WO2011079917A1 - Système de moulage par soufflage avec tige extensible comprenant une ou plusieurs valves - Google Patents

Système de moulage par soufflage avec tige extensible comprenant une ou plusieurs valves Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2011079917A1
WO2011079917A1 PCT/EP2010/007729 EP2010007729W WO2011079917A1 WO 2011079917 A1 WO2011079917 A1 WO 2011079917A1 EP 2010007729 W EP2010007729 W EP 2010007729W WO 2011079917 A1 WO2011079917 A1 WO 2011079917A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
stretch rod
valve
blow
flow path
fluid flow
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2010/007729
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Roger Studer
Original Assignee
Norgren Gmbh
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Norgren Gmbh filed Critical Norgren Gmbh
Publication of WO2011079917A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011079917A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C49/08—Biaxial stretching during blow-moulding
    • B29C49/10—Biaxial stretching during blow-moulding using mechanical means for prestretching
    • B29C49/12—Stretching rods
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C49/58—Blowing means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C49/46—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations characterised by using particular environment or blow fluids other than air
    • B29C2049/4602—Blowing fluids
    • B29C2049/4605—Blowing fluids containing an inert gas, e.g. helium
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C49/78—Measuring, controlling or regulating
    • B29C49/783—Measuring, controlling or regulating blowing pressure
    • B29C2049/7831—Measuring, controlling or regulating blowing pressure characterised by pressure values or ranges
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C49/78—Measuring, controlling or regulating
    • B29C49/783—Measuring, controlling or regulating blowing pressure
    • B29C2049/7832—Blowing with two or more pressure levels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C49/78—Measuring, controlling or regulating
    • B29C2049/7879—Stretching, e.g. stretch rod
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C2949/00—Indexing scheme relating to blow-moulding
    • B29C2949/07—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration
    • B29C2949/0715—Preforms or parisons characterised by their configuration the preform having one end closed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C49/02—Combined blow-moulding and manufacture of the preform or the parison
    • B29C49/06—Injection blow-moulding
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C49/08—Biaxial stretching during blow-moulding
    • B29C49/10—Biaxial stretching during blow-moulding using mechanical means for prestretching
    • B29C49/12—Stretching rods
    • B29C49/121—Stretching rod configuration, e.g. geometry; Stretching rod material
    • B29C49/1212—Stretching rod configuration, e.g. geometry; Stretching rod material the stretching rod comprising at least one opening on the surface, e.g. through which compressed air is blown into the preform to expand the same
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C49/4284—Means for recycling or reusing auxiliaries or materials, e.g. blowing fluids or energy
    • B29C49/42845—Recycling or reusing of fluid, e.g. pressure
    • B29C49/42855—Blowing fluids, e.g. reducing fluid consumption
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C49/4284—Means for recycling or reusing auxiliaries or materials, e.g. blowing fluids or energy
    • B29C49/4286—Recycling or reusing of heat energy
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C49/4289—Valve constructions or configurations, e.g. arranged to reduce blowing fluid consumption
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C49/00—Blow-moulding, i.e. blowing a preform or parison to a desired shape within a mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C49/78—Measuring, controlling or regulating
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2067/00—Use of polyesters or derivatives thereof, as moulding material
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P70/00—Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
    • Y02P70/10—Greenhouse gas [GHG] capture, material saving, heat recovery or other energy efficient measures, e.g. motor control, characterised by manufacturing processes, e.g. for rolling metal or metal working

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to blow molding systems, and more particularly, to a blow-molding system with a stretch rod including one or more valves.
  • Blow molding is a generally known process for molding a preform part into a desired product.
  • the preform is in the general shape of a tube with an opening at one end for the introduction of pressurized gas, typically air; however, other gases may be used.
  • pressurized gas typically air
  • other gases may be used.
  • One specific type of blow molding is stretch blow molding (SBM).
  • SBM stretch blow molding
  • a valve block provides both low and high-pressure gas to expand the preform into a mold cavity.
  • the mold cavity comprises the outer shape of the desired product.
  • SBM can be used in a wide variety of applications; however, one of the most widely used applications is in the production of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) products, such as drinking bottles.
  • PET Polyethylene terephthalate
  • the SBM process uses a low-pressure fluid supply in combination with a stretch rod that is inserted into the preform to stretch the preform in a longitudinal direction and radially outward and then uses a high- pressure fluid supply to expand the preform into the mold cavity.
  • the low-pressure and high-pressure supply can be controlled using one or more blow-molding valves.
  • the resulting product is generally hollow with an exterior shape conforming to the shape of the mold cavity.
  • the gas in the preform is then exhausted through one or more exhaust valves. This process is repeated during each blow-molding cycle.
  • the pressurized gas is typically introduced in a small space between the stretch rod and an opening in the mold cavity.
  • the stretch rod is made with a cross-sectional area as small as possible to allow a maximum opening for the introduction and exhaust of the pressurized fluid.
  • the cross-sectional area of the stretch rod decreases, the net volume in the cavity that needs to be pressurized increases. This is because the net volume pressurized is essentially equal to the interior volume of the blow-molded container minus the volume of the stretch rod inserted into the container.
  • the present invention overcomes these and other problems and an advance in the art is achieved.
  • the present invention provides a stretch rod for a SBM system where pressurized fluid is supplied to the mold cavity through the stretch rod. Because the pressurized fluid is supplied to the mold cavity through one or more fluid flow paths formed in the stretch rod rather than adjacent the stretch rod, the cross-sectional area of the stretch rod can be increased. In one embodiment, the diameter of the stretch rod can be increased from approximately 14 mm (0.6 inches) to approximately 21 mm (0.8 inches) resulting in a further reduction in the volume of the mold cavity that needs to be pressurized. Further, the stretch rod includes one or more integrated valves for supplying pressurized fluid to a blow-molding cavity.
  • pressurized fluid located in the stretch rod no longer needs to be exhausted at the end of a molding cycle. Rather, only the pressurized fluid provided to the mold cavity needs to be exhausted. Therefore, the present invention further reduces the dead volume associated with the blow-molding system.
  • a blow-molding system is provided according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the blow-molding system comprises a blow-molding housing defining a mold cavity.
  • the blow-molding system also comprises a stretch rod movable within the mold cavity.
  • the stretch rod can include a first stretch rod component defining a first fluid flow path.
  • the stretch rod can also include a first valve coupled to the first stretch rod component and adapted to selectively provide a fluid communication path between the first fluid flow path and the mold cavity.
  • the stretch rod for a blow-molding system is provided according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • the stretch rod comprises a first stretch rod component defining a first fluid flow path.
  • the stretch rod can also include a first valve coupled to the first stretch rod component and in fluid communication with the first fluid flow path.
  • a method for operating a blow-molding system includes a mold cavity, a stretch rod, a first fluid flow path formed in the stretch rod, and a first valve coupled to the stretch rod.
  • the method comprises a step of inserting the stretch rod into the mold cavity.
  • the method can also comprise a step of supplying a first pressurized fluid to the first fluid flow path.
  • the method also comprises a step of opening the first valve to provide a fluid communication path between the first fluid flow path and the mold cavity, thereby pressurizing the mold cavity to a first pressure.
  • a blow-molding system comprises:
  • blow-molding housing defining a mold cavity
  • a stretch rod movable within the mold cavity including:
  • first stretch rod component defining a first fluid flow path
  • first valve coupled to the first stretch rod component and adapted to selectively provide a fluid communication path between the first fluid flow path and the mold cavity.
  • the stretch rod further comprises:
  • a second valve adapted to engage a portion of the second stretch rod component to selectively provide a fluid communication path between the second fluid flow path and the mold cavity.
  • a portion of the second valve is coupled to the first stretch rod component.
  • the second valve comprises a valve member formed on the first stretch rod component and a valve seat formed on the second stretch rod component.
  • the first and second stretch rod components are coaxially aligned and movable with respect to one another.
  • the blow-molding system further comprises a stretch rod end cap coupled to the first stretch rod component and adapted to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the second stretch rod component.
  • the first valve comprises a movable valve member and a valve seat formed at an end of the first stretch rod component.
  • a stretch rod for a blow-molding system comprises:
  • the stretch rod further comprises:
  • a second valve adapted to engage a portion of the second stretch rod component and in fluid communication with the second fluid flow path.
  • a portion of the second valve is coupled to the first stretch rod component.
  • the second valve comprises a valve member formed on the first stretch rod component and a valve seat formed on the second stretch rod component.
  • the first and second stretch rod components are coaxially aligned.
  • the stretch rod further comprises a stretch rod end cap coupled to the first stretch rod component and adapted to form a substantially fluid-tight seal with the second stretch rod component.
  • the first valve comprises a movable valve member and a valve seat formed at an end of the first stretch rod component.
  • a method for operating a blow- molding system including a mold cavity, a stretch rod, a first fluid flow path formed in the stretch rod, and a first valve coupled to the stretch rod, the method comprises steps of:
  • opening the first valve to provide a fluid communication path between the first fluid flow path and the mold cavity, thereby pressurizing the mold cavity to a first pressure.
  • the blow-molding system further includes a second fluid flow path formed in the stretch rod and a second valve coupled to the stretch rod, the method further comprises steps of:
  • the method further comprises steps of:
  • FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a blow-molding system according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the blow-molding system during a pre- blowing stage according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the blow-molding system between a pre- blowing stage and a blowing stage according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the blow-molding system during a blowing stage according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the blow-molding system according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • FIGS. 1 - 5 and the following description depict specific examples to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best mode of the invention. For the purpose of teaching inventive principles, some conventional aspects have been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art will appreciate variations from these examples that fall within the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described below can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the invention. As a result, the invention is not limited to the specific examples described below, but only by the claims and their equivalents.
  • FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a blow- molding system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the blow-molding system 100 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a blow-molding housing 101, a mold cavity 102 defined by the blow- molding housing 101, a stretch rod opening 5, an exhaust flow path 10, and a stretch rod 103.
  • the various components shown in FIG. 1 are not drawn to scale. For example, in actuality, the mold cavity 102 may be much larger compared to the stretch rod 103 than shown. Only a portion of the stretch rod 103 is shown in the figures.
  • the stretch rod 103 is adapted to be at least partially received in the mold cavity 102.
  • the blow-molding housing 101 can include a stretch rod receiver 12.
  • the stretch rod receiver 12 can form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the stretch rod 103 and the stretch rod opening 5.
  • the stretch rod receiver 12 may include one or more seals 6, such as O-ring seals, for example.
  • the stretch rod receiver 12 also forms the exhaust flow path 10.
  • the exhaust flow path 10 may be in fluid communication with an exhaust valve (not shown) as is typical in the prior art.
  • one or more fluid flow paths 104, 105 are defined by the stretch rod 103.
  • the stretch rod 103 comprises a first stretch rod component 103 A and a second stretch rod component 103B.
  • the first and second stretch rod components 103 A, 103B can define the first and second fluid flow paths 104, 105.
  • the first and second fluid flow paths 104, 105 are coaxially arranged along a longitudinal axis Y-Y.
  • the first and second fluid flow paths 104, 105 are arranged adjacent one another and do not share a common axis.
  • the stretch rod 103 may include an outer housing to surround the first and second stretch rod components 103 A, 103B.
  • the first fluid flow path 104 can be defined by an interior surface of the first stretch rod component 103 A.
  • the second fluid flow path 105 is defined in part, by an interior surface of a second stretch rod component 103B and an outer surface of the first stretch rod component 103 A.
  • the first and second stretch rod components 103 A, 103B comprise hollow cylinders; however, other shapes and configurations may be provided.
  • the first stretch rod component 103 A is movable with respect to the second stretch rod component 103B.
  • the position of the first stretch rod component 103 A with respect to the second stretch rod component 103B can be controlled using an external control mechanism that does not form part of the present invention.
  • a mechanical device is provided that controls the position of the stretch rod.
  • a similar device may be employed that can control the position of each of the stretch rod components 103 A, 103B.
  • a separate control device may be provided for each stretch rod component 103 A, 103B.
  • the control device may also control the position of the first and second stretch rod components 103 A, 103B with respect to the blow-molding body 101.
  • the control device can actuate the first and second stretch rod components 103 A, 103B to one or more positions, which is described in more detail below.
  • the particular control device used in the present invention should in no way limit the scope of the present invention.
  • the position of each of the first and second stretch rod components 103 A, 103B may be controlled manually.
  • the stretch rod 103 can include two or more valves 106, 107.
  • the valves 106, 107 can comprise integral components of the stretch rod 103. In other words, the valves 106, 107 may not be remotely located from the stretch rod 103.
  • the valves 106, 107 can be provided to control fluid communication between the first and second fluid flow paths 104, 105 and the mold cavity. Therefore, the valves 106, 107 can control a supply of first and second pressurized fluids to the mold cavity.
  • the first and second pressurized fluid may comprise the same type of fluid, i.e., they may both be air.
  • the first and second fluids may be pressurized to different pressures.
  • the pressurized fluid supplied to the first fluid flow path 104 and controlled by the first valve 106 may comprise a pre-blowing pressure while the pressurized fluid supplied to the second fluid flow path 105 and controlled by the second valve 107 may comprise a blowing pressure.
  • the pre-blowing pressure may be provided to pressurize the mold cavity 102 to a pressure of approximately 6 bar (87 psi) while the blowing pressure may be provided to pressurize the mold cavity 102 to a pressure of approximately 40 bar (580 psi). It should be appreciated that these pressures are merely examples and the particular invention is certainly not limited to these values.
  • the stretch rod 103 is substantially withdrawn from the mold cavity 102. It should be appreciated that in use, a preform would typically be provided in the mold cavity 102 for molding into a final product. The preform is omitted from the drawings in order to simplify the figures.
  • the exhaust fluid pathway 10 With the stretch rod 103 withdrawn from the mold cavity 102, the exhaust fluid pathway 10 is open to the mold cavity 102. It should be appreciated, that the exhaust fluid pathway 10 may be in fluid communication with an exhaust valve (not shown), as is generally known in the art, in order to control exhaust out of the mold cavity 102.
  • the exhaust fluid pathway 10 may be in fluid communication with a pressure-recycling tank (not shown) in order to reuse a portion of the pressure exhausted from the mold cavity 102 at the end of a blow-molding cycle.
  • the exhaust fluid pathway 10 may be formed as a third stretch rod component (not shown) similar to the first and second stretch rod components 103 A, 103B.
  • the stretch rod 103 is withdrawn from the mold cavity 102, the first valve 106 is shown open, and the second valve 107 is shown closed.
  • the first valve 106 is coupled to the first stretch rod component 103 A.
  • the first valve 106 comprises a check valve with a valve member 109 that is adapted to seal against a first valve seat 110.
  • the first valve 106 comprises a biasing member 111.
  • the biasing member 111 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a spring; however, other types of biasing members may be provided.
  • the biasing member 11 1 may be provided to supply a biasing force on the valve member 109.
  • the biasing member 111 biases the valve member 109 towards the valve seat 110 formed on the first stretch rod component 103 A.
  • the biasing member 1 11 may be configured such that when pressurized fluid is supplied to the first fluid flow path 104 above a threshold pressure, a force created by the fluid acting on a first face 112 of the first valve member 109 is greater than a force created by the biasing member 111. Therefore, the pressurized fluid in the first fluid flow path 104 can bias the valve member 109 away from the valve seat 110 to open the first valve 106.
  • the supply of pressurized fluid to the first fluid flow path 104 may be controlled using a valve (not shown), such as used in the prior art, positioned upstream from the stretch rod 103.
  • a valve not shown
  • the pressure in the first fluid flow path 104 drops to below the threshold pressure.
  • the drop in pressure is due, in part, because the pressure supplied to the first fluid flow path 104 may be provided at a higher pressure than a desired mold cavity 102 pressure.
  • the first valve 106 can close due to the biasing member 111.
  • the first valve 106 With the first valve 106 closed, pressurized fluid between the upstream valve and the first valve 106, i.e., fluid in the first fluid flow path 104 can remain in the first fluid flow path 104. Therefore, the first fluid flow path 104 is no longer a dead volume area.
  • the first valve 106 may comprise other configurations, such as a solenoid-actuated valve. In embodiments employing a solenoid-actuated valve, control of the first valve 106 can be accomplished substantially independent of the pressurized fluid supplied to the first fluid flow path 104.
  • the second valve 107 is shown closed.
  • the second valve 107 comprises a valve member 113 and a valve seat 114.
  • the valve member 113 is formed on the first stretch rod component 103 A.
  • the valve member 113 may comprise an at least partially compressible material suitable for forming a fluid-tight seal.
  • the valve seat 114 is formed on the second stretch rod component 103B.
  • the second valve 107 is therefore coupled to the stretch rod 103.
  • the second valve 107 may therefore be considered integral to the stretch rod 103.
  • the second valve 107 may comprise a configuration similar to the first valve 106. In other words, the second valve 107 may comprise a check valve. Such a configuration may be desired in embodiments where the first and second stretch rod components 103 A, 103B are not coaxially aligned.
  • a substantially fluid- tight seal may be formed between the second stretch rod component 103B and a stretch rod end cap 108.
  • the stretch rod end cap 108 may be coupled to the first stretch rod component 103 A.
  • the stretch rod end cap 108 may threadedly engage the first stretch rod component 103 A.
  • the seal is formed between the second stretch rod component 103B and the stretch rod end cap 108 when first stretch rod component 103 A is retracted as shown in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the blow-molding system 100 according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 shows the blow-molding system 100 after the stretch rod 103 has been inserted into the mold cavity 102 and during a pre-blowing stage.
  • the stretch rod 103 has extended at least partially into the mold cavity 102.
  • the sealing members 6 can provide a substantially fluid-tight seal between the stretch rod receiver 12 and the stretch rod 103.
  • the first stretch rod component 103 A is in a first actuated position.
  • the first stretch rod component 103 A in the first actuated position, is partially extended from the second stretch rod component 103B. As a result, the seal between the stretch rod end cap 108 and the second stretch rod component 103B has broken.
  • pressurized fluid is supplied to the first fluid flow path 104, which overcomes the biasing member 111 to open the first valve 106.
  • the first valve 106 opens and provides a fluid communication path between the first fluid flow path 104 and the mold cavity 102. Therefore, pressurized fluid at a first pressure can flow from the first fluid flow path 104 through the first valve 106 and into the mold cavity 102.
  • the stretch rod 103 can remain in the position shown in FIG. 2 for a pre-determined amount of time. According to another embodiment of the invention, the stretch rod 103 can remain in this state until the mold cavity 102 is pressurized to a pre-determined pressure, which may be measured by a pressure sensor 220, for example.
  • the pressure sensor 220 may be coupled to suitable electronics (not shown) via lead 221 extending from the blow-molding housing 101, for example. While the pressure sensor 220 is shown towards the bottom of the mold cavity 102, it should be appreciated that the pressure sensor 220 may be located any place within the mold cavity 102 and the particular location shown is merely illustrative and should in no way limit the scope of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the blow-molding system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 shows the blow-molding system 100 between the pre-blowing stage and a blowing stage.
  • the first stretch rod component 103 A is still in the first actuated position; however, the first valve 106 is closed.
  • the first face 112 of the valve member 109 is sealed against the valve seat 110, thereby closing the fluid communication path between the first fluid flow path 104 and the mold cavity 102.
  • the first valve 106 may have moved to the closed position due to the force of the biasing member 111 if the pressurized fluid is no longer supplied to the first fluid flow path 104, for example.
  • the pressure in the first fluid flow path 104 may fall to below the threshold pressure and the biasing member 111 will bias the valve member 109 to the position shown in FIG. 3. It should be appreciated however, that while the pressure of the fluid in the first fluid flow path 104 may decrease slightly to below the threshold pressure, at least some pressurized fluid remains in the first fluid flow path 104. This may be especially true if the upstream valve is simply closed and not exhausted.
  • the first valve 106 may be closed under the force of a solenoid, for example.
  • the pressure in the first fluid flow path 104 may remain substantially constant. Therefore, it should be appreciated that an upstream valve is not necessary for the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the blow-molding system 100 according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 shows the blow- molding system 100 during a blowing stage.
  • the second valve 107 is shown in an open position.
  • the second valve 107 can be opened by actuating the first stretch rod component 103 A to a second actuated position.
  • the first stretch rod component 103 A has extended further than previously shown.
  • the valve member 113 of the second valve 107 is no longer sealed against the valve seat 114 formed on the second stretch rod component 103B.
  • pressurized fluid in the second fluid flow path 105 can enter the mold cavity 102.
  • the second valve 107 therefore, selectively provides a fluid communication path between the second fluid flow path 105 and the mold cavity 102. Because the first valve 106 has already closed, the pressurized fluid in the second fluid flow path 105 is substantially prevented from entering the first fluid flow path 104.
  • the pressurized fluid in the second fluid flow path 105 comprises a fluid at a higher pressure than the fluid in the first fluid flow path 104.
  • the fluid in the second fluid flow path 105 may comprise a blowing pressure of approximately 40 bar.
  • the blow-molding system 100 can remain in the position shown in FIG. 4 for a pre-determined amount of time. According to another embodiment of the invention, the blow-molding system 100 can remain in the position shown in FIG. 4 until the pressure in the mold cavity 102 reaches a threshold pressure.
  • the second valve 107 can be closed. According to one embodiment of the invention, the second valve 107 can be closed by de-actuating the first stretch rod component 103 A from the second actuated position. Once the first stretch rod component 103 A is de-actuated from the second actuated position, the second valve 107 closes and the fluid in the second fluid flow path 105 is no longer in fluid communication with the mold cavity 102.
  • the second fluid flow path 105 can be used in a subsequent blowing stage.
  • the pressure in the second fluid flow path 105 remains substantially constant after the second valve 107 is closed.
  • the pressurized fluid in the second fluid flow path 105 does not have to be exhausted at the end of the blowing stage and the second fluid flow path 105 no longer comprises a dead volume.
  • the second valve 107 can operate substantially independent of pressurized fluid in the second fluid flow path 105. Therefore, in some embodiments, an upstream valve may not be necessary for controlling the pressurized fluid supplied to the second fluid flow path 105 as described above for the pressurized fluid supplied to the first fluid flow path 104.
  • the blow-molding cycle ends by exhausting the mold cavity 102.
  • the stretch rod 103 is withdrawn from the mold cavity 102 to expose the exhaust fluid flow path 10 to the mold cavity 102 in order to exhaust the mold cavity 102.
  • the pressurized fluid in the mold cavity 102 is exhausted, the pressurized fluid in the first and second fluid flow paths 104, 105 remains in the first and second fluid flow paths 104, 105, respectively.
  • pressurized fluid that is located between any upstream valves and the first and second valves 106, 107 can remain pressurized at the end of a blow-molding cycle.
  • the present invention can exhaust fluid in the mold cavity 102 that was used to mold the preform without having to exhaust fluid in fluid lines leading to the mold cavity 102.
  • the present invention therefore, substantially reduces dead volume typically associated with prior art blow-molding systems.
  • the present invention therefore, requires less pressurized fluid to operate than in the prior art.
  • the present invention therefore, requires less energy to operate than in the prior art.
  • FIG. 5 shows the blow-molding system 100 according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • the stretch rod 103 only comprises a first stretch rod component 103 A and the second stretch rod component 103B that is described above is omitted.
  • the stretch rod 103 only defines a first fluid flow path 104 and a first valve 106.
  • the first fluid flow path 104 may provide pressurized fluid to the mold cavity 102 during both the pre-blowing stage and the blowing stage.
  • the first fluid flow path 104 may provide pressurized fluid to the mold cavity 102 during one of the pre-blowing or the blowing stage.
  • a second fluid flow path may be provided in the stretch rod receiver 12, for example.
  • control of the pressurized fluid from the first fluid flow path 104 to the mold cavity 102 can be accomplished in a manner similar to that described above.
  • the stretch rod receiver 12 may be adjustable to expand to accommodate the enlarged area of the valve seat 110 and end cap 108, for example.
  • the present invention as described above improves blow-molding systems by eliminating or substantially reducing the dead volume of the system.
  • fluid can be supplied to the mold cavity 102 through the stretch rod 103.
  • valves 106, 107 comprise a portion of the stretch rod 103 and are not located remotely or attached outside of the blow- molding system 100, pressurized fluid supplied to either the first or second fluid flow paths 104, 105 formed in the stretch rod 103 does not have to be exhausted at the end of a molding cycle. Rather, the valves 106, 107 can close to retain at least a portion of the pressurized fluid in the fluid flow path 104, 105, respectively. In a subsequent blowing cycle, the pressurized fluid retained in the stretch rod 103 can be utilized to pressurize the mold cavity 102.
  • substantially only the fluid that actually fills the mold cavity 102 is exhausted, thereby eliminating or substantially reducing the dead volume of the blow-molding system 100.

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système (100) de moulage par soufflage. Ledit système (100) de moulage par soufflage comporte une enceinte (101) de moulage par soufflage définissant une cavité (102) de moule. Le système (100) de moulage par soufflage comporte également une tige extensible (103) pouvant être déplacée à l'intérieur de la cavité (102) de moule. La tige extensible (103) comprend un premier composant (103A) de tige extensible définissant un premier passage (104) d'écoulement de fluide. La tige extensible (103) comprend également une première valve (106) couplée au premier composant (103A) de tige extensible et prévue pour former sélectivement un passage communication de fluidique entre le premier passage (104) d'écoulement de fluide et la cavité (102) de moule.
PCT/EP2010/007729 2009-12-17 2010-12-17 Système de moulage par soufflage avec tige extensible comprenant une ou plusieurs valves WO2011079917A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US28730909P 2009-12-17 2009-12-17
US61/287,309 2009-12-17

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2011079917A1 true WO2011079917A1 (fr) 2011-07-07

Family

ID=44246910

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2010/007729 WO2011079917A1 (fr) 2009-12-17 2010-12-17 Système de moulage par soufflage avec tige extensible comprenant une ou plusieurs valves

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2011079917A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102013019892A1 (de) 2013-11-28 2015-05-28 Krones Ag Hohlkörperherstellungsmaschine
US11198243B2 (en) 2018-01-11 2021-12-14 Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. Method and apparatus for forming final-shaped containers using liquid to be contained therein
US11472093B2 (en) * 2019-02-26 2022-10-18 Niagara Bottling, Llc Nozzle for blow-molding stepped finish preform
WO2022258643A1 (fr) * 2021-06-10 2022-12-15 Khs Gmbh Dispositif de fabrication de récipients à partir de préformes à température régulée en matière thermoplastique
US11597556B2 (en) 2018-07-30 2023-03-07 Niagara Bottling, Llc Container preform with tamper evidence finish portion

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2137921A (en) * 1983-03-10 1984-10-17 Petainer Sa Method and apparatus for forming a container of thermoplastic material
GB2195287A (en) * 1986-09-22 1988-04-07 Owens Illinois Plastic Prod Method and apparatus for making a partially crystalline, biaxially oriented heat set hollow plastic container
WO1996030190A1 (fr) * 1995-03-27 1996-10-03 Ruppman Kurt H Sr Procede de fabrication d'un recipient en plastique moule
DE102004018146A1 (de) * 2004-04-08 2005-10-27 Sig Technology Ltd. Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Blasformung von Behältern

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2137921A (en) * 1983-03-10 1984-10-17 Petainer Sa Method and apparatus for forming a container of thermoplastic material
GB2195287A (en) * 1986-09-22 1988-04-07 Owens Illinois Plastic Prod Method and apparatus for making a partially crystalline, biaxially oriented heat set hollow plastic container
WO1996030190A1 (fr) * 1995-03-27 1996-10-03 Ruppman Kurt H Sr Procede de fabrication d'un recipient en plastique moule
DE102004018146A1 (de) * 2004-04-08 2005-10-27 Sig Technology Ltd. Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Blasformung von Behältern

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102013019892A1 (de) 2013-11-28 2015-05-28 Krones Ag Hohlkörperherstellungsmaschine
DE102013019892B4 (de) 2013-11-28 2022-03-10 Krones Ag Hohlkörperherstellungsmaschine und Verfahren zum Umformen eines Vorformlings
US11198243B2 (en) 2018-01-11 2021-12-14 Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. Method and apparatus for forming final-shaped containers using liquid to be contained therein
US11613062B2 (en) 2018-01-11 2023-03-28 Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. Method and apparatus for forming final-shaped containers using liquid to be contained therein
US11597556B2 (en) 2018-07-30 2023-03-07 Niagara Bottling, Llc Container preform with tamper evidence finish portion
US11472093B2 (en) * 2019-02-26 2022-10-18 Niagara Bottling, Llc Nozzle for blow-molding stepped finish preform
US11806917B2 (en) 2019-02-26 2023-11-07 Niagara Bottling, Llc Nozzle for blow-molding stepped finish preform
WO2022258643A1 (fr) * 2021-06-10 2022-12-15 Khs Gmbh Dispositif de fabrication de récipients à partir de préformes à température régulée en matière thermoplastique
DE102021115026A1 (de) 2021-06-10 2022-12-15 Khs Gmbh Vorrichtung zum Herstellen von Behältern aus thermisch konditionierten Vorformlingen aus thermoplastischem Material

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN103003051B (zh) 通过吹制和填充使容器成形的成形方法
WO2011079917A1 (fr) Système de moulage par soufflage avec tige extensible comprenant une ou plusieurs valves
CN103068554B (zh) 将至少两种加压流体注入容器颈部以使容器成形的注入装置
US9353771B2 (en) Multiple-stage valve system
EP3105032B1 (fr) Soupape pour une machine de moulage par soufflage et procédé d'actionnement d'une soupape pour une machine de moulage par soufflage
US9669577B2 (en) Stretch blow molding system
CN103826972B (zh) 压力液体注入装置
US9221208B2 (en) Device for controlling blowing mediums in a stretch blow moulding machine
CN105392611B (zh) 阀装置
WO2011154326A1 (fr) Système de moulage par étirage-soufflage utilisant des vannes proportionnelles
US6709611B1 (en) Method for making, by blow moulding, plastic hollow bodies, device and installation therefor
US20150042022A1 (en) Stretch blow molding system with a proportional pre-blowing valve
WO2014068080A1 (fr) Système de moulage par soufflage avec étirage comprenant actionnement simultané de valve de présoufflage
US20150042002A1 (en) Forming machine comprising a communication pipe between a compensation chamber and a nozzle
US9644646B2 (en) Multiple-staged fluid operated actuator
EP3970946B1 (fr) Dispositif de commande d'écoulement de fluide
WO2008022612A3 (fr) procédé et dispositif de formation de récipients par soufflage
US10987850B2 (en) Nozzle piston and method of operating said nozzle piston
US20230131230A1 (en) Method and apparatus for blow moulding containers with movable bottom part
CN104669591B (zh) 包括倾斜布置有连接管线的吹塑模制活塞的吹塑模制机
US11607834B2 (en) Apparatus and method for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers with improved rinsing rod arrangement
WO2016008151A1 (fr) Cylindre de moulage par soufflage avec étirage et procédé associé

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 10805772

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 10805772

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1