DE202020103646U1 - Actuator unit for quick couplings of blow molding machines - Google Patents

Abstract

Reshaping station (1) for reshaping plastic preforms into plastic containers with a blow mold which forms a cavity within which the plastic preforms (10) can be reshaped to form the plastic containers by exposure to a flowable medium, the blow mold (2) having at least one base part (22) which is arranged on a base support (42), the forming station having a media supply device (6) which supplies the base part (22) and / or the base support (42) with a flowable temperature control medium in order to temper the base part (22) and wherein the media supply device (6) has a coupling device (8) in order to establish a flow connection for the flowable medium between the media supply device (6) and the base part (22) and / or the base support (42), characterized in that the coupling device (8 ) an actuating device (82) for releasing and / or producing this Has flow connection.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for reshaping plastic preforms into plastic containers and in particular a corresponding reshaping station. Such devices are known from the prior art. In this case, heated plastic preforms are usually placed in blow stations, such as blow molding, and expanded there by being exposed to a flowable medium (in particular compressed air, but sometimes also directly with a liquid, such as a beverage to be filled).

If a product is to be changed, for example different bottles are to be blown, it is necessary to exchange the blow molds accordingly. It has long been known from the prior art that such blow molds are tempered, which is done, for example, by supplying a tempering medium. When changing the blow mold, connecting lines for the supply of such temperature control media also have to be changed accordingly.

In particular with tight installation spaces, such a change of the temperature media, for example when removing the corresponding hose couplings, can lead to injuries to persons. In the prior art, the corresponding couplings which are used for the media supply are usually replaced by hand. This is usually associated with a relatively high expenditure of force and also relatively time-consuming. In the prior art, these couplings are disconnected step by step.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of simplifying such changes of blow molds and in particular of blow molds tempered with a temperature control medium and in particular also to simplify the assembly and disassembly of such connecting lines.

These objects are achieved according to the invention by a forming station according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and developments are the subject of the subclaims.

A reshaping station according to the invention for reshaping plastic preforms into plastic containers has a blow mold which forms a cavity within which the plastic preforms can be shaped into the plastic containers by exposure to a flowable (in particular gaseous but possibly also liquid) medium. The blow mold has at least one base part which is arranged on a base support and which is used in particular to form a base for the plastic bottle.

Furthermore, the reshaping station has a media supply device which supplies the base part and / or the base support with a flowable temperature control medium in order to control the temperature of the base part.

Furthermore, the media supply device has a coupling device in order to establish a flow connection for the flowable medium between the media supply device and the base part and / or the base support.

According to the invention, the coupling device has an actuating device for releasing and / or establishing the flow connection.

It is therefore proposed within the scope of the invention that an actuating device is provided which is used to release and / or establish the flow connection and, in particular, to release the flow connection. In this way, the actuation by an operator can be simplified, since he can pull off the base part comparatively easily after actuating this actuating device. The actuating device described here can also be used to achieve an automated or machine changing of the blow molds or also a decoupling of the flow connection.

In the context of the present application, releasing the flow connection does not necessarily mean the entire release process, but also only partial steps, such as releasing locks, which then enables the actual release process.

The actuating device is preferably suitable and intended to release a locking of a coupling device, which enables the coupling device to be separated.

In a preferred embodiment, the reshaping device is a blowing station which applies a gaseous medium to plastic preforms. In addition to the bottom part, the blow mold described here particularly preferably also has at least two side parts which, together with the bottom part, form the cavity for expanding the plastic preforms. It is possible that this blow mold can be used to open and close, in particular to insert a plastic preform into the blow mold and to continue to remove a manufactured container from the blow mold.

Said side parts are preferably also arranged on corresponding side part supports. It is possible here for the side parts to be arranged directly on these carriers, but it would also be possible for intermediate elements, such as carrier shells, to be arranged between the blow mold parts and the blow mold carriers. It is also possible for the base part described here to be arranged directly on a base support or else for further parts to be arranged between the base support and the base part.

In a further preferred embodiment, the base part support can be raised and lowered in a working mode, in particular along a longitudinal direction of the plastic preform to be expanded. In a further preferred embodiment, the reshaping station has a rod-like body (in particular a so-called stretching rod) which can be introduced into the interior of the plastic preforms to expand the plastic preforms in order to stretch them in their longitudinal direction.

In a further preferred embodiment, the media supply device represents a circuit for the flowable medium. Thus, at least two connections are preferably provided, one connection preferably being an inlet that supplies the blow mold or the blow mold carrier with the temperature control medium and the second connection around a return through which the temperature control medium is removed from the blow mold.

In a further preferred embodiment, the base part and / or the base part carrier has at least one media connection to which the coupling device is releasably attached.

The actuating device can, for example, release a lock when actuated, so that the coupling can then be released.

In a preferred embodiment, the base part and / or the base part carrier has at least two media connections to which at least one coupling or also several coupling devices are releasably attached.

In a further preferred embodiment, the actuating device can be suitable for actuating a switching ring arranged on the clutches, upon actuation of which in turn a decoupling or removal of the clutches is possible.

This switching ring is preferably also a component of the actuating device.

In a further preferred embodiment, the actuating device enables the coupling device to be released from both media connections at the same time. In this case, it is possible for the actuation device to be actuated first to remove the clutches and then for the clutches to be removed by hand or by machine.

In a further preferred embodiment, the actuating device has a lever element which can be pivoted about a predetermined pivot axis. This lever element can be actuated both by a user and by a machine.

This pivot axis is preferably offset with respect to the connection.

In a preferred embodiment, this pivot axis extends in a horizontal direction. It is assumed here that the plastic preforms themselves are expanded in a vertical orientation.

In a further preferred embodiment, the lever element can be pivoted in a plane which contains a direction in which the coupling device can be removed from the connection. Here, too, it is advantageous to have a vertical direction.

The coupling device is preferably pivotable in the longitudinal direction of the preforms to be expanded or also of the expanded containers. In a further preferred embodiment, the actuating device has an engagement means which engages in at least one section of the coupling device. As mentioned above, this section can be a switching ring which is arranged on the coupling device. The actuating device can accordingly have a recess which actuates this switching ring. This recess can, for example, be partially circular (segment) shaped. In this way, it is possible to actuate the clutch and thus also to remove the clutch.

In a further preferred embodiment, the reshaping station has a locking and / or unlocking mechanism in order to releasably attach the base mold to the base support. It is also conceivable that this locking and / or unlocking mechanism is operated by a machine, such as a robot. An automatic detachment of a blow mold from the carrier can thus be made possible.

In a preferred embodiment, unlocking the locking and / or unlocking mechanism also releases the media supply device from the base part and / or the base support. This means that, together with unlocking, the media supply can also be released. It would be possible that when the bottom is unlocked by the locking and / or unlocking mechanism, a bolt is moved, which actuates the actuating element and thus separates a flow connection between the media supply device and the bottom part and / or the bottom support.

In a preferred embodiment, the coupling device has a sleeve device which can be placed on at least one media connection. This sleeve device can be displaceable in various ways and, as mentioned above, serve as a switching sleeve. When the switching sleeve is actuated, a coupling between the connections can be released, thus enabling the sleeves to be removed or pulled off.

The actuating device therefore preferably has a switching sleeve which is arranged on the coupling device. As mentioned above, a lock can be released by means of this switching sleeve.

This switching sleeve is advantageously arranged on the lever mentioned above. This means that when the lever is operated, the switching sleeve is also operated. The device preferably has two such switching sleeves, preferably one on the coupling device for the inlet for the flowable temperature control medium and one on the coupling device for the outlet.

In a preferred embodiment, a lever element of the actuating device is suitable and intended to actuate and, in particular, to move the switching sleeve of the actuating device. In particular, a shift in a vertical direction is provided.

It would also be possible for the switching sleeves to move the clutch in the opening direction.

The present invention is further directed to a device for shaping plastic preforms into plastic containers with a plurality of shaping stations of the type described above, these shaping stations being arranged on a movable and, in particular, rotatable carrier. The device is preferably a blow molding machine and in particular a stretch blow molding machine.

In a preferred embodiment, the device has a changing device for preferably automatic changing of the blow molds. This changing device can in particular be a changing robot which is suitable and intended for changing the individual blow molds.

• Darin zeigen:
  • 1 eine Darstellung einer Umformungsstation;
  • 2 eine Darstellung zur Veranschaulichung des erfindungsgemäßen Betätigungsmechanismus;
  • 3 eine Darstellung, der in 2 gezeigten Figur aus einer anderen Perspektive;
  • 4 eine Darstellung eines Betätigungsmechanismus für ein Bodenteil; und
  • 5 eine weitere Darstellung der in 4 gezeigten Ansicht;

Further advantages and embodiments emerge from the attached figures:

• Show in it:
  • 1 a representation of a forming station;
  • 2 a representation to illustrate the actuating mechanism according to the invention;
  • 3 a representation that appears in 2 Figure shown from a different perspective;
  • 4th an illustration of an actuating mechanism for a base part; and
  • 5 another representation of the in 4th view shown;

1 shows an illustration of a forming station 1 . This forming station 1 has two side part supports 14a , 14b, on which (not shown) blow mold side parts are arranged. There is also a locking mechanism next to it 16 provided, which serves the two side panels 14a , 14b to lock together so as to keep the blow molds in a closed state during the expansion process. The reference number 15th identifies an application device such as a blow nozzle, which can be applied to the mouth of a plastic preform (not shown) in order to apply the fluid and, in particular, gaseous medium to it.

The reference number 12th Identifies a stretching rod which can be moved in its longitudinal direction in order to effect a stretching of the plastic preform in its longitudinal direction. The reference number 11 Identifies a valve block which has a plurality of valves in order to control the individual pressure stages during the expansion of the preforms.

The reference number 42 indicates a floor support. A base part (not shown) of the blow mold is arranged on this base part carrier.

The reference number 13th identifies an actuation mechanism that is used here to actuate the locking mechanism 16 is suitable and intended.

2 shows a representation of the device according to the invention. Here is the base part support 42 provided on which a bottom part, shown only schematically 22nd can be arranged. The reference signs 8a and 8b identify releasable connections in order to supply a flowable temperature control medium to this base part support. These connections 8a , b are components of a coupling device designated as 8 in its entirety.

To solve this flow connection there are two switching sleeves 32 provided by the actuator 82 can be operated. This actuating element is here as a pivot axis S. pivotable lever designed (cf. 3 ).

The reference number 6th schematically identifies the media supply facility in its entirety.

3 shows a side view of the in 2 device shown. A connection element 72 is also shown here, to which, for example, a hose for supplying temperature control media can be connected. The reference number S. identifies the pivot axis around which the actuating element 82 , which here as a lever element 82a is executed, can be pivoted. The switching sleeve can be pivoted 32 be operated. ie be pushed down here so that a lock is released and the coupling of the media supply can be separated.

4th shows a further representation of the device according to the invention. The reference symbols relate 92 and 94 on two temperature control medium hoses, which are used here to connect the side parts to the temperature control medium supply.

The reference numerals 74 identify hoses that can be connected to the base part supply. In addition, there is also the actuating element or lifting element again 82 provided with which the switching sleeves 32 can be operated. The lever element is preferably used 82 for actuating both switching sleeves.

The actuating element here has a reinforcing rib 82c. The reference number 85 identifies a holding element which is used to guide and stabilize the temperature control medium connections. This guide element can also be pivotable.

The reference number 52 denotes a guide curve which is used to open and pivot the blow molds or here to move the bottom part in a vertical direction V.

The reference number 73 also identifies a sleeve element which is part of the coupling device for the temperature control media.

At the in 5 The illustration shown is again the switching sleeve 32 recognizable which can be actuated by the actuating device.

The reference signs 62 and 64 identify two connections, which are on the base part support 42 are arranged and serve to supply the temperature control medium. The reference number 88 identifies a connection piece, which here with the connection 62 can be associated. Next to it is the switching sleeve again 32 to recognize.

The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided that they are new to the state of the art, individually or in combination. It is further pointed out that features have also been described in the individual figures, which can be advantageous in themselves. The person skilled in the art immediately recognizes that a certain feature described in a figure can also be advantageous without the adoption of further features from this figure. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art recognizes that advantages can also result from a combination of several features shown in individual or in different figures.

List of reference symbols

1

Forming station

6th

Media supply facility

8th

Coupling device

8a, b

detachable connections

11

Valve block

12th

Horizontal bar

13th

Guide curve

14a, b

Side part carrier

15th

Loading device

16

Locking device

22nd

Bottom part

32

Switching sleeve

42

Bottom bracket

43

bolt

52

Guide curve

62, 64

Media connections

73

Sleeve element

82

Actuator

82a

Lever element

85

Retaining element

88

Connector

92

hose

94

hose

S.

Swivel axis

Claims (15)

Reshaping station (1) for reshaping plastic preforms into plastic containers with a blow mold which forms a cavity within which the plastic preforms (10) can be reshaped to form the plastic containers by exposure to a flowable medium, the blow mold (2) having at least one base part (22) which is arranged on a floor support (42), the reshaping station having a media supply device (6) which supplies the floor part (22) and / or the floor support (42) with a flowable temperature control medium in order to temper the floor part (22) and wherein the media supply device (6) has a coupling device (8) in order to establish a flow connection for the flowable medium between the media supply device (6) and the base part (22) and / or the base support (42), characterized in that the coupling device (8 ) an actuating device (82) for releasing and / or producing this r having flow connection. Forming station (1) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the base part (42) and / or the base part carrier (22) has at least one media connection (62, 64) to which the coupling device (8) is detachably attached. Forming station (1) after Claim 2 , characterized in that the bottom part (42) and / or the bottom part carrier (22) has at least two media connections (62, 64) to which the coupling device (8) is releasably attached. Forming station (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the actuating device (82) enables the coupling device (8) to be released from both media connections (64, 66) at the same time. Forming station (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (82) is suitable and intended to release a locking of a coupling device, whereby a separation of the coupling device (8) is made possible. Forming station (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (82) has a lever element (82a) which can be pivoted about a predetermined pivot axis. Forming station (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the lever element (82a) is pivotable in a plane which contains a direction in which the coupling device (8) can be removed from the connection. Forming station (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (82) has an engagement means which engages in at least one section of the coupling device (8). Forming station (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the forming station (1) has a locking and unlocking mechanism in order to releasably fasten the base mold (22) to the base support (44). The forming device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that unlocking the locking and unlocking mechanism also releases the media supply device from the base part (22) and / or the base support (42). Forming station (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling device (8) has a sleeve device (32) which can be applied to at least one media connection. Forming station (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (82) actuates a switching sleeve (32) which is arranged on the coupling device (8). Forming station (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a lever element (82a) of the actuating device (82) is suitable and intended to actuate and in particular to move the switching sleeve (32) of the actuating device (82). Device for shaping plastic preforms into plastic containers with a plurality of shaping stations (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein these forming stations are arranged on a movable and, in particular, rotatable carrier. Device according to Claim 14 with a changing device for automatic changing of the blow molds.

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