JP2004306510A - Method and apparatus for heating and crystallizing saturated polyester hollow object - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus for heating and crystallizing a saturated polyester hollow object, constituted so as to condense irradiation light to the mouth neck part being the part to be crystallized of the hollow object not only to improve energy efficiency but also to heat the mouth neck part to be crystallized corresponding to the temperature rise characteristics caused by the shape, wall thickness and light absorptivity of the mouth neck part to uniformly crystallize the same, and a heating and crystallizing method using it. <P>SOLUTION: This heating and crystallizing apparatus 1 for the saturated polyester hollow object is constituted so as to irradiate the mouth part 11 of a preform 10 with light from a heater unit 30 to heat and crystallize the mouth part 11. The heater unit 30 is equipped with a halogen lamp 31, a reflecting plate 32 and a position adjusting means 37 for irradiating the predetermined position of the mouth part 11 with irradiated light 20 with a predetermined intensity. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
[Industrial applications]
The present invention relates to an apparatus for heating and crystallizing a saturated polyester hollow body and a method for heating the same, and more particularly, to a closed preform made of a saturated polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate or an opening to be sealed with a cap or the like such as a bottle or a cup. The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for heating a saturated polyester hollow body, which heats and crystallizes a neck portion.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A bottle made of a saturated polyester is usually produced by biaxial stretch blow molding of a bottomed preform having an amorphous structure formed by injection molding or the like, except for a portion to be a mouth and neck.
This type of bottle has molecular orientation in the shoulder, body and bottom, and is excellent in container characteristics such as transparency, gas barrier properties, strength and impact resistance. Has the advantage that these parts are unlikely to be deformed by shrinkage when hot-filled.
[0003]
By the way, since the mouth and neck of the container remain in an amorphous structure, the entire mouth and neck or the threaded portion is deformed at the time of hot filling, and the sealing property is likely to be impaired.
To solve this drawback, a technique has been proposed in which the mouth and neck of a preform or a container is heated and crystallized to improve the hardness and heat resistance of the mouth and neck (Patent Document 1).
[0004]
In addition, in order to crystallize efficiently without causing deformation of the mouth and neck, it is proposed that the mouth and neck be heated at a low temperature in the first stage and then heated and crystallized at a higher heating temperature. (Patent Document 2).
Further, it has been proposed that the inner and outer surfaces of the mouth and neck can be uniformly heated by employing a near-infrared heater as compared with other heating means (Patent Document 3).
[0005]
Further, the conventional heater unit includes a near-infrared heater having a ceramic coating on the half surface on the non-irradiation side, and a reflector.
The near-infrared heaters are provided at two locations in the vertical direction at substantially the center of the curved surface area of the reflector. Further, the reflection plate employs a curved surface obtained by dividing a cylinder along a central axis, and a tunnel shape extending tangentially from both ends of the curved surface.
With such a shape, the irradiation light emitted from the near-infrared heater is reflected by the ceramic coating or the reflection plate, or directly radiated to the heated portion without being reflected (Patent Document 4). .
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-67499 [Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-26646 [Patent Document 3]
Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-9261 [Patent Document 4]
Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 6-22876
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional heater unit, although the ceramic coating or the reflecting plate reflects the irradiation light, the irradiation is performed almost radially toward the irradiation side. However, it has been difficult to focus the irradiation light only on the portion that requires heating and crystallization.
In addition, the mouth and neck of the saturated polyester hollow body is provided with a thread or a ring on the outer periphery of the lower portion of the mouth and neck, and has a complicated shape with a non-uniform wall thickness. I was
Further, improvements have been demanded in terms of effective use of energy.
[0008]
The present invention solves the above problems by concentrating irradiation light on a portion to be heated and crystallized, thereby increasing the temperature due to the shape, thickness, physical properties and light absorption of the mouth and neck. It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for heating and crystallizing a saturated polyester hollow body and a method for heating the same, which enable uniform crystallization by heating according to characteristics.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve this object, the apparatus for heating and crystallizing a saturated polyester hollow body according to claim 1 of the present invention heats the mouth and neck of the saturated polyester hollow body by irradiating light from a heater unit. An apparatus for heating and crystallizing a saturated polyester hollow body for crystallizing the mouth and neck, wherein the heater unit comprises a heating lamp for heating the mouth and neck, and a collector for condensing light emitted from the heating lamp. The apparatus includes a light unit and an irradiation light control unit that irradiates the light irradiated from the light condensing unit to a predetermined position of the mouth and neck with a predetermined light intensity.
In this way, light can be efficiently radiated to the mouth and neck, so that the energy of the heating lamp body can be effectively used and power consumption can be reduced. In addition, since the point to be heated can be intensively heated, the heating condition can be accurately controlled.
[0010]
In addition, in the apparatus for heating and crystallizing a saturated polyester hollow body according to claim 2 of the present invention, the heater unit may be configured such that the heater unit is configured to perform heating according to a temperature rising characteristic caused by a shape, a thickness, and a light absorption rate of the mouth and neck. It is configured to irradiate light.
In this way, it is possible to focus on the point to be heated based on the temperature-raising characteristics in the mouth and neck, where crystallization is uneven if only irradiating light with almost uniform light intensity, so that more uniform Crystallization can be realized.
[0011]
In addition, the apparatus for heating and crystallizing a saturated polyester hollow body according to claim 3 of the present invention has a configuration in which a plurality of the heater units are arranged side by side along a conveying path of the saturated polyester hollow body.
In this manner, the mouth and neck of the saturated polyester hollow body can be continuously heated by continuously passing in front of the plurality of heater units, and continuous crystallization of the saturated polyester hollow body can be performed. Efficiency can be improved.
[0012]
In the apparatus for heating and crystallizing a saturated polyester hollow body according to claim 4 of the present invention, the condensing means is a reflecting plate having a constant focal length, and the irradiation light controlling means is a heating lamp and a collecting lamp. The position and / or the installation direction of the light means are adjustable as position adjustment means.
With this configuration, the structure of the heater unit can be simplified, and the irradiation light can be easily applied to a predetermined position of the mouth and neck at a predetermined light intensity.
[0013]
Further, in the method for heating a saturated polyester hollow body according to claim 5 of the present invention, the mouth and neck of the saturated polyester hollow body is irradiated with light from a heater unit and heated to crystallize the mouth and neck. A method for heating a saturated polyester hollow body, wherein the light from the heater unit is condensed at a predetermined position on the mouth and neck with a predetermined light intensity to heat the mouth and neck.
As described above, the present invention is also effective as a heating method, and can efficiently irradiate light to the mouth and neck, so that the energy of the heating lamp can be effectively used and power consumption can be reduced.
[0014]
Further, the method for heating a saturated polyester hollow body according to claim 6 of the present invention is a method of irradiating the light according to the temperature rising characteristics caused by the shape, thickness, and light absorption of the mouth and neck. .
In this case, even when the shape and the like of the mouth and neck of the saturated polyester hollow body become complicated, the mouth and neck can be efficiently and uniformly crystallized.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0016]
[Heat crystallization equipment for saturated polyester hollow body]
FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams for explaining a configuration of a main part in an embodiment of a heating and crystallizing apparatus for a saturated polyester hollow body according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 1A is a front view, and FIG. FIG.
In FIG. 1, a heating crystallization apparatus 1 irradiates irradiation light 20 to an opening 11 of a preform 10 of a PET bottle, which is a mouth and neck of a saturated polyester hollow body, and heats the opening 11 to crystallize the opening 11. The configuration is provided with a heater unit 30 to be formed.
Moreover, the heating crystallization apparatus 1 of this embodiment is normally used as a heating unit of a preform crystallization apparatus (not shown). The heating crystallization apparatus 1 according to the present invention is not limited to the case where the heating crystallization apparatus 1 is used in a preform crystallization apparatus.
[0017]
In the heater unit 30, a rod-shaped halogen lamp 31 as a heating lamp and a reflector 32 are housed in an elongated rectangular box-shaped housing 33.
Further, the “halogen lamp” refers to an infrared light bulb in which an inert gas and a trace amount of a halogen substance are added to a sealed gas. In the present embodiment, a halogen lamp 31 that irradiates near infrared rays is used.
The heating lamp to be used is not limited to the halogen lamp 31, and for example, a general infrared lamp heated by light irradiation can be used. Further, the heating lamp is not limited to a rod shape.
[0018]
The reflection plate 32 is formed in a curved shape having a fixed focal length as shown in FIG. 2B, and two-dimensionally irradiates the irradiation light 20 irradiated from the halogen lamp 31 to the irradiation side. The shape is such that the light is reflected and condensed at an arbitrary point (point F). Therefore, three-dimensionally, the irradiation light 20 emitted from the rod-shaped halogen lamp 31 is reflected on an arbitrary line (f-line) on the irradiation side, as shown in FIG.
By doing so, the heater unit 30 can irradiate most of the light to the mouth and neck, except for a part of the light emitted from the halogen lamp 31, thereby improving energy efficiency and reducing power consumption. Can be reduced.
[0019]
Further, by reducing the power consumption, for example, the heater unit 30 does not need to be water-cooled, the structure can be simplified, and the facility cost can be reduced.
Furthermore, by efficiently irradiating the irradiation light 20 to the mouth and neck, for example, heating by hot air is not required, so that the structure can be further simplified.
Although not shown, cooling fins may be formed on the reflection plate 32, thereby improving cooling efficiency.
[0020]
The housing 33 has an elongated rectangular column shape, and has a structure in which the reflection plate 32 and the halogen lamp 31 are housed from the side surface on the irradiation side. Note that the shape of the housing 33 is not limited to this example.
The housing 33 supports both ends of the halogen lamp 31, and although not shown, a power cable of the halogen lamp 31 is drawn out from both end faces.
[0021]
The housing 33 has a fixing plate 35 protruding from the rear surface, and the fixing plate 35 is connected to fixing means 34 by bolts 36. When the bolt 36 is loosened, the heater unit 30 can be turned up and down, and the inclination of the heater unit 30 can be adjusted. Further, the fixing means 34 is connected to the stand 311 so as to be vertically movable. The stand 311 has a structure that can move forward and backward toward the holder 210. Thereby, the heater unit 30 can freely adjust the horizontal and vertical distances and the irradiation angle with respect to the mouth 11 of the preform 10.
As described above, the heater unit 30 includes the position adjusting unit 37 including the fixing unit 34 and the stand 311 as the irradiation control unit, and adjusts the positional relationship between the housing 33 and the opening 11 by the position adjusting unit 37. Thereby, the irradiation light 20 can be irradiated at a predetermined position of the mouth 11 with a predetermined light intensity.
[0022]
Although not shown, a plurality of heater units 30 having the above-described configuration are arranged in parallel along the transfer device of the preform crystallization apparatus.
In this way, the mouth portion 11 of the preform 10 can be continuously heated by continuously passing it in front of the plurality of heater units 30, and continuous crystallization of the mouth portion 11 can be achieved, thereby improving production efficiency. Can be improved.
[0023]
Here, preferably, each heater unit 30 places irradiation light 20 at a predetermined position of mouth 11 in accordance with a temperature rise characteristic caused by the shape, thickness, and light absorption of mouth 11 of preform 10. It is recommended to irradiate at the light intensity of the above. In this way, the point where heating is required based on the temperature rise characteristic is focused on the mouth and neck, where crystallization may occur even if the light with almost uniform light intensity is irradiated. Heating can be performed more uniformly, so that more uniform crystallization can be realized.
[0024]
In addition, the “temperature-raising characteristic” refers to the rate of temperature rise of each part of the mouth and neck when the mouth and neck are heated by irradiating light. For example, the PET bottle preform 10 has a thread 13 formed at an upper portion of a mouth portion 11, a stepped portion 14 formed at a middle portion, and a ring 12 formed at a lower portion. For this reason, the temperature rise characteristics of the thick portion are reduced, and the temperature is hardly increased.
In addition, the preform 10 before crystallization is colorless and transparent, whereas when crystallized, it changes to white and the light absorption rate changes. For this reason, the temperature rise characteristics of the whitened portion from the colorless and transparent state increase and the temperature rises sharply, while the temperature rise characteristics of the portion where the irradiation light 20 is blocked by the whitened portion rapidly decrease. Become.
That is, “according to the temperature-rise characteristics” means “under irradiation conditions that enable uniform crystallization in consideration of the temperature-rise characteristics”.
[0025]
Specifically, the transfer device is divided into a front area, a middle area, and a rear area (not shown), and the fixing position of the heater unit 30 corresponding to each area is adjusted.
FIG. 2 is a schematic side view for explaining an example of irradiation of the mouth 11 of the preform 10.
In the figure, the heater unit 30 corresponding to the front area is disposed at a position where the depth F1 point of the ring 12 is the focal point, and starts heating from the point where the temperature hardly rises. Normally, the mouth portion 11 before crystallization is colorless and transparent, but is heated when the irradiation light 20 is transmitted. For example, the surface portion of the mouth portion 11 at point F1 'is also heated.
[0026]
Further, the closer the focal point, the smaller the irradiation area, and the higher the light intensity is inversely proportional to the irradiation area. Therefore, the ring 12 is heated by light having a high light intensity. That is, since the temperature of the ring 12 is harder to rise as compared with the other parts, the ring 12 is heated as preliminary heating so that whitening can be performed at almost the same timing as the part where the temperature easily rises.
However, the heating method is not limited to this. For example, the vicinity of the F1 point may be whitened by heating. In such a case, the temperature rise characteristic on the irradiation surface side of the whitened portion becomes large, and Light heating can be efficiently performed from the back side of the portion 11 toward the front side.
[0027]
Next, the heater units 30 corresponding to the middle area are arranged in order at positions where the focal points are F2, F3, and F4 located on the far side from the deeper point F1 of the ring 12.
That is, the stepped portion 14 is mainly heated by irradiating the point F2, and the thread 13 is mainly heated by irradiating the points F3 and F4. As a result, the thread 13 and the stepped portion 14 that are difficult to raise the temperature are heated as preliminary heating, and the ring 12 already heated is kept warm.
As described above, since the heater unit 30 in the middle area can mainly heat the thick part such as the stepped part 14 and the screw thread 13 of the mouth part 11, the uniform crystal can be obtained regardless of the thickness. Can be realized.
[0028]
Next, the heater unit 30 corresponding to the rear area is disposed at a position having a focus on the point F5 located on the back side from the point F4, and heats the entire mouth 11 including the uppermost part of the mouth 11. Thus, uniform crystallization is realized as a whole.
In the present embodiment, the focal position (point F1, point F2, point F3, point F4, point F5) is changed by moving the heater unit 30 in the horizontal direction, but the present invention is limited to this configuration. The heater unit 30 may be moved in the vertical direction or the irradiation direction of the heater unit 30 may be changed depending on, for example, the shape of the mouth 11 or the like. By doing so, the heating conditions by the heater unit 30 can be set more freely.
[0029]
As described above, since the apparatus for heating and crystallizing a saturated polyester hollow body 1 of the present embodiment can collect the light emitted from the halogen lamp 31, the irradiation light 20 can be efficiently applied to the mouth and neck to be heated. And energy efficiency can be improved.
In addition, since irradiation light having a predetermined light intensity is applied to a predetermined position of the mouth and neck in accordance with the temperature rising characteristic of the mouth and neck, for example, even for a mouth and neck having a different thickness and a complicated shape. , More uniform crystallization can be realized.
[0030]
In this embodiment, the reflection plate 32 having a constant focal length and the position adjusting means 37 for adjusting the installation positions of the reflection plate 32 and the halogen lamp 31 irradiate a predetermined position of the mouth and neck with a predetermined light intensity. Although light is emitted, the invention is not limited to this configuration.
For example, the heating crystallization apparatus 1a shown in FIG. 3 includes a near-infrared heater 41 having a ceramic coating on the other side, a reflecting plate 42, and lenses 43 and 44 for condensing light at a focal point (point F). By changing the position or controlling the voltage of the near-infrared heater 41, the light intensity at a predetermined position can be controlled.
[0031]
[Method of heating saturated polyester hollow body]
The present invention is also effective as a method for heating a saturated polyester hollow body.
The method for heating a saturated polyester hollow body according to the present embodiment is a heating method performed by the above-described heating crystallization apparatus 1.
The heating method of the present embodiment is a method of heating a saturated polyester hollow body that crystallizes the mouth 11 by irradiating light from the heater unit 30 to the mouth 11 of the preform 10 and heating the same. This is a method of heating the mouth 11 by condensing light from the heater unit 30 at a predetermined position of the mouth 11 with a predetermined light intensity.
[0032]
As described above, by condensing the light emitted from the halogen lamp 31 on the opening 11, light not entering the opening 11 can be reduced, so that energy efficiency can be improved and power consumption can be reduced. Can be reduced.
Further, the light intensity can be adjusted by adjusting the focal length with respect to the opening 11. That is, when the focal length is adjusted so that the irradiation area of the irradiation light 20 is reduced, the light intensity increases. Conversely, when the focal length is adjusted so that the irradiation area increases, the light intensity decreases. In this manner, the light intensity at a predetermined position of the mouth 11 can be easily adjusted, and the heating energy can be accurately controlled.
[0033]
In general, the mouth and neck portions having complicated shapes, different wall thicknesses, or different light absorptivity have different heating characteristics in each part. For example, when heated by light having a uniform light intensity such as sunlight, in a thick portion, a portion close to a heat source easily rises in temperature, and the further away from the heat source, the harder it becomes.
As described above, if the heating conditions are not stable, the portion where crystallization is insufficient has low mechanical strength, and the portion where crystallization is excessively progressed becomes brittle and deformed, so that more uniform crystallization is performed. Is required.
[0034]
Therefore, it is preferable to control the light intensity of the light applied to each part of the mouth and neck in accordance with the temperature rising characteristics of each part. Since the temperature profiles can be matched, uniform crystallization can be achieved.
For example, when a portion in front of the heat source is whitened, a portion in the rear where the light is blocked is heated by heat conduction, and the temperature rise characteristics are reduced. In such a case, it is preferable to first adjust the focal length of the light collection to the rear part so as to prevent light from being interrupted, and to gradually heat the light from the rear toward the front.
At this time, since the light absorption rate increases due to the whitening, the front portion can be efficiently heated even with light having low light intensity.
[0035]
In addition, preferably, it is good to preferentially condense the light to a portion of the mouth and neck where light is difficult to reach, and when the mouth and neck is whitened or discolored by heating and the light absorption rate changes. The heating can be efficiently performed in accordance with or utilizing the change in the light absorption rate.
[0036]
Further, preferably, as described above, a method of adjusting the installation position and / or installation direction of the halogen lamp 31 and the reflection plate 32 by using the reflection plate 32 having a constant focal length as the light condensing means is preferable. By doing so, it is possible to easily irradiate the irradiation light 20 to a predetermined position of the mouth 11 with a predetermined light intensity.
[0037]
As described above, the heating crystallization apparatus and the heating method of the saturated polyester hollow body of the present invention have been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited only to the above-described embodiments. It goes without saying that various modifications can be made within the scope.
The object to be heated is not limited to the mouth 11 of the preform 10 of the PET bottle, but may be, for example, a mouth and neck of a container other than the PET bottle.
[0038]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the apparatus for heating and crystallizing a saturated polyester hollow body of the present invention and the method for heating the same, it is possible to efficiently irradiate light to the mouth and neck, thereby improving energy efficiency. it can.
Further, since the light intensity can be easily adjusted based on the temperature rise characteristics caused by the shape, thickness and light absorption of the mouth and neck, the mouth and neck can be more uniformly crystallized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration of a main part in an embodiment of a heating and crystallizing apparatus for a saturated polyester hollow body according to the present invention, (a) is a front view, and (b) is a front view. Shows an AA cross-sectional view.
FIG. 2 is a schematic side view for explaining an example of irradiation of the mouth of the preform according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining an application example using a lens as a light collecting means.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 1a Heat crystallization apparatus 10 Preform 11 Mouth 12 Ring 13 Thread 14 Stepped portion 20 Irradiation light 30 Heater unit 31 Halogen lamp 32 Reflector 33 Housing 34 Fixing means 35 Fixing plate 36 Bolt 37 Position adjusting means 41 Near infrared heater 42 Reflector 43, 44 Lens 210 Holder 311 Stand

Claims (6)

By heating the mouth and neck of the saturated polyester hollow body by irradiating light from a heater unit and heating, the heating and crystallization apparatus of the saturated polyester hollow body to crystallize the mouth and neck,
The heater unit is:
A heating lamp,
Light collecting means for collecting light emitted from the heating lamp;
A heating and crystallization device for a saturated polyester hollow body, comprising: irradiation light control means for irradiating the light irradiated from the light condensing means to a predetermined position of the mouth and neck with a predetermined light intensity. The heating crystal for a saturated polyester hollow body according to claim 1, wherein the heater unit irradiates the light in accordance with a temperature rising characteristic caused by a shape, a thickness, and a light absorption rate of the mouth and neck. Device. The apparatus for heating and crystallizing a saturated polyester hollow body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of the heater units are arranged in parallel along a conveying path of the saturated polyester hollow body. The light collecting means may be a reflector having a constant focal length, and the irradiation light control means may be a position adjusting means capable of adjusting an installation position and / or an installation direction of the heating lamp and the light collecting means. The apparatus for heating and crystallizing a saturated polyester hollow body according to any one of claims 1 to 3. By heating the mouth and neck of the saturated polyester hollow body by irradiating light from a heater unit and heating, the method of heating a saturated polyester hollow body to crystallize the mouth and neck,
A method for heating a saturated polyester hollow body, comprising heating the mouth and neck by condensing light from the heater unit at a predetermined position on the mouth and neck with a predetermined light intensity. 6. The method for heating a saturated polyester hollow body according to claim 5, wherein the light is irradiated according to a temperature rising characteristic caused by a shape, a thickness and a light absorption rate of the mouth and neck.

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