ) by transfer wheels ( 13 , 6 , 14 ). In a blow molding of the preforms in the area of the blowing wheel ( 2 ) with a muzzle orientation downward, it is particularly intended to arrange a further turning device between the blowing wheel ( 2 ) and the discharge section ( 15 ), so that the blown container is suspended in the area Output route ( 15 ) can be transported.

As an alternative to using a heating wheel ( 1 ), it is also conceivable to use a conveyor through a tunnel-like heating section or other heating devices. As an alternative to using a blowing wheel ( 2 ), it is also possible to use stationary blowing stations ( 12 ) or to implement a different orientation of blowing stations ( 12 ) in the area of a movable carrier.

Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal section through a preform ( 32 ) which is provided in the region of a mouth section ( 42 ) with an attachment element ( 70 ). The Aufsatzele element ( 70 ) has a substantially sleeve-shaped base body ( 71 ) and a laterally projecting support ring ( 72 ). The attachment element ( 70 ) can be made of metal or plastic, for example.

The preform ( 32 ) has in the area of the Mündungsab section ( 42 ) on the outside an outer profile ( 52 ). The outer profile ( 52 ) can, for example, be designed as a thread. Corresponding to the outer profile ( 52 ), the top element ( 70 ) is provided with an inner profile ( 73 ). The inner profile ( 72 ) can be designed, for example, as an internal thread and can be screwed onto the outer profile ( 52 ).

In order to provide a defined positioning of the attachment element ( 20 ) in the region of the preform ( 32 ) in the direction of a longitudinal axis ( 48 ) of the preform, it is particularly contemplated that the attachment element ( 70 ) be provided with a stop ( 74 ) which bears against an upper boundary surface ( 75 ) of the mouth section ( 42 ) that surrounds an access opening ( 76 ).

The dimensioning of the attachment element ( 70 ) can in particular be carried out so that the Mündungsab section ( 42 ) of the preform ( 32 ) is largely supported during a blow molding and only has to absorb a small proportion of the acting transverse forces due to its own material strength. The dimensioning of a wall thickness of the preform ( 32 ) in the region of the mouth section ( 42 ) can hereby be adapted to the expected axial forces and adapted to later use requirements. This results in a potential for material savings by reducing the wall thickness.

Another variant of the attachment element ( 70 ) is shown in FIG. 3. The mouth section ( 42 ) is largely identical to preforms ( 32 ) according to the prior art. In this embodiment, the stop ( 74 ) is provided by contact with a radial thickening of the preform ( 32 ). The attachment element ( 70 ) is dimensioned in the direction of the longitudinal axis ( 48 ) such that the support ring ( 72 ) is positioned relative to the preform ( 32 ) according to the prior art.

FIG. 4 shows a variant modified from FIG. 3, in which the support ring ( 72 ) is arranged at a higher level. In dashed lines, an alternative positioning for the support ring ( 72 ) is drawn. It is also conceivable to provide support rings ( 72 ) both at the position shown in solid lines and at the position shown in broken lines. This would particularly improve handling of the preform ( 32 ) by gripping devices, since simple guidance is provided.

Basically, as an alternative to equipping the attachment element ( 70 ) with a support ring ( 72 ), a large number of other external profiles are also conceivable which support handling of the preform ( 32 ).

Fig. 5 shows a plan view of a preform ( 32 ) which is provided with a two-part attachment element ( 70 ). The attachment element ( 70 ) is divided in the longitudinal direction in this embodiment and the two resulting half-shells are joined together by connecting elements ( 77 ).

If a handling interlocked with one another over several production stages is provided, it is possible to place the attachment elements ( 70 ) on the mouth section ( 42 ) already after an injection molding production of the preforms ( 32 ) and to place the preforms ( 32 ) with the attachment elements ( 70 ) in the area of a blow molding machine. It is also conceivable, however, to merge the Aufsatzele element ( 70 ) and the preform ( 32 ) only in an environment of the blow molding machine or within the blow molding machine.

It is also conceivable to remove the attachment element ( 70 ) from the blown container already within the blow molding machine after the blow molding has been completed or in the vicinity of the blow molding machine. In addition, it is also possible to carry out a separation of the set element ( 70 ) and the blown container only in the area of a filling machine after completion of a filling process. The same design scope also exists when handling reusable containers in the course of subsequent cleaning and refilling cycles.

When providing reusable top elements ( 70 ), the respective return paths can be implemented, for example, exclusively in the area of a respective processing machine or at a higher level to several processing machines. Here, too, there is considerable scope for design for each user.

The preform (32) corresponding to approximately form in Fig of the Implementing. 6 from the mouth portion (42), an the mouth portion (42) of a neck portion (43) separating the intermediate region (44), a neck portion (43) in a wall portion ( 45 ) over the conductive shoulder area ( 46 ) and a floor ( 47 ). The wall section ( 45 ) runs essentially coaxially to the longitudinal axis ( 48 ). In the region of the shoulder area ( 46 ), the outer diameter of the preform ( 32 ) extends from the neck area ( 43 ) in the direction of the wall section ( 45 ). In the case of a container ( 33 ) to be produced from the preform ( 32 ), the wall section ( 45 ) essentially forms the side wall of the container ( 33 ). The bottom ( 47 ) is rounded.

The mouth section ( 42 ) can, for example, be provided with a thread-like outer profile ( 52 ), which makes it possible to put on a screw closure in the finished container ( 33 ). However, it is also possible to provide the mouth section ( 42 ) with an outer bead in order to create an area of attack for a crown cap. In addition, a variety of other designs are also conceivable to enable plug-in closures.

From the illustration in Fig. 6 it is seen that the wall section (45) having an inner surface (49) and an outer surface (50). The inner surface ( 49 ) be a preform interior ( 51 ).

In the shoulder area ( 46 ), the thickness of a preform wall ( 54 ) can extend from the neck area ( 43 ) in the direction of the wall area ( 45 ) with increasing wall thickness. The preform ( 32 ) has a preform length ( 55 ) in the direction of the longitudinal axis ( 48 ). The mouth region ( 42 ) and the intermediate region ( 44 ) extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis ( 48 ) with a common mouth length ( 56 ). The neck area ( 43 ) has a neck length ( 57 ) in the area of the longitudinal axis ( 48 ). In the neck area ( 43 ) the preform ( 43 ) preferably extends with a constant wall thickness.

The preform ( 32 ) has a wall thickness ( 58 ) in the wall area ( 45 ) and a floor thickness ( 59 ) can be found in the area of the bottom ( 47 ). A further dimensioning of the preform ( 32 ) takes place with the aid of an inner diameter ( 60 ) and an outer diameter ( 61 ), which are measured in the approximately cylindrical wall area ( 45 ).

In the bottle-shaped container ter ( 33 ) shown in Fig. 7, the mouth section ( 42 ) and the intermediate region ( 44 ) are essentially unchanged. The further area of the container ( 33 ) is expanded relative to the preform ( 32 ) by the biaxial orientation carried out both in the transverse direction and in the longitudinal direction. The container ( 33 ) hereby has a container length ( 62 ) and a container diameter ( 63 ) which, in view of the accuracies to be taken into account, is not to be distinguished below with regard to the concrete inside diameter or outside diameter.

Fig. 7 shows, among other things, the bottom area of the blow-molded container ( 33 ). The container ( 33 ) has a side wall ( 64 ) and a container bottom ( 65 ). The container bottom ( 65 ) here consists of a base ring ( 66 ) and a dome ( 68 ) which is curved inwards in the direction of a container interior ( 67 ). The dome ( 68 ) is formed from a dome slope ( 69 ) and a center ( 70 ).

The container ( 33 ) has a container mouth length ( 21 ) and a container neck length ( 22 ), at least the container mouth length ( 21 ) generally being equal to the mouth length ( 56 ) of the preform ( 32 ).

As an alternative to a container ( 33 ) with a base ring ( 66 ), any other container ( 33 ) can also be formed. In particular, it is intended to be shaped as a bottle with feet.

Claims (25)

1. A method for handling moldings in the area of a device for blow molding containers made of a thermoplastic material, in which a preform is fed to at least one heating device for temperature control and at least one blow molding station for blow molding and in which the moldings are moved along by at least part of their transport path Supporting element are held, characterized in that at least part of a mouth section ( 42 ) of the molding is enclosed by a sleeve-shaped Aufsatzele element ( 70 ) during handling of the molding along the transport path. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the attachment element ( 70 ) in the region of a ge wind-shaped outer profile ( 52 ) of the molding is arranged. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized records that the attachment element is screwed on becomes. 4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the attachment element ( 70 ) is attached. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the attachment element ( 70 ) is provided on the outside with a support ring-like profile. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the molding provided with the attachment element ( 70 ) is handled by a transport mandrel along the transport path onto which the molding is previously attached. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the molding provided with the attachment element ( 70 ) is handled by a gripping element along the transport path. 8. A method for filling containers, characterized in that before a filling process in the loading area of a mouth section ( 42 ) of the container ( 33 ) a sleeve-like attachment element ( 70 ) is arranged, the process after the completion of the filling process again from the container ( 33 ) is removed. 9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the container with a top element ( 70 ) is connected ver, which is provided with an outer profile. 10. A method for handling moldings when carrying out a blowing process for shaping and a subsequent filling process, characterized in that a sleeve-like attachment element ( 70 ) is arranged in the region of a mouth section ( 42 ) of a preform ( 32 ) before the molding is blown. that the molding with the element on both passes through a blowing device and a filling device and that after the completion of the filling process, the sleeve-shaped attachment element ( 70 ) is separated from the molding. 11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the attachment element ( 70 ) with an inner profile ( 73 ) on an outer profile ( 52 ) of the molding is set up. 12. A method for cleaning containers, characterized in that before a cleaning process in the region of a mouth section ( 42 ) of the container ( 33 ) a sleeve-like attachment element ( 70 ) is arranged, the ge from the container ( 33 ) after completion of the cleaning process is separated. 13. A method for injection molding of preforms, in which plasticized plastic is injected into a mold and a hollow preform with a closed bottom, open mouth and a lateral outer profile is produced at a mouth section, characterized in that after the preform has been removed from the mold ( 32 ) at least part of the mouth section ( 42 ) is enclosed by a sleeve-shaped attachment element ( 70 ). 14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the attachment element ( 17 ) after blowing the container ( 33 ) and before filling the container ( 33 ) from the container ( 33 ) is separated. 15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the container ( 33 ) together with the Aufsatzele element ( 70 ) is fed to a filling device and is separated from the container ( 33 ) after filling. 16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the attachment element ( 70 ) is designed as a reusable component. 17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the attachment element ( 70 ) is designed as a disposable part. 18. Preform for the production of blow-molded containers, which has a closed bottom, an interior, an open mouth and a mouth section with a lateral outer profile, characterized in that the mouth section ( 42 ) is free of a laterally projecting support ring and that the mouth section ( 42 ) can be enclosed at least in regions by a placement element ( 70 ). 19. Preform according to claim 18, characterized net that the outer profile is designed as a thread is. 20. Preform according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the mounting element ( 70 ) is placed in the region of the preform ( 32 ). 21. Preform according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that a wall thickness in the region of the mouth section ( 42 ) is dimensioned as a function of a load in the axial direction. 22. Container, which is made by blow molding from a preform and which has a closed bottom, an interior, an open mouth and a mouth section with a lateral outer profile, characterized in that the mouth section ( 42 ) is free from a laterally projecting support ring is formed and that in the region of the mouth section ( 42 ) an attachment element ( 70 ) can be arranged. 23. attachment element for containers, which has a base body which is provided with an inner profile which is adapted to an outer profile of a Mündungsab section of the container, characterized in that the base body ( 71 ) is sleeve-shaped and has access to a container interior ( 67 ) releases. 24. attachment element according to claim 23, characterized records that the base body with an outer profile is provided.   25. Attachment element according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the outer profile is formed like a support ring and the base body ( 71 ) projects laterally.