Handling flangeless pressure injection mouldings, preforms and plastic bottles during e.g. production, blowing etc.

摘要

This process is used in handling preforms at a blow moulding unit, for vessels in thermoplastic materials. The preform is supplied for tempering by a heater, and thence to the blow moulding station. A carrier moves the preform. In the novel process, during its handling, the mouth (42) of the preform is surrounded by an encasing top section. Also claimed are: (i) a method of filling vessels, based on a similar principle, in that a top section is fitted for handling and filling, only to be removed after filling; and (ii) a similar combined process of blowing and filling vessels, using the same top section throughout; and a washing process using the same principle. Preferably the top section (70) is located over the threaded section of the bottle preform neck. It is screwed on or pushed on and has an external support ringed profile. Thus equipped, the preform is put onto and handled by a transport mandrel, carried along its path. A grip moves it along its path. The vessel is connected to the top section which has an external profile. The top section can be removed before filling. It can be re-useable or one-way. The wall thickness near the mouth is a function of the axial stressing expected (e.g. in blow moulding or movement). It has suitability for support by the casing top.