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WO2003035360A1 - Dispositif de manipulation et de refroidissement de preformes - Google Patents

Dispositif de manipulation et de refroidissement de preformes Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2003035360A1
WO2003035360A1 PCT/IT2001/000543 IT0100543W WO03035360A1 WO 2003035360 A1 WO2003035360 A1 WO 2003035360A1 IT 0100543 W IT0100543 W IT 0100543W WO 03035360 A1 WO03035360 A1 WO 03035360A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cooling
preforms
handling
manipulator
extraction
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/IT2001/000543
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Pietro Zavattaro
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Gefit SRL
Original Assignee
Gefit SRL
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 Gefit SRL filed Critical Gefit SRL
Priority to PCT/IT2001/000543 priority Critical patent/WO2003035360A1/fr
Publication of WO2003035360A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003035360A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C45/72—Heating or cooling
    • B29C45/7207—Heating or cooling of the moulded articles
    • 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
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C45/72—Heating or cooling
    • B29C45/7207—Heating or cooling of the moulded articles
    • B29C2045/7214—Preform carriers for cooling preforms
    • 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
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C45/72—Heating or cooling
    • B29C45/7207—Heating or cooling of the moulded articles
    • B29C2045/7214—Preform carriers for cooling preforms
    • B29C2045/7221—Means for ejecting the preforms
    • 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
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C45/72—Heating or cooling
    • B29C45/7207—Heating or cooling of the moulded articles
    • B29C2045/7214—Preform carriers for cooling preforms
    • B29C2045/7228—Preform carriers for cooling preforms turret-like
    • 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
    • B29C45/00—Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/17—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C45/72—Heating or cooling
    • B29C45/7207—Heating or cooling of the moulded articles
    • B29C2045/7214—Preform carriers for cooling preforms
    • B29C2045/725—Cooling circuits within the preform carriers
    • 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
    • B29C2049/023—Combined blow-moulding and manufacture of the preform or the parison using inherent heat of the preform, i.e. 1 step 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
    • 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
    • B29C49/42—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C49/64—Heating or cooling preforms, parisons or blown articles
    • B29C49/6409—Thermal conditioning of preforms
    • B29C49/6427—Cooling of preforms

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a preform handling and cooling device, in particular for handling and cooling preforms made of thermoplastic material which are subsequently to be processed to produce bottles and the like .
  • thermoplastic material substantially of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • the preforms may be transported in containers and sent to the bottle-blowing plants which are often located near water sources or on beverage-producers ' premises (two-stage technique) , or may be subjected to stretch blow-moulding directly (single-stage technique) if the preform-production plant is combined with a stretch blow-moulding plant .
  • the preforms are produced by an injection-moulding press.
  • the press has a mould provided with cavities, known as the female mould, and a movable complementary mould, known as the male mould, which has cylindrical elements to be associated with the cavities of the female mould.
  • a tubular cavity is formed between the cavity of the mould and the cylindrical elements of the male mould and the plastics material is injected therein in suitable temperature and pressure conditions.
  • the male mould Upon completion of the injection, the male mould is disengaged from the female mould by moving away from it.
  • the preforms remain associated with the cylindrical elements of the male mould,
  • PET in fact shows a tendency to crystallize, adopting an opaque appearance and rendering the preform brittle and hence not suitable for stretch blow-moulding processes .
  • the PET crystallization-rate is practically zero at the melting point (indicated Tm, generally between 245° and 260°C) and below the glass transition point (indicated Tg, between 70° and 80°C) , and is at a maximum between 160° and 185°C (the maximum crystallization-rate temperature, Tec) .
  • the cooling of the preforms is generally started upon completion of the compacting of the plastics material in the mould, the cooling being forced by the provision of internal systems for cooling the cavities of the mould, generally with water, preferably in conditions of turbulence .
  • the preforms may be kept on these elements until they have cooled completely, but this prevents the execution of further moulding cycles and considerably reduces the productivity of the plant.
  • the preforms would tighten onto the cylindrical elements of the male mould, creating considerable problems in disengaging them from the male mould, due to sticking of the preforms on the male elements .
  • the preforms perform a predetermined number of "cooling cycles", meaning that before the preforms are discharged, they are held by an extraction or cooling manipulator for a period of time such as to allow the press to perform that predetermined number of moulding cycles .
  • the preforms perform, by way of example, two cooling cycles, it is intended to indicate that, before the preforms are discharged, they are held on a cooling or extraction plate whilst the press performs two moulding cycles .
  • the male mould of the press is thus left free, enabling further moulding cycles to be performed whilst the process of the cooling of the preforms on the extraction manipulator continues, before the preforms are discharged onto the conveyor belt to be sent to the containers.
  • Further manipulators may be provided, in accordance with structural and functional methods similar to those described above, to cooperate with the extraction manipulator, holding the preforms for further cooling, leaving the extraction manipulator free so that further preforms can be extracted from the male mould upon completion of a further moulding cycle .
  • a female extraction manipulator can cooperate with the male mould, taking the preforms therefrom and carrying them to a cooling region outside the moulding region.
  • the extraction manipulator can translate in a further direction, perpendicular to the direction of its extraction movement from the male mould, cooperating with a further male plate which holds the preforms before discharging them onto a conveyor belt .
  • the preform-production plant described above has the disadvantage of providing an extraction manipulator and a cooling plate which cooperate by being disposed one above the other by means of a translational movement characterized by a large travel .
  • a plant of the type described is included, for example, in the document WO 99/58313.
  • the machine described above has to be equipped with the devices necessary to permit considerable movements of the cooling plate, such as tracks for the extraction manipulator, tracks for supporting the cooling plate, and the like.
  • the machine described has the disadvantage of providing a translatory cooling plate which, in order to take the preforms from the rotary cooling plate, still needs to perform an extensive translation in order to be disposed above on the rotary cooling plate.
  • the problem underlying the present invention is that of devising a device for handling and cooling preforms which has structural and functional characteristics such as to satisfy the above-mentioned needs and at the same time to overcome the disadvantages mentioned with reference to the prior art.
  • a preform handling and cooling device which can cooperate with a holding body that is intended to hold the preforms and is disposed outside a moulding region of a press, the device comprising a manipulator body provided with at least one preform-cooling portion which faces the holding body, and at least one preform-cooling portion which does not face the holding body.
  • the device is characterized in that it further comprises: translation means which can translate the manipulator body alternately between a position of disengagement from the holding body and a position of engagement with that body, the engagement position being suitable for the transfer of the preforms from the holding body to the cooling portion of the manipulator body which faces the holding body, and rotation means which can cause the manipulator body to perform a predefined rotation when it is disengaged from the holding body, in a manner such that the cooling portion of the manipulator body which is not facing the holding body is turned to face the holding body.
  • Figure 1 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a preform-production plant provided with a press, an extraction and cooling manipulator, and handling and cooling devices,
  • Figure 2 is a side view of the plant of Figure 1
  • Figure 3 is a front view of the plant of Figure 1
  • FIG 4 is a schematic perspective view of an extraction, handling and cooling unit provided with the extraction manipulator and with the handling and cooling devices of the plant of Figure 1,
  • Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the extraction, handling and cooling unit of Figure 4, supported by a portal structure,
  • Figure 6 is a lateral section of the extraction and cooling manipulator, provided with support means, .
  • Figure 7 is a section through the extraction and cooling manipulator of Figure 6, in a plan view
  • Figure 8 is a side view of a handling and cooling device provided with male elements
  • Figure 9 is a section through a male element of the handling and cooling device of Figure 8
  • Figure 10 is a side view of the handling and cooling device provided with cavities
  • Figure 11 is a view showing a detail of a cavity of the device of Figure 10, in section,
  • Figures 12a) to 12g) show the sequence for the handling and cooling of a series of preforms, performed in the plant of Figure 1.
  • a preform- production plant generally indicated 1, comprises a press 2 for the injection-moulding of the preforms, an extraction and cooling manipulator 3, a first prefom-handling and cooling device 4, a second preform-handling and cooling device 5 (functionally and structurally similar to the first device 4) , and a conveyor belt 6 for transporting the preforms towards storage or transportation containers (not shown in the drawing) .
  • the press 2 has a mould 7 provided with a plurality of cavities and a male mould 8 provided with a plurality of male elements, the number and positions of which on the male mould 8 correspond to the number and positions of the cavities in the mould 7.
  • the press 2 has suitable means for moving the male mould 8, which means can bring about a translational movement of the male mould along a moulding line defined by an axis S-S.
  • the plant 1 also has suitable means for moving the extraction and cooling manipulator 3 , which means can bring about a translation of the manipulator along an extraction line defined by an axis Z-Z which is substantially perpendicular to the moulding axis S-S.
  • the plant 1 comprises means for moving the first and second handling and cooling devices 4 and ' 5 which means can bring about translation of these devices along a preform-handling line defined by an axis Y-Y, and also rotation of the first and second devices 4 and 5 about respective rotation axes X-X and X'-X'.
  • the first and second handling and cooling devices 4 and 5 are preferably supported by a portal structure 12 formed by pillars which support horizontal beams on which the devices are suspended.
  • the first and second devices 4 and 5 are suspended on the portal structure 12 in a "pendulum-like" suitable for allowing the devices to translate and rotate.
  • the female mould 7 and the male mould 8 of the press 2 are in a disengaged configuration in which the movable male mould 8 is in a position spaced from the mould 7.
  • a moulding region 9 extends between the mould 7 and the male mould 8, within the press 2.
  • the extraction manipulator 3 is positioned in a cooling region 10 outside the moulding region 9 of the press.
  • the male mould in the configuration in which the male mould 8 is engaged in the mould 7, the male mould is close to the mould 7 so that the male elements of the male mould penetrate the corresponding cavities of the mould 7.
  • the thermoplastic material is injected into the mould so as to fill the space remaining between a male element of the male mould and the corresponding cavity of the mould in which it is housed.
  • the moulding cycle terminates with the movement of the male mould 8 away from the mould 7, along the moulding axis S-S.
  • the preforms are retained on the male elements of the male mould 8.
  • the mould 7 and the male mould 8 are in the disengaged configuration with the male mould 8 spaced from the mould 7 ; the preforms are held on the male elements of the male mould 8 and the extraction and cooling manipulator 3 is in an approach and parking region 9 ' disposed between the cooling region 10 and the moulding region 9.
  • the operation of the means for moving the extraction manipulator 3 enables the manipulator to translate from the cooling region 10, firstly to the approach and parking region 9 ' , and then, when the male mould has moved away from the mould, to the moulding region 9, along the extraction axis Z-Z.
  • the extraction manipulator 3 is in the vicinity of the ends of the male elements of the male mould. In this configuration, the preforms are transferred from the male mould 8 to the extraction manipulator 3 in the manner described further below.
  • the extraction manipulator 3 which holds the preforms, is outside the moulding region 9 and the male mould 8 is free of preforms and is ready to perform a new moulding cycle.
  • the first preform cooling and handling device 4 is in a position in which it is disengaged from the extraction manipulator 3 and has a first portion 4' turned to face the extraction manipulator.
  • the first device 4 performs a translation along the handling axis Y-Y, by means of the movement means, and is brought to a position close to the extraction manipulator 3, engaging the manipulator.
  • the preforms are transferred from the extraction manipulator to the portion ' of the first device 4 which faces the extraction manipulator 3, in the manner and by the means described further below.
  • the operation of the movement means of the first device enables the first device 4 to be moved away from the extraction manipulator along the handling axis Y-Y, with the preforms held on the first device 4.
  • the transfer of the preforms to the first device 4 frees the extraction manipulator 3, enabling that manipulator to perform a new cycle for the extraction of preforms from the male mould 8 of the press 2.
  • the first device 4 By means of its rotation means, the first device 4 performs a rotation about the rotation axis X-X so that the portion 4' 1 which is not facing the extraction manipulator 3 is turned to face the manipulator. In this condition, the first device 4 has the portion 4 ' ' which is free of preforms turned towards the extraction manipulator 3.
  • the first device 4 has the portion 4 ' ' which is f ee of preforms turned towards the extraction manipulator 3 and the portion 4 ' which holds the preforms facing the second device 5.
  • the second device 5 approaches the first device 4 by means of a translation along the axis Y-Y.
  • the preforms held by the portion 4 ' of the first device 4 are transferred to the portion 5' of the second device 5, which portion 5 ' faces the portion 4 ' that holds the preforms .
  • the second device 5 moves away from the first device 4 along the axis Y-Y and, in a position of disengagement from the first device 4, performs a rotation about the rotation axis X'-X 1 so that the portion 5' 1 of the second device 5 which is not facing the first device 4 is turned to face the first device 4.
  • the second device 5 has the portion 5' ' turned to face the first device 4. At the same time, the second device 5 has the portion 5 ' , which holds the preforms, turned to face a region 11 outside the plant.
  • the second device 5 which has the portion 5' ' facing the first device 4 performs a further translation in order to take the second series of preforms from the first device 4.
  • the second device 5 When the second device 5 is disengaged from the first device 4, it also performs a further rotation about the axis X'-X', turning the portion 5', still provided with the first series of preforms, towards the first device again.
  • the first series of preforms is discharged by means of a device described further below, before the second device 5 performs a further translation in order to pick up a third series of preforms from the first device 4.
  • the preforms to be discharged are preferably transported on the conveyor belt 6. towards the preform storage or transportation containers.
  • each series of preforms performs substantially, five cooling cycles.
  • each individual series of preforms is handled and cooled by the extraction manipulator 3 , by the first device 4, and by the second device 5, for a period of time such that, during the same period, and simultaneously with the handling, the press performs substantially five moulding cycles .
  • the first device 4 and the second device 5 constitute individual handling and cooling modules, that is, the first device 4 and the second device 5 represent a first station and a second station of the handling and cooling unit, respectively.
  • the cooling of the preforms preferably starts in the mould and in the male mould and in the extraction manipulator.
  • the cooling of the preforms in the mould and in the male mould can be performed, according to the devices with which the press is provided, by means of forced cooling with water or another coolant fluid.
  • the water temperature is typically between 4 and 20°C and preferably between 8° and 10°C.
  • the cooling of the preforms preferably continues in the extraction manipulator, by means of liquid cooling devices.
  • the cooling of the preforms continues in the handling devices, substantially in two ways.
  • the cooling is rendered quicker by further cooling means with which the first device 4 and the second device 5 543
  • the forced cooling means are preferably cooling means which make use of the cooling capacity of water or other specific fluids, suitably cooled by known apparatus .
  • the cooling and handling unit may in fact be formed by a single device, preferably of the type corresponding to the first device 4 which engages the extraction manipulator.
  • each series of preforms performs substantially three cooling cycles before being discharged.
  • the cooling unit may also comprise more than two handling and cooling devices, in accordance with a modular structure.
  • the preforms would perform seven cooling cycles before being discharged, and would be handled by an alternating sequence of male and female elements.
  • first handling and cooling device 4 and the second handling and cooling device 5 implement the same principle for handling and cooling the preforms .
  • Both the first device 4 and the second device 5 can cooperate with a holding device which is intended to hold the preforms and is disposed outside the moulding region 9 of the press 2.
  • the first device 4 cooperates with the extraction manipulator 3 , holding the preforms which were held by the extraction manipulator outside the moulding region 9 of the press 2.
  • the second device 5 cooperates with the first portion of the first device 4 which faces the second device 5 and which forms the device for holding a series of preforms .
  • each of the first and second devices 4 and 5 comprises a manipulator body provided with at least one preform-cooling portion (4' or 5') which faces the holding body and at least one preform-cooling portion (4'" or 5' 1 ) which does not face the holding body.
  • the devices 4 and 5 also comprise translation means which can translate the devices alternately between a position of disengagement from the holding device and a position of engagement with that device, the engagement position being suitable for the transfer of the preforms from the holding body to the cooling portion of the manipulator body facing the holding body.
  • first and second devices 4 and 5 comprise rotation means for causing the devices to perform a predefined rotation so that the cooling portion of the manipulator body that does not face the holding body (portions 4' 1 or 5 ' ' ) is turned to face the holding body.
  • the preforms are removed from the moulding region 9 of the press 2 by means of the extraction manipulator 3 which cooperates with the male mould 8 of the press so that the preforms held on the male elements of the male mould 8 are transferred into corresponding cavities of the extraction manipulator 3. 01 00543
  • the extraction manipulator 3 is operatively connected to support means 20.
  • the support means 20 of the manipulator 3 comprise a track 22 which extends along the extraction axis Z-Z from the cooling region 10 to the approach and parking region 9' in the vicinity of the moulding region 9 in a manner such as not to project into the moulding region, avoiding interference with the movement of the male mould 8.
  • the track 22 preferably has a box-like structure provided with a sliding surface 22 ' facing towards the male mould 8 of the press 2.
  • the support means of the extraction manipulator 3 comprise a support arm 24 fixed firmly to the manipulator 3 and preferably having a box-like structure. One end 24' of the support arm 24 is connected to the extraction manipulator 3.
  • the support means 20 of the manipulator 3 are operatively connected to translation means 26 of the extraction manipulator 3 , preferably formed by electrical apparatus such as motors which can move the support arm 24 , causing the arm to slide on the sliding surface 22 ' of the track 22..
  • the extraction manipulator 3 comprises a substantially parallelepipedal central body 28 connected to the support arm 24 in the region of a connection interface 28'.
  • a free surface 28'' of the central body faces the male mould 8 when the extraction manipulator 3 is in the position of engagement with the male mould 8 of the press 2 and faces the first handling and cooling device 4 of the plant 1 when the extraction manipulator is in the position of disengagement from the male mould 8.
  • the central body 28 of the extraction manipulator 3 On its side having the free surface 28'', the central body 28 of the extraction manipulator 3 has a plurality of cavities 30 for receiving and cooling the preforms held by the male mould 8 and for transporting the preforms to the cooling region 10 so as to cooperate with the first handling and cooling device 4.
  • Each cavity 30 extends about an axis C-C of the cavity within the central body 28.
  • the cavity is put into communication with the outside environment by means of an opening 32 disposed in the free surface 28'' of the central body 28 of the manipulator 3.
  • the number of openings 32 of the plurality of cavities 30 is equal to the number of male elements of the male mould 8 of the press 2 and the openings 32 are arranged on the free surface 28' ' in a manner such that, when the extraction manipulator 3 is in the position of engagement with the male mould 8 of the press 2, each male element of the male mould is positioned in front of the corresponding cavity 30 of the extraction manipulator 3.
  • Each cavity 30 is defined by an internal wall 34 in which at least three portions can preferably be distinguished.
  • the internal wall 34 of the cavity 30 comprises a first portion, known as the lead-in wall 36, in the region of the opening 32 of the cavity 30.
  • the lead-in wall 36 preferably extends about the axis C-C of the cavity 30 with a shape which is flared towards the outside of the cavity 30.
  • the lead-in surface of the cavity 30 has a substantially frustoconical shape with its larger base facing the opening 32 of the cavity 30.
  • the lead-in wall 36 is formed by a series of at least two frustoconical portions having different inclinations, adjoining one another and having their larger bases facing towards the opening 32 of the cavity.
  • the internal wall 34 also has a guide wall 38 adjoining the lead-in wall 36 of the cavity 30 and extending towards the interior of the cavity.
  • the guide wall 38 of the cavity 30 is slightly frustoconical with its larger base facing towards the opening 32 of the cavity 30.
  • the cavity 30 of the plate 3 is associated with a plurality of cooling passageways 39 which surround it.
  • the guide wall 38 of the cavity 30 has the plurality of cooling passageways 39 in the form of spiral channels formed in the guide wall, forming a single helical channel communicating with a coolant-fluid circulation duct 39'.
  • the circulation duct 39' is fluidodynamically associated with the cooling means of the extraction manipulator 3.
  • the guide wall 38 of the cavity 30 is closed, towards the interior of the cavity, at the end remote from the opening •32, by a base wall 40, preferably with a hemispherical caplike configuration.
  • the base wall 40 ' of the cavity 30 has at least one suction passageway 42 which can put the cavity 30 into communication with suction ducts 4 .
  • the suction passageway 42, the suction ducts 44, and suction devices operatively connected with the ducts 44 form preform-gripping means with which the extraction manipulator is provided in order to remove the preforms from the male elements of the male mould 8 and to hold them in the cavities 30.
  • the extraction manipulator 3 further comprises a preform- transfer plate 46 disposed over the free surface 28'' of the central body 28 of the extraction manipulator 3.
  • the transfer plate 46 has a plurality of through-holes 48 formed in the region of the openings 32 of the cavities 30 so that the transfer plate 46 covers the free surface 28'" of the extraction manipulator 3 only partially.
  • the transfer plate 46 renders each cavity 30 accessible from the exterior through the through-holes 48, whilst being arranged over the free surface 28'' in which the openings of the cavities 30 are formed.
  • the transfer plate 46 is operatively connected to plate- ' movement means 50 which can move the plate 46 with a translational movement along an axis perpendicular to the free surface 28'' of the extraction manipulator 3.
  • the movement means are operated electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically.
  • the movement means of the transfer plate 46 are operated pneumatically and, preferably, are of the "double-acting" type which can move the plate 46 alternately with an outward movement in which the transfer plate moves away from the body of the extraction manipulator 3 to an extended position for the transfer of the preforms from the extraction manipulator 3 to the first device 4 and a return movement to a retracted position upon completion of the transfer of the preforms .
  • the transfer plate 46 is also operatively connected to safety return means 52 which can return the transfer plate ' 46 from the extended preform-transfer position to the retracted position.
  • the safety return means 52 can return the transfer plate 46 even if the movement means of the plate 46 are not operating.
  • the safety return means 52 are resilient biasing means, preferably springs.
  • the transfer plate 46, the movement means 50, and the safety return means 52 of the plate 46 represent a preferred embodiment of preform-transfer means with which the extraction manipulator 3 is provided in order to extract the preforms from the central body 28 of the extraction manipulator 3 and to fit them on the preform handling and cooling device.
  • the extraction manipulator 3 is made of metal, preferably aluminium alloy.
  • the extraction manipulator 3 can move, during a first extraction stage, from the cooling region 10 outside the press to the moulding region 9 in the vicinity of the male mould 8, so as to enable the preforms to be transferred from the male elements of the male mould 8 to the cavities of the extraction manipulator 3, and can return, during a second extraction stage, from the moulding region 9 to the cooling region 10, holding the preforms in the cavities 30.
  • the extraction manipulator 3 Upon completion of the second extraction stage, the extraction manipulator 3 faces the first handling and cooling device 4, holds the preforms in the cavities 30, and forms a holding device, housing the preforms.
  • the first handling and cooling device 4 comprises a manipulator body 60 supported, by means of a support device 62 of the manipulator 60, on a support structure 64, preferably formed by a structure provided with beams supported by lateral pillars .
  • the manipulator body 60 supported by the support device 62, adopts a pendulum-like configuration.
  • the support device which is preferably formed by a substantially vertical member 62' operatively connected to the manipulator body 60, is suspended on the support structure 62, and allows the manipulator body 60 to hang on beams 64 in a manner such that the first handling and cooling device can translate and rotate owing to the action of translation means 66 and rotation means 68.
  • the translation means 66 and the rotation means 68 are driven by electric, hydraulic or pneumatic means and, preferably, are formed by electric motors.
  • the manipulator body 60 is substantially symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane containing the axis of rotation X-X of the manipulator body and is provided, on each symmetrical side, with the first cooling portion ' and with the second cooling portion ' ' , respectively.
  • the first and second cooling portions 4' and 4'' can receive the preforms held in the cavities 30 of the extraction manipulator 3 by engaging the preforms on support elements 70 known as male elements.
  • the male elements 70 of the manipulator body 60 are of a substantially cylindrical shape, extending about respective central axes M-M arranged perpendicular to the surface of the first cooling portion or of the second cooling portion 4 ' and ' ' .
  • each cooling portion 4 ' or 4 I! is equal to the number of cavities 30 of the extraction manipulator 3, and the male elements are arranged on the portions in a manner such that, when one of the portions 4 ' or 4" of the manipulator body is facing the extraction - manipulator 3, each male element 70 is in a position corresponding to that of a respective cavity 30 of the extraction manipulator 3.
  • the male elements 70 are arranged on the first and second portions 4' and 4' ' in a manner such that, when a portion faces the extraction manipulator 3 , the axis M-M of each male element 70 coincides substantially with the axis C-C of each corresponding cavity 30.
  • the first handling and cooling device 4 preferably has preform-retaining means the structure and operation of which will be described in greater detail below.
  • the first handling and cooling device 4 preferably comprises means for the forced cooling of the preforms, formed by means for the internal cooling the male elements 70 on which the preforms are fitted, by means of a flow of water or coolant fluids inside the male elements.
  • the structure and the operation of the cooling means is described in greater detail below.
  • Each male element 70 of the manipulator body 60 comprises an outer portion 72 which projects from the manipulator body 60 and which extends about the central axis M-M, and an attachment collar 74 one end of which can be coupled with the outer portion 72.
  • the other end of the attachment collar 74 which is not coupled with the outer portion 72, is housed in a seat 76 in. the manipulator body 60.
  • the hollow outer portion 72 of the male element 70 is composed of at least three sections which define its shape . Starting from the free end of the male element 70, a first section 72 ' of the outer portion 72 has a substantially hemispherical shape and adjoins a second, cylindrical section 72''. The cylindrical section, becoming thicker, adjoins a slightly barrel-shaped base section 72' ' ' .
  • the base section 72''' has a circumferential groove 78 which houses a resilient retaining ring 80, known as an O-ring.
  • the ring 80 has an outside diameter such that, when the ring is housed in the groove 78 of the male element 70, the retaining ring projects from the surface of the base section 72' ' ' of the male element 70.
  • the retaining ring 80 and the groove 78 represent a preferred embodiment of preform-retaining means which can retain the preforms on the male elements 70 during handling and cooling.
  • the outer portion 72 of the male element 70 has an axial duct 73 which is closed by the hemispherical section 72 ' of the outer portion 72.
  • the outer portion of the male element 70 and the attachment collar 74 are connected to one another by a threaded connection.
  • the attachment collar 74 is hollow internally, but is shaped externally in a manner such that it can fit in the seat 76 of the manipulator 60 by virtue of a matching shape.
  • the collar 74 also has an end shank 74 ' at its end which is not engaged by the outer portion 72 of the male element 70.
  • the collar 74 has an axial through cavity 75 in which two successive portions can be distinguished.
  • the axial cavity 75 of the connection collar 74 has a first portion having a diameter larger than the diameter of a second portion remote from the connected end.
  • the portions are cylindrical in shape, extending about the central axis M-M of the male element 70.
  • the larger-diameter portion of the axial cavity 75 forms an outlet duct 82 and the second portion forms a housing seat 84.
  • the attachment collar also has a plurality of transverse passageways 86 formed by through-holes in the attachment collar 74 which are in communication with the outlet duct 82 of the collar.
  • the seat 76 which houses the collar 74 has two successive portions of different diameters. A first portion, which has an opening for the insertion of the collar 74, has a larger diameter than a second, blind portion, in which the end shank 74', of matching shape, of the collar 74 is partially fitted.
  • the first portion of the seat 76 forms an outlet chamber 76' and the second portion forms an inlet chamber 76'' in the part which is not engaged by the end shank 74 ' of the collar 74. .
  • the inlet chamber 76'' of the seat 76 is in communication with a coolant-fluid inlet duct 89 and the outlet chamber 76 ' is in communication with a fluid-outlet duct 90.
  • the transverse passageways 86 of the attachment collar communicate with the outlet duct 90 through the outlet chamber 76' of the seat 76.
  • the inlet duct 89 is in communication with the inlet chamber 76'' of the seat 76 and with the tubular duct 88, forming an inlet path for the coolant fluid extending from the inlet duct 89 to the hemispherical section 72 ' of the outer portion 72 of the male element 70.
  • the inlet duct 89 is in communication with apparatus for recirculating and cooling the fluid.
  • the axial cavity 73 of the outer portion 72 is in communication with the outlet duct 82 of the collar 74 and, through the transverse passageways 86 of the collar 74, with the outlet duct 90.
  • the axial cavity 73 of the outer portion 72, the outlet duct 82 of the collar 74, the transverse passageways 86 of the collar 74, and the outlet duct 90 form an outlet path for the coolant fluid.
  • the outlet duct 90 is operatively connected to apparatus for recirculating and cooling the coolant fluid.
  • the apparatus for recirculating and ' cooling the fluid comprises flexible pipes which fluidodynamically connect the inlet and outlet paths of the manipulator body of the first device 4 to the parts of the fluid recirculation and cooling apparatus which are not included in the manipulator body.
  • the inlet path and the outlet path for the coolant fluid are separated, in the axial duct 73 of the outer portion 72 of the male element 70 and in the axial cavity 75 of the collar 74, by the tubular element 88.
  • the tubular element 88 allows the cold coolant fluid to flow through it towards the hemispherical section 72 ' of the male element and, at the same time, is immersed in the hot fluid returning from the section 72' towards the manipulator 60.
  • the manipulator body 60 is made of metal, preferably aluminium alloy.
  • the first handling and cooling device 4 can cooperate with the extraction manipulator 3 of the preform-production plant to enable the preforms housed in the cavities 30 of the extraction manipulator 3 to be transferred to the male elements 70 of the first cooling portion 4' which faces the extraction manipulator 3.
  • the rotation means 68 enable the manipulator body 60 of the first device 4 to perform a predefined rotation in a manner such that the second cooling portion 4 ' ' which is not facing the extraction manipulator 3 is turned to face the extraction manipulator and, at the same time, the first portion 4', which has the male elements 70 on which the preforms are fitted, is turned to face the second handling and cooling device 5.
  • the first handling and cooling device 4 holds the preforms on the male elements 70 and forms a holding device which holds the preforms .
  • the operation of the second device 5 is similar to the operation of the first device 4.
  • the second device 5 which takes the preforms from the first device 4 has preform-retaining elements suitable for holding the preforms by taking them from the male elements 70 of the manipulator 60 of the first device 4.
  • the second handling and cooling device 5 comprises a manipulator body 100 which is supported on the portal support structure by means of a support device 102.
  • the manipulator 100 adopts a pendulum-like configuration on the portion structure.
  • Translation means 104 and rotation means 106 preferably of the electrical type, enable the manipulator 100 to translate and rotate.
  • the manipulator 100 is preferably substantially symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane which contains the axis of rotation X'-X' of the manipulator 100 and has, on each symmetrical portion, a first cooling portion 5' and a second cooling portion 5'', respectively.
  • the first and second cooling portions can receive the preforms fitted on the male elements 70 of the manipulator 60 of the first device 4, housing the preforms in a plurality of cavities 108.
  • the cavities 108 are wholly similar, functionally and structurally, to the cavities 30 provided in the extraction manipulator 3.
  • Each cavity 108 of the manipulator 100 extends about a central axis C-C arranged perpendicular to the surface of the first or second cooling portion 5 ' or 5 ' ' .
  • the number of cavities 108 is equal to the number of male elements 70 of the manipulator 60 and the cavities are arranged on the portions in a manner such that, when one of the portions is facing the manipulator body 60, the axis C-C of each cavity 108 coincides with the axis M-M of each male element 70 of the manipulator 60.
  • the device comprises preform-gripping means which can transfer the preforms from the male elements 70 of the manipulator 60 to the cavities 108 of the manipulator 100.
  • the preform-gripping means preferably comprise air-suction passageways 114 operatively connected to the cavities 108 of the manipulator and to suction means of known type, not described.
  • the suction means can produce a partial vacuum in the cavities 108 which, when a cavity 108 is engaged on the corresponding male element 70 on which the preform is fitted, cooperates to transfer the preform from the male element 70 to the cavity 108. 543
  • the gripping means of the second device 5 are just the same as the gripping means of the extraction manipulator 3 described in detail above.
  • the second handling and cooling device 5 comprises means for the forced cooling of the cavities 108.
  • the cooling means have cooling passageways 116 and circulation ducts 118 just the same, structurally and functionally, as the cooling passageways 39 and the circulation ducts 39' of the extraction manipulator 3, as described above.
  • the second device 5 comprises preform-transfer means which can disengage the preforms from the second device 5, extracting them from the cavities 108 in which they are housed.
  • the transfer means comprise a movable transfer plate 120 which is provided with through holes 122 and means for moving the plate and is structurally just the same as the transfer plate 46 of the extraction manipulator 3.
  • the transfer means of the second device 5 can transfer the preforms towards further downstream handling and cooling devices (preferably of the type corresponding to the first device 4) after a predefined rotation of the manipulator 100.
  • the transfer means can also extract the preforms, from the cavities to enable them to be removed from the manipulator and to be transported on the conveyor belt .
  • the manipulator body of the second device 5 is made of metal, preferably aluminium alloy.
  • the second handling and cooling device 5 also comprises a preform-ejection system, known as a "bar" ejection system.
  • the "bar" ejection system comprises an ejection plate 110 fixed firmly to a bar element 112.
  • the bar element is positioned in the vicinity of the hemispherical end section 72 ' ' of the preform when the preform is housed in the cavity 109 of the second device 5.
  • the preform-moulding cycle terminates with the movement of the male mould 8 away from the mould 7 of the press.
  • the preforms are held on the male elements of the male mould 8.
  • the extraction manipulator 3 is in the cooling region 10, outside and adjacent the moulding region 9.
  • the movement means of the extraction manipulator 3 bring the manipulator into the approach and parking region 9 ' .
  • the extraction manipulator 3 stops in the region 9 ' until the male mould 8 is completely disengaged from the mould 7.
  • the manipulator 3 is then brought into the moulding region 9 to a position suitable for cooperating with the male mould 8 of the press.
  • the translation means 26 of the extraction manipulator 3 enable the support arm 24 to slide on the track 22 until it projects from the track, adopting a cantilevered configuration.
  • each male element of the male mould 8 faces a corresponding cavity 30 of the extraction manipulator 3.
  • the operation of the suction means operatively connected to the extraction manipulator 3 produces a partial vacuum in the suction ducts 44 and in the suction passageways 42 of the central body 28 of the manipulator 3.
  • the partial vacuum In each cavity 30 of the extraction manipulator, the partial vacuum generates a suctiori force which can act on the preform fitted on the male element facing the cavity 30, cooperating to pull the preform off the male element.
  • the preform is thus drawn towards the cavity and is partially housed therein.
  • the preform passes into the cavity 30 through the through-hole 48 of the plate 46 corresponding to the cavity 30.
  • a residual portion of the preform P which remains outside the cavity 30 of the extraction manipulator 30 has an annular projection P' which is formed in the course of the moulding.
  • the annular projection P' of the preform P also remains outside the transfer plate 46 of the extraction manipulator 3 and cannot pass beyond the corresponding through-hole 48 since it has dimensions larger than the hole.
  • the suction means of the gripping means of the extraction manipulator operate continuously over time, producing a continuous force drawing the preform towards the interior of the cavity 30.
  • the action of the cooling means of the extraction manipulator cools the internal wall 34 of the cavity 30 which is in contact with the preform.
  • the cooling of the preforms inevitably results in a shrinkage of the preform and in a tendency of the preform to come away from the internal wall 34 of the cavity 30.
  • the extraction manipulator 3 returns to the cooling region 10.
  • the support arm 24 is held on the track 22.
  • the track does not project into the moulding region 9 of the press 2, so that moulding cycles can be performed without interference between the movable male mould 8 and the track 22 of the extraction manipulator.
  • the cooling and handling device 4 is in a position in which it is disengaged from the extraction manipulator and has its first cooling portion 4 ' facing the plate.
  • the operation of the translation means of the first device 4 enables the device to be brought, by means of a translation, to a position of engagement with the extraction manipulator 3.
  • each male element 70 of the facing portion 4' of the first device 4 is in the vicinity of the through-hole 48 of the transfer plate 46 corresponding to the opening 32 of the cavity 30.
  • the transfer plate 46 performs a translation in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the central body 28 of the extraction manipulator. The movement of the plate 46 interferes with the annular projection P' of the preform P housed in the cavity 30, pulling the preform out of the cavity 30 of the extraction manipulator 3.
  • the travel of the transfer plate 46 is such that the preform fitted on the male element 70 achieves an interference coupling with the male element 70 by means of the portion of the retaining ring 80 that projects from the channel 78 in which the ring is housed.
  • the inside diameter of the preform, in the cooling conditions reached on the extraction manipulator, is slightly less than the outside diameter of the retaining ring 80 housed in the groove' 78.
  • the transfer plate 46 is returned from the extended, preform-transfer position to the retracted position by the double-acting translation means.
  • the first cooling and handling device 4 moves away from the position of engagement with the -extraction manipulator 3 by means of a return translation, returning to a position in which it is disengaged from the extraction manipulator.
  • the rotation means 68 of the first device 4 bring about a predefined rotation of the manipulator body 60 of the first device 4 so that the second cooling portion 4'.' which is not facing the extraction manipulator is turned to face the extraction manipulator.
  • the first handling and cooling device 4 comprises two opposed cooling portions 4 ' and 4 ' ' of which the former faces the extraction manipulator 3 and the latter does not face it.
  • the first cooling portion 4 ' which carries the preforms thus becomes the cooling portion which is not facing the extraction manipulator 3 but which faces the second handling and cooling device 5.
  • the rotation which enables the first cooling portion 4 ' ' to face the extraction manipulator is performed ' clockwise or anticlockwise about the rotation axis X-X. In either case, during the next operating cycle of the first device 4 , the rotation which will turn the first portion 4 ' to face the extraction manipulator again and will turn the second portion 4 ' ' away from the extraction manipulator 3 is performed in the opposite direction to that of the previous rotation, that is, anticlockwise or clockwise, respectively.
  • the first device 4 performs rotations through 180° in the course of successive operating cycles in a manner such as in any case not to perform a complete rotation about the rotation axis X-X since a clockwise rotation is followed by an anticlockwise rotation, or vice versa.
  • the preform remains internally in contact with the surface of the outer portion 72 of the male element 70, bringing about internal cooling of the preform owing to intimate contact of the internal surface of the preform with the male element 70. Moreover, the internal cooling of the preform is forced by the cooling means with which the first device 4 is provided.
  • a cold coolant fluid such as water or the like, coming from the cooling device, passes through the inlet duct 89 and the inlet chamber 76' ' of the seat 76 of the male element 70, and the tubular element 88 as far as the hemispherical section 72' of the male element 70.
  • the fluid then passes through the axial cavity 75 of the male element 70, the outlet duct 82 of the attachment collar 74, and the transverse passageways 86 until it flows out into apparatus for cooling and recirculating the coolant fluid.
  • the coolant fluid flows through the hemispherical section 72' of the male element 70 with turbulence phenomena which are accentuated by the particular shape of the end section of the tubular element 88 and also passes over the internal surface of the cylindrical section 72 ' ' and of the base section 72 ' ' ' of the male element 70.
  • the forced cooling of the preforms also continues in the second handling and cooling device 5 which is provided with cooling means structurally and functionally just the same as the cooling means of the extraction manipulator 3.
  • the- extraction manipulator 3, the first device 4, and the second device 5 represent independent cooling stations.
  • the second device 5 performs a translation which brings it into engagement with the first device 4 in a manner such that the openings of the cavities 108 of the second device 5 are in the vicinity of the hemispherical portions of the male elements 70 of the portion 4 ' which is holding the preforms .
  • the gripping means of the cooling and handling device 5 enable the preforms to be transferred from the male elements 70 of the first device 4 to the cavities 108 of the second device in exactly the same way as described for the gripping means of the extraction manipulator 3.
  • the manipulator 100 of the second device 5 has the first portion 5" which houses the preforms turned towards the region 11 outside the plant, whilst the second cooling portion 5' 1 ' faces the first device 4.
  • the gripping means of the second device 5 can release the preforms from the cavities 108 in order for the preforms to be transferred, preferably by dropping, towards the conveyor belt or to be transferred to further cooling stations (preferably similar to the first device 4) .
  • the operation to eject the preform from the cavity takes place, in a preferred embodiment, by combined operation of the "plate” system and of the "bar” system.
  • the forward movement of the transfer plate 46 of the second device 5 partially extracts the preform from the cavity 108.
  • the ejection plate 110 of the "bar” system moves forward simultaneously with the transfer plate of the second device 5.
  • the transfer plate 46 When the transfer plate 46 has reached its travel limit, it performs a return movement, whilst the ejection plate continues its forward movement until the preform drops onto the conveyor belt.
  • the transfer plate when the transfer plate has reached its travel limit, it is retracted, leaving a larger portion of the preform exposed and the ejection plate 110 moves forward until the bar element 112, by pushing the preform, causes the centre of gravity of the preform to be disposed outside the cavity 108, causing the preform to drop.
  • the preform handling and cooling device has a particularly compact structure which, whilst enabling the preforms to be held and transferred between several cooling devices, does not require large installation and operation spaces.
  • the handling and cooling device enables the preforms to be transferred between several handling and cooling devices or between an extraction manipulator and a handling and cooling device, whilst avoiding the need for these devices to perform extensive translational movements . in order to bring about mutual superimpositions which permit the transfer of the preforms.
  • a single handling and cooling device or a cooling unit provided with several similar devices, together with a manipulator for the extraction of the preforms from the press, can be installed in association with already existing presses in order to provide a new plant which permits adequate cooling of the preforms before they are discharged.
  • the handling and cooling device has the advantage that it can provide cooling units which contain several devices in series, in a modular arrangement, to provide a plant which holds and cools the preforms for a desired number of cooling cycles .
  • the series of devices must perform a sequence of transfers of the preforms from a male element to a cavity and from a cavity to a male element .
  • a sequence of transfers of the preforms from male elements to cavities or from cavities to male elements enables the preforms to be cooled adequately both externally and internally.
  • the ability to cool the preform externally and internally has the advantage of preventing deformation of the preform or the creation of residual tensions therein due to non-homogeneous cooling, for example, excessive cooling on the outside and zero cooling on the inside (cooling in a cavity) or excessive cooling on the inside and no significant cooling on the outside (cooling on a male element) .
  • the handling and cooling device permits the provision of units having several devices, enabling the preform to be cooled for a large number of cooling cycles .
  • the handling and cooling device permits the provision of units having several devices, enabling the preform to be cooled for a large number of cooling cycles .
  • an extraction manipulator and a male manipulator it is possible to perform three cooling cycles on the preforms before they are discharged.
  • a unit provided with two devices (male elements and cavities) combined with an extraction manipulator enables five cooling cycles to be performed.
  • a cooling unit comprising an extraction manipulator and a handling and cooling device
  • the device has the advantage of enabling the preforms to be discharged, after a number of cooling cycles, at a final temperature which is low enough to prevent adhesion between preforms collected in storage or transportation containers .
  • the particularly low final temperature is reached without increasing the cycle time of the press, leaving the production rate unchanged.
  • the handling and cooling device has low inertia with respect to translation and low inertia with respect to rotation, which is further reduced by the rotation of the device about an axis of rotation which coincides with the central axis of inertia of the device .
  • the manipulator body of the handling and cooling device rotates clockwise and anticlockwise alternately and does not perform a complete rotation about its rotation axis.
  • the flexible pipes for fluidodynamic connection between the manipulator body and the exterior are therefore advantageously not twisted around the manipulator body.
  • the manipulation and cooling device has the advantage that the preform is drawn towards the interior of the cavity, ensuring intimate contact of the walls of the preform with the internal surface of the cavity, facilitating heat exchange and hence cooling.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Blow-Moulding Or Thermoforming Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Moulds For Moulding Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif (4, 5) de manipulation et de refroidissement de préformes, en particulier de préformes en PET, pouvant prendre les préformes au moyen d'un dispositif de préhension (3, 4) disposé à l'extérieur de la zone de moulage d'une presse. Le dispositif de manipulation et de refroidissement (4, 5) peut permettre une translation vers le dispositif de préhension (3, 4), et une préhension de préformes, et peut les maintenir sur une partie (4', 5') faisant face au dispositif de préhension (3, 4), et retourner à sa position précédente, puis tourner de sorte à faire pivoter le dispositif de préhension vers une autre partie (4'', 5'') du dispositif de manipulation et de refroidissement (4, 5) qui ne faisait précédemment pas face à celui-ci. Ce dispositif de manipulation et de refroidissement présente également un moyen permettant de refroidir les préformes. Ce dispositif permet aux préformes d'être déchargées à une température appropriée permettant d'empêcher une adhésion réciproque entre les préformes dans les containers de stockage, au moyen d'une structure compacte et de petits espaces fonctionnels.
PCT/IT2001/000543 2001-10-25 2001-10-25 Dispositif de manipulation et de refroidissement de preformes Ceased WO2003035360A1 (fr)

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WO2005084914A1 (fr) * 2004-03-02 2005-09-15 S.I.P.A. Società Industrializzazione Progettazione E Automazione S.P.A. Dispositif et procede pour le conditionnement d'objets en matiere plastique
JP2007526154A (ja) * 2004-03-02 2007-09-13 エス．アイ．ピー．エイ．ソシエタ’インダストリアリザッジオーネ プロゲッタジオーネ エ オートマジオーネ ソシエタ ペル アチオニ プラスチックの物体を調整するための装置及び方法
RU2358868C2 (ru) * 2004-03-02 2009-06-20 С.И.П.А Сосьета` Индустриалидзационе Проджеттационе Э Аутомационе С.П.А Устройство и способ для приведения пластиковых объектов в требуемое состояние
US7700029B2 (en) 2004-03-02 2010-04-20 S.I.P.A. Societa Industrializzazione Progettazione E Automazione S.P.A. Device and method for conditioning plastic objects
JP4827067B2 (ja) * 2004-03-02 2011-11-30 エス．アイ．ピー．エイ．ソシエタ’インダストリアリザッジオーネ プロゲッタジオーネ エ オートマジオーネ ソシエタ ペル アチオニ プラスチックの物体を調整するための装置及び方法
WO2009150052A1 (fr) * 2008-06-09 2009-12-17 Netstal Maschinen Ag Dispositif de manutention pour machine de moulage par injection et son procédé de fonctionnement
CN104254436A (zh) * 2012-03-12 2014-12-31 雅典娜自动化股份有限公司 对注塑模制品的模制后冷却
AT514631A1 (de) * 2012-03-12 2015-02-15 Athena Automation Ltd Kühlen von Spritzgussteilen nach dem Formen
AT514631B1 (de) * 2012-03-12 2016-06-15 Athena Automation Ltd Kühlen von Spritzgussteilen nach dem Formen
CN104254436B (zh) * 2012-03-12 2017-09-01 雅典娜自动化股份有限公司 对注塑模制品的模制后冷却
US10213946B2 (en) 2012-03-12 2019-02-26 Niigon Machines Ltd. Post-mold cooling injection molded articles
US11865753B2 (en) 2012-03-12 2024-01-09 Milacron Llc Post-mold cooling injection molded articles
EP3395535A1 (fr) * 2017-04-21 2018-10-31 YUDO ValuePro Lab Canada Inc. Broche de refroidissement coulissante pour un refroidissement post-moulage
CN111730833A (zh) * 2020-05-14 2020-10-02 德玛克（长兴）注塑系统有限公司 一种瓶坯模腔板冷却系统

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