EP2349666A1

EP2349666A1 - Hollow body equipped with reliefs that enable the indexing thereof and process for handling such a body

Info

Publication number: EP2349666A1
Application number: EP09756330A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Arnaud Briard; Nicolas Chomel
Original assignee: Sidel Participations SAS
Current assignee: Sidel Participations SAS
Priority date: 2008-10-22
Filing date: 2009-10-20
Publication date: 2011-08-03
Also published as: WO2010046561A8; CN102325635A; US20110309048A1; FR2937309A1; WO2010046561A1; FR2937309B1

Abstract

Hollow body (1) that extends along a main axis and that comprises a neck (5) provided with a first relief suitable for allowing a predetermined angular indexing of the hollow body (1) about its main axis relative to a device for gripping the hollow body (1), said hollow body (1) being characterized in that the neck (5) comprises a second relief, offset axially with respect to the first relief, suitable for allowing a predetermined angular indexing of the hollow body (1) about its main axis relative to a second gripping device that is superposed over the first. A process for handling such a body is also claimed.

Description

Hollow body provided with reliefs allowing its indexing and method of handling such a body

The invention relates to hollow bodies and to the handling of hollow bodies. The expression "hollow body" refers not only to the receptacles: bottles, vials, pots, but also the blanks of receptacles, from which these are obtained in manufacture: preforms or intermediate receptacles having undergone one or more preparatory operations (for example: example pre-blowing). Plastic containers are commonly obtained by a process of stretching / blowing from preforms. The preforms are generally of cylindrical shape of revolution and obtained by injection. If the body of the preform is intended to be deformed in a mold, the neck on the other hand already has its final shape. The neck is provided at its base, at the junction with the body, with a collar whose primary function is to facilitate the prehension first of the preform (especially during the heating operations and then transfer to the mold), then of the container, (especially during transfer, filling and capping operations). The general shape of the container obtained does not necessarily have a symmetry of revolution. Indeed, it is common for example to seek to produce relief effects on the container, or to produce oval shaped containers.

It will be understood that in such cases, certain areas of the preform must be further stretched in the radial direction during the drawing / blowing phase in the mold, and therefore require further heating. For this purpose, a preferential heating is applied to the preform, for example by means of heating elements producing a variable heating profile along the path of the preform, or by acting on the rotation of the preform in the oven.

It is then essential to maintain the angular position of the preform at the entrance of the mold so that it is oriented to allow the desired asymmetric deformation during blowing.

It is known to carry out an angular indexing of the preform in the oven. For this purpose, the preform is provided, for example on the flange, an indexing mark, such as a lug or a notch, adapted to cooperate with additional gripping means.

A first indexing technique consists for example in setting up an optical sensor so as to detect an indexing mark provided on the preform. An example of this technique is given in document EP 1 261 471. The reference mark is for example a lug or a notch or a colored dot. The preform placed in the mold is then rotated about its axis in order to bring the marker into a determined position, verified by the sensor. However, this technique is expensive to implement because of the use of precision optical instruments. Moreover, the pivoting of the preform in the mold slows the production rates.

A second technique is to index the orientation of the preform by means of a relief placed at the neck, serving as an angular reference. The mold, for example of the wallet type, has a relief complementary to that of the neck of the preform. Thus, when the preform is brought into the mold, the closure of the mold causes the rotation of the preform until the reliefs cooperate, which ensures an automatic angular orientation. Document FR 2 874 193 describes this technique.

This second technique is less expensive and accurate at least equal to the first. However, it does not make it possible to guarantee a correct orientation of the hollow bodies throughout the course, and there are loss of orientation in certain production lines, especially when the manufacturing process requires several successive transfers with maintenance of the orientation. angular hollow bodies.

In particular, shaking may occur, which causes an undesirable angular offset of the container.

The present invention aims in particular to provide a solution to the various problems mentioned above. More specifically, the invention aims to provide a solution to better control the angular position of hollow bodies during handling. For this purpose, the invention proposes, according to a first object, a hollow body extending along a main axis and comprising a collar provided with a first relief adapted to allow a predetermined angular indexing of the hollow body about its main axis with respect to a gripping device of the hollow body, the neck comprising a second relief, offset axially relative to the first relief, adapted to allow a predetermined angular indexing of the hollow body around its main axis with respect to a second gripping device which is superimposed on the first.

According to the preferred embodiment, the first and second reliefs are aligned axially on the neck, facilitating the superposition of the gripping devices.

A relief for example comprises two symmetrically opposed elements, increasing the accuracy of the indexing.

According to the preferred embodiment, the reliefs are placed on the outer wall of the neck, so as to facilitate their cooperation with the gripping devices.

According to a variant, the body is provided with a collar at the base of the neck, which collar comprises a relief adapted to allow a prior angular indexing.

According to the preferred embodiment, the neck is threaded, so as to cooperate with a complementary tapping of a plug.

In this case, a relief comprises a projecting element whose height does not exceed that of the net to let the cap. For example, the first relief is placed under the collar thread and the second relief is placed above the neck net. A relief may comprise a projecting element on the neck, for example placed on a portion dug in the neck, or a hollow element on the neck.

According to a second object, the invention proposes a method for handling a hollow body as described above, comprising the following steps:

indexing of the body in a first mold, provided with a first gripping device complementary to the first relief of the neck for a first operation;

- Capturing the body in the first mold by a transfer element provided with a second gripping device complementary to the second relief of the neck; removing the first indexing device; transferring the hollow body of the first mold to a second mold by the transfer element in the same angular indexing position; indexing of the body in the second mold provided with a third gripping device complementary to the first relief of the neck, for a second operation; removal of the second indexing device.

The first operation is for example a drawing / blowing operation and the second operation is for example a forming operation.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the light of the description given hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container according to the invention; Figure 2 is a detail view in perspective, from above, of the neck of the container of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a detail view, on an enlarged scale, of the neck shown in Figure 2, showing a relief; Figure 4 is a detail view in perspective, from below, of the neck of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a detail view, on an enlarged scale, of the neck shown in Figure 4, showing another relief; - Figure 6 is a side view of the neck of Figure 2; Figure 7 is a view of the neck of Figure 6, rotated at an angle of 90 °; Figure 8 is a sectional view of the neck of Figure 6, along the section plane VII-VII I; - Figure 9 is a sectional view of the neck of Figure 6, along the IX-IX section plane. FIG. 10 is a plan view from above of the neck of FIG. 2.

FIG. 1 shows a hollow body 1, obtained by thermoforming, on which a recess 2 has been made, for example as a handle. By hollow body is meant here any body defining an internal medium opening on an external medium.

The hollow body 1 comprises a bottom 3 from which lateral walls 4 extend towards a neck 5, defining an opening of the hollow body 1. In general, the body 1 extends around a main axis, so as to have a generally elongated shape, for example with a symmetry of revolution such as a cylinder. The hollow body 1 is made for example of thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene terephthalate or polypropylene. The hollow body 1 may be intended to serve as a container, such as a bottle, suitable for receiving, for example, food liquids, such as water, milk, or fruit juices, or solid foods or drugs. . It may also be a preform, or an intermediate container resulting from incomplete processing from a preform and intended to undergo one or more processing operations to obtain a final container.

The hollow body 1 is in this case a container obtained from a heated preform and then formed by stretching / blowing in a mold, according to a known method.

At its junction with the body 1, the neck 5 is provided with an annular flange 6 projecting radially. At its upper end 7, the neck 5 defines a rim 8.

The neck 5 has a cylindrical central section 9, bordered on the side of the flange 6, by a lower annular groove, and, on the side of the rim 8, by an upper annular groove 11 formed in the thickness of the neck 5.

In order to allow the screwing of a closure cap of the hollow body 1, the neck 5 is provided with a helical thread 12 which protrudes on the outer surface of the central section 9 and stops, close to the lower groove, at a lower beveled end 13 and, near the upper groove 1 1, at a beveled upper end 14. The pitch of the net 12 will be chosen according to the capping constraints applicable to the hollow body 1. The flange 6 is provided at its periphery with a notch 15 capable of allowing angular indexing of the hollow body 1 during or at the outcome of a heating operation. This notch 15 is provided to receive an indexing finger whose insertion into the notch 15 triggers the locking in rotation of the hollow body 1 in a predetermined angular position corresponding to the angular position of the notch 15 on the flange 6.

Furthermore, as shown in the figures, the neck 5 is provided with at least two reliefs, namely: a first relief, said lower relief 16, adapted to allow a predetermined angular indexing of the hollow body 1 about its axis main relative to a first gripping device of the hollow body 1, and a second relief, said upper relief 17, offset axially relative to the lower relief 16, adapted to allow a predetermined angular indexing of the hollow body 1 about its axis relative to to a second gripping device distinct from the first and superimposed thereon.

A relief here designates any irregularity on the surface of the neck. Thus, are considered to be reliefs as well as projecting elements, such as lugs, that hollow reserves, such as notches.

In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the reliefs 16 and 17 are in the form of lugs radially projecting at the surface of the neck.

More specifically, the neck 5 comprises two lugs 18 and 19 lower located axially at the same level and diametrically opposed. The lower lugs 18 and 19 are located on the side of the flange 6. More specifically, the lugs 18 and 19 below protrude from the surface of the main section 9 of the neck 5, between the lower end 13 of the net 12 and the lower groove. The lugs 18 and 19 below have a radial extension (or height) such that they do not exceed, radially, the thread 12, so as not to prevent clogging. In practice, the lower lugs 18 and 19 have a radial end face which is radially at the same level as a crest of the thread 12. The lower lugs 18 and 19 have a radial extension of between 1 ° and 2 °. In addition, in order to increase their extension radial apparent, or in other words to increase their lateral gripping surface by a gripping device, the surface of the main section 9 of the neck 5 is hollowed at the foot of the lugs 18 and 19 lower. More precisely, on each side of each lug 18 and 19, at the same axial level as the latter, the surface of the main section of the neck is provided with two flats 20 which each extend angularly over 5 ° to 10 °. ° about the circumference of the neck 5.

The neck 5 further comprises two lugs 21 and 22 located higher axially at the same level and diametrically opposed. The upper lugs 21 and 22 are offset axially and can be aligned angularly with respect to the lugs 18 and 19 below, as shown in the figures. According to one variant, the upper lugs 21 and 22 are also angularly offset relative to the lugs 18 and 19 below. More specifically, the upper lugs 21 and 22 are located in the upper groove, and extend radially from the bottom thereof, to a height equal to the depth of the groove 1 1. The upper lugs 21 and 22 have a radial end face which extends in the extension of both an annular side face 23 of the rim 8 and the outer face of the main section 9 of the neck 5.

Like the lower lugs 18 and 19, the upper lugs 21 and 22 have a radial extension of between 1 ° and 2 °. According to one embodiment, the upper lugs 21 and 22 are angularly offset by 90 ° relative to the lower lugs. As we have seen, the lower lugs 18 and 19 and the lugs

21 and 22 upper are provided to allow double angular indexing of the hollow body 1 relative to a first gripping device cooperating with the lugs 18 and 19 lower, and with respect to a second gripping device distinct from the first and coming to be superimposed on this one.

Each gripping device comprises for example two movable parts relative to each other, which articulate relative to a joint plane. The gripping device comprises means for maintaining the hollow body and an upper face above which the neck 5 at least partially exceeds. According to a first embodiment, the two parts are articulated about a common axis, to the way of a clamp. According to a second embodiment, the two parts move in translation relative to each other.

In both embodiments, the gripping device can take two positions: in an open position, the two parts are spaced from one another with respect to the parting plane; - In a closed position, the two parts are brought against each other along the joint plane.

Each gripping device comprises elements of shape complementary to that of the reliefs 16 and 17, so as to cooperate with them. Thus, when the relief is a projecting element, the gripping device comprises a complementary hollow element. Conversely, when the relief is recessed, the gripping device comprises a complementary projecting element. Thus, when the gripping device is closed on the hollow body 1, the hollow reserves (respectively the lugs), cooperate with the reliefs 16 and 17 (lugs or, respectively, recessed reserves) of the neck 5.

It will be understood that the hollow body 1 thus held by a gripping device is locked in rotation around its main axis, with an operating clearance included, according to the tolerances, between ± 1 ° and ± 10 °.

Thus, the lower lugs 18 and 19 allow gripping at the furnace outlet of the preform by means of the first gripping device (for example a mold or opening / closing of the portfolio or linear type) with an angular indexing of ± 3 °, at the furnace outlet where the angular indexing was ± 10 °.

Then, once the container formed from the preform, a second gripping device in the form of a gripper comes to grip the container thus formed maintaining the angular indexing by means of the lugs 21 and 22, the precision of the indexing can then be greater than that of the first gripping device, for example of the order of ± 1 °.

In practice, in the manufacture of containers, thanks to the presence of two reliefs 16 and 17 or series of reliefs axially offset on the neck, the hollow body 1 can maintain a precise indexing, obtained in a first mold during a first operation, typically stretching / blowing forming a container from a preform, for a second operation within a second mold, typically forming or boxing. In practice, the mold forming the first gripping device can take two positions: an open position in which the two half-molds are spaced apart from each other; and a closed position in which the half-molds are brought against one another at a joint plane, thereby defining a cavity. The mold cavity opens on an upper surface, on which is placed a gripping device. More specifically, each half-mold carries a part of the gripping device, the joint plane of the mold corresponding to that of the gripping device.

The hollow body 1 is first brought by a transport means between the half-molds of a first open mold. Generally, this means of transport grasps the hollow body 1 by its neck 5. The mold closes on the hollow body 1, so that the neck 5 protrudes from the cavity, the collar 6 resting on the upper surface of the mold. When closing the mold, the elements of the gripping device engage around the lower relief 16, thus orienting the hollow body 1 in the desired angular position and maintaining it in this position within the mold. The upper relief 17 then remains free from the mold, which allows gripping by the second gripping device even when the hollow body 1 is still maintained by the first device, especially when the hollow body 1 has to undergo a second operation, for example. forming example in a second mold, and that the body 1 must be transferred into the second mold.

The second gripping device then engages with the neck 5, cooperating with the upper relief 17. When the first mold opens, the hollow body 1 thus maintains its angular indexing in and then throughout its transfer to the second mold. The hollow body 1 is then placed therein, maintaining the angular indexing of the hollow body 1.

The indexing of the hollow body 1 on two levels thus achieved makes it possible to perpetuate the accuracy of the angular orientation of the body 1 hollow during its handling, whatever the number of successive operations that the body must undergo 1.

It should be noted that the angular position of the lugs 18, 19, 21, 22 can be chosen so as to provide additional functionalities. Thus, placed at the lower end 13 of the thread 12, one of the lugs 18 and 19 below can serve as security, for example at the opening of the cap. Indeed, to close the cap on the neck 5, the cap thread must go beyond the lug. Therefore, to open the cap, a major effort must be made to ensure that the thread of the cap passes the first element, preventing an unfortunate opening, for example by a toddler.

Indexing on two levels on the neck 5 of the hollow body 1 thus allows to maintain the accuracy of the indexing during a transfer of the hollow body 1 between two operations. The realization of the reliefs 16 and 17 on the neck 5 is simple and does not involve or little additional material.

From an aesthetic point of view, the reliefs described above remain discrete and do not modify the end use of the hollow body 1, whether to pour a liquid contained in the hollow body 1 or to drink the contents directly. In addition, the presence of the reliefs 16 and 17 does not cause any slowdown in production rates.

Claims

1. Body (1) hollow extending along a main axis and comprising a neck (5) provided with a first (16) relief adapted to allow a predetermined angular indexing of the body (1) hollow about its main axis relative to a device for grasping the hollow body (1), said hollow body (1) being characterized in that the neck (5) comprises a second relief (17) offset axially with respect to the first relief (16), suitable for allowing a predetermined angular indexing of the hollow body (1) around its main axis with respect to a second gripping device that is superimposed on the first.

2. Body (1) hollow according to claim 1, wherein the first and second reliefs (16, 17) are aligned axially on the neck (5).

3. Body (1) hollow according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a relief comprises two symmetrically opposed elements.

4. Body (1) hollow according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reliefs (16, 17) are placed on the outer wall of the neck (5).

5. Body (1) hollow according to one of claims 1 to 4, provided with a flange (6) at the base of the neck (5), which collar (6) comprises a relief (15) adapted to allow indexing angular prior.

6. Body (1) hollow according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the neck (5) is threaded.

7. Body (1) hollow according to claim 6, wherein a relief (16, 17) comprises a member (18, 19, 21, 22) projecting whose height does not exceed that of the thread (12).

8. Body (1) hollow according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the first relief (16) is placed under the thread (12) neck (5).

9. Body (1) hollow according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the second relief (17) is placed above the thread (12) of the neck (5).

10. Body (1) hollow according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a relief (16, 17) comprises a member (18, 19, 21, 22) projecting on the neck (5).

1. Body (1) hollow according to claim 10, wherein the element (18, 19, 21, 22) projecting is placed on a portion dug in the neck (5).

12. Body (1) hollow according to one of claims 1 to 1 1, wherein a relief (16, 17) comprises a member (18, 19, 21, 22) hollow on the neck (5).

13. A method of handling a body (1) hollow according to one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps of: indexing the body (1) in a first mold, provided with a first gripping device complementary to the first relief (16) of the neck (5), for a first operation; grasping the body (1) in the first mold by a transfer element provided with a second gripping device complementary to the second relief (17) of the neck (5); - removal of the first indexing device; transferring the hollow body (1) from the first mold to a second mold by the transfer element in the same angular indexing position; indexing the body (1) in the second mold provided with a third gripping device complementary to the first relief (16) of the neck (5), for a second operation; removal of the second indexing device.

The method of handling a hollow body (1) according to claim 13, wherein the first operation is a stretch / blow operation and the second step is a forming operation.