Container processing plant for producing and processing preforms

Abstract

The invention relates to a container handling device for producing and handling preforms, said container handling device comprising a production machine for producing preforms, at least one container handling machine arranged downstream of the production machine in the transport direction of the preforms, and a control unit, the control unit is formed to control the flow of preforms in the container processing apparatus based on shutdown of components of the container processing apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a container handling device for producing and handling preforms according to independent claim 1 and to a corresponding method according to independent claim 9 . Background Art

[0002] Container processing equipment is well known in the prior art. Container processing equipment usually includes a blow molding machine, by which preforms can be formed into containers. However, in the prior art, the preforms are not manufactured in the container processing equipment itself, but in a process separated in time and place. The production of preforms usually uses an injection molding process.

[0003] However, the production of preforms and their further container processing separated in time and place brings some disadvantages. For example, the preforms may be damaged or lose their sterility during transportation from the production site to the container processing equipment. In addition, the transportation or storage of preforms involves relatively high transportation or storage costs. Summary of the invention

[0004] Purpose

[0005] Starting from the known prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to make the manufacturing and processing of preforms more efficient while minimizing the downtime of the container processing equipment caused by malfunctions.

[0006] Solution

[0007] This problem is solved by a container handling system for producing and handling preforms according to independent claim 1 and a corresponding method for producing and handling preforms according to independent claim 9. Preferred developments are given in the dependent claims.

[0008] According to the present invention, a container handling device for manufacturing and handling preforms is provided, wherein the container handling device comprises a manufacturing machine for manufacturing preforms, in particular an injection molding machine, at least one container handling machine arranged in the transport direction of the preforms downstream of the manufacturing machine, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is formed to control the flow of preforms in the container handling device based on the shutdown of components of the container handling device.

[0009] The manufacturing machine is preferably designed to manufacture plastic preforms used in the beverage industry, preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). However, this design is to be understood as not limiting. Thus, the manufacturing machine can also be designed to manufacture any type of preform from any plastic or thermoplastic material.

[0010] The manufacturing machine can be, in particular, an injection molding machine. Alternatively, it can also be a device for manufacturing preforms by a compression molding method, or a device for manufacturing preforms by an injection compression molding method. However, it can also be any other device suitable for manufacturing preforms.

[0011] The at least one container handling machine may be any type of device suitable for handling containers. For example, it may be a blow molding machine, such as a stretch blow molding machine or an extrusion blow molding machine. The blow molding machine may be designed to mold preforms into containers, preferably bottles used in the beverage industry. However, the at least one container handling machine may also be a container pretreatment device, such as a corona or plasma pretreatment device, a filler for filling containers with beverages or any other liquid, a labeler, a direct printer or a sealer for closing containers. In one embodiment, it may also be provided that any combination of the above or any other container handling machines is arranged in the transport direction of the preforms downstream of the manufacturing machine.

[0012] For example, a component of a container treatment system can be understood to be at least one container treatment machine or a manufacturing machine. However, a component can also be an optional transport device, which, for example, connects a manufacturing machine with at least one container treatment machine or a plurality of container treatment machines. However, the component can also represent any other component of the container treatment system that may be at a standstill.

[0013] The downtime refers to a malfunction caused by a defect or blockage of a component, for example, or a downtime caused by maintenance of a component, for example, a downtime caused by maintenance replacement of a subcomponent of a component or a downtime caused by the impending replacement of consumables of a component.

[0014] Controlling the flow of preforms refers in particular to the discharge of preforms from a manufacturing machine and / or the supply of preforms to at least one container handling machine.

[0015] By means of the container processing apparatus of the present invention, preforms can be manufactured and further processed in one apparatus, thereby preventing damage or contamination of preforms associated with transport. Therefore, there is no need to sort damaged or contaminated preforms by transporting them in the container processing apparatus, which can improve the operating efficiency of the apparatus. In addition, by regulating the flow of preforms based on the stoppage of a component, the operation of the container processing apparatus can be at least partially maintained even in the presence of a stoppage of a component. Therefore, the most efficient operation of the container processing apparatus can be ensured, and in particular, downtime caused by failure or maintenance of the entire container processing apparatus can be avoided.

[0016] In one embodiment, it can be provided that the components comprise at least one container handling machine.Thus, by controlling the flow of preforms, further operation of the manufacturing machine and / or other components of the container handling machine can be ensured even in the event of a stoppage of at least one container handling machine.

[0017] In one embodiment, the control of the flow of preforms may include discharging the preforms manufactured by the manufacturing machine into the first storage device when the downtime is less than a threshold value. By storing the preforms manufactured by the manufacturing machine in the first storage device, further operation of the manufacturing machine can be ensured even in the event of a downtime of at least one container handling machine. By discharging the preforms into the first storage device only until the downtime reaches the threshold value, the number of preforms discharged into the first storage device can be flexibly adjusted.

[0018] In a modification of the two aforementioned embodiments, when the downtime is greater than a threshold value, the control of the flow of preforms may include discharging the preforms manufactured by the manufacturing machine into a bad box for crushing the preforms, in particular a crusher. Thus, overproduction of preforms can be prevented without interrupting the operation of the manufacturing machine, and by crushing the preforms, excess preforms can be handled as space-saving as possible.

[0019] In one embodiment, the control unit can be configured to determine the threshold value based on the storage capacity of the first storage device. Thus, it can be ensured that the preforms produced by the manufacturing machine are crushed by the bad part box only when the storage capacity of the first storage device is completely exhausted, thereby preventing unnecessary material consumption.

[0020] In one embodiment, the component may comprise a manufacturing machine. Thus, in the event of a shutdown of the manufacturing machine, the flow of preforms may be controlled in such a way that the operation of at least one container handling machine is maintained and a shutdown of the entire container handling installation is avoided.

[0021] In a refinement of the aforementioned embodiment, the control of the flow of preforms may include supplying the preforms from the second storage device to the at least one container handling machine. By supplying the preforms from the second storage device, a continuous supply of preforms to the at least one container handling machine can be ensured even in the event of a shutdown of the manufacturing machine.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first and second storage devices can be identical and designed as a storage unit. In this case, for example, preforms supplied to the storage unit when the blow molding machine is stopped can be supplied to at least one container handling machine at a later time, for example, when the manufacturing machine is stopped, which may be the case.

[0023] In a modification of the aforementioned embodiment, the sorting device can be arranged between the second storage device and the at least one container handling machine, and can supply the preforms to the at least one container handling machine in an orderly manner. Thus, it can be ensured that the preforms, which are usually stored as bulk materials in the storage device, are separated before being supplied to the at least one container handling machine, and the preforms are transferred to the at least one container handling machine in an orderly manner, and in particular, a possible blockage of the at least one container handling machine caused by disordered preforms can be prevented.

[0024] In one embodiment, the sorting device can be designed as a roller sorter or a disc sorter. These embodiments allow reliable sorting of the preforms, in particular alignment of the preforms.

[0025] The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing and processing preforms in a container processing device, wherein the container processing device comprises a manufacturing machine for manufacturing preforms, in particular an injection molding machine, at least one container processing machine arranged in the transport direction of the preforms downstream of the manufacturing machine, and a control unit, wherein the flow of preforms in the container processing device is controlled by the control unit based on the shutdown of components of the container processing device.

[0026] By regulating the flow of preforms based on the shutdown of a component, the operation of the container handling system can be at least partially maintained even in the event of a shutdown of a component. Thus, the most efficient operation of the container handling system can be ensured, and in particular downtimes caused by failures or maintenance of the entire container handling system can be avoided.

[0027] In one embodiment, the component may comprise at least one container handling machine.Thus, by controlling the flow of preforms, even in the event of a stoppage of at least one container handling machine, for example, further operation of the manufacturing machine of the container handling machine may be ensured.

[0028] In a refinement of this embodiment, when the downtime is less than a threshold value, the flow of preforms can be controlled so that the preforms manufactured by the manufacturing machine are transferred to the first storage device. By storing the preforms manufactured by the manufacturing machine in the first storage device, further operation of the manufacturing machine can be ensured even in the event of a downtime of at least one container handling machine. By only discharging the preforms into the first storage device until the downtime reaches the threshold value, the number of preforms discharged into the storage device can be flexibly adjusted.

[0029] In a modification of the two aforementioned embodiments, when the downtime is greater than a threshold value, the flow of preforms can be controlled so that the preforms manufactured by the manufacturing machine are fed into a bad box for crushing the preforms, in particular a crusher. Thus, overproduction of preforms can be prevented without interrupting the operation of the manufacturing machine, and by crushing the preforms, excess preforms can be processed simultaneously in a space-saving manner as much as possible.

[0030] In an improvement of the above two embodiments, the threshold value can be determined by the control unit based on the storage capacity of the first storage device. Therefore, it can be ensured that the preforms produced by the manufacturing machine are crushed only when the storage capacity of the first storage device is completely exhausted, thereby preventing unnecessary material consumption.

[0031] In one embodiment, the component may comprise a manufacturing machine, and wherein the flow of preforms may be controlled such that the preforms are fed from the second storage device to the at least one container handling machine. Thus, in the event of a shutdown of the manufacturing machine, the flow of preforms may be controlled such that the operation of the at least one container handling machine is maintained and a shutdown of the entire container handling device is avoided.

[0032] In one embodiment, the first and second storage devices can be identical and designed as a storage unit. In this case, for example, preforms supplied to the storage unit when the blow molding machine is stopped can be supplied again to at least one container handling machine at a later time, for example, when the manufacturing machine is stopped, which may be the case.

[0033] The sorting device can be arranged between the second storage device and the at least one container handling machine, and can supply the preforms to the at least one container handling machine in an orderly manner. Thus, it can be ensured that the preforms, which are usually stored as bulk materials in the storage device, are separated before being supplied to the at least one container handling machine, and the preforms are transferred to the at least one container handling machine in an orderly manner, and in particular, a possible blockage of the at least one container handling machine caused by disordered preforms can be prevented.

[0034] In one embodiment, the sorting device can be designed as a roller sorter or a disk sorter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1a : An operating state of a container handling apparatus for manufacturing and handling preforms according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 1b : Operating state of a container processing device for manufacturing and processing preforms according to another embodiment.

[0037] Figure 1c: Operating state of a container processing device for manufacturing and processing preforms according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Figures 1a to 1c An operating state of a container processing plant 100 for producing and processing preforms according to various embodiments is shown.

[0039] According to the invention, the container treatment plant 100 comprises a manufacturing machine 101, at least one container treatment machine 102 arranged downstream of the manufacturing machine 101 in a transport direction 104 of the preforms 105, and a control unit 103. According to the invention, the control unit 103 is designed to control the flow of the preforms 105 in the container treatment plant 100 based on the shutdown of components of the container treatment plant 100.

[0040] The manufacturing machine 101 can be designed to manufacture plastic preforms 105 used in the beverage industry, wherein the plastic can preferably include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). However, this design of the manufacturing machine 101 should not be understood as limiting, so the manufacturing machine 101 can also be designed to manufacture any type of preforms 105 from any plastic or thermoplastic material.

[0041] The manufacturing machine 101 can be an injection molding machine in particular. Alternatively, it can also be a device for manufacturing preforms by compression molding, or a device for manufacturing preforms by injection compression molding. However, it can also be any other device suitable for manufacturing preforms.

[0042] In combination Figures 1a to 1c In the described embodiment, at least one container handling machine 102 is designed as a blow molding machine 102, wherein the blow molding machine 102 can be, for example, a stretch blow molding machine or an extrusion blow molding machine. For example, the blow molding machine 102 can be assigned an optional heating device to heat the preform 105 with heat or electromagnetic radiation, thereby generating a specific temperature or temperature distribution in the preform 105 before the preform 105 is formed into a container. In one embodiment, the blow molding machine 102 can be designed as a round roller machine, wherein the round roller machine can include a plurality of blow molding tanks arranged along the circumference of the round roller machine. Each blow molding tank can be assigned a blow molding unit, wherein the blow molding unit can be designed to apply compressed air to the preform pre-temperatured by the optional heating device located in the blow mold and to form it into a container 121.

[0043] The container 121 can preferably be a bottle used in the beverage industry. However, alternatively, the container can be any type of container, such as a can, cup, glass or tube used in the beverage, pharmaceutical, health or food industries, or any other container 121 suitable for containing any liquid or pasty medium.

[0044] The design of the at least one container handling machine 102 as a blow molding machine 102 is to be understood as exemplary. The at least one container handling machine 102 can also be designed as any other device suitable for handling containers. For example, the at least one container handling machine 102 can also be formed as a container pre-treatment device, such as a corona or plasma pre-treatment device, a filler for filling containers with beverages or any other liquid, a labeler, a direct printer, a sealer or any other container handling machine.

[0045] In one embodiment, it can also be provided that a combination of the above-mentioned container handling machines or any other container handling machines is arranged in the transport direction 104 of the preforms 105 downstream of the manufacturing machine 101 .

[0046] The control unit 103 can be designed as a computer, a server or any other computer unit and is connected to the manufacturing machine 101 and the blow molding machine 102 via cable connections 116, 117. The control unit 103 can also be connected to any other components of the container processing machine 100 via corresponding cables. In an alternative embodiment, it can also be provided that the control unit 103 is connected to the components of the container processing device 100 via a wireless connection, for example via a WLAN connection. For example, due to the cable or wireless connection between the control unit 103 and the components of the container processing device 100, the control unit 103 can detect a stoppage of a component of the container processing device 100 and control the flow of preforms 105 in the container processing device 100 based on this. Thus, even in the event of a stoppage of a component of the container processing device 100, the operation of the container processing device 100 can be maintained at least partially.

[0047] A first transport device 108 may be provided between the manufacturing machine 101 and the blow molding machine 102 to transport the preforms 105 manufactured by the manufacturing machine 101 to the blow molding machine 102. For example, when the container processing equipment 100 is in a normal state, the preforms 105 may be transported from the manufacturing machine 101 to the blow molding machine 102 by the first transport device 108 even when any part of the container processing equipment 100 is not stopped.

[0048] In the transport direction 104 of the preforms 105, a second transport device 110 can be arranged downstream of the blow molding machine 102, whereby the preforms 105 molded into containers 121 by the blow molding machine 102 can be transported to another optional container handling machine, which is not explicitly shown here. The optional other container handling machine can be any other container handling machine mentioned above or a combination thereof. Thus, in one embodiment, for example, in the transport direction 104 of the preforms 105 or containers 121 downstream of the blow molding machine 102, for example, a filler for filling the molded containers with beverages or any other liquid can be arranged.

[0049] In one embodiment, the container processing equipment 100 may include a first storage device 106 for storing preforms 105 and / or a bad box 114 for crushing the preforms 105. The bad box 114 may be a crusher. In the embodiment discussed here, the storage device 106 and the bad box 114 may be arranged laterally next to the first transport device 108. The storage device 106 may be connected to the first transport device 108 via a third transport device 111, and the bad box 114 may be connected to the first transport device 108 via a fourth transport device 115. The arrangement of the first storage device 106 and the bad box 114 just discussed may be understood as exemplary. The first storage device 106 and the bad box 114 may also be arranged at any other position of the container processing equipment 100, as long as it is arranged so that the preforms manufactured by the manufacturing machine 101 are fed to the first storage device 106 or the bad box 114 instead of the blow molding machine 102. In an alternative embodiment, for example, it can also be provided that the first storage device 106 and the bad part box 114 are directly connected to the manufacturing machine 101 via corresponding transport devices, and the preforms are not first transferred to the first transport device 108 .

[0050] In combination Figure 1a to Figure 1c In the embodiment discussed, the container handling equipment 100 includes an optional distribution device 118, wherein the distribution device 118 can be controlled by the control unit 103 so that the preforms 105 manufactured by the manufacturing machine 101 can be guided from the first transport device 108 to the third transport device 111 and discharged to the first storage device 106, or can be guided from the first transport device 108 to the fourth transport device 115 and discharged to the bad parts box 114, or can be transferred to the blow molding machine 102 in the transport direction 104 via the first transport device 108.

[0051] In order to direct the flow of preforms 105 in the direction of the first storage device 106, the blow molding machine 102 or the bad parts box 114, the distribution device 118 may include a baffle, which can be aligned by the control unit 103 by a servo motor, for example, so that the preforms 105 are directed to the first storage device 106, the blow molding machine 102 or the bad parts box 114. In this sense, the distribution device can be used as a fork or designed to be a fork. In order to be able to operate the distribution device, the control unit 103 can be connected to the distribution device 118 by a cable connection 120 (or a wireless connection can also be provided). In the alternative embodiment briefly outlined above, in the case where the first storage device 106 and the bad parts box 114 are directly connected to the manufacturing machine 101 via corresponding transport devices, it is also possible to provide a distribution device 118 integrated into the manufacturing machine 101. In this case, for example, the distribution device 118 can be arranged at the outlet of the manufacturing machine 101.

[0052] In an alternative embodiment, the dispensing device 118 can also be designed as a robot, a portal system or any type of handling system. It is also conceivable to design the dispensing device 118 as a plurality of interconnected conveyor belts.

[0053] In one embodiment, the container processing device 100 may include a second storage device 107 for preforms, wherein the second storage device can be connected to the first storage device via a fifth transport device 112, so that the preforms 105 stored in the first storage device 106 can be transferred from the first storage device 106 to the second storage device 107. The second storage device 107 can in turn be connected to the blow molding machine 102 via a sixth transport device 113, so that the preforms 105 stored in the second storage device 107 can be supplied to the blow molding machine 102. Optionally, a sorting device 119 can be provided between the second storage device 107 and the blow molding machine 102. By means of the sorting device 119, the preforms 105, which are usually stored as bulk materials in the storage device, can be separated and transported to the blow molding machine 102 in an orderly manner. In one embodiment, the sorting device 119 can be designed as a roller sorter. For example, the roller sorter can be designed not only to separate the preforms 105, but also to transport the preforms 105 from the second storage device 107 to the blow molding machine 102. In this case, the sorting device 119 and the second transport device 113 are designed as one unit. Alternatively, for example, the sorting device 119 can also be designed as a tray sorter.

[0054] In an alternative embodiment, it can also be provided that the first storage device 106 and the second storage device 107 are identical and are designed as a storage unit, wherein in this case the optional fifth transport device 112 is not required. In this case, it can be provided that the storage unit is connected to the manufacturing machine 101 via the third transport device 111 and to the blow molding machine 102 via the sixth transport device 113. Also in this case, for example, the sixth transport device 113 can be designed as a roller sorter, so that the preforms can be transferred in an orderly manner from the storage unit to the blow molding machine 102. In this case, for example, preforms that were fed to the storage unit when the blow molding machine was stopped can be fed back to the blow molding machine at a later time, which may be the case, for example, when the manufacturing machine 101 is stopped.

[0055] In an alternative embodiment, which is not discussed in detail here, it can also be provided that the first storage device 106 and the second storage device 107 are designed as separate storage devices and are not connected to each other.

[0056] In combination Figure 1a to Figure 1c In the embodiment discussed, the optional transport devices 108, 110, 115, 111, 112 and 113 are shown as exemplary linear transport devices. This design should be understood as not limiting. Alternatively, the transport devices 108, 110, 115, 111, 112 and 113 can also be designed as transport stars or a combination of linear transport devices and transport stars.

[0057] Now, combined with Figure 1a to Figure 1c , the three different operating states of the container processing apparatus 100 are discussed in more detail.

[0058] In combination Figure 1a In the described embodiment, the blow molding machine 102 arranged in the transport direction 104 downstream of the manufacturing machine 101 is in a stopped state. The stop of the blow molding machine 102 can be caused, for example, by a malfunction of the blow molding machine 102, for example, by a defective component of the blow molding machine 102, or by a maintenance-induced stop of the blow molding machine 102, which can be caused, for example, by maintenance replacement of components or replacement of consumables. In an alternative embodiment, for example, another optional container handling machine arranged in the transport direction 104 of the preforms 105 downstream of the blow molding machine 102 may also be faulty or a combination of container handling machines arranged in the transport direction 104 downstream of the manufacturing machine 101 may be in a stopped state.

[0059] In order to be able to maintain partial operation of the container handling device 100 even in the event of a stoppage of the blow molding machine 102, the control unit 103 can control the dispensing device 118 in the event of a stoppage of the blow molding machine 102, so that the preforms 104 manufactured by the manufacturing machine 101 are guided from the first transport device 108 to the third transport device 111 and discharged to the first storage device 106. Thus, even in the event of a stoppage of the blow molding machine 102 or another optional container handling machine, further operation of the manufacturing machine 101 and further production of preforms 105 can be ensured. By further producing the preforms 105 and transferring them to the first storage device 106, they can be stored in stock and, for example, at a later time when the stoppage on the blow molding machine 102 is repaired, they can be resupplied to the blow molding machine 102 via the second storage device 107. Alternatively, for example, the preforms 105 stored in the first storage device 106 or the second storage device 107 may be supplied to the blow molding machine 102 only when the manufacturing machine 101 is in a stopped state and can no longer manufacture new preforms 105. Figure 1c This embodiment is described in more detail.

[0060] In one embodiment, it can be provided that the preforms 104 manufactured by the manufacturing machine 101 are fed to the first storage device 106 only before the downtime of the blow molding machine 102 reaches a certain threshold. In one embodiment, the threshold can be determined, for example, by the storage capacity of the first storage device 106 (for example, 5000 or 10000 preforms). Thus, it can be ensured that the preforms 105 are fed to the first storage device 106 only before the storage capacity of the first storage device 106 is reached. Thus, for example, a blockage of the first transport device 108 and the third transport device 111 caused by preforms 105 that cannot be stored in the first storage device 106 and a potential malfunction of the manufacturing machine 101 caused thereby can be prevented.

[0061] In one embodiment, provision may also be made for distributing the preforms to the first storage device 106 and the second storage device 107. In this case, for example, the threshold value may also be determined based on the storage capacities of the first storage device and the second storage device.

[0062] In an alternative embodiment, it may also be provided that the threshold value is customer-specific and / or category-specific.

[0063] In one embodiment, if the downtime of the blow molding machine 102 exceeds a threshold value, it can be provided that the flow of preforms produced by the manufacturing machine 101 is not discharged to the first storage device 106, but to a bad part box 114 for crushing the preforms 105. Figure 1b This embodiment is described in more detail.

[0064] Figure 1b Schematically shows a method according to another embodiment of the present invention which has been connected to the Figure 1a A container handling installation 100 has been discussed.

[0065] If already combined Figure 1a discussed, in Figure 1b In the embodiment of the present invention, the blow molding machine 102 is also in a shutdown state. Figure 1a The implementation methods discussed in Figure 1b In the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 103 controls the distribution device 118 so that the preforms 105 produced by the manufacturing machine 101 are guided from the first transport device 108 to the fourth transport device 115 and to the bad part box 114 for crushing the preforms 105. As further described above, this situation may occur, for example, when the downtime of the blow molding machine 102 exceeds a threshold value.

[0066] Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that the preforms 105 are discharged into the bad part bin 114 immediately when the blow moulding machine 102 or at least one of the container handling machines is stopped, and not only after a stop time interval of the blow moulding machine has reached a threshold value.

[0067] In one embodiment, it may be provided that preforms 105 shredded by a bad part box 114 may be fed to a manufacturing machine 101 and new preforms may be produced from the shredded material.

[0068] Figure 1c discussed in Figure 1a Another embodiment of the container processing plant 100 discussed in FIG. b is in a different operating state.

[0069] exist Figure 1c In the embodiment of , the manufacturing machine 101 is in a stopped state, so that the preforms 105 can no longer be manufactured by the manufacturing machine 101 , and the preforms 105 can no longer be provided to the blow molding machine 102 via the first transport device 108 .

[0070] In order to maintain at least partial operation of the container processing device, i.e. to further allow the blow molding machine 102 to form preforms 105, a control unit 103 may be provided to control the second storage device 107 and the sixth transport device 113 in such a way that the blow molding machine 102 is provided with preforms 105 from the second storage device 107. The second storage device 107 may in turn be provided with preforms 105 from the first storage device 106, wherein the preforms 105 may be transported from the first storage device 106 to the second storage device 107 by means of the fifth transport device 112.

[0071] In order to ensure that the first storage device 106 and the second storage device 107 are at least partially filled with preforms 105 when the manufacturing machine 101 is stopped, so that the preforms 105 can be provided to the blow molding machine 102 or at least one container handling machine when the manufacturing machine 101 is stopped, and partial operation of the container handling equipment 100 can be maintained, in one embodiment, it can be provided that before the container handling equipment starts operating, the first storage device 106 and the second storage device 107 are at least partially filled with externally manufactured preforms.

[0072] Alternatively, in one embodiment, for example, it can also be provided that when the container processing device starts operating, the control unit 103 first controls the dispensing device 118 so that within a specific time interval after the container processing device 100 starts operating, the preforms 105 manufactured by the manufacturing machine 101 are respectively supplied to the first storage device 106 or the second storage device 107, and the storage devices can be filled with preforms.

[0073] For example, a specific time interval can be selected based on the storage capacity of the first storage device and / or the second storage device, or the time interval can be dynamically determined based on the filling level of the first storage device and / or the second storage device. When the first storage device and / or the second storage device reaches a specific filling level, the control unit 103 can be designed to operate the distribution device 118 so that the preforms 105 produced by the manufacturing machine 101 can be supplied to the blow molding machine 102 and normal operation of the container processing device 100 can be entered. For example, it can be provided that the first storage device 106 and the second storage device 107 are filled with a quarter, a half or three quarters of the maximum storable amount of preforms.

Claims

1. A container processing device (100) for producing and processing preforms (105), wherein: The container processing device (100) comprises a manufacturing machine (101), in particular an injection molding machine, for manufacturing the preforms (105), at least one container processing machine (102) arranged downstream of the manufacturing machine (101) in a transport direction (104) of the preforms (105), and a control unit (103), wherein the control unit (103) is formed to control the flow of the preforms (105) in the container processing device (100) based on the shutdown of components of the container processing device (100).

2. The container processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The components include at least one container handling machine (102).

3. The container processing equipment according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein: When the downtime is less than a threshold value, controlling the flow of the preforms (105) includes discharging the preforms (105) manufactured by the manufacturing machine (101) into a first storage device (106).

4. The container processing equipment according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: When the downtime is greater than a threshold, the control of the flow of the preforms (105) comprises discharging the preforms (105) manufactured by the manufacturing machine (101) into a bad box (114) for crushing the preforms (105), in particular a crusher.

5. The container processing equipment according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The control unit (103) is formed to determine the threshold value based on the storage capacity of the first storage device (106).

6. The container processing equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The component comprises a manufacturing machine (101).

7. The container processing equipment according to claim 6, wherein: The control of the flow of preforms (105) comprises feeding the preforms (105) from a second storage device (107) to the at least one container handling machine.

8. The container processing equipment according to claim 7, wherein: The sorting device (119) is arranged between the second storage device (107) and the at least one container handling machine (102), and can supply the preforms (105) to the at least one container handling machine (102) in an orderly manner.

9. A method for producing and processing preforms (105) in a container processing device (100), wherein: The container processing device (100) comprises a manufacturing machine (101), in particular an injection molding machine, for manufacturing the preforms (105), at least one container processing machine (102) and a control unit (103) arranged downstream of the manufacturing machine (101) in a transport direction (104) of the preforms (105), wherein the flow of the preforms in the container processing device (100) is controlled by the control unit (103) based on the shutdown of components of the container processing device (100).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The components include at least one container handling machine (102).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: When the downtime is less than a threshold value, the flow of the preforms (105) is controlled such that the preforms (105) manufactured by the manufacturing machine (101) are transferred to a first storage device (106).

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: When the downtime is greater than a threshold value, the flow of the preforms (105) is controlled such that the preforms (105) manufactured by the manufacturing machine (101) are fed into a bad part box (114), in particular a crusher, for crushing the preforms (105).

13. The method according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein: The threshold is determined by the control unit (103) based on the storage capacity of the first storage device (106).

14. The container processing plant according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein: The component comprises a manufacturing machine (101) and wherein the flow of the preforms (105) is controlled in such a way that the preforms (105) are fed from the second storage device (107) to the at least one container handling machine (102).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The sorting device (119) is arranged between the second storage device (107) and the at least one container handling machine (102), and supplies the preforms (105) to the at least one container handling machine (102) in an orderly manner.

Images