RU2359825C2 - Devices and method - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: instrument making.

SUBSTANCE: invention pertains to a device for processing measured amount or a dose of fluid material. The device contains an extrusion device for extruding a dose (D) of plastic, as well as moulding apparatus for compression moulding the dose (D) and apparatus for moving the dose along a looped path (P2), so as to move the dose (D) into the moulding apparatus. The device also contains another transmission apparatus, moved along another looped path (P4; P5), for moving the dose (D), from a separate extrusion device, to the apparatus for moving the plastic dose.

EFFECT: design of a device, which provides for movement of measured amounts of plastic into a moulding apparatus, as well as correct positioning of objects in apparatus with a large volume and irregular shape.

33 cl, 95 dwg

Description

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for processing metered amounts or doses of a fluid material. In particular, the invention relates to a method and devices used in the compression molding of metered quantities of plastic to produce articles, such as blanks for containers, such as bottles.

One aspect of the invention relates to a method and apparatus for transferring or introducing metered bodies from a polymeric material in a more or less viscous liquid state, metered using at least one dispensing outlet of the polymeric material, into a mold cavity of a molding machine having a carousel, which rotates continuously during compression molding of articles made of a polymer material. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method and corresponding means for manipulating bodies of polymer material in a more or less viscous liquid state to be transferred to the mold cavity of a molding machine during compression molding of plastic products.

Compression formation of products is carried out by moving the punch relative to and within the hollow matrix. The punch is introduced using pressure into the hollow matrix, in which the dosed body of a more or less viscous liquid polymer material, in particular a thermoplastic resin, is located. A particular application of the invention is the molding of preforms for the subsequent manufacture (usually by means of oriented blow molding) of plastic bottles. However, applications may vary and may vary.

Blanks for making bottles, etc. typically comprise an upper neck provided with protrusions and a hollow body located below the neck, the hollow body being substantially smooth and elongated in the axial direction.

Typically, traditional molding machines for manufacturing articles of polymer material by compression molding comprise a carousel that carries a plurality of dies, and a corresponding plurality of punches above it. The carousel can rotate both continuously and intermittently.

The carousel rotates around a vertical axis, and each matrix during one rotation takes a plastic body of a metered amount (dose), heated to the required temperature so that the plastic is sufficiently fluid. Then the dose goes through the compression phase after the joint approach (before closing the mold) of the punch and the matrix. After this phase, after a predetermined period of time, opening the mold and removing the workpiece from the machine.

An extruder is connected to the molding machine, which delivers the polymer material in a more or less viscous liquid state. This material is divided into bodies of a metered amount (dose), which are then transferred to the cavity of the machine matrix.

If the metered body (dose) of the polymer material has a relatively small mass, then its transfer to the matrices of a rotating machine is known using a transmission device having suitable extracting elements (so-called “hands”) that move sequentially along a circular path. On this path, the extracting elements capture the dose from the stationary batch exit of the extruder of the polymer material and release it at the point at which the path passes tangentially and above the matrix path.

This release should occur very quickly at a point in time in which the extracting element is located above and coaxially with the matrix cavity. This is possible, in particular, only in the case of doses of relatively small mass, for example, doses suitable for forming cap caps for closing ordinary plastic bottles with mineral water or other carbonated drinks.

If, on the other hand, it is necessary to form articles of polymeric material that have a relatively large mass, such as preforms of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which are currently used on the market, for the manufacture (using the operation of the known oriented blow molding) of ordinary plastic bottles , then loading a metered body of polymer material into the matrix is a very complex operation.

Indeed, in this case, it is practically impossible to transfer doses from the extracting elements into the cavity of the matrices with the help of an action that occurs almost instantly, since the doses are relatively long, and therefore, sufficient time is required to complete this transfer. This time is not provided in the disclosed conventional transmission devices.

To overcome this drawback, a molding machine was proposed (patent application WO 03/047834) in which doses are dispensed by a dispenser device having a plurality of dispensing outlets that move sequentially along a circular and horizontal path. The matrices do not move along a simple circular path, however, they can move in a radial direction relative to the carousel and therefore can follow a further circular path of the dose-giving outputs, deviating from the usual circular path. Thus, on a certain part of the path (and thus a certain time), the dosage output is located coaxially and above the cavities of the matrix, and its movement coincides with the movement of the matrix.

However, the solution disclosed in WO 03/047834 has the disadvantage of the complexity and high cost of the corresponding molding machine. Indeed, machines, according to WO 03/047834, are very complex both in terms of the usually very large number of matrices and the numerous operations performed, as well as the relatively high speed with which they are desirably required to operate. Finally, very precise positioning of the matrices is required, and their movement relative to the carousel greatly complicates their positioning.

In addition, in the proposed solution, based on the radial displacement of the matrices, it is impossible to achieve in the general part of the path the correct equality of the displacements of the matrices and the dosage outputs, which is nevertheless necessary. Indeed, the peripheral speed of the matrix changes with a change in its radial position, while this does not happen with dosing outputs, since their radial position is unchanged. As a result, in the indicated general part of the path, the dosage outputs cannot be kept coaxially with the matrix below, and therefore the dose transfer cannot be correct; in fact, if the diameter of the dose is close to the minimum diameter of the cavity, then it is not even possible to transmit.

The aforementioned disadvantages are compounded by the fact that the means by which dose transfer operations of various shapes and contents are carried out inevitably have surfaces that come into contact with these polymer bodies in a liquid viscous state.

Another drawback of the prior art is that the polymer material of the doses tends to adhere to the surfaces of the means with which they come into contact due to its physical state (a more or less viscous liquid state at a temperature that usually exceeds 200 ° C, if polyethylene terephthalate).

The specified action of sticking inevitably interferes with the movement of the polymer body, creating serious difficulties, in particular, if the movement of the body is provided only under the action of gravity. For example, if a polymer body has to drain under the action of gravity over the surface that receives it, then the tendency to stick to the surface will interfere with the movement to such an extent that this makes the intended operation impossible.

Or, if the doses fall in the cavity, the doses can adhere to the walls of the cavities, in particular if the cavities are relatively narrow and deep. If this occurs, then it is not possible to correctly position the doses inside the cavities. If, for example, the metered polymer body has a relatively large volume compared with the cavity, then there is a serious risk that the polymer body will protrude above the cavity so that it is impossible to close the matrix during the compression phase using a punch.

In particular, during the molding of bottle blanks with a capacity of at least one liter, the matrix cavity has a relatively narrow and elongated shape. Therefore, there is a relatively greater risk that the dropping dose will come in contact with the side wall of the cavity before it reaches the bottom.

The above disadvantages of gluing the dose to the surfaces with which it comes in contact are greatly aggravated by the fact that the lowering of the dose occurs when the matrix is continuously moving along a circular path, and moving at a relatively high speed. Indeed, due to the centrifugal action that acts on it, the polymer body is pushed towards the side wall of the cavity.

It should be noted that when doses of relatively small mass are transferred to the matrix cavity, the doses can roll or rotate, since they have a substantially spherical shape. When, on the other hand, the doses have a relatively large mass and relatively complex shape, which occurs when molding PET blanks, it is usually necessary to arrange the doses in the cavity of the mold with a given orientation of their longitudinal axis.

In addition, effective transfer of heat occurs between the dose and the surfaces with which it comes into contact, which is localized in the contact zone, which changes the regular and essentially uniform distribution of heat in the polymer body. In particular, excessive, albeit local, drops in temperature can be created that can cause microcrystallization or microhardening of the polymer material. In this way, centers of heterogeneity are created in the polymer material, which can then cause irregularities and defects in the final product.

Another disadvantage of the prior art is related to how the extracting elements of the transfer device raise the dose from the dispensing zone.

Each extracting element is usually usually equipped with a concave contact surface, open on one side, intended to collide with the dose immediately after it leaves the dosage exit, push it with the horizontal component and direct it when it is lowered for transfer into the matrix cavity. Due to the collision between the dose and the extracting element, the dose is repeatedly hit with the contact surface. Due to this, the dose may protrude far from the extracting element or may occupy a position on the concave surface of the extracting element that is unsuitable for subsequent lowering.

In addition to this, cutting means are usually connected to the transfer means, suitable for cutting the output stream of the polymer material exiting the dosing output, for separating the dose at a time immediately before contact with the extracting element. The cutting means may comprise, for example, a plurality of blades, each of which is attached to a respective manipulation element.

During the operation of cutting the blades, a dose with a horizontal component is imparted to the dose, which, similarly to the collision with the contact surface indicated above, can lead to the protrusion of the dose far from the extracting element or can lead to incorrect dose positioning.

This defect is especially important if the dose has a significant mass and, in particular, has a relatively strongly elongated shape.

Another disadvantage of the prior art is that the known cutting means have a rather complex structure. Indeed, several blades must be provided, the number of which corresponds to the number of extracting elements, and each blade must be correctly fixed to the extracting element and requires sharpening or replacement with excessive wear.

No. 5,863,571 discloses a machine for manufacturing containers, such as bottles, by heat treatment, then by blow molding of plastic blanks. The machine includes at least two folding molds located on the periphery of a circular conveyor. The machine further includes a device for heat treatment of workpieces, in which the step between the longitudinal axes of two successive workpieces is less than the step between the longitudinal axes of two adjacent cavities belonging to the same mold, as well as means for changing the step between the workpieces.

US 6349838 discloses a device comprising a resin extrusion device, a device for cutting and feeding molten mass, and a compression molding device for forming a workpiece. A device for cutting and feeding the molten mass comprises a cutter provided on the rotating head and a combination of an external gripping means for gripping the molten mass and an internal gripping element.

No. 5,811,044 discloses a device for separating droplets from a molten extrudate, transporting droplets, and supplying droplets to compression molds. The device comprises a base and a disk having a rotation axis resting on the base for rotation around the axis. Many transmission sockets are mounted on a disk circumferentially at a distance from each other. The extruder nozzle has an outlet nozzle for extruding a hot molten extrudate in the path of each transfer slot, so that the extrudate enters the cavity of the transfer slot, and the movement of the transfer slot separates the plastic droplet from the extrudate.

US 5807592 discloses a device comprising a rotating carousel provided with compression molding units for articles made of plastic. Each block contains a mold having a molding cavity into which a dose of plastic is introduced by means of a feed head, which rotates outside the carousel, wherein the specified dose is removed from the extruder by means of an extraction element that is rigidly connected to the head.

JP 2000-280248 discloses a device comprising a guide means for a synthetic resin having a substantially vertically extending guide hole. At least a portion of the guide hole has the shape of an inverted truncated cone with a cross section gradually tapering downward. Due to this embodiment, the synthetic resin falling from the cutting and holding mechanism can fall through the guide hole into a predetermined area of the molding device.

WO 03/047831 discloses a device for filling molds for compression molding of plastic products, in which predetermined doses of flowing plastic material are introduced into a dispensing device that slides over the filling channel. Each predetermined dose is pushed out of the chamber of the corresponding dispenser by lowering the piston.

The aim of the invention is to improve devices and methods for processing metered quantities of flowing material, in particular for compression molding of plastics.

Another objective is to provide a device that provides, for example, the transfer of metered quantities of plastic into working means suitable for processing said products, for example molding means, the correct positioning of products in working means, even when such products have a relatively large volume and relatively complex shape.

Another goal is to create a device that provides sufficient time for the transfer of products, for example, metered quantities of plastic having a large mass and relatively complex shape, inside the working tools suitable for processing these products, for example, molding tools.

Another objective is to provide a device that is capable of handling metered amounts of flowing material, in particular plastic, without over-sticking metered quantities to the interacting surfaces of the device with which they come into contact.

Another objective is to provide a device that is capable of handling metered amounts of flowing material, in particular plastic, in which metered quantities are not cooled excessively and unevenly due to contact with the interacting surfaces of the device.

Another objective is to provide a device equipped with cutting means for separating a metered amount of fluid material from a dispensing device in which said cutting means having a relatively simple structure is provided.

Another objective is to provide a device comprising a metering device for dispensing dosage amounts from a metering device, in which the cutting means can cleanly and efficiently cut off the dosage amounts that are correctly received by the transfer means.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising:

- molding tool moved along the first path for compression molding doses of plastic;

- a plurality of transfer means for transferring said doses to said molding means;

- a plurality of lever means, wherein each lever means is associated with a corresponding transmission means for moving said transmission means along a second path having one part substantially coinciding with another part of said first path.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising:

- a working tool, moved along the first path to interact with objects;

- transfer means for transferring said objects to said working means;

a plurality of lever means for moving said transmission means along a second path having one part substantially coinciding with another part of said first path,

characterized in that said lever means comprises a first lever means pivotally coupled to a second lever means associated with said transmission means.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising:

- a working tool, moved along the first path to interact with objects;

- a plurality of transmission means for transferring said objects to said driving means;

- a plurality of lever means resting on the support means, wherein each lever means is associated with a corresponding transmission means for moving said transmission means along a second path having one part substantially coinciding with another part of said first path,

characterized in that the lever means of the specified set of lever means is made with the possibility of movement with only one degree of freedom relative to the specified supporting means.

In more detail, the invention provides a rotating transfer machine having a plurality of continuously rotating transfer chambers, each camera being suitable for containing a polymer body and its subsequent transfer to the matrix cavity. The cameras have a side surface that is closed, and may contain the entire polymer body or may have a partially open side surface and may contain the body only partially inside the camera. The placement action shifts the polymer body by a movement having a horizontal component.

The transfer machine contains suitable movable means for sequentially moving the transfer chambers along the same path so that this path has a part that is matched with the matrix movement path on which each transfer chamber is aligned with and above the matrix cavity and its movement consistent with the movement of the matrix, while the specified transfer to the matrix cavity is performed on this part. The device further comprises means for transferring individual polymer bodies from the dosage output to the transfer chambers.

Due to the first, second and third aspects of the invention, a relatively long path is provided and thus a correspondingly long time for transferring articles or doses from transfer means to molding means or to working means.

In particular, in the compression molding of plastic doses, it is possible to efficiently and correctly transfer doses into the cavities of molding agents, starting from the device dispensing the polymer material, even if the doses have a relatively large mass, which is the case when molding preforms from polyethylene terephthalate used to make ordinary plastic bottles for mineral water or other carbonated drinks.

In addition, more accurate positioning of plastic doses is provided, which improves compression molding technology for all applications. In addition, when the molding means contain a plurality of punches interacting with the respective matrices, the distance between the punches and the matrices in the area in which the doses are introduced into the matrices is relatively small and substantially equal to the length of the dose, which makes it possible to increase the speed of the molding cycle.

In one embodiment, the transfer machine comprises a support rotating synchronously with the molding machine on which the molding means are mounted, and each transfer chamber carries a mechanism rotated by the rotating support. The mechanism may have two degrees of freedom relative to the support. Suitable locking means cause movement of the mechanism relative to the angular position of the rotating support to uniquely specify the movement and path of the transfer chamber during each revolution of the support. This is achieved due to the above matching part of the paths.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising:

- molding agent for compression molding doses of plastics;

- a transfer means moving along a loop path for transferring said doses to said molding means;

characterized in that it contains another transfer means that is moved along a different loop path for transferring said doses to said transfer means.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising:

- transfer means for transferring said dosed amount of fluid material from the extraction position to the dispensing position;

- receiving means for receiving the specified dosage amount in the specified issuing position, while the specified receiving means sets the form for the specified dosage amount;

characterized in that during said transfer, a change in form to said dosage amount is provided for obtaining from said dosage amount of a preliminary article of said shape.

In one embodiment, the shape and thus also the dimensions of the dosage amount of flowing material, which can be, in particular, plastic, are geometrically defined inside the internal cavity of the transfer chambers, so that the dosage amount can then be correctly introduced into the cavity.

In particular, the transfer chamber is provided with an internal cavity bounded laterally by a cylindrical lateral surface, the transverse dimension of which is not greater than the minimum transverse dimension of the entrance zone to the cavity.

The dosage amount is introduced into the transfer chamber with a shape that may differ from the shape of the inner cavity of the chamber, and it is physically set using the transfer chamber. In other words, the dosage amount takes a shape that tends to form a side surface bounding the internal cavity of the transfer chamber. The dosage amount tends to take the form of the internal cavity of the transfer chamber depending on the viscosity of the material (which, in turn, is a function of the characteristics inherent in the polymer, in particular, the type of polymer and its molecular weight), temperature and the time spent in the transfer chamber.

In addition, in one version, a “simulation” of the metered amount is provided so as to give it a predetermined shape using a fluid supplied into the transfer chamber.

When the metered amount is then fed into the cavity of the matrix, the metered amount has a shape that allows it to penetrate into the cavity without contact during its lowering with the side walls of the cavity. Even if there is a contact between the dosed quantity and the side walls of the cavity, this contact does not interfere with the lowering of the dosed quantity and its correct positioning inside the matrix.

This is especially useful when the cavity is relatively deep or narrow relative to the mass of the metered amount and / or the working speed of the device is relatively high.

Furthermore, due to the shape of the shape-forming means, the passage of the metered amount from the transfer chamber to the matrix can occur so quickly that the matching part of the path can be dispensed with according to the first three aspects of the invention. In this matching part, each transfer chamber was mounted coaxially with the matrix cavity and above it.

Means may additionally be provided suitable for completely or partially reducing the bonding between the dosed amount and the inner contact surface of the transfer chamber.

In general, due to the fifth and sixth aspects of the invention, the transfer of the metered amount from the transfer means to the molding means is very fast and correct. In addition, contact between the agent that manipulates the dosage amount and the dosage amount itself is eliminated or at least limited. This reduces the risk of the dosage amount sticking to the interacting surfaces with which it comes into contact, and the location of the dosage amount itself in undesirable positions.

In addition, shape-forming agents make it possible to give the dosage amount a shape suitable for optimal molding, which provides an article having the best physical and chemical properties.

For example, it was found that the dosage amount form, which provides the greatest possible correspondence to the dosage amount of the cavity of the mold into which it is introduced, leads to the best results regarding the quality of the obtained product. If, on the other hand, the dosage amount has a shape that is very different from the shape of the cavity into which it is introduced, then during compression molding the dosage amount experiences harmful local deformation and the product with the worst physical and chemical quality is obtained.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a device comprising a transmission means for transferring a metered amount of fluid material from an extraction position to a dispensing position, characterized in that a release agent is coupled to said transmission means to prevent the dosage amount from sticking significantly to said transmission means.

Due to the seventh aspect of the invention, the contact between the transfer means and the dosage amount is eliminated or at least minimized, which eliminates the above disadvantages and makes it possible to use means and methods that are otherwise practically not applicable.

In particular, more accurate positioning of the metered amount is achieved, which provides, in particular, an improvement in compression molding technology for all applications.

In one embodiment, the release agent comprises a delivery means for forming a fluid layer located between the interacting surfaces of the transfer means with which the dosage amount comes into contact. The fluid layer has features that completely or partially reduce adhesion between the dosage amount and the interacting surface.

The fluid is, in particular, a gas, in particular air. However, another gas may be used, for example nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or others.

A fluid layer is formed by supplying fluid through a portion of the transmission means in which the interacting surface is located, so that the fluid exits from this surface and is distributed over this surface. To this end, the part of the transfer means in which the interacting surface is located has distributed channels through which fluid is supplied and exited. These channels are relatively small and numerous and are distributed on an interacting surface.

In one embodiment, the interacting surface is located on a wall made of a material that is porous to allow fluid to pass through it. The supplying means acts on the porous wall, and the supplying means is able to supply the fluid so that the fluid passes through the porous wall with the exit on the interacting surface.

Alternatively, a porous wall or walls may be provided in which numerous openings are provided to allow fluid to pass through them, and these openings are distributed in the area where contact with the metered amount occurs. For example, these holes can be spirally distributed to provide the greatest possible coverage for the interacting surface.

According to one alternative solution, the porous wall is replaced by a wall made of a plurality of elements connected together to provide a plurality of relatively thin dividing lines formed and distributed appropriately on the interacting surface. Fluid passes through these openings.

It was found that due to the intermediate arrangement of the fluid with sufficient pressure and flow rate (which vary from one application to another and which can be relatively easily measured) between the contact surface and the polymer body, the gluing effect of the dosed dosage can be completely or at least partially reduced. the amount so that it practically becomes non-sticky and does not stick to the interacting surface.

Indeed, by forming a fluid layer with suitable flow and pressure values that are usually relatively small (one or more bars is sufficient), contact between the dosed amount and the interacting surface is virtually eliminated. If contact does occur, then it has a local character and a limited duration. In this regard, it was experimentally established that limiting the contact time between the dosed amount and the interacting surface with relatively small values leads to the corresponding limited action of macroscopic bonding; if the bonding time is several microseconds, then the action of the macroscopic action is almost zero.

This can be explained by the fact that in order to obtain a bonding action, contact time is required, which is not less than the reaction time, so that the forces of physicochemical bonding can come into action. This reaction time depends on the material, temperature and local pressure. The fluid interrupts this process continuously, so that no bonding occurs or even contact is completely eliminated.

The above action created by the fluid layer is further enhanced by heat treating the fluid supplied between the metered amount and the interacting surface in order to lower the surface temperature of the metered amount and / or the interacting surface.

When passing through the wall or simply touching both the interacting surface and the surface of the metered amount, the cooled fluid lowers their surface temperature at least superficially, which increases the viscosity of the metered amount, which reduces the adhesion of the fluid material. Indeed, it was found that if the contact time increases (from microseconds to milliseconds), it is necessary to lower the wall temperature to prevent bonding.

In the above case, when the interacting surface is located on a wall made of porous material, or if the fluid passes through relatively narrow openings, the fluid itself has a cooling effect in the channel through the wall due to its expansion upon exit. The cooling effect of the fluid is completely different from the cooling effect achieved due to the relatively long physical contact with the interacting surface of the transfer means of a metered amount. Indeed, in the first case, there is a kind of microcooling, which affects only the surface layer of a metered amount and is distributed over its entire surface in a uniform and homogeneous manner. On the other hand, in the case of contact between the dosage amount and the transfer means in the absence of fluid, there is strong and relatively deep cooling, which is limited to a relatively small portion of the dosage amount, which has harmful consequences for the formed product.

In addition, the fluid prevents the penetration of the polymer material into the pores or into other openings provided on the interacting surface.

In another embodiment, to reduce bonding, the interacting surface is vibrated by a suitable means (e.g., sonotrode).

It has been experimentally established that by bringing the interacting surface into oscillations with suitable values of frequency and intensity (which vary from application to application and which can be easily controlled), it is possible to completely or at least partially reduce the effect of gluing a metered amount to the interacting surface, so that in practice, the dosage amount becomes non-sticky and does not stick to the interacting surface. The explanation for this phenomenon is that in each vibration cycle the effect of attachment and subsequent local detachment of the metered amount is created, and since the time intervals in which the metered amount adheres to the interacting surface are extremely short, macroscopic adhesion of the metered amount to the interacting surface is excluded.

In addition, it can be accepted as a hypothesis that vibration creates a system of compression waves that acts as compressed air located between the interacting surface and the dosed amount, similar to a layer of compressed air.

In another embodiment, the anti-stick agent comprises coating the interacting surface with a material having anti-adhesive properties with respect to the dosage amount.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided a device comprising a transmission means provided with a concave portion for transferring a metered amount of fluid material from an extraction position to a dispensing position, characterized in that it further comprises restrictive means cooperating with said transmission means to limit said dosage amount to said concave part.

In one embodiment, the transmission means comprises a plurality of manipulator elements, each of which is provided with a contact surface suitable for pushing a metered amount with a horizontal component and its direction during lowering. Manipulatory elements move along a closed path that crosses the zone of dispensing the dosage output of the fluid material to collide with the metered amount and extract it.

Each manipulator element is connected to a holding means or restrictive means suitable for creating, together with the contact surface of at least a partially closed zone, which is capable of holding a horizontally metered amount inside. A means is also provided that is suitable for driving the holding means in synchronization with the action of the dosed output and with the movement of the corresponding manipulator element, so that the area for holding the dosed amount is essentially closed around the point in time at which the polymer body exits the dosed output.

The contact surface of each manipulator element may be a concave surface open on one side. Each holding means is intended to cover at least partially the concavity of the corresponding manipulator element.

Due to the eighth aspect of the invention, when the transfer means is in the extracting position to extract the metered amount, the metered amount is enclosed within the concave portion of the transfer means by the restrictive means. As a result, despite the effect of the rebound due to the impact of the metered amount with the transmission medium and / or despite the push provided by any cutting means, the metered quantity cannot leave the concave part of the transmission medium. On the contrary, the metered amount is fixed inside the transfer means in the correct position for subsequent transfer to the dispensing position.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided a device comprising molding means for compressing a metered amount of plastic and introducing means extending along a longitudinal axis to transfer a metered amount of said plastic to a hollow means of said molding means, said introducing means having a shape and size along said longitudinal axes that allow the introduction of the specified input means in the specified hollow means for extracting the specified doses constant quantity.

The introducing means may comprise a passage for metered amounts, which is tubular in shape and provided with an inlet that connects to the outlet of the metering device. The passage channel is inserted at least a part of its lower end into the cavity of the mold on a significant part of the axial length of the passage channel. The dosage amount is lowered through the passage channel, and then released into the cavity of the mold through the outlet of the channel.

Due to the introducing agent, the metered amount does not come into contact with the side walls of the molding agent. The dosage amount is discharged by means of an introducing means in the bottom zone of the molding agent, so that even if the dosage quantity comes into contact with the side walls of the molding agent, the dosage amount takes a fairly correct position inside the molding agent.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a device comprising molding means for compressing a metered amount of plastics, an extrusion apparatus for extruding said plastics, a cutting means for separating said dosage amount from said extrusion device, characterized in that said cutting means comprises a single cutting element.

Due to the ninth aspect of the invention, it is possible to obtain a device having a very simple construction, which allows the separation of the dosage amount from the extrusion device. Since there is a single cutting element, the installation and maintenance operations of the cutting element in the device are simplified.

According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a device comprising a transfer means for transferring a metered amount of fluid material from an extraction position to a dispensing position, a cutting means for separating said metered amount from an extrusion device, characterized in that a stop means is provided, said stop means being opposite to said cutting means for interacting with a specified dosage amount.

Due to the eleventh aspect of the invention, the dosage amount can be separated from the delivery device in a clean and efficient manner. The persistent means actually prevents the cutting means from pulling the metered amount away from the transfer means.

In addition, the refractory means holds the dosage amount close to the transfer means, even when the dosage amount collides with the transfer means. This ensures that the metered amount is correctly positioned in the transmission.

According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising a transmission means for transferring a metered amount of fluid material from an extraction position to a dispensing position, said transmission means comprising a first transmission means moving substantially at a first level, characterized in that said transmission means comprises a second transmission means for supplying a specified dosage amount to said first transfer means, wherein said second e transfer means is movable mainly in the second layer.

In one embodiment, molding means is provided located in a dispensing position for compressibly molding a metered amount.

Due to this aspect of the invention, it is possible to improve the transfer of dosage amounts, for example, to a molding tool. The first transfer means gives the device greater versatility, since its travel path can be matched both by moving the molding means and by moving the second transfer means.

For a better understanding of the invention and its implementation, the following is a description of some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 - a device for transferring plastic doses dispensed by a dispensing agent into molding means of said doses in a plan view;

FIG. 2 is a detail of FIG. 1 on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 3 is a kinematic aspect of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 - lever means of the device according to FIG. 2, on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 5 is a second embodiment of the lever means of the device according to FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 - lever means according to FIG. 5, on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 7 is a third embodiment of the lever means of the device according to FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 - lever means according to FIG. 7, on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 9 is a fourth embodiment of the lever means of the device according to FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 - lever means according to FIG. 9, on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 11-16 is a section in a vertical plane of the sequence of phases performed by the device according to FIG. 2, when transferring doses of plastic from a dispensing agent to a molding agent;

FIG. 17-22 is a vertical section through a sequence of phases carried out by a variant of the device according to FIG. 2, when transferring doses of plastic from a dispensing agent to a molding agent;

FIG. 23 is a variant of the device according to FIG. 2, in which the second transmission means comprises a plurality of dosage outputs;

FIG. 24 is a section along a common axis in the vertical plane of the device according to FIG. 2;

FIG. 25 is an axial section through the first transmission means of the device according to FIG. one;

FIG. 26 is an axial section through a variant of the first transmission means according to FIG. 2;

FIG. 27 is an axial section through another embodiment of a first transmission means according to FIG. 2;

FIG. 28 is a section in the plane XXVIII-XXVIII in FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is an axial section through another embodiment of a first transmission means according to FIG. 2;

FIG. 30 is an axial section through another embodiment of a first transmission means according to FIG. 2;

FIG. 31 is a section through a vertical axial plane of a sequence of phases carried out by a first transmission means according to FIG. 25, when transferring doses of plastic from a dispensing agent to a molding agent;

FIG. 32 is an axial section through another embodiment of a first transmission means according to FIG. 2;

FIG. 33 is a section in a vertical axial plane of a sequence of phases carried out by a variant of the first transfer means, when transferring doses of plastic from the dosing means to the molding means;

FIG. 34 - the first transmission means according to FIG. 32, on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 35 is an embodiment of a first transmission means according to FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is another embodiment of the first transmission means of FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 is another embodiment of the first transmission means of FIG. 34;

FIG. 38 is a second transmission means of the device according to FIG. 2, in isometric view;

FIG. 39 is a second transmission means according to FIG. 38 in a plan view;

FIG. 40 is a section in the plane XL-XL in FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is an axial section through a variant of the second transmission means according to FIG. 38;

FIG. 42 is a section in the plane XLII-XLII in FIG. 39;

FIG. 43 is a variant of the device according to FIG. 2, comprising cutting means for doses of plastic exiting the dispensing means, and in which the second dose transfer means comprises restrictive means;

FIG. 44 is a device according to FIG. 43, in a plan view in which certain details are not shown and other details are added to display the kinematic behavior of the second transmission means;

FIG. 45-48 are successive operating phases of the transmission means according to FIG. 43, on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 49-51 - transmission means and cutting means according to FIG. 43, in the sequence of operating phases contained between the phases shown in FIG. 47 and 48;

FIG. 52-55 are sections along the lines LII-LII, LIII-LIII, LIV-LIV, LV-LV, respectively in FIG. 45-48;

FIG. 56 and 57 are two sections of the transfer means according to FIG. 51-54, in two additional working phases after extracting the dose from the dosing agent;

FIG. 58 a second transmission means according to FIG. 43, in a different working phase, in isometric view;

FIG. 59 is an axial section of a variant of a second transmission means;

FIG. 60 is another embodiment of a second transmission means, in a plan view;

FIG. 61 is a variant of the device according to FIG. 42, in isometric view;

FIG. 62-64 are partial cutaways of a second transmission means according to FIG. 61, in conjunction with cutting means and dosing means, in successive working phases, on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 65 is an axial sectional view of an injection means for a dose of plastic delivered by a dispensing agent to a transfer means;

FIG. 66-70 is a sequence of phases for administering a dose to a molding agent;

FIG. 71 is a detail of an embodiment of a dosage means according to FIG. 64, on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 72-76 shows a sequence of phases for administering a dose to a molding agent using a variant of the dosing agent according to FIG. 65;

FIG. 77 is another embodiment of the administration means of FIG. 65;

FIG. 78 is a detail of the introduction means according to FIG. 77, on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 79-83 is a sequence of phases for administering a dose to a molding agent using a variant of the dosage agent according to FIG. 77;

FIG. 84 is another embodiment of the administration means of FIG. 65;

FIG. 85-89 is a sequence of phases for administering a dose to a molding agent using a variant of the dosage agent according to FIG. 84;

FIG. 90 is another embodiment of the administration means of FIG. 65;

FIG. 91 is another embodiment of the administration means of FIG. 65;

FIG. 92 is a tubular wall of the introducing means according to FIG. 91, from the outside;

FIG. 93 is a variation of the introduction means of FIG. 65;

FIG. 94 is a cutting tool for a dose of plastic exiting the feeding means in a plan view;

FIG. 95 is a sectional view in the plane XCV-XCV of FIG. 94.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1-4, there is provided a device for transferring plastic doses or metered amounts or metered bodies D, in particular made of polymer plastics metered with a dispensing agent consisting of a fixed dispensing outlet or port 11 for a polymeric material belonging to dispensing agent 10, for example, an extrusion means in molding means comprising a plurality of dies 21 carried by a molding machine or molding device 20 having a carousel that rotates, for example, continuously.

Extrusion tool 10 is a tool of a known type and is shown only schematically in the figures. As is known, in the extrusion medium 10, the plastic is heated to a suitable temperature (for example, about 270-300 ° C in the case of polyethylene terephthalate), to bring the plastic into a more or less viscous liquid state, so that the plastic acquires sufficient mobility to exit the stationary dosage output 11 .

Dosing output 11 provides a continuous extruded body M (usually having a circular cross section) of flowable plastic, which is evenly divided to form a sequence of plastic doses D; for example, a knife 13 (or several knives) is provided, which works near the exit 11, cutting the extruded body M with its division into a sequence of doses D.

The matrices 21 rotate along the first circular path, which runs in the horizontal plane, with the help of a carousel 26 having a vertical axis, of a conventional molding machine 20, operating with continuous movement, which contains many upper punches 27, which also carries a carousel 26, intended to enter the cavities of the respective matrices 21, for compression molding of the desired plastic products (e.g. blanks), as shown in FIG. 15 and 16.

The matrix 21 shown in FIG. 15 and 16, is intended for molding blanks suitable for subsequent manufacture (usually by blow molding) of thermoplastic resin bottles (in particular polyethylene terephthalate). These blanks contain a neck having the final shape provided for the bottles, and a hollow body designed to form a container body from it in the bottle manufacturing phase. In this case, the matrix 21 is formed by a concave lower part 21a and an upper part 21b with a through cavity. The lower part 21a has a cavity whose surface is concave and smooth, essentially cylindrical, which defines the shape of the outer surface of the hollow body of the workpiece, while the upper part 21b has a through cavity, the surface of which is concave and which defines the shape of the outer surface of the neck. Since the latter is provided with radial protrusions, said upper part 21b is divided into at least two halves (two in the shown case), which are intended for lateral movement from each other to free the workpiece. These concave surfaces of the two parts 21a and 21b form the cavity of the matrix 21.

Obviously, the invention is also applicable to matrices in which the cavity has a different shape, for example, in the absence of the specified upper part 21b. In addition, the matrix 21 may be provided for other products.

The matrix 21 is rotated using the carousel 26 along with other matrices 21.

At the end of the rotation of the molding device 20, there is a machine or device 60 for removing workpieces from the device 20.

To transfer the polymer doses D from the stationary metering outlet 11, a first transfer machine or transfer device 40 is provided in the matrix cavity 21, which rotates around a vertical axis, having a first transfer means containing a plurality of continuously rotating transfer chambers 50, each chamber 50 being suitable for placement polymer dose D and its subsequent transfer to the cavity of the matrix 21.

The transmission device 40 comprises a movable means for sequentially moving the transmission means and comprising, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1-4, a circular support 46 located in a horizontal plane, rotating synchronously with the molding device around a vertical shaft 47 having a fixed axis. In addition, said movable means further comprises a plurality of mechanisms or lever means 41, each of which carries at its free end a respective transmission means or transmission chamber 50. Each lever means 41 has two degrees of freedom with respect to the support 46 and comprises fixing means suitable for setting the movement of the lever means 41 relative to the angular position of the rotating support 46.

In particular, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2-4, each lever means 41 consists of a manipulator having two elements or levers pivotally connected to each other, while the first element or lever 41a has an inner end pivotally connected to the rotating support 46, and the other end is pivotally connected to the second element or lever 41b. The lever 41b has a free outer end that carries the transfer chamber 50.

For the sequence of elements 41a of the lever means 41, the locking means comprises a corresponding first fixed track 45A acting on the first driven means, for example, guide wheels 42 that carry the elements 41a, and, accordingly, a second fixed track 45B for a sequence of elements 41b acting on the second driven means, for example, guide wheels 42b, which carry the elements 41b. All this is done so that the movement of the transfer chamber 50 is uniquely set during each revolution of the rotating support 46.

These tracks 45A and 45B restrain the suitable points of the two elements 41a and 41b of the lever means 41 for following the respective paths; in each angular position of each lever means 41 relative to the fixed part of the device, the position of the elements 41a and 41b remains uniquely defined relative to the support 46, and therefore the movement of the lever means 41, and therefore the path P2 of the transfer chambers 50 and their movement along the path P2 remains uniquely specified in combination with the movement of the support 46.

A second embodiment of the lever means 41 of the first transmission device 40 shown in FIG. 5 and 6, differs from the previous embodiment in that each lever means 41 comprises a first element 41a, the inner end of which is pivotally rotated on a rotating support 46 by a hinge 48, and a second element 41b, the free end of which carries a transfer chamber 50. This element 41b, instead of swiveling with the first element 41a, it is prismatically connected to the first element 41a, that is, the element 41b is able to slide in the axial direction (without any other movement) relative to the first element 41a, which has the form of a short pipe or guide. As in the previous embodiment (see FIG. 2), there is also provided a first fixed track 45A acting on the first driven means, for example, guide wheels 42a carried by levers 49 attached to the elements 41a, and a second fixed track 45B, acting on second driven means, for example steering wheels 42b, carried on the inner end of the elements 41b. All this is done in such a way that the movement of the transfer chamber 50 is uniquely set during each revolution of the support 46.

In a third embodiment of the lever means 41 shown in FIG. 7 and 8, each lever means 41 comprises a manipulator having two elements or levers 41a, 41b pivotally connected to each other, the first element or lever 41a of which is pivotally connected at one end to the rotating support 46, and the second element or lever 41b carries a transmission camera 50. Despite this, for each manipulation lever means 41, the transmission device 40 comprises a third element or lever 42 pivotally connected to the rotary support 46 and fixed to the manipulation lever 41. In particular, the third element 42 is continuous and pivotally connected to the rotary support 46 at the inner end and the second element 41b at the other end to form arm 41 with manipulator quadrilateral. The movement of the four-way manipulator mechanism specified by the three elements 41a, 41b and 42 relative to the support 46 is limited by a single fixed track 45C. For example, each lever means 41 has a driven means 42c, for example, a steering wheel pivotally connected to the manipulator axis between two levers 41a and 41b, fixed on both sides to follow the track 45C. This restrains a suitable point of the specified quadrilateral manipulator for following a given path and uniquely determines, in combination with the movement of the support 46, the path P2 of the movement of the transfer chamber 50 and its movement along the path P2.

In a fourth embodiment of the lever means 41 shown in FIG. 9 and 10, each lever means 41 comprises an element or lever 41d carried by a rotating support 46 and limited relative to the support 46 by a restriction having a single degree of freedom. In particular, each element 41d has at its outer end a corresponding transfer chamber 50 and is prismatically connected to a short pipe or sleeve 461 mounted on a rotating support 46, relative to which it can slide in the axial direction. Alternatively, the member 41d may be pivotally coupled to the rotary support 46, still with a restriction having a single degree of freedom. A single fixed track 45D is provided which acts on the driven means 42d, for example steering wheels located on the element 41d so as to uniquely set the path P2 of the transfer chambers 50 during one revolution of the support 46 and their movement along this path.

The track 45A, 45B, 45C, 45D can be suitably carried out so that the path P2 along which the transfer chambers 50 move sequentially (see FIGS. 3, 5, 7 and 9) has a part T1 that is aligned with the circular path P3 motion matrixes. Along the indicated part T1, each transfer chamber 50 is located substantially coaxial with and above the cavity of the matrix 21, and the movement of each transfer chamber 50 is coordinated with the movement of the matrix 21. Along this part of T1, polymer doses D are transferred from the chambers 50 to the matrix cavity 21.

By providing a suitable length of the part T1 in which the path P2 is matched with the path P3, due to the coincidence of movements in this part T1, a relatively long time is provided (depending on the rotation speed of the molding device 20 and the length of the matched part T1), during which it is possible to transmit each dose D into the cavity of the matrix while holding the transfer chamber 50 on top, exactly coaxial with it.

For the application provided by the invention, other lever means and mechanisms 41 can also be used, which differ from those described above and nevertheless equivalent to them in the sense of the principle of action and the resulting kinematic effects, according to the idea of the invention.

In the embodiments shown in FIG. 1-10, the path P3 of the matrices 21 is circular, and therefore the matching part T1 is also circular. However, the path P3 can be performed with a different form. For example, it may have a straight part along which a part T1 is also defined. In this case, the centrifugal effect on the polymer dose is absent or almost absent.

In the device according to the invention, there are provided second transfer means suitable for transferring the polymer doses D from the dosing outlet 11 to the transfer chambers 50. These transfer means can be designed to move the polymer doses by moving them from the fixed point from which they exit (dosing exit 11), and their transmission by moving having a horizontal component to the transfer chambers 50, as occurs in the embodiments shown in the preceding figures, and in a variant The execution steps are described below. As an alternative solution, it is possible to transfer only by vertically lowering the polymer dose D from the stationary dosing outlet directly to the transfer chamber 50. In this case, elements connected to the exit are provided, for example, a piston that pushes and cuts off the extruded material, one or more knives that cut off the extruded material, etc., which ensure the removal of the polymer dose from the dosage output and its lowering due to gravity or other factors, for example p, be pushed by means of compressed air in the transfer chamber which is disposed under the outlet.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1-16, for transferring the polymer doses D from the dosage output 11 to the transfer chamber 50, a second transfer machine or second transfer device 30 is provided having a plurality of manipulative means or second transfer means 31 that rotates continuously. Each second transmission means 31 has a concave inner surface 32b having a U-shaped cross section that is open on one side, intended to come into contact with the polymer doses D. The surface 32b extends axially along a substantially vertical axis and has a shape that defines a channel which is open on one side and is capable of directing polymer doses of D by flowing them in contact with surface 32b.

The second transfer device 30 has a movable means for the sequential operation of the manipulator means 31, so that they transfer the plastic doses D coming out of the dispensing outlet 11 by a relative shift in the transverse direction and place the plastic doses D one at a time in the transfer chambers 50.

The specified movable means comprises a circular support 36, located on a horizontal plane, rotating synchronously with the molding mouse around a vertical shaft, coaxial shaft 47 of the support 46 (or around the shaft 361 ', located at a distance from the shaft 47, as shown in Fig. 7), having a fixed axis, on the periphery of which a manipulator means 31 is fixed, as shown in FIG. 17-20. The manipulator means 31 is located on the open side of the tangential front 32b relative to the direction of rotation.

The path P4, along which the concave inner contact surfaces 32b move, runs horizontally and is located below and at a small distance from the dispensing outlet 11 (nevertheless sufficient to prevent collision with the lower end of the extruded body M, which is lowered from the outlet), so that the upper end of the concave inner contact surface 32b extends beneath the exit 11 where the knife 13 is located. Furthermore, said path P4 is located above and at a small distance from the path P2 of the chambers 50, so that the lower end of the concave the inner contact surface 32b is moved by touching the upper end of the chambers 50.

The path P4 along which the means 31 pass is circular and has a part indicated by T2 in FIG. 3, 5, 7, and 9, which is consistent with the path P2 of the transfer chambers 50. On this part T2, each manipulator means 31 is in a position that is almost coaxial and located above the transfer chamber, and the movement of the manipulator means 31 is aligned with the movement of the transfer chamber 50. Since the path along which the means 31 pass is strictly circular, since the means 31 are rigidly fixed to the support 36, the path P2 of the transfer chambers 50 is a path that deviates from the circular path due to the suitable shape of the path of the fixed tracks 45 and coincides with the indicated part T2 of the path P4 of the manipulator means 31. The dosage output 11 is located near the input end of the specified part T2.

During use, the tool 31 passes under the dosing outlet 11, where the dose D, which has just been cut off with the knife 13, enters the cavity formed by the concave inner contact surface 32b and is pushed by contact with the horizontal movement. At the same time, the dose D also moves down under the influence of gravity, sliding along the contact surface 32b as along the guide and then falling into the lower transfer chamber 50. This transfer is carried out along the part T2, on which, as mentioned above, the contact surface 32b is located higher and almost coaxial with the transfer chamber 50 and moves synchronously with it.

Due to the part T2, on which the path P4 is consistent with the path P2, the part T2 having a suitable length, and also due to the coincidence of the movements in this part T2, a relatively long time is provided (depending on the rotation speed of the molding device 20 and the length of the part T2), during which it is possible to ensure the correct transfer of each dose D from the dosage output 11 to the transfer chamber 50.

The lower part 33 of the surface 32b is closed and tapers to ensure that the product D is correctly lowered into the release seat.

In FIG. 11-14, the clearly expressed phases of the transfer of polymer doses D from the dosage output 11 to the transfer chambers 50 through the manipulator means 31 are shown, all phases occur on the specified agreed part T2.

In FIG. 11 shows a dose D that just entered the cavity of the surface 32b and was just separated from the extruded body M with a knife 13. This phase corresponds to position Q1 in FIG. 3.

In FIG. 12-14 show the lowering of the polymer body D over the surface 32b until it completely enters the lower transfer chamber (see Fig. 14).

In FIG. Figures 15 and 16 show the clearly expressed phases of the transfer of the polymer dose D from the transfer chamber 50 to the cavity of the matrix 21 below, with all phases occurring on the indicated coordinated part T1.

In FIG. 21, 22, an embodiment of a device is shown in which a compressed fluid, such as air or other gas, is introduced into the transfer chamber 50 above a dose D to create a downward load to accelerate the release of a dose D through the bottom of said chamber.

For this purpose, a first closing means is provided for closing the upper inlet of the transfer chamber 50, in which one or more openings are formed, through which, using a suitable dosing medium, the fluid is forced into the chamber 50 for ejection by means of a polymer dose pressure D through the lower outlet . In the shown embodiment, the first closing means comprises closing bodies 54 arranged to close the upper entrance of the transfer chamber 50 each time the camera is suitably positioned above the matrix cavity. When this position is reached, the compressed fluid is guided through the openings 54a, which are formed in the body 54, downward into the transfer chamber 50 to push down the lower dose D.

The closing bodies 54 are fixed under the outer edge of the rotating support disk 36a of the second transmission device 30. The specified support disk 36a is connected and located concentrically to the support 36, which carries the manipulator means 31, and has such a diameter that its outer edge is above the passage of the matrices 21. Kinematic the features of the machine 30 and the molding device 20 are in such a ratio that for each transfer chamber 50, which is located above the cavity of the matrix 21, the closing body 54 is located with the closing top of the input of the transfer chamber 50. In this phase, compressed fluid is introduced through the body 54 to push the polymer dose D down into the lower cavity in the dispensing position. Thus, the closure bodies 54 act as ejection means for ejecting the polymer dose D from the transfer chamber 50.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 23 and 24, the second transfer device 30 for transferring doses D from the dispensing outlet 11 to the transfer chambers 50 comprises a rotating carousel 15 connected to the stationary dispensing outlet 11, carrying at the periphery a plurality of secondary dispensing outlets 16 suitable for dispensing plastics that move along a circular path P5 lying in the horizontal plane. Namely, the carousel 15 rotates around a vertical central axis 15A and has an upper inlet 152 located on the axis 15A, which is connected by means of a rotating connecting hinge 151 to the fixed outlet 11. The hinge 151 provides continuity of the connection for the passage of fluid between the stationary output 11 and the rotating input 52.

Inside the carousel 15, a central channel 153 is formed that leads from the entrance 152 and extends along the axis 15A, and a plurality of transverse channels 154 are formed that radially extend from the lower end of the central channel 153 and provide the same number of secondary outputs 16 directed downward along the vertical axis, distributed around the periphery of the carousel 15 and located at the same distance from the axis 15A and located at the same angular distance from each other. Each outlet 16 is for dispensing an extruded body of plastic, and with each of them there is a means for dividing the extruded body into a plurality of doses D. For example, this separating means is a closing means 17 that can be axially moved inside the outlet to close the outlet 161 outputs 16, thereby separating the polymer extruded body. As an alternative solution, the release agent may be a knife (not shown).

Said carousel 15 with corresponding related elements is already known; for example, it belongs to the type disclosed in patent application PCT / EP2003 / 07325 filed by the same applicant.

The movable means of the transfer chambers 50 is designed for sequentially moving the chambers 50 so that their path P2 has a part that is consistent with the path P5 of the secondary dosing outputs 16 (this part is indicated by T1 in FIG. 23), on which each transfer chamber 50 is located almost coaxially and below the secondary exit 16, and the movement of the transfer chamber 50 is consistent with the movement of the secondary exit 16, with the polymer dose D being transferred to the transfer chamber 50 on this part.

In use, the extruded plastic body is continuously lowered from the dosage output 11 and through the channels 153 and 154 reaches the secondary outputs 16. The outputs 16 work synchronously with the movement of the carousel 15, sequentially issuing one polymer dose D (or several doses at a time), when passing this part T5 on which they are located exactly above the chambers 50, and in this part of the dose D fall under the action of gravity inside the lower transfer chamber 50.

Due to the part T5, in which the path P2 is consistent with the path P5, the part T5 has a suitable length, and due to the coincidence of the movements along the part T5, a relatively long time is provided, depending on the rotation speed of the molding device 20 and the length of the part T5, during which the transmission of doses D from each secondary dosing output 16 to the lower transfer chamber 50 is ensured.

In embodiments of the lever means 41 shown in FIG. 7 and 9, in the agreed parts T1, T2 and T5, the movement (trajectory and speed) of the transfer chambers 50, in contrast to the previous embodiments, is not fully coordinated with the movement of the matrices 21 or, respectively, with the movement of the manipulator means 31 or the secondary dosing outputs 16 However, nevertheless, it is quite accurately approaching these movements.

The first transfer means 50 may contain shape-affecting means for modifying the geometric shape and at the same time the appropriate size of the plastic dose D to lower the plastic dose D into the cavity of the matrix 21 without touching the walls of the cavity during lowering and thereby correctly insert the matrix into the cavity.

Form-changing agents find application, in particular, in the case when the cavity of the matrix is relatively deep and narrow with respect to the mass of the polymer dose D and / or at relatively high operating speeds. A typical case is the molding of preforms made of polyethylene terephthalate used to make ordinary plastic bottles for mineral water or other carbonated drinks, since in this case the cavity is relatively deep and narrow with respect to the weight of the dose.

According to one embodiment, the shape of the internal cavity 50a of the transfer chamber 50 affects the geometric shape of the polymer dose D. In other words, the dose D is introduced into the transfer chamber 50 with a shape that may differ from the shape of the internal cavity 50a of the camera, and changes the cavity physically in the sense that the dose D takes the same shape with it, in particular, the shape of the side surface due to its inherent fluidity and ductility.

As mentioned above, due to the influence on the shape of the tool, it is possible to ensure such a quick passage of the polymer dose from the transfer chamber into the cavity of the matrix such that the part T1, in which the path P2 is aligned with the path P3, in which each transfer chamber 50 is in an almost coaxial position with the cavity of the matrix 21 and above it may not be required.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 11-16, 25, 27, 28, the inner cavity 50a of the transfer chamber 50 is bounded laterally by the inner surface 51b of the side wall 51, the surface of which is cylindrical with vertical generators, possibly with a circular cross section, and its transverse dimension does not exceed the minimum transverse dimension of the entrance zone cavity matrix.

In the example shown in FIG. 15 and 16, the upper part 21b of the matrix cavity has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the cylindrical side surface of the lower part 21a. In this case, the diameter of the inner cavity 50a is smaller than the diameter of the cavity of the upper part 21b.

Conversely, if the cylindrical inner surface of the cavity of the lower part 21a of the matrix has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the cavity in the upper part 21b.

When the dose D is released from the chamber 50 into the cavity of the matrix located below the matrix 21, the dose D has a shape that allows it to pass into the cavity without touching the side walls of the cavity during lowering or even in the event of contact without interfering with the lowering and proper positioning of the dose D inside the matrix 21.

The transverse size (diameter) of the inner cavity 50a cannot be less than the transverse size taken by the dose D coming out of the dosage output 11, in order to ensure a better introduction of the dose D into the chamber 50.

In addition to the lateral restriction of the cylindrical and closed side wall 51, the internal cavity 50a of the transfer chamber 50 can be closed at the bottom with second closure means comprising a lower base wall 52 intended for alternately closing and opening by means of an un depicted means.

The upper base of the inner cavity 50a can be closed using the first closing means 53, consisting of an upper base wall, which can be opened and closed by means of the unimaged means.

In the phase in which the transfer chamber 50 receives the polymer dose D from the dispensing outlet 11, the upper wall 53 is in the open position, while the lower wall 52 is in the closed position. During the phase in which the transfer chamber 50 transfers the polymer dose D to the cavity, the upper wall 53 is in the closed position, while the lower wall 52 is in the open position.

In the shown embodiment, the lower base wall 52 is flat and in the closed position lies in a horizontal plane. To achieve an open position, the lower base wall 52 moves along the same specified horizontal plane as is close to the lower edge of the side wall 51. In particular, said lower base wall 52 rotates relative to the side wall 51 around a hinge 521 having a vertical axis connected to the wall 51 .

Similarly, the upper base wall 53 is flat and moves to the open position, remaining in the horizontal plane in which it is in the closed position. In particular, said upper base wall 53 rotates relative to the side wall 51 around a hinge 531 having a vertical axis connected to the wall 51.

When the dose D is in contact with the inner surface of the cavity 50a of the transfer chamber 50, in particular with the inner side surface 51b and the inner surface 52b of the lower wall 52, the chamber 50 contains anti-adhesive means to completely or partially reduce the adhesion caused by this contact.

According to one embodiment of the transfer chamber 50 shown in FIG. 25, said release agent comprises a metering device capable of supplying a fluid, in particular a gas, such as air, to the cavity of the chamber 50. The feed fluid forms a gap between the inner surface of the transfer chamber 50 and the polymer dose D to reduce the bonding effect between the polymer dose D and internal contact surface.

The side wall 51 and the lower base wall 52 of the transfer chamber 50 are preferably porous to allow the passage of fluid through their thickness. In this case, a second side wall 51 'is provided, which is located outside and coaxially with the side wall 51 and which surrounds the side wall 51 and is connected to it at the upper and lower edges. Between the two walls 51 and 51 ', a side chamber 51a is defined which surrounds the porous side wall 51 360 degrees and extends along its entire height or almost all its height. The side chamber 51 is connected to a means (not shown) intended for passing compressed gas through the channel 59 and the inlets 56 into and out of the chamber 51a through the porous wall 51 into the transfer chamber 50.

In addition, a second outer base wall 52 'is provided, which is located under the lower wall 52 and connected to it along the outer edge. Between the two walls 52 and 52 'a side chamber 52a is defined, which extends along the entire height of the base wall 52, which is connected to means (not shown) for supplying compressed gas to and from the chamber 52a through the porous wall 52 into the transfer chamber 50.

The compressed gas is directed into the chambers 52a and 51a and from there passes through the porous walls 52 and 51 to form a gap or gas layer that is between the inner surfaces 52b and 51b of the walls 52 and 51 and the outer surface of the polymer dose D. This gap filled with gas prevents the contact between the polymer dose D and the walls 52 and 51, or at least reduces the contact time and the size of the contact zones, which reduces the adhesive effect between the polymer dose D and the walls 52, 52, contributing to the effective flow down of the dose.

It was found that by arranging a gap filled with a fluid with sufficient pressure and flow rates (which vary from one application to another and which are relatively easy to verify) between the contact surface and the polymer dose D, it is possible to completely or at least partially eliminate the polymer dose D sticks so much that it practically becomes non-sticky and does not stick to the surface.

Indeed, due to the formation of a gap filled with a fluid with suitable flow rates and pressures, which are usually relatively small (one or more bars is sufficient), contact between the polymer dose D and the contact surface is eliminated. If, however, contact occurs, then it is always local and limited in time. In this regard, it was experimentally proved that by limiting the contact time between the polymer dose D and the surface with relatively low values, a correspondingly small action of macroscopic adhesion is ensured. If the bonding time is several microseconds, then the action of macroscopic bonding is almost zero.

This phenomenon can be explained by the fact that in order to obtain the bonding action, contact time is required, which is not less than the value (reaction time), which is necessary for the manifestation of the physicochemical bonding forces. This reaction time is a function of material, temperature, and local pressure. The gap filled with fluid causes a continuous interruption of the process, so that there is no maximum adhesion or even contact is excluded.

Excellent results were obtained when these porous walls were made of a material whose pores have a diameter between 5 · 10 ^-3 mm and 20 · 10 ^-3 mm, and when gas was supplied to chambers 51a and 52a with a pressure of 0.5-1 bar.

In FIG. 31 shows the operation of the transfer chamber 50 according to FIG. 25. The transfer chamber 50 is initially located in a position in which it receives a dose D, for example, lower and almost coaxial with the dosage output 11 (position P1). Then the camera 50 moves to the second position P2, located above the cavity of the matrix, in particular, above and almost coaxial with the cavity of the matrix, into which the camera 50 transmits a polymer dose D.

The movement of the chamber 50 is relative, that is, the movement may occur due to the movement of the camera, while the plastic supplying means is stationary and while the matrix moves, or in accordance with other and different combinations of movements.

During the phase in which the transfer chamber 50 receives the dose D from the dispensing outlet 11, the upper wall 53 is in the open position, while the lower wall 52 is in the closed position. During the phase in which the transfer chamber 50 delivers the polymer dose to the matrix cavity, the upper wall 53 is in the closed position, while the lower wall 52 is in the open position. In this phase, in which the transfer chamber 50 is in position P2 'for lowering the polymer dose D into the cavity of the matrix when the lower base wall 52 is open, while the upper base wall 53 is kept closed, the compressed gas supplied to the chamber 50 through the walls 51 and 53, creates the effect of a “shot” and quickly and efficiently pushes the dose D inside the matrix below.

As shown in FIG. 26, as an alternative to the porous wall, non-porous material walls may be provided in which a plurality of small openings 57 may be provided to allow fluid to pass through them, with small openings distributed in the area of possible contact with the polymer dose D. For example, these openings 57 can be spirally distributed to provide the greatest possible coverage of the contact area. According to another alternative solution, the porous wall is replaced by a wall made up of a plurality of elements assembled so that a plurality of relatively narrow dividing lines are formed which are suitably shaped and suitably distributed in the contact zone so that a fluid flow can pass through them.

This above-mentioned beneficial effect created by the gap filled with a fluid is further enhanced by heat treating the fluid supplied between the contact surface and the polymer dose D to lower the surface temperature of the polymer dose D and / or the contact surface.

For this purpose, means (not shown) may be provided for heat treating the fluid or gas to lower its temperature. In this case, the gap filled with gas and formed between the inner surface of the transfer chamber 50 and the outer surface of the polymer dose D also provides effective heat exchange with the mass of the walls 52 and 51 and the outer surface of the polymer dose D, which can be used to facilitate the flow of the polymer dose D. The cooled fluid due to passage through the wall or simple contact with both the contact surfaces 51b and 52b, and the surface of the polymer dose D, at least superficially reduces their rate temperature, thereby increasing the viscosity of the polymer dose D, which reduces the stickiness of the plastic. Indeed, it was found that if the contact time increases (from microseconds to milliseconds), it is necessary to lower the temperature of the walls to prevent adhesion. In the above case, in which the contact surface is located on a wall made of porous material, or the fluid passes through relatively narrow openings, the fluid itself has a favorable “cooling effect” due to its expansion upon exit, when passing through the wall . Obviously, the temperature of the fluid can be controlled to prevent excessive, albeit local, cooling of the polymer dose D so as not to cause microcrystallization of the material or the formation of any nuclei of heterogeneity in the material. In any case, the effect of cooling the polymer dose D created by the fluid is completely different from the action achieved externally due to the direct, relatively continuous physical contact of the dose with the contact surface of the dose handling device. Indeed, in the first case, a kind of microcooling takes place, which acts only on the surface layer of the polymer dose D and is distributed regularly and homogeneously over its entire surface. On the other hand, in the case of contact between the polymer dose D and the manipulator, there is strong and relatively deep cooling, limited to a relatively small part of the dose, which has, as mentioned above, adverse effects on the formed product.

Alternatively, the gas can be supplied into the transfer chamber 50 in the form of a stream that is tangentially directed to the contact surfaces 52b, 51b, so that a gap is created that contacts the surfaces. The presence of compressed gas in the transfer chamber 50 also has an important positive effect in the phase in which the transfer chamber 50 is located in part T1 to lower the polymer dose D into the cavity of the matrix 21. When the lower base wall 52 is open, while the upper base wall 53 kept closed, the compressed gas supplied to the chamber 50 through the walls 51 and 53 creates a “shot” effect, which quickly and efficiently pushes the dose D inside the cavity below. This beneficial effect is achieved by supplying gas into the chamber 50 in various ways, for example, as indicated above, through the porous wall 51. This action can be enhanced by supplying gas through one or more of the openings 57 shown in FIG. 26, also provided in the upper base wall 53. This gas is used to push the polymer dose D down into the cavity of the matrix.

As an alternative solution, this action can also be obtained by making the upper base wall 53 of porous material and passing gas through it into the chamber 50. Namely, as shown in FIG. 25, a second base wall 53 'is provided located outside and above the wall 53 and connected to it along the outer edge. Between the two walls 53 and 53 ', a thin upper chamber 53a is created, which extends along the entire length of the base wall 53 and which in turn is connected to means for supplying compressed gas to and from the chamber 53a through the porous wall 53 to the transfer chamber 50, during a phase in which the lower base wall 52 is closed.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 26, one or more openings 57 may be provided in the upper base wall 53, also of significant diameter, for supplying fluid to the chamber 50 to push the polymer dose D down.

In FIG. 27 shows an embodiment of the transfer chamber 50, which is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 25 by a chamber, and differs from it in that the upper base wall 53, instead of being made of a porous material, has one or more holes 57, also of a significant diameter, for supplying fluid to the chamber 50 for pushing down the polymer dose D.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 29 is substantially similar to the transfer chamber 50 of FIG. 26, from which it differs in that the lower base wall 52 is not porous, but similarly to the side wall 51 is provided with many small holes 57 'or many thin dividing lines for the passage of fluid. The upper base wall 53 has one or more holes 57.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 32, the upper base wall 53 may not be provided. In this case, since the polymer dose D has dimensions, in particular, the diameter dimensions, which are smaller or identical with the dimensions of the cavity of the matrix 21, the polymer dose D can fall inside this cavity under the action of gravity.

As shown in FIG. 32 of the embodiment, the lower base wall 52 is not integral, but consists of two elements 525 that are rotatable relative to the side wall 51 around respective hinges having a vertical axis connected to the wall 51. Two elements 525 when rotated until they come into contact with each other in the closed position, close the exit from the chamber 50 and form a porous wall 52. On the other hand, when turned outward into the open position, they provide a dose D.

The bottom wall 52 may also not be provided. In this case, as shown in FIG. 37, the absence of a bottom wall 52 can be compensated for by special gas metering methods, so that the gas holds the polymer dose D on weight, preventing it from lowering from the transfer chamber. This action obviously stops when the polymer dose D is to be lowered into the cavity. In particular, in FIG. 37 shows a chamber 50 in which the side wall is solid and non-porous. The chamber 50 does not have a lower base wall, and to prevent the polymer dose D from dropping, a pneumatic support means is provided comprising a loop circuit 511 located under the lower edge of the side wall 51 around the lower outlet of the chamber 50, without interfering with the exit of the polymer dose D. To circuit 511 compressed gas is supplied via one or more of the inlets 512 to create, using suitably oriented outlets 513, jets of fluid directed upward into the lower outlet of the chamber 50. Using a suitable pressure calibration The supplied fluid can be used to hold the weight of the polymer dose D inside the chamber 50, preventing the polymer dose D from dropping through the lower outlet. Naturally, the fluid supply to the circuit 51 is dosed when it is desired to stop the lowering of the dose D, and, conversely, the flow is interrupted when it is desired to lower the polymer dose D.

The fluid can also be suitably guided to create a gap filled with fluid to prevent the polymer dose D from adhering to the contact surface.

According to one embodiment of a transfer means for changing the shape of the polymer dose D shown in FIG. 30, a concave side wall 51 that defines the transfer chamber 50 has a side opening 520, for example, for introducing a polymer dose D from the side. The chamber 50 comprises a pneumatic forming means suitable for supplying compressed fluid directed to the inner surface 51b of the side wall 51 to the dose D through the side opening 520 in order to influence the dosage form. In particular, the side wall 51 of the chamber 50 has a U-shaped cross section and has two vertical channels 521 ′ at the two free ends connected by channels 522 to a source of compressed fluid (not shown). The vertical channels 521 'are provided with several openings 523 for supplying jets of fluid in the direction of the opening 520. Thus, the shape of the polymer dose D is affected by both contact with the side wall 51 at an intermediate location of the fluid layer and the dynamic effect of the fluid supplied through holes 523.

According to another embodiment, for influencing the shape of the polymer dose D shown in FIG. 26, a pneumatic forming means is provided which is intended to supply compressed fluid to a transfer chamber 50 acting on the side surface of the polymer dose D to change its geometric shape. The transfer chamber 50 is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 25 by a chamber, but instead of making a porous wall 51 has many holes 57, with a diameter larger than the pores through which a compressed fluid, such as air, passes into the internal cavity 50a, with the fluid being directed to the side surface of the polymer dose D to affect her form. In particular, the cross-sectional diameter of the polymer dose D is reduced so that it is lowered into the cavity of the matrix 21 without contact with its walls.

Due to this solution, it is possible to influence the dose form D in an adjustable manner, changing only the parameters of the fluid introduced into the transfer chamber 50 without changing its geometric parameters. The same holes 57 can also be provided in the upper base wall 53, but above all for pushing down the polymer dose D when it is transferred to the matrix cavity.

In the transfer chamber 50 shown in FIG. 33 and 34, a release agent is provided to completely or partially reduce adhesion between the polymer dose D and the inner surface of the transfer chamber 50.

In this case, the chamber 50, in particular its inner surfaces 51b, 52b, vibrate at a constant frequency to prevent or at least partially reduce the action of macroscopic bonding between the polymer dose D and the inner surfaces. In practice, it was found that with suitable vibration values, even if the plastic is sticky, even when the plastic creates adhesion points at the microscopic level, these adhesion points are nevertheless very small and, above all, remain extremely short, so that the macroscopic bonding force between the material and the contact surface is relatively small, and the bonding effect between such a contact surface 51b and the polymer dose D is sharply reduced. Namely, in complements FIG. 33 and 34, an oscillating means 55 acts on the outer surface of the transfer chamber 50 to bring the transfer chamber 50 into vibration with frequency values that eliminate or at least reduce the sticking effect between the polymer dose D and the inner surface 51b, 52b.

Excellent results were obtained by exciting vibrations operating in a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis of the transfer chamber 50 at a frequency of 300 pulses per second in the case of PET plastic.

Another embodiment of the transfer chamber 50 (not shown) provides for a complete or partial reduction of adhesion between the polymer dose D and the inner surface of the transfer chamber 50, a thin layer of release coating located on the inner surface of the cavity 50a of the chamber 50, wherein said thin layer is made of material having release properties with respect to the polymer dose D, for example, from PTFE (Teflon ®), the outer surface of which defines the specified contact surface with the polymer ozoy D.

An embodiment of the transfer chamber 50 shown in FIG. 35 differs from that shown in FIG. 34 in that the base walls 52, 53 are porous to allow the passage of fluid or gas through their thickness.

The embodiment of FIG. 36 differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. 34, in that the upper base wall 53 is non-porous, but has one or more openings 57 for the passage of fluid.

According to an embodiment of the means 31 shown in FIG. 38, 39 and 40, the handling agent comprises a release agent to completely or partially reduce adhesion between the polymer dose D and the inner surface 32b with which the dose D comes into contact.

The means 31 comprises a curved wall 32 open on one side, the inner surface of which defines the contact surface 32b. The lower end portion 33 of the wall 32 is circular and closed and has an axial section that tapers down slightly.

The means 31 comprises a metering means for forming a gap or layer of a fluid, for example gas, along the inner surface 32b in order to completely or partially reduce the adhesion between the polymer dose D and the inner surface.

In particular, the curved wall 32 (including its lower part 33) is porous to allow gas to pass through it and further comprises a second tubular wall 320, which is located outside and coaxially with the curved wall 32, while the lower and upper ends of the second tubular wall 320 are connected with a curved wall 32. A chamber 34 is formed between the two walls 32 and 320, which surrounds the curved porous wall 32 and extends along its entire length or almost along its entire length, while this chamber 32 is connected to the means 38 (depicted partly in Fig. 40), designed to supply compressed gas inside the chamber 34, while the gas exits on the contact surface 32b.

The chamber 34 is divided into the upper part 34 'and the lower part 34 ", supplied respectively through the channel 35' and the channel 35", while the channels are divided to ensure the flow in two parts of the chamber 34 of fluids having different pressure parameters in order to provide better control of lowering dose D.

Excellent results were obtained with a wall 32 made of a porous material having the parameters indicated above with respect to the transfer chamber 50. In addition, similarly to the above, means can be provided (not shown in the figures) intended for thermal conditioning of the gas to lower its temperature, with the above signs and results.

Alternatively, the gas can be supplied to the contact surface 32b in the form of a flow tangential to the surface, so that a gap forms that comes into contact with the surface.

The gap filled with fluid between the contact surface 32b of the manipulator means 31 and the polymer dose D creates the above-mentioned beneficial effects indicated with respect to the transfer chamber 50.

In FIG. 41 and 42 show an alternative embodiment of a release agent for completely or partially reducing adhesion between the dose D and the inner surface 32b of the manipulator means 31. The manipulator means 31 and, in particular, the inner surface 32b are vibrated with frequency values that ensure the exclusion or at least a partial decrease in the action of macroscopic bonding between dose D and the inner surface. Namely, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 41 and 42, an oscillating means 55 acts on the outer surface of the manipulator means 31 to vibrate the curved wall 32 with frequencies that prevent or at least reduce the bonding effect between the dose D and the inner surface 32b.

As an alternative solution, to completely or partially reduce the bonding effect between the polymer dose D and the inner surface 32b of the manipulator means 31, a thin coating layer is provided which is located on the inner surface of the curved wall 32, wherein said thin layer is made with release properties with respect to the dose D, for example, PTFE (Teflon ®), the outer surface of which forms the indicated contact surface with a dose.

In FIG. 65-70, a device is shown comprising a dosage means 10 for dispensing plastic doses from a dosage outlet or port 11 located in a lower position, i.e. on the bottom surface 12 of the dosage means 10.

The plastic is first heated to a suitable temperature to transfer the plastic into a more or less viscous liquid state, so that it acquires sufficient mobility, for example, to a temperature of about 300 ° C. in the case of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Then the plastic under pressure is fed through the channel 130 into the dosage means 10, which feeds it to the dosage output 11.

In addition, the dosage means 10 comprises a shutter 14 for separating a certain amount of material, which sets the dose D, from the output end of the extruded body M of viscous liquid material discharged through the channel 130.

In particular, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 65-70, the shutter 14 has the form of a vertically movable piston insert inside a cylindrical and vertical cavity 150, which ends on the lower surface 12, the lower end of which defines the dosage output or port 11. The channel 130 ends in the cavity 150 at point 131, located as times before exit 11. The shutter 14 is usually located above point 131 to ensure the flow of material from point 131 and lower through the lower part of the cavity 150. By moving the shutter 14 down beyond point 131, the extruded body M and it separates the final end portion which forms the dose to be introduced into the cavity.

The matrix 21 shown in the figures operates by means of a molding device and is intended to form blanks suitable for subsequent manufacture, usually by blow molding, of thermoplastic polymer bottles (in particular polyethylene terephthalate). These preforms comprise a neck having a final shape provided in the bottle and a hollow body intended during the bottle manufacturing phase to form the bottle body. In this case, the matrix is formed by a concave lower part 210 and an upper part 220 with a through cavity. The lower part 210 has a substantially cylindrical concave and smooth surface 211 that shapes the outer surface of the hollow body of the workpiece, while the upper part 220 has complex surfaces 221 that shape the outer surface of the neck. Since the neck is provided with radial protrusions, said upper part 220 is divided into at least two halves (two in the shown case), intended for lateral movement from each other to free the workpiece. Two concave surfaces 211 and 221 form the cavity of the matrix 21.

Obviously, the invention can also be used with matrices in which the cavity has a different shape, for example, if the specified upper part 220 is missing and the lower part 210 has a simpler form.

The matrix is carried by the body 25, which is usually driven by a molding carousel (not shown in the figures) containing a plurality of continuously moving matrices. The body 25 and the corresponding matrix can be connected to or disconnected from the carousel and moved with the carousel during some phases of the duty cycle, and in other phases they can be disconnected from the carousel; in the latter case, the matrices are carried by shuttles.

Introducing means 300 is provided having a passageway 310 for doses that has a tubular shape and is provided with an inlet 310a at the upper end and an outlet 310b at the lower end.

The passage channel 310 is intended to be connected at its inlet 310a to the dosing output 11 of the dosing device 10. In particular, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 65, the upper end of the channel 310 is fixed to the lower base of the metering means 10 and the metering output 11 is aligned with the inlet 310a.

The lower part 311 of the channel 310, on which the exit 310b is located, is intended for insertion into the cavity by a significant part of the axial length of the cavity. The specified part 311 may occupy almost the entire axial length of the channel 310.

The method used involves the introduction of the passage channel together with the output 11 of the dosage means 10, at least the lower end part into the cavity for a significant part of the axial length of the passage channel, and through it the dose falls and ultimately enters the cavity through the exit of the passage channel.

In FIG. 66-70 show a sequence of phases carried out in that shown in FIG. 65, when a dose is introduced into the cavity of the matrix according to the first embodiment.

First, the passage channel 310 is brought to the matrix cavity, so that the axes of the passage channel 310 and the matrix cavity essentially coincide (see Fig. 66). Then the matrix and the dosing means 10 are vertically moved relative to each other, so that the lower part 311 of the passage channel 310 is located in the cavity of the matrix (see Fig. 67, 68 and 69).

In the example shown, the dosing means 10 is kept at a constant level, while only the matrix moves vertically. Alternatively, the dispensing means 10 can be moved vertically, or both components can be moved.

The extruded body M moves along the channel 130 (see FIG. 66), and then also along the lower end portion of the vertical cavity 150 and finally along the passage channel 310 (see FIG. 67). Then the part of the extruded body M, located below point 131, reaches a predetermined length, the shutter 14 goes down, which captures the extruded body M, separating its lower end part, which sets the plastic dose D (see Fig. 68).

Then (see FIG. 69) the material is lowered along the channel 310 until it reaches its exit 310b. At this point, while the dose D is leaving the channel 310b exit 310b, the channel is removed from the matrix cavity by a movement substantially identical but opposite to the lowering movement of the dose D relative to the channel (see FIG. 70). Ultimately, the channel is completely removed from the cavity of the matrix, returning to its original position of the specified cycle (see Fig. 66).

Thus, it can be seen that the dose D flows through the passage channel 310 to the bottom of the matrix cavity without touching the side surface of the cavity, which is really desirable.

The closer the exit of channel 310 approaches the bottom of the matrix cavity, the less is the risk of the dose D coming into contact with the side wall, and in addition to this, the dose occupies a more correct position inside the cavity.

However, if it is desired to reduce the relative vertical stroke between the group formed by the dosing means 10 and the introducing means 300 and the matrix, then the length of the lower portion 311 introduced into the cavity of the matrix can be reduced.

In this case, this length varies in accordance with various factors, for example, in accordance with the geometry of the cavity of the matrix; the larger the ratio between the diameter and the axial length, the smaller the length of the part 311. The specified length may vary in accordance with the conditions of movement of the matrix. If the matrix is stationary or not subject to noticeable centrifugal forces, then the length of the lower part 311 may be less.

In general, the dose D should have a cross section that is as close as possible to the cross section of the matrix cavity. As a result, the passage portion of the channel 310 may be as close as possible to the passage section of the matrix cavity, taking into account the mechanical resistance that the wall of the channel 310 should have. Nevertheless, there should be a gap, since this wall passes along the axial surface of the matrix cavity without touching it, and in addition to this, it is necessary to create a gap between the wall and the surface of the cavity, which ensures the exit of air introduced into the matrix.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 66-70, the dose D, after being separated from the material exiting the channel 130 by the shutter 14, is lowered along the channel 310 by gravity.

Lowering the dose D can be forced by introducing compressed fluid at a point above the dose D located inside the passage channel 310 to facilitate lowering and output of the dose outside the channel exit 310b. Typically, the fluid is a gas, for example, air, but may be another gas, for example, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or another gas.

In particular, the shutter 14, after separating a certain amount of dose-generating material D from the lower end of the extruded body exiting the channel 130, dispenses compressed fluid from its lower end surface, for example, when the device is in the state shown in FIG. 68.

For this purpose, in accordance with the solution shown in FIG. 71, the shutter 14 has a head 141 provided with relatively thin through holes 142, and an axial channel connected to a source (not shown) of compressed fluid. As an alternative solution, the same action and result can be obtained using through holes of various shapes or using a porous material provided with the same source.

As an alternative solution, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 72-76, lowering the dose D is forcibly performed using the shutter 14, which acts as a piston and pushes the dose along the channel 310.

The first part of the dose administration cycle (see FIGS. 72, 73 and 74) is the same as the first part of the cycle disclosed above with respect to FIG. 66, 67 and 68. The channel 310 is brought to the matrix cavity so that the axis of the channel 310 and the matrix cavity essentially coincide. Then the matrix and the dosing means 10 are moved vertically relative to each other so that the lower part 311 is located in the cavity of the matrix. At the same time, the material advances along channel 130 (see FIG. 72), and then also through passage channel 310 (see FIG. 73). Then the shutter 14 is lowered, which interrupts the material, separating the lower end part from the extruded body M, which sets the dose D of the material (see Fig. 74).

In the second part of the cycle, the shutter is lowered along the channel 310, pushing the dose D like a piston along the channel D, until the dose D reaches the exit 310b of the channel 310. Then, during the exit of the dose D from the output 310b of the channel 310, the channel 310 is removed from the matrix cavity with movement which is essentially the same and opposite to the lowering movement of the shutter 14 and the dose D relative to the channel 310 (see FIG. 76). Finally, the passage channel 310 is completely brought out from the cavity of the matrix, and the shutter 14 returns to its original position of the above cycle (see Fig. 72).

The damper 14 may have a finish, coatings and technical solutions that are designed to prevent bonding with plastic.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 77 and 78, differs from the previous ones in that the dose D flows along the inner surface 320b of the tubular wall 320 ′ of the passage channel 310 due to the fact that a gap filled with a fluid, for example, air, carbon dioxide, nitrogen or another gas along the inner surface 320b to completely or partially reduce adhesion between the dose D and the inner surface. According to the illustrated embodiment, the passage channel 310 comprises an inner tubular wall 320 ', the axial cavity of which defines a passage cavity for the dose D, while the wall 320' is porous to allow the passage of fluid through the wall 320 '. The channel 310 comprises a second tubular wall 330, which is located outside and coaxially with the porous wall 320 ', while the lower end of the second tubular wall 330 is connected to the porous wall 320', and an upper support 370 having a loop cavity 370a that surrounds the upper end part of the porous walls 320 '. A gap is formed between the two walls 320 ′ and 330 and the support 370, which defines a chamber 340 that surrounds the porous tubular wall 320 ′ by 360 ° and extends along its entire length or almost along its entire length. The chamber 340 is connected to means (not shown) for supplying compressed fluid to the inside of the chamber 340 through an inlet 350 made in a support 370.

The compressed fluid is supplied to the chamber 340 while lowering the dose D along the inner surface 320b. The fluid passes through the porous wall 320 ', creating a fluid layer that is located between the inner surface 320b and the outer surface of the dose D. This fluid layer prevents contact between the dose D and the wall 320' or at least reduces the duration and the size of the contact zones, which reduces the effect of macroscopic bonding between the dose D and the wall 320 ', providing an effective and preferred flow down of the dose D.

Excellent results were obtained by making the wall 320 ′ made of a porous material, the pores of which have a diameter between 5 · 10 ^-3 mm and 20 · 0 ^-3 mm, and supplying a fluid with a pressure of between 0.5 and 1 bar to the chamber 340.

Alternatively, the fluid may be supplied into the passageway 310 in a stream that passes directly tangentially to the inner surface 320 ', so that a layer forms that comes into contact with the surface 320'.

At the same time, this fluid layer also creates effective heat exchange with the wall mass 320 'and with the outer surface of the dose D, which can preferably be used to facilitate the flow of the dose. In particular, means (not shown) can be provided for conditioning the temperature of the fluid, so that when it passes through the wall 320 ', it then lowers both the temperature of the outer surface of the dose D and the temperature of the inner surface 320b of the passage 310. Lowering the temperature of the dose surface increases it viscosity and thereby reduces its adhesion to the wall 320 '. This beneficial effect is enhanced by lowering the temperature of the wall 320 '.

This temperature is controlled so as to prevent excessive, albeit local, cooling of the dose D, causing microcrystallization of the material or the appearance of nuclei of inhomogeneities in the material.

The fluid that flows inside the channel 310 is partially evacuated up the channel and partially passes to the bottom of the cavity and is evacuated from here upward through the thin gap that forms between the outer surface of the channel 310 and the surface of the cavity.

In FIG. 79-83 show a sequence of phases performed by the means shown in FIG. 77 and 78, for introducing a polymer dose of D into the cavity of the matrix.

Introducing means 300 is first supplied to the matrix cavity so that the axis of the cavity and the axis of the passage channel 310 substantially coincide (see FIGS. 79 and 80). Then the matrix and the dosing means are moved vertically relative to each other so that the passage channel 310 is located in the cavity of the matrix (see Figs. 81 and 82).

In the example shown, the dosing means 10 is kept at a constant level, while only the matrix moves vertically. Alternatively, dosing agent 10 or both components can be vertically moved. At the same time, the extruded body M passes through the channel 130, then also through the lower end part of the vertical cavity 150 and finally along the tubular wall 310 (see Fig. 80). When the part of the extruded body M, located below point 131, reaches a predetermined length, the shutter 14 is lowered, which intercepts the extruded body M, separating its lower end part, which sets the plastic dose D (see Fig. 81). Then (see FIG. 82), the plastic is lowered along the passage channel 310 until it reaches the channel exit 310b. At this point, during the exit of the polymer dose D from the exit 310b, the passage channel 310 is removed from the matrix cavity by a movement that is substantially the same and opposite to the lowering movement of the polymer dose D relative to the tubular wall (see FIG. 83).

Thus, the passage channel 310 is completely brought out of the matrix cavity, returning to the initial position of the above cycle (see Fig. 79).

Thus, the polymer dose D flows through the passage channel 310 to the bottom of the matrix cavity without contacting the side surface of the cavity, which is really desired.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 84 differs from the previous embodiment by the presence of several release agents designed to facilitate the flow of the polymer dose D through channel 310.

The passage channel 310 and, in particular, its inner surface 320b vibrates with a frequency that prevents or at least reduces the bonding effect between the dose and the inner surface 320b. It has indeed been found that with suitable vibration values, even if the material is sticky, even if the material creates bonding points at the microscopic level, these bonding points are very short and remain for an extremely short time, so that the specific bonding force between the material and the channel wall 310 is relatively very small. In addition, it can be assumed, as a hypothesis, that vibration creates a system of pressure waves that acts like compressed air located between the contact surface and the dose similar to compressed air. As a result, at the macroscopic level, the bonding between channel 310 and dose D decreases sharply, so that the dose flows through the channel with almost no friction.

Namely, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 84, an oscillating means 55 acts on the upper end of the channel 310 to vibrate the channel 310 with frequency values that prevent or at least reduce, as indicated above, the bonding effect between the dose and the inner surface. Excellent results were obtained using vibrations operating in a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis of the channel 310 at a frequency of 300 pulses per second in the case of a dose of polyethylene terephthalate.

In FIG. 85-89 show the sequence of phases performed by the device shown in FIG. 84, during the introduction of dose D into the cavity of the matrix.

First, the passage channel is brought to the matrix cavity, so that the axes of the passage channel 310 and the matrix cavity essentially coincide (see Figs. 85 and 86). Then the matrix and the dosing means 10 are moved vertically relative to each other, so that the lower part of the passage channel 310 is introduced into the matrix (see Fig. 87 and 88). In this case, the dosage means 10 is kept at a constant level, while only the matrix moves vertically. Obviously, as an alternative solution, the dispensing means 10 or both of the components can be moved vertically.

At the same time, the extruded body M passes through the channel 130, then along the lower end part of the vertical cavity 150 and finally along the passage channel 310 (see Fig. 86). When the part of the extruded body M, located below point 131, reaches a predetermined length, the shutter 14 is lowered, which intercepts the extruded body M, separating its lower end part, which sets the plastic dose D (see Fig. 87).

Then (see FIG. 88) the material is lowered along the tubular wall 310 until it reaches the channel exit 310b. At this point, during the release of dose D from the exit 310b, the passage channel 310 is removed from the matrix cavity by a movement that is substantially the same and opposite to the direction of movement of the dose lowering relative to the passage channel (see FIG. 89).

Finally, the passage channel 310 is completely brought out of the matrix cavity, returning to the initial position of the above cycle (see Fig. 85).

Thus, the dose D flows through the passage channel 310 to the bottom of the cavity of the matrix without contact with the side surface of the cavity.

Lowering the dose D can be forced by introducing compressed fluid at a point above the dose D located inside the tubular wall 310 to facilitate lowering and evacuation of the dose outside the passage channel exit 310b. If said damper 14 is provided for separating the amount of material forming the dose D from the lower end of the extruded body M, the damper 14 may be configured to supply compressed air to its lower end surface.

In particular, using the shutter 14, after separating the amount of material that forms the dose D from the lower end of the extruded body M emerging from the channel 130, compressed air is supplied from its lower end surface. For example, when the device is in the state shown in FIG. 87.

The air flow produced by the shutter head 14 can only be used to remove dose D material from the shutter head.

In FIG. 90 shows another embodiment that is different from the previous embodiment, since it provides a different type of release agent, different from the previous means, to facilitate the flow of dose D along the passage channel 310.

In this case, the passage channel 310 contains a thin layer of the inner coating 371 of a material having release properties with respect to dose D, for example, PTFE (Teflon ®), the inner surface of which forms a contact surface with a dose.

While in the embodiments of FIG. 65 and 84, the upper end of the passage channel 310 is fixed directly in contact with the lower surface 12 of the dosage means 10, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 77, a space 170 is left between the inlet 310a of the channel 310 and the dosing output 11 of the dosing means 10, which can remain open, although the channel 310 and the means 10 are kept connected to each other.

One of the functions of this space 170 is to prevent mainly heat transfer by means of conductivity between the housing of the metering means 10 and the channel 310. Indeed, the means 10 must be maintained at a relatively high temperature, since the plastic to be treated inside must have a relatively low viscosity. Thus, it is desirable to insulate the channel 310 with respect to the means 10 to provide a relatively low temperature of the channel 310 to facilitate the passage of the dose through the channel. Another function of the space 170 is to evacuate the fluid outwardly, which is introduced into the channel 310 through the porous wall 320 ', in particular if this fluid is cooled to prevent the fluid from lowering the temperature of the lower portion of the metering means 10 with which the fluid comes into contact.

In addition, this space 170 can be used to slide a knife (not shown) parallel to the bottom surface 12, which separates the dose D from the material flowing along the cavity 150, as an alternative to the shutter shown in FIG. 65 and 84.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 91 and 92, differs from the previous embodiments in that the channel 310 is cooled in order to completely or partially reduce the bonding of the polymer dose D to the inner surface of the channel 310. By reducing the temperature of the contact surface, the temperature of the polymer dose is reduced, at least on the surface and thus increasing its viscosity, which leads to a decrease in the bonding of plastic with the contact surface.

According to the shown embodiment, the passage channel 310 comprises an inner tubular wall 420, the axial cavity of which defines a passage cavity for a polymer dose D and an inner surface 320b of which defines a contact surface with a polymer dose D. The tubular wall 420 has a groove 440 formed on its outer side surface in in the form of a double helix wound on the outer lateral surface of the tubular wall 420, wherein said double helix has two runs 450a and 450b located at the upper end of the wall 420. The lower ends The two coils are connected to each other through a connecting coil 460 located on the lower end of the tubular wall 420. Under the said coil 460 there is a sealing washer 500.

Finally, the outer side surface of the wall 420 is surrounded by a thin and sticky outer shell 470, which acts as the outer wall for the channel 460 and for the turn 460. Thus, a single continuous channel with a closed cross section is formed, which is made in the thickness of the channel 310, which begins from approach 450a (or 450b), descends in a spiral to the end end of wall 420, passes into another spiral through the lower turn 460, rises in a spiral to the upper end of wall 420, and finally exits through approach 450b (or 450a).

Said channel is connected to means (not shown) for supplying compressed cooling fluid along the channel to lower the temperature of the tubular wall 420 to a suitable value. The cooling fluid is supplied to the continuous channel through inlet 480 and exits the channel through outlet 490.

The administration means 300 may be associated with any suitable polymer dose delivery means that is different from the dosage means 10 shown in FIG. 65-91, i.e. capable of delivering individual polymer doses to a delivery agent 300 at the entrance of the tubular wall 310. For example, such a delivery device may consist of a second transmission or manipulator means, the so-called “hand” shown in FIG. 38-40 types.

In FIG. 43 shows an embodiment of a second transfer means 30 for transmitting polymer doses D dispensed from a dispensing device 100 comprising an extrusion means 10 and a fixed dispensing outlet or port 11.

The dosing outlet 11 provides a substantially vertical direction to the continuous extruded body M (usually having a circular cross section) of the liquid plastic, which is evenly divided to form a sequence of polymer doses D of a given length.

The dosing device 100 also comprises means for separating the extruded body M. In particular, as shown in FIG. 43 and 52-55, said tool comprises a knife 13 connected to the extrusion tool 11, rotating in a transverse plane relative to the direction of delivery of the extruded body M. The knife 13 is provided with a cutting surface or blade 13a, which works near the exit 11 and cuts the extruded body M, separating it thereby in a sequence of doses D having a given length and separated from each other.

The second transmission device 30 comprises a plurality of transmission or manipulator means 31 that continuously rotate along the circular path P4, which, as shown in FIG. 43 and 44, intersects with the issuance zone of the plastic extruded body M.

As shown in FIG. 58, each transfer means 31 has a curved concave wall 32 with a U-shaped cross section that is open on one side and which is designed to contact the polymer dose D through a corresponding inner contact surface 32b. The concave wall 32 extends axially in accordance with a substantially vertical axis and is configured to define a channel that is open on one side and is capable of directing the polymer dose D, facilitating its passage in contact with the concave surface 32.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 52-58, to ensure proper lowering of the polymer dose D, each manipulator 31, known as a “hand”, is provided with a hollow lower end portion 33 in the form of a funnel, tapering down and open at the bottom.

In addition, the second transfer device 30 has a movable means for sequential operation of the manipulator means 31, which transmits in the transverse direction the doses D coming out of the dosage output 11 and releases doses D one by one inside the transfer chambers 50 of the first transfer device 40.

The specified movable means comprises a circular support 36, which, located in the horizontal plane, is designed to rotate around a vertical shaft 361 'having a fixed axis, in synchronization with the action of the metering device 100.

At the periphery of said rotating support 36, a manipulator device 31 is fixed, which is located with the open side of the tangential surface 32b turned forward relative to the direction of rotation.

With each complete rotation of the rotating support 36, the concave contact surface 32b of each manipulator 31 comes into a position that is almost coaxial with the dosage output 11, and collides with the polymer dose D, removing it from the dispensing area immediately after cutting the dose D with the knife 13.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 52-55, the circular path P4 extends in a horizontal plane located beneath the dispensing outlet 11, so that the upper end of the contact surface 32b extends a short distance from it, with the blade 13a of the knife 13 located between them.

As shown in FIG. 52, the distance that separates the upper end of the surface 32b from the dosing outlet 11 is sufficient to prevent it from colliding with the lower end of the plastic extruded body M, which continues to exit exit 11 after removing the polymer dose D.

The transmission device 30 contains restriction means 80, each of which is intended to cover at least partially the concavity of the contact surface 32b of the manipulator means 31, and drive means 85, designed to move these restrictive means 80, simultaneously with the operation of the metering device 100, so and with the movement of the corresponding manipulation means 31.

The drive means 95 is designed to operate so that in the portion of the path P4 in which each manipulator 31 approaches a distant position, the concavity of the contact surface 32b is open to allow the polymer dose D to enter, while the concavity of the contact surface 32b is substantially closed at the moment when the polymer dose D is withdrawn from dosage output 11.

Thus, despite the impact with the contact surface 32b and despite the push provided by the blade 13a of the knife 13, the polymer dose D cannot protrude outside the concavity of the forward manipulator means 31, because the polymer dose D is held in the horizontal direction by the restrictive means 80.

According to a first embodiment shown in FIG. 43 and 44, each restrictive means 80 (of which only one is shown for clarity in FIGS. 43 and 44) comprises a concave portion 23 in the form of a door that is movable relative to the corresponding manipulator means 31 and is intended to close the concavity of the contact surface 32b.

As shown in detail in FIG. 58, each concave portion or door 23 comprises a concave surface 23b having a U-shaped cross section open on one side and extending axially in accordance with a substantially vertical axis, the concave surface 23b being designed to close the concavity of the contact surface 32b, to create with it a recess containing a polymer dose of D, having, in particular, a substantially elliptical cross section.

The door 23 is fixed at the end of the lever 24, which rotates on a rotating support 36 and can oscillate by turning around a vertical axis 240 in a horizontal plane between the opening position and the closing position of the concavity of the corresponding manipulator means 31 under the control of the drive means. Each drive means 85 is connected to a rotating support 36 and connected to the free end of the corresponding oscillating arm 24.

Each drive means 85 has one degree of freedom with respect to the rotating support 36 and is associated with a control element that defines the movement of the driving means 85 in accordance with the angular position of the rotating support 36 relative to the fixed part of the device in order to uniquely specify the movement of the corresponding door 23 during each revolution of the support 36 As shown in FIG. 43 and 44, the control element comprises a shaped plate 88 which lies in a horizontal plane above the rotating support 36 with the oscillating arm 24 located between them and the drive means 85, while the shaped plate 88 is supported on a vertical shaft 361 ', so that it remains stationary relative to fixed part of the device.

Each drive means 85 comprises a swing arm 86 pivotally connected via a substantially vertical axis 860 to a rotary support 36, the swing arm 86 having a first end provided with a wheel 89 designed to follow the side profile 88A of the shaped plate 88, which acts as cam, and a second end connected to the oscillating arm 24 through the connecting rod 87.

Namely, when viewed from above, the swing arm 86 is essentially a V-shaped body pivotally mounted on top that has a first branch 86 that lies essentially in the same plane with the corresponding oscillating arm 24, and a second branch 86b that lies essentially in the same plane with the cam 88. The connecting rod 87 lies essentially in the same plane as the oscillating arm 24 and the branch 86a of the swing arm 86, while the connecting rod is connected to them in corresponding parts having a smaller thickness. Wheel 89 rests on portion 86b of swing arm 86 so that it remains in the same plane with cam 88.

Finally, each drive means 85 comprises a spring 85, which, by connecting the swing arm 86 with a hinge mounted on the rotating support 36, keeps said wheel 89 in contact with the side profile 88A of the cam 88.

Thus, for each angular position of the rotating support 36 relative to the cam 88, the position of the drive means 85 and thereby the position of the oscillating arm 24 relative to the support 36 are uniquely determined. As a result, the movement of each door 23 is a function of the position of the corresponding manipulator means 31 along a circular path in combination with movement legs 36.

The operation of the second transfer device 30 for transferring polymer doses D from the metering device 100 to the molds 21 of the molding device 20 takes place in accordance with the phases disclosed below and shown in FIG. 43, 44, 45-48, 49-51 and 52-57.

In FIG. 44, all manipulative means 31 of the second transmission device 30 are shown schematically, and for each manipulative means 31 a corresponding restrictive means 80 is shown with the door 23 in the correct corresponding position.

In FIG. 45-48 and 52-57 show a sequence of different operating phases of two manipulator means 31, with one manipulator means 31 in the rear position with the corresponding restriction means in the remote position and the other manipulator means in the forward position with the corresponding restriction means 80 retracted only partially for clarity, the door 23 of which abuts in the closed position. In addition, in FIG. 45-48 and 52-57 are shown in dashed lines and schematically the transfer chambers 50 below the first transfer device 40.

Dosing output 11 is not shown, but only the extruded body M, which leaves exit 11, is shown in section.

As shown in FIG. 45 and 52, the operating cycle of the device, as usual, begins immediately after passing the manipulator means 31 in the front position of the dispensing zone of the plastic extruded body M and removing the polymer dose D, which consists in the recess formed by the manipulator means 31 and the door 23, i.e. . in the closed position.

From this moment, the manipulator means in the rear position begins to approach the position of the removal of the polymer dose D and therefore, as shown in FIG. 45, the door 23 is moved by the corresponding oscillating lever 24 to the open position to open the cavity of the contact surface 32b.

In this position, the door 23 is located at a radial distance from the axis of rotation of the rotating support 36, which is less than the radial distance between the specified axis and the plastic extruded body M emerging from the dosage output 11.

In the first operating phase shown in FIG. 46 and 53, by rotating the rotating support 36, the door 23 gradually passes beyond the dispensing outlet 11 without interfering with the plastic extruded body M exiting the dispensing outlet 11, while the corresponding manipulating means 31 is still in the rear position relative to the distant position.

During the second working phase shown in FIG. 47 and 54, by turning the oscillating arm 24 in the direction of the closed position, i.e. in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the rotary support 36, the door 23 gradually approaches the dosage output 11 and the corresponding handling means 31 until the door 23 essentially closes the cavity of the contact surface 32b when the handling means 31 simultaneously approaches the removal position, as shown in FIG. 48.

In particular, during the first phase, the rotation of the oscillating arm 23 creates a gradual movement of the door 23 from the axis of rotation of the rotating support 36 until the door 23 is located along the path P4 of the manipulator means 31 downstream of the dispensing outlet 11.

As shown in FIG. 49-51, simultaneously with the movement of the door 23 and the manipulator means 31, the plastic extruded body M is cut with a knife 13.

In particular, when the manipulator means 31 is near the removal position, the knife 13 rotates with a very rapid movement around its axis of rotation, so that the blade 13a cuts the plastic extruded body M, separating the dose D. From it, the cutting ends at the moment immediately before the impact between the contact the surface 32b of the manipulator 31 and the polymer dose D, which is already inside the cavity of the surface 32b, essentially closed by the door 23, as shown in FIG. 51.

From now on, as shown in FIG. 55-57, the polymer dose D is pushed by the contact surface 32b with horizontal movement and at the same time also moves down under the action of gravity until the dose D comes out of the manipulator means 31.

The lowering of the polymer dose D occurs during the passage of the manipulator means 31 along part T2 of the circular path P4 for transfer to the inside of the lower transfer chamber 50.

As shown in FIG. 44, 56 and 57, along the portion T2 of the door 23 continue to close the concavity of the contact surface 32b of the manipulator means 31.

At the end of this part T2, after the dose D is transferred to the chamber 50 located below, the oscillating lever 24 is rotated in the direction of the opening position in order to gradually move the door 23 from the manipulator means 31 until the door 23 is again in its original position to remove the new polymer dose D .

In FIG. 59 shows an embodiment of the manipulator means 31 and the corresponding restriction means 80, in which a means is provided which is intended to form a gap filled with a fluid along the contact surfaces of said means to completely or partially reduce the bonding effect between the polymer dose and said surfaces and to ensure leakage polymer dose quickly and evenly.

The manipulator means 31 essentially comprises an upper portion 360 and a lower portion 366 that are coaxial with each other. The upper part 360 has an open curved wall 361, the inner surface of which defines the contact surface 32b with a polymer dose D.

The door 23 of the restriction means 80 comprises a second wall 230, the inner surface of which defines the surface 23b of the door 23, intended to come into contact with the polymer dose D. Curved wall 361 is porous to allow fluid to pass through it. In addition, an outer tubular wall 362 is provided that is coaxial and connected along the end edges to the curved wall 361 to form a closed chamber 363 that surrounds the curved porous wall 361 and extends along its entire length or almost the entire length. The second curved wall 230 is also porous to allow fluid to pass through it, and furthermore, it is connected to the second tubular wall 231, which is coaxial and connected along the end edges to the second curved wall 230 to form a second closed chamber 232 that surrounds the curved porous the wall 230 and runs along its entire length or almost along its entire length.

The lower part 366 of the manipulator means 31 comprises a curved wall 367 having a cross section of a closed profile and tapering downward, defining a lower funnel-shaped part corresponding to the lower part 33 shown in FIG. 58, designed to guide the polymer dose D when it is lowered. Curved wall 367 is porous to allow fluid to pass through it and is connected to a third tubular wall 368, which is coaxial and connected along end edges to curved wall 367 to form a closed loop chamber 369 that surrounds curved porous wall 367 and extends over its entire length or almost the entire length.

Fluid or compressed gas is supplied to different chambers 363, 232, 369 using channels that are not shown. The fluid passes through the porous walls 361, 230, 367 and forms a gap or gas layer on the contact surfaces, designed to completely or partially prevent bonding with a dose D.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 59, the lower portion 366 is divided into two consecutive segments, each of which has a corresponding chamber 369 separated from another similar chamber 369. Fluids having different physical characteristics (pressure, temperature) can be supplied to these chambers in order to better control the lowering of dose D .

Alternatively, various means may be provided to completely or partially reduce the bonding between the polymer dose D and the contact surface 32b of each manipulator means 31.

These means may contain a thin coating layer located to cover the cavity of the manipulator means 31, from a material having release properties with respect to the polymer dose D, for example, PTFE, the surface of which defines the contact surface 32b with the polymer dose D.

According to one particular embodiment of the second transmission device 30 shown in FIG. 60, restrictive means 80 are connected to each manipulator means 31, comprising a pair of doors 37 pivotally connected by a vertical axis to the periphery of the contact surface 32b and intended to close its concavity, and means for opening and closing said doors 37 in synchronization with the movement of the manipulator means, so that the concavity is open when the surface 32b passes under the dispensing outlet 11, and closes immediately after the polymer dose D enters the concavity.

In FIG. 60 schematically shows a device 30, the manipulating means 31 of which have said doors 37. The means 31, located in position R1, is located at the point of passage under the dosing output 11, and the doors 37 are in the open position. The means 31, located in the next position R2, has the doors 37 already closed for enclosing a polymer dose D. The means 31, located in the next position R3, also has the doors 37 closed and encloses a polymer dose D. Between the position R3 and the position R4 the dose D is lowered outside the means 31, and in the subsequent remaining positions, the means 31 holds the doors 37 in the closed position.

This particular embodiment is used if there is a risk that impacting the polymer dose D with the contact surface 32b will produce a kickback that will lower the dose D from the concavity of the surface. In this case, the dose D remains nonetheless enclosed within the concavity of the surface 32b.

One version of the disclosed embodiment provides for the use of only one door 37.

In FIG. 61 shows another embodiment of a device comprising a metering device 100, for example, an extrusion device that extrudes extruded plastic in a substantially vertical direction. The plastic may exit the dosing device 100 by passing from top to bottom. The device further comprises cutting means, which can be provided with a single cutting element, for example, a knife 13, mounted in a support device, which can rotate around a substantially vertical axis of rotation. Thus, the knife 13 rotates in the transverse plane and, in particular, essentially perpendicular to the direction of exit of the plastic from the metering device 100.

Underneath the extrusion device 100 and the knife 13, there is a second transfer means 30 comprising a transfer carousel that can rotate about a substantially vertical axis. The transfer carousel comprises a circular support 36, in the peripheral zone of which there are transfer means or manipulative means 31 containing corresponding concave elements having a U-shaped cross section. Manipulatory agents 31 may be of the type indicated above and may be provided with a release agent.

When the transfer carousel rotates, the manipulator means 31 moves along the loop path and, in particular, along a circular path. The direction of rotation of the manipulator means 31 along this circular path does not correspond to the other direction of rotation of the knife 13. In the example shown in FIG. 61, the transfer carousel on which the manipulator means 31 is mounted rotates clockwise while the support device moves the knife 13 counterclockwise.

Below the second transfer device 30, there is a first transfer device 40, which carries the transfer chambers 50, by which the doses of D are transferred to the molding means.

In one embodiment, which is not shown, the first transmission device 40 may not be provided. In this case, the manipulation means 31 delivers doses D directly to the molding tool.

The device shown in FIG. 61 comprises thrust means 180 opposite the transfer or manipulator means 31 for interacting with doses D. The thrust means 180 comprises a thrust element 81 on which a concave portion or surface 81b having a U-shaped cross section open on one side is formed, and extending in the axial direction in accordance with a substantially vertical axis. The concave portion 81b faces the concave surface 32b of the transfer means 31 when the transfer means 31 is close to the metering device 100.

The thrust element 81 is driven in a linear reciprocating motion by means of a drive means 85 containing one or more linear actuators 82, for example, pneumatic or hydraulic type. In particular, the thrust member 81 moves along a straight path that extends substantially tangentially to the circular path along which the manipulator means 31 moves.

In FIG. 62-64 schematically show the successive operating phases of the device shown in FIG. 61.

In the initial phase shown in FIG. 62, the knife 13 by passing under the dosing outlet 11 separates the dose D from the plastic extruded body M emerging from the device. As shown by arrow F1, the manipulator 31 approaches the dose D to remove the dose D from the metering device 100 and transfer the dose D to the corresponding transfer chamber 50. At the same time, the stop element 81 approaches the opposite element 81 from the opposite side with respect to the part from which the manipulator 31 as shown by arrow G1. The upper end of the dose D rests on the concave portion 81b of the thrust member 81.

Thus, the stop element 81 acts as a stop relative to the knife 13 when the dose D is detached from the plastic extruded body M, which ensures that dose D is cut correctly, without tearing or stretching the plastic extruded body M. In addition, the stop element 81 limits the dose shift D and prevents it from moving away from the manipulator means 31. If the stop element 81 is absent, then the dose D due to its high viscosity can stick to the knife 13 and extend with the knife far from the manip exhausting means 31. Indeed, the knife 13 rotates in a direction that does not correspond to the direction of rotation of the transfer carousel, and, as shown by arrow H1, tends to extend the dose D from the manipulating means 31, which comes under the dosing device 100.

When the manipulator 31 comes in contact with a dose D, as shown in FIG. 63, the concave surface 32b of the manipulator 31 pushes the dose D in the direction of the arrow F2, i.e. transverse to the direction of the dose D exit from the extrusion device 100. Thus, the dose D is extracted by the manipulator means 31 and moves from the metering device 100. In this phase, as shown by arrow G2, the stop element 81 begins to be pulled back relative to the position shown in FIG. 61, but is still held in contact with the dose D. Thus, the thrust member 81 prevents a significant removal of the dose D, which received the blow from the manipulator means 31, from the manipulator means 31 due to the push that it has exerted on the dose D. If this happens , then the dose D will occupy the wrong position relative to the manipulator means 31, and in the worst case, the manipulator means 31 will not be able to transfer the dose D to the transfer chamber 50.

At the same time, the dose D is lowered by gravity along the concave surface 32b of the transfer means 31 until the dose D is separated from the stop element 81. The dose D continues to move along with the manipulator 31, which transports the dose D to the corresponding transfer chamber 50, as shown by arrow F3 in FIG. 64. The thrust member 81 is moved by means of an actuator 85 away from the extrusion device 100, as shown by arrow G3.

When the stop member 81 reaches the end position of its stroke, as shown in FIG. 64, the movable means 85 again moves the stop element 81 to the metering device 100, from which a new dose emerges. Thus, the above cycle is repeated, and a new dose is extracted using a movable tool, which is not shown.

The stop element 81 is located between the movable means 31 and the knife 13. In particular, the stop element 81 is located directly under the knife 13 to ensure interaction with the dose D as soon as the knife 13 begins to cut it, and to continue interaction with the dose D when it, after cutting starts to sink to the corresponding gear 31.

In addition, the thrust member 81 has a height H measured along the exit direction of the dose D, which is rather limited. Due to this, the thrust element 81 interacts only with the upper part of the dose D, which is nevertheless sufficient to ensure the correct cutting of the dose D and transfer to the transfer means 31.

The abutment means 180 disclosed above has a particularly simple construction, since it contains only a single abutment element 81 that can be moved using a linear actuator. In addition, the thrust element 81 has a fairly small mass and can move quickly without creating excessive forces or inertia.

In FIG. 93, a molding device is shown that comprises a matrix cavity including a tubular wall 410, the inner surface 410b of which fully or partially defines the matrix cavity.

The tubular wall 410 may be porous to allow gas to pass through it. A gas metering means is provided by which compressed gas is supplied through the porous wall 410 from the outside to the inside, so that gas escapes on the contact surface.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 93, the matrix is formed by a concave lower part 210 and an upper part 220 with a through cavity. The lower part 210 has a substantially cylindrical smooth and concave surface 410b that shapes the outer surface of the hollow body of the workpiece, while the upper part 220 has a concave surface 221 that shapes the outer surface of the neck. Since it is provided with radial protrusions, said upper part 220 is divided into at least two halves (in the shown case, two halves), intended to be moved in the transverse direction from each other to free the workpiece. Two concave surfaces 410b and 221 form the cavity of the matrix.

The lower part 210 of the matrix contains an inner tubular wall, which forms the specified porous tubular wall 410, the inner surface 410b of which defines the tubular part of the lower part of the cavity of the matrix.

On the other hand, the lower end of the cavity is closed by a non-porous concave lower plate 430.

The lower part 210 of the matrix contains a second tubular wall 421, which is located outside and coaxially with the tubular porous wall 410, while the upper and lower ends of the second tubular wall 421 are connected to the tubular porous wall 410. A chamber 441 is formed between the two walls 410 and 421, which surrounds a 360 ° porous tubular wall and extends along its entire length or almost its entire length, while the chamber is connected to means (not shown) for supplying compressed gas through inlet 451 to chamber 441 and out of it through porous wall 410 inside ubchatoy wall 410.

The compressed gas is supplied to the chamber 441, while the polymer dose D is lowered along the inner surface 410b of the wall 410. The gas passes through the porous wall 410 to form a gap filled with gas, which becomes located between the inner surface 410b and the outer surface of the polymer dose D.

This gap or gas layer prevents contact between the polymer dose D and the wall 410, or at least reduces the time and size of the contact zones, thereby reducing the action of macroscopic bonding between the polymer dose D and the wall 410, thereby effectively draining the polymer dose D.

Excellent results were obtained when the wall 410 was made of a material whose pores have a diameter between 5 · 10 ^-3 mm and 20 · 10 ^-3 mm, and when gas was supplied to the chamber 441 with a pressure of 0.5-1 bar.

In addition, means (not shown) may be provided for heat conditioning the gas in order to lower its temperature. In this case, a gas-filled gap formed between the inner surface 410b and the outer surface of the polymer dose D also provides effective heat exchange with the mass of the wall 410 and the outer surface of the polymer dose D, which can be used to facilitate the flow of the polymer dose. Lowering the surface temperature of the polymer dose increases its viscosity and thereby reduces adhesion to the wall 410. This favorable effect is further enhanced by lowering the temperature of the wall 410.

This temperature is controlled so as to prevent excessive, albeit localized, cooling of the polymer dose D, which would lead to microcrystallization of the material or, at least, to the appearance of nuclei of heterogeneity in the material.

Alternatively, the gas can be supplied into the tubular wall 410 in the form of a flow tangential to the contact surface 410b, so that a gap is formed that is in contact with the surface.

In FIG. 94 and 95 show a cutting means for cutting a continuous plastic extruded body M emerging from a dosage output 11 to form doses D.

The cutting means 70 comprises a substantially flat wall 71 on which the cutting profile 73 is made. The wall 71 has a smooth surface 71b that comes into contact with the plastic during cutting of the plastic extruded body M. The cutting means 70 contains a dosing means for forming a gap or a gas layer along the contact surface 71b to completely or partially reduce the bonding effect between the continuous plastic extruded body M and the surface 71b.

In particular, the wall 71 is porous to allow fluid to pass through it, and in addition, means are provided for supplying compressed gas to and from the chamber 74 through the porous wall 71 so that gas escapes on the contact surface 71b.

Excellent results were obtained when the wall 71 was made of a porous material having the above characteristics. Means may be provided (not shown) intended for the thermal conditioning of the gas in order to lower its temperature, with the signs and results disclosed above.

Alternatively, the gas can be supplied to the contact surface 71b in the form of a flow tangential to the surface, so that a gap is formed that is in contact with the surface.

Although the invention in cases in which it relates to the transfer of plastic doses in the cavity of the molds is disclosed in the description and in the figures for transferring doses to matrices, it is understood that the invention may also apply to cases in which these doses must be placed at the upper end the molding die, which in this case is located below the corresponding matrix, is facing up and has a directly or indirectly more or less pronounced cavity that is able to take a dose.

It is understood that the features disclosed in the description of the figures with reference to a special embodiment may relate to any other disclosed embodiments or may constitute a separate subject of the invention.

Claims (33)

1. The device containing
extrusion device (10) for extruding a dose (D) of plastic;
molding agent (21, 27) for compression molding of the dose (D);
means (50) for transmitting a dose moved along the loop path (P2),
for transferring the dose (D) to the molding agent (21, 27),
characterized in that it contains another transfer means (16; 31), moved along another loop path (P4; P5), for transferring the dose (D), separated from the extrusion device (10), into the means (50) for transmitting the plastic dose. 2. The device according to claim 1, in which the molding tool (21; 27) is installed with the possibility of movement along another loop path (P3). 3. The device according to claim 1, in which another loop path (P3) is circular. 4. The device according to claim 1, in which the molding tool (21, 27) is mounted on a continuously rotatable carousel (26). 5. The device according to claim 1, in which the molding means (21, 27) contains a matrix (21) and a punch interacting with each other to form the container blanks from doses (D). 6. A device according to any one of claims 2 or 3, further comprising a plurality of lever means (41), wherein each lever means (41) is connected to a respective plastic dose transfer means (50) for moving the plastic dose transfer means (50) along the loop path (P2), so that the loop path (P2) has one part (T1), essentially coinciding with the other part of another loop path (P3). 7. The device according to claim 6, in which the lever means (41) is supported by a rotatable support means (46). 8. The device according to claim 7, in which the lever means (41) is arranged to move with two degrees of freedom relative to the support means (46). 9. The device according to claim 7, in which the lever means (41) is configured to move with only one degree of freedom relative to the support means (46). 10. The device according to claim 7, in which the lever means (41) comprises a first lever means (41a) pivotally connected to the second lever means (41b), wherein the plastic dose transfer means (50) is connected to the second lever means (41b) . 11. The device according to claim 10, according to any one of claims 7 to 9, in which the lever means (41) is additionally pivotally connected to the supporting means (46). 12. The device according to claim 10, further comprising a first actuating means (45A) acting on the first lever means (41a) and a second actuating means (45B) acting on the second lever means (41b) to move the transmission means (50) loop dose plastic dose (P2). 13. The device according to item 12, in which the first actuating means comprises a first cam means (45A) and the second actuating means comprises a second cam means (45B). 14. The device according to claim 10, further comprising another lever means (42) pivotally connected to the support means (46) and to the second lever means (41b) to form articulated four-way means for moving the plastic dose transfer means (50). 15. The device according to 14, in which the articulated four-way means is actuated using a single cam (45C). 16. The device according to any one of claims 7 or 9, in which the lever means (41) comprises a plurality of levers (41d), each of which has one end connected to the support means (46), and the other end supports the transmission means (50) plastic dose. 17. The device according to clause 16, in which the levers of multiple levers (45d) are actuated using a single cam (45D). 18. The device according to clause 16, further comprising a guide means (461), which allows each lever of the plurality of levers (41d) to slide relative to the support means (46). 19. The device according to claim 18, in which the guide means comprises corresponding bushings (461), inside of which levers of a plurality of levers (41d) can slide, while the bushings (461) are connected to the supporting means (46). 20. The device according to clause 16, in which each lever of the plurality of levers pivotally connected to the supporting means. 21. The device according to claim 6, in which the means for transmitting the plastic dose comprises a plurality of retaining elements (50) attached to the respective ends of the lever means (41). 22. The device according to item 21, in which the holding elements (50) are essentially tubular in shape. 23. The device according to item 21, in which the holding elements (50) have an open concave shape on the sides. 24. The device according to claim 1, in which the other path (P4; P5) is circular. 25. The device according to claim 1, in which another means (16; 31) for transmitting the plastic dose is mounted on another continuously rotatable carousel (15, 36). 26. The device according A.25, in which another means (16; 31) for transmitting a plastic dose contains many concave elements (31) connected to the peripheral zone of another carousel (36). 27. The device according A.25, in which the concave elements (31) have a U-shaped cross section. 28. The device according to claim 1, in which another means (16; 31) for transmitting the plastic dose comprises a plurality of extrusion exits (16) connected to the extrusion device (10) by respective channels (154). 29. The device according to claim 1, in which the extrusion device (10) is located in a stationary position. 30. The device according to claim 1, in which another means (16; 31) of the plastic dose transfer and molding means (21, 27) are located on opposite sides of the plastic dose transfer means (50). 31. The device according to claim 1, in which the means (50) for transmitting the plastic dose is arranged to move in a plane that is located between the first plane in which the molding means (21, 27) can move and the second plane in which it can move another means (16; 31) of transmitting the plastic dose. 32. The device according to p, in which the first plane is located below the second plane. 33. The device according to claim 1, in which the loop path (P2) has a part (T2; T5) substantially coinciding with another part of the other loop path (P4; P5).

Images