Device and method for producing plastic parisons with spectroscopic analysis device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for producing plastic parisons with a spectroscopic analysis device. The invention relates to a device (101) for producing plastic containers (20), comprising a production device (102) which is suitable and intended to produce a plastic parison (10); the invention relates to a device (100) for producing plastic preforms (10), comprising a production device (102) for producing plastic preforms (10), and comprising a molding device (110) which is suitable and intended for molding the plastic preforms (10) into the plastic containers, the production device (102) having a plurality of production units (103) for producing the plastic preforms, and the molding device (110) having a plurality of molding stations (112) for molding the plastic preforms (10) into the plastic containers; the invention relates to a device (1) for producing plastic preforms, comprising a forming device (4) for forming plastic preforms, a production device for producing plastic preforms, and a transport means (104, 105, 130) suitable and intended to transport the plastic preforms produced by the production device to the forming device (4), characterized in that the device (1) has a first spectroscopic analysis device (220), a first spectroscopic analysis device (220) which is suitable and intended to inspect and / or analyze at least one region of the plastic parisons produced by the production device (102), the first inspection device (220) being arranged between the production device (102) and the molding device (110), and wherein the first spectroscopic analysis device (220) is adapted and intended for spectroscopic analysis of the radiation impinging thereon.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for manufacturing plastic containers, in particular plastic bottles. Background Art

[0002] Many such devices and methods are known from the prior art.

[0003] Generally, a so-called plastic preform is heated herein, and is formed, in particular expanded, into a plastic container by a forming device such as a blow molding machine, in particular a stretch blow molding machine. In recent years, such devices and methods have also become known, in which the plastic preform itself is also manufactured, for example by means of an injection molding machine, and then formed.

[0004] The advantage of this is that less heating is required when the plastic preform is expanded later, because they have already been heated during the manufacturing process. However, such devices and methods require more precise monitoring of the plastic preform in order to reduce errors or scrap during the manufacturing of plastic containers.

[0005] A method and a device for manufacturing plastic containers by monitoring infrared absorption are known from DE 10 2008 019 176 A1. The quality of the plastic preform can be inferred from this inspection.

[0006] A device and a method for heating a plastic preform that detect temperature in a spatially resolved manner are described in DE 10 2020 123166A1. DE 10 2021 107 545 A1 discloses a method and a device for analyzing a plastic preform. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to improve the automation and / or error handling of such equipment. In addition, the adjustment possibilities of individual machines of such equipment should also be improved. According to the present invention, these objects are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and improvements are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0008] According to the present invention, a device for manufacturing plastic containers has: a manufacturing device that is suitable and intended for manufacturing a plastic preform; and a forming device that is suitable and intended for forming the plastic preform (in particular the plastic preform manufactured by the manufacturing device) into a plastic container, wherein the manufacturing device has a plurality of manufacturing units for manufacturing the plastic preform, and the forming device has a plurality of forming stations for forming the plastic preform into a plastic container, and in addition a transport mechanism is provided that is suitable and intended for transporting the plastic preform manufactured by the manufacturing device to the forming device.

[0009] According to the present invention, the device has a first spectral analysis device which is adapted and intended to examine and / or (in particular spectrally) analyze at least one region of a plastic preform produced by a manufacturing device, wherein the first spectral analysis device is arranged between the manufacturing device and the shaping device, and wherein the first spectral analysis device is adapted and intended to spectrally analyze the radiation incident thereon.

[0010] In another preferred embodiment, the device has a first inspection device which is adapted and intended to inspect at least one region of a plastic preform produced by a manufacturing device.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the inspection device has an image capture device which is adapted and intended to capture at least one spatially resolved image of a plurality of plastic preforms.

[0012] Preferably, the inspection device refers to an inspection device which is adapted and intended to inspect the plastic preform after production. For this purpose, a carrier can be provided which carries (directly) a plurality of plastic preforms after production, such that the image capture device can capture an image of the plastic preforms held or carried by the carrier (in particular at least one region of these plastic preforms).

[0013] Preferably, the first inspection device is integrated into the manufacturing device.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment, the inspection device is implemented such that it has the function of directly inspecting the mouth of the plastic preform at the extraction device or such that this inspection function is made possible, the extraction device extracting the produced plastic preform from the manufacturing device.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the transport device has an extraction device which is adapted and intended to extract a group of produced plastic preforms from the manufacturing device.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment, the transport device has a mobile carrier which is configured to hold a plurality of plastic preforms.

[0017] Preferably, the first region of the plastic preform is the mouth region of the plastic preform. Preferably, the mouth region has a thread, in particular an external thread.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the shaping device has a movable, in particular rotatable, carrier, wherein the shaping station is preferably arranged at the carrier. Particularly preferably, each shaping station has a blow mold, and preferably each of these shaping stations has a rod, in particular a so-called stretching rod, which can be inserted into the plastic preform to stretch the plastic preforms.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, each forming station has an application device for applying a gaseous medium to the plastic preform, and preferably also has a valve assembly, such as a valve block. The valve assembly preferably has a plurality of valves which control the pressure application to the plastic preform. The application device preferably has a so-called blow nozzle which can be placed against the mouth of the plastic preform.

[0020] Particularly preferably, the manufacturing device is an injection molding machine. Particularly preferably, the injection molding machine has at least 10, preferably at least 20, and particularly preferably at least 30 manufacturing units.

[0021] Particularly preferably, the manufacturing device, in particular the injection molding machine, has at most 200, preferably at most 180, preferably at most 160 manufacturing units.

[0022] It is feasible here that these manufacturing units are arranged at a common carrier. Preferably, each of these manufacturing units is suitable and intended to manufacture exactly one plastic preform. Preferably, these manufacturing units are each forming tools.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the manufacturing units each have a marking device which is suitable and intended to apply a marking to the plastic preform to be manufactured, wherein these markings preferably at least characterize the respective manufacturing unit.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment, the spectral analysis device is suitable and intended to detect a predetermined spectral range or wavelength range of radiation, wherein the wavelength range is preferably selected from a group of spectral ranges which includes the UV radiation range, the visible radiation range, the near-infrared radiation range, the short-wave infrared radiation range, etc.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the spectral analysis unit has at least one sensor unit which is suitable and intended to detect a specific wavelength range. In a preferred embodiment, the spectral analysis unit has at least two, preferably several, sensor units which are suitable and intended to detect several different wavelength ranges of the radiation incident on them.

[0026] By means of this spectral analysis, it is preferably possible to determine impurities in the plastic preform, such as contamination caused by other plastics which are not PET, or other contaminants which are introduced into the plastic material (such as plastic chips) due to solutions in the recycling process.

[0027] In addition to this, moisture can also be detected by means of this spectral analysis. That is, it is possible, for example, to detect the proportion of water in the plastic material.

[0028] Preferably, the spectral analysis device is constructed such that it analyzes at least one region of the body of the plastic preform. These regions are particularly relevant since they are formed by the forming device.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, there are various sensor units, in particular UV sensor units, visible wavelength range sensor units, near-infrared (NIR) sensor units, short-wave infrared (SWIR) sensor units, etc.

[0030] In another advantageous embodiment, the spectral analysis unit has a light source and / or a radiation source and a detection device. Preferably, the plastic preform can be transported between the radiation source and the detection device. Alternatively or additionally, the light source and / or the radiation source can also be implemented as a module.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment, the spectral analysis device has: a radiation device that irradiates the plastic preform; and a radiation detection device that is suitable and intended to detect the radiation emitted by the radiation device and penetrating the plastic preform. Preferably, the plastic preform, in particular its body, is transported between the radiation device and the radiation detection device.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the spectral analysis unit is suitable and intended to perform measurements in the transmission light method.

[0033] Preferably, the spectral analysis unit is suitable and intended to determine the moisture content of the plastic preform.

[0034] Furthermore, preferably, there is an inspection device for inspecting the formed container. Here, it is feasible to perform spectral and / or conventional inspections on the formed, in particular blow-molded, container in order to be able to provide feedback on the results of the spectral analysis. For example, it can be trained to determine up to what carbon black content in the plastic preform can still form a flawless container, and sorting can be carried out accordingly in advance.

[0035] In another preferred embodiment, the spectral analysis device is a spectral analysis device that is suitable and intended to record several spectra, in particular several spectra in different wavelength ranges.

[0036] Corresponding sensor devices for different wavelength ranges are known from the prior art.

[0037] In another preferred embodiment, the device has a second spectral analysis device that is suitable and intended to inspect at least one region of the plastic container manufactured by the forming device. In this way, the control and / or regulation of the manufacturing device and / or the forming device can be further improved.

[0038] In another preferred embodiment, the device has a further spectral analysis device which is suitable and intended to examine at least one region of the plastic container produced by the manufacturing device. In this way, the control and / or regulation of the manufacturing device and / or the shaping device can be further improved. Here, the first and second spectral analysis devices are preferably arranged at different positions on the transport path of the plastic preform.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment, at least one spectral analysis device is arranged between the manufacturing device and a further heating device for heating the plastic preform. In another preferred embodiment, at least one spectral analysis device is arranged between the further heating device for heating the plastic preform and the shaping device.

[0040] In another preferred embodiment, the device has a storage device in which a plurality of spectral data characterizing the plastic preform are stored. That is, spectral analyses can be saved, for example, for different plastic preforms, such as for plastic preforms produced from a specific plastic, from a plastic with a specific recycling ratio, plastic preforms shaped by means of a specific injection molding machine, etc.

[0041] Preferably, a comparison device is provided which compares this spectral data with the data detected by at least one spectral analysis device. In this way, a specific type of plastic preform can be identified. Based on this identification, the manufacturing device and / or the shaping device can be controlled and / or regulated.

[0042] The spectral data can be compared in order to identify a specific plastic preform, or a recipe for controlling the manufacturing device and / or the shaping device can be selected based on this comparison. That is, for example, specific recipes can be provided for different plastic preforms for their manufacture or for their shaping.

[0043] If a specific plastic preform is now analyzed, it can be checked whether it conforms to a known plastic preform. If it does, a specific recipe can be set for its shaping (e.g., a specific blow molding pressure, a specific movement of the stretching rod or the time point at which a specific blow molding pressure is applied). The parameters of the heating device can also be adjusted, such as the heating power of a specific heating radiator of the heating device.

[0044] In the matching or comparison, artificial intelligence (AI) can be used for control and / or regulation and / or evaluation of the spectrum.

[0045] That is, for example, it is feasible to match with a database or data stored in a database. These data stored in the database can in particular be reference values, especially reference values for specific preforms.

[0046] AI can preferably react automatically to the anomalies that occur.

[0047] The above storage device can be arranged inside the machine here, or it can also be the cloud. It is also possible to preferably trace the data of other machines.

[0048] In another advantageous embodiment, the device has a distribution device that is adapted and intended to assign to each plastic preform inspected (and / or analyzed) by the inspection device and / or the spectral analysis device the manufacturing unit or the forming tool that manufactured the plastic preform.

[0049] Preferably, it is feasible to assign the cavity of the tool or the manufacturing unit to the plastic preform by the explicit position of the plastic preform in the extraction device or the take-off / picker device.

[0050] Preferably, it is feasible to transfer the evaluation and / or handover of the identified cavity or manufacturing unit or forming tool to the control device of the manufacturing device for trend identification / evaluation and preferably also to visualize it.

[0051] Here, the image capture device of the first inspection device can be pivoted (rotated in) to capture an image. It may also be feasible to transport the plastic preform beside and / or above the first inspection device and / or the second inspection device that will be described in detail below.

[0052] In another advantageous embodiment, the device has a distribution device that is adapted and intended to assign to each plastic preform inspected (and / or analyzed) by the inspection device and / or the spectral analysis device the forming station for forming the plastic preform into a plastic container.

[0053] In another advantageous embodiment, the manufacturing device has a control device. Preferably, the control device is adapted and intended to control the manufacturing unit using at least one value characterizing the inspection result of inspecting (and / or analyzing) the plastic preform by the first inspection device and / or the spectral analysis device.

[0054] Particularly preferably, the device also has a control device for controlling the forming device, wherein the control device is adapted and intended to control each forming station individually and / or independently of other forming stations. Particularly preferably, the control device is adapted and intended to also control the forming station according to the values obtained by inspecting (and / or analyzing) the plastic preform by using the first inspection device and / or the first spectral analysis device and / or the values characterizing the inspection result of inspecting (and / or analyzing) the plastic preform by using the first inspection device and / or the first spectral analysis device.

[0055] Preferably, the first inspection device is adapted and intended to inspect several plastic preforms and / or output at least one value characterizing each individual plastic preform among the inspected plastic preforms.

[0056] Preferably, the first spectral analysis device is adapted and intended to inspect (and / or analyze) several plastic preforms and / or output, for each individual plastic preform among the inspected plastic preforms, at least one value characterizing the individual plastic preform.

[0057] That is, the inspection device can, for example, take images of a plurality of plastic preforms, and can output, from the images, for each individual plastic preform among the plastic preforms, at least one value characterizing the relevant plastic preform and / or a value characterizing the inspection of the relevant plastic preform.

[0058] In another preferred embodiment, the inspection device has an evaluation device which is adapted and intended to evaluate the images taken by the inspection device. Particularly preferably, the evaluation device is adapted and intended to individualize the individual plastic preforms from an image showing a plurality of plastic preforms taken by an image-taking device, and preferably also to determine values characterizing the plastic preforms.

[0059] In another preferred embodiment, the spectral analysis device has an evaluation device which is adapted and intended to evaluate the spectra recorded by the spectral analysis device. Particularly preferably, the evaluation device is adapted and intended to infer the physical properties of the plastic preform, in particular the material texture of the material of the plastic preform, from the spectra of the plastic preform recorded by the spectral analysis device.

[0060] In another advantageous embodiment, the transport device is adapted and intended to transport the plastic preforms individually from the manufacturing device to the shaping device. Here, "individually" means transporting the plastic preforms in an individualized manner, so that each individual plastic preform can also be individualized. That is, the transport device can, for example, have at least one or preferably several transport wheels and / or transport chains. Preferably, the transport device is constructed to keep the transported plastic preforms in a predetermined order.

[0061] Preferably, the spectral analysis device is arranged in the area where the plastic preforms are transported in rows.

[0062] Even when transporting the plastic preforms at a common carrier, however with a defined position between the individual plastic preforms, this is still considered individual transport, such a position being achieved, for example, by the construction of the carrier, such as the carrier having a plurality of receiving means for respectively holding the individual plastic preforms. Preferably, the transport device has at least one transport unit which transports the plastic preforms in a single row. Preferably, the transport device has at least one transport unit which transports the plastic preforms in an array, in particular the above-mentioned transport carrier which accommodates a plurality of plastic preforms.

[0063] A case of non-individual transport is, for example, putting a plurality of plastic preforms into a common receiving container, where the plastic preforms are randomly positioned relative to each other.

[0064] By means of this separate transportation, it is also possible to assign a forming station or a manufacturing unit to an individual inspected plastic preform.

[0065] In another advantageous embodiment, the transport device has a carrier which is suitable for accommodating a plurality of plastic preforms.

[0066] Preferably, the transport device has a carrier which is suitable for accommodating a plurality of plastic preforms each having the same orientation. Particularly preferably, the plastic preforms are transported by the carrier in an orientation parallel to one another.

[0067] Particularly preferably, the carrier is transportable within the framework of the transport device in two directions independent of one another, in particular in two mutually perpendicular directions.

[0068] Preferably, the transport device has a pick-up device which is suitable and intended to receive plastic preforms, preferably from a cooling device. Preferably, the pick-up device is suitable and intended to receive individual plastic preforms and convey them further along a subsequent transport path. Further preferably, the pick-up device is also suitable and intended to receive individual plastic preforms and / or discharge them from the transport path.

[0069] In another advantageous embodiment, the device has a second inspection device which is suitable and intended to inspect plastic preforms and which is arranged between the cooling device and the forming device. Preferably, the second inspection device is also suitable for inspecting a predetermined area of the plastic preforms, where the predetermined area is preferably different from the predetermined area inspected by the first inspection device.

[0070] Preferably, the second inspection device is suitable and intended to inspect cooled plastic preforms and / or inspect them during and / or after the cooling of the plastic preforms.

[0071] In another preferred embodiment, the device has at least one lighting device which is suitable and intended to illuminate the plastic preforms inspected by the first inspection device and / or by the second inspection device. It is also possible here to position the plastic preforms beside and / or below and / or above the lighting device in order to inspect the plastic preforms.

[0072] Preferably, the second inspection device is suitable and intended to inspect the body of the plastic preforms.

[0073] Particularly preferably, the second inspection device has an image capture device which is suitable and intended to capture spatially resolved images of a plurality of plastic preforms.

[0074] Particularly preferably, the device has a further dispensing device which is adapted and intended to dispense, for each plastic preform inspected by the second inspection device, the manufacturing unit which manufactured the plastic preform.

[0075] In a further preferred embodiment, the device has a further dispensing device which is adapted to dispense, for each plastic preform inspected by the second inspection device, the forming station which forms the plastic preform into a plastic container.

[0076] Preferably, the control device for controlling the manufacturing device is adapted and intended to control the manufacturing unit using at least one value characterizing the inspection result of the plastic preform by means of the second inspection device.

[0077] Particularly preferably, the control device for controlling the forming device is adapted and intended to also control the forming station based on the values obtained by inspecting the plastic preform by means of the second inspection device and / or the values characterizing the inspection result of the plastic preform by means of the second inspection device.

[0078] Preferably, the second inspection device is adapted and intended to inspect several plastic preforms and / or output, for each individual plastic preform among the inspected plastic preforms, at least one value characterizing these individual plastic preforms.

[0079] That is, the second inspection device can, for example, take images of a plurality of plastic preforms and output, for each individual plastic preform among these plastic preforms, at least one value characterizing the relevant plastic preform and / or the value of the inspection characterizing the relevant plastic preform from the image.

[0080] In a further preferred embodiment, the second inspection device has an evaluation device which is adapted and intended to evaluate the images taken by the inspection device. Particularly preferably, the evaluation device is adapted and intended to individualize the individual plastic preforms from an image showing a plurality of plastic preforms taken by the image taking device.

[0081] In this design, it is provided that there are at least two inspection devices for inspecting the plastic preforms. In this way, the relationship between the states before and after cooling the plastic preforms can also be established.

[0082] It is also feasible here that the two inspection devices inspect different regions of the plastic preform. Preferably, the first inspection device inspects the mouth region of the plastic preform, while the second inspection device inspects the body of the plastic preform. Preferably, the mouth region of the plastic preform is the region of the plastic preform that is not formed by the forming device, while the body of the plastic preform is the region that is formed, in particular expanded, by the forming device.

[0083] In another advantageous embodiment, at least one inspection device, preferably the first and second inspection devices, is adapted and intended to detect at least one, preferably a plurality of, values characterizing physical properties of the plastic preform.

[0084] Particularly preferably, these features are selected from a group of properties that includes the geometry of the plastic preform, the cross-section of the plastic preform, the length of the plastic preform, the color of the plastic preform, the transparency of the plastic preform, the humidity value of the plastic preform, the IV value (intrinsic viscosity) of the plastic preform, the temperature of the plastic preform, damage to the plastic preform, etc.

[0085] In another preferred embodiment, at least one inspection device is adapted and intended to inspect the plastic preform during its movement. Preferably, both the first and second inspection devices are adapted and intended to inspect the plastic preform during its movement.

[0086] In another preferred embodiment, at least one spectroscopic analysis device is adapted and intended to inspect and / or analyze the plastic preform during its movement. Preferably, the first and second spectroscopic analysis devices are adapted and intended to inspect and / or analyze the plastic preform during its movement.

[0087] In another advantageous embodiment, the device has a heating device for heating the plastic preform produced by the manufacturing device. The heating device can be, for example, an infrared furnace or a microwave oven.

[0088] Particularly preferably, the heating device is arranged between the cooling device and the shaping device. Particularly preferably, the heating device also has a transport device that transports the plastic preform individually. In addition, the heating device preferably also has a rotation device for rotating the plastic preform relative to its axis during heating.

[0089] In another advantageous embodiment, the device has a discharging device that is adapted and intended to remove or discharge individual plastic preforms from the transport path of the plastic preforms located between the manufacturing device and the shaping device. Here, "discharging" means that these plastic preforms are no longer conveyed to the shaping process.

[0090] Particularly preferably, the discharging device is arranged after the second inspection device and / or before the shaping device. Preferably, the discharging device is arranged after the first spectroscopic analysis device. Particularly preferably, the discharging device is adapted and intended to discharge individual plastic preforms in response to the inspection results of at least one inspection device among the inspection devices and / or at least one spectroscopic analysis device among the spectroscopic analysis devices. However, it is also conceivable that a third inspection device is provided, and the discharging device discharges individual plastic preforms taking into account the inspection results of the third inspection device.

[0091] In another advantageous embodiment, the device has a gap closing device which fills the gap generated by the discharge of a single plastic preform. The gap closing device can have a buffer here which refills the existing gap.

[0092] In another advantageous embodiment, the device, in particular the transport device, has a turning device which changes the orientation of the transported plastic preform.

[0093] Preferably, the device has a carrier at which a plurality of manufactured plastic preforms can be arranged, and the turning device is adapted and intended to turn the carrier with the plastic preforms arranged thereon.

[0094] Here, the turning device is preferably adapted and intended to turn the plastic preform by a predetermined angle, preferably 90°. Preferably, the turning device is adapted and intended to turn the plastic preform from a horizontal orientation (i.e., the longitudinal direction of the plastic preform is horizontal or parallel to the ground) to a vertical orientation (i.e., the longitudinal direction of the plastic preform is vertical or perpendicular to the ground).

[0095] Preferably, the first inspection device is adapted and intended to take an image of the plastic preform in its horizontal orientation.

[0096] Preferably, the second inspection device is adapted and intended to take an image of the plastic preform in its vertical orientation.

[0097] Preferably, the first spectral analysis device is adapted and intended to perform a spectral analysis of the plastic preform when the plastic preform is in a vertical orientation.

[0098] In another advantageous embodiment, the device has at least one vacuum holding device which is adapted and intended to hold a single plastic preform at a holding body using negative pressure.

[0099] By means of this vacuum holding device, it is possible to release a single plastic preform from its carrier.

[0100] Very particularly preferably, such a vacuum device is assigned to each plastic preform. Thus, a single plastic preform can be released from its holding device by removing the vacuum. Preferably, the vacuum device is adapted and intended to release a single, but in particular a specific, plastic preform from its holding device using at least one inspection result of an inspection device and / or using at least one analysis result of a spectral analysis device.

[0101] Preferably, the vacuum device is part of the discharge device.

[0102] In another advantageous embodiment, the device has a third inspection device for inspecting the plastic preform, wherein the third inspection device is preferably arranged behind the second inspection device.

[0103] This third inspection device is particularly suitable and intended for detecting impurities in the produced plastic preforms (such as so-called black specs).

[0104] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a plastic container, in which a manufacturing device manufactures a plastic preform, and a forming device forms the plastic preform manufactured by the manufacturing device into a plastic container, wherein the manufacturing device has a plurality of manufacturing units that manufacture plastic preforms, and the forming device has a plurality of forming stations that (each) form the plastic preform into a plastic container, wherein these forming stations are preferably arranged at a mobile, in particular rotatable, carrier, and wherein a transport mechanism transports the plastic preform manufactured by the manufacturing device to the forming device.

[0105] Advantageously, the device has a cooling device that cools at least sectionally the plastic preform manufactured by the manufacturing device.

[0106] According to the invention, the device has a first spectral analysis device that examines and / or analyzes at least one region of the plastic preform manufactured by the manufacturing device, wherein the first spectral analysis device is preferably arranged between the manufacturing device and the forming device, and wherein the first spectral analysis device performs a spectral analysis on the radiation incident thereon.

[0107] Preferably, the first inspection device takes spatially resolved images of a plurality of, in particular each individual, transported plastic preforms. In a preferred method, the plastic preforms photographed by the image-taking device are at least partially individually detected. Preferably, all plastic preforms are individually detected.

[0108] Preferably, the first spectral analysis device records a plurality of values, wherein each of these values characterizes exactly one plastic preform photographed by the inspection device.

[0109] Preferably, the first inspection device takes an image of the plastic preform during the movement of the plastic preform.

[0110] In another preferred method, the manufacturing unit that manufactured the plastic preform is assigned to at least one, preferably a plurality of, plastic preforms inspected and / or analyzed by the spectral analysis device.

[0111] In a further preferred method, a forming station for forming the plastic preform into a plastic container is assigned to each of at least one plastic preform inspected by a first inspection device and / or at least one plastic preform inspected and / or analyzed by a spectral analysis device, preferably several plastic preforms inspected by the first inspection device and / or several plastic preforms inspected and / or analyzed by the spectral analysis device, and preferably all plastic preforms inspected by the first inspection device and / or all plastic preforms inspected and / or analyzed by the spectral analysis device.

[0112] Preferably, the plastic preforms are transported individually, at least in sections. Preferably, the plastic preforms are transported in rows, at least in sections.

[0113] Particularly preferably, the plastic preforms are transported, at least in sections, by a carrier suitable for accommodating a plurality of plastic preforms.

[0114] In a further preferred method, the plastic preform is reheated after cooling. In this case, in particular the body of the plastic preform is heated so that these plastic bottles can be formed. Description of the Drawings

[0115] Further advantages and embodiments can be derived from the drawings:

[0116] wherein:

[0117] Figure 1 A rough schematic view of the device according to the invention is shown;

[0118] Figure 2 A first view of a diagrammatic illustration of a manufacturing device for manufacturing plastic preforms is shown;

[0119] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 Another view of the manufacturing device shown in

[0120] Figure 4 A diagrammatic illustration for explaining the method according to the invention is shown. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0121] Figure 1 A rough schematic view of a device 101 for manufacturing plastic containers is shown. The device 101 has a manufacturing device 102 which manufactures plastic preforms 10. Preferably, the manufacturing device 102 is an injection molding machine. The manufacturing device 102 here has a plurality of manufacturing units 103, in particular forming tools, each of which is suitable and intended for manufacturing a single plastic preform 10.

[0122] The reference numeral 104 schematically denotes an extraction device which extracts the injection-molded plastic preforms 10 from the manufacturing unit 103.

[0123] Reference numeral 106 denotes a cooling device, in particular in the form of a recooling unit, which cools the produced plastic preform 10. Preferably, the plastic preform is placed directly into the cooling device 106 after production and / or conveyed thereto.

[0124] Along the transport path of the transport device 104, an inspection device, in particular a first temperature detection device 120, is preferably arranged, which detects the temperature of the plastic preform or a value characterizing this temperature, in particular in a non-contact manner. Here, the first temperature detection device 120 is particularly suitable and intended to detect the temperature of each individual plastic preform 10. In addition to or instead of the temperature detection device, an inspection device can also be provided at this location, which detects at least one value characterizing the plastic preform.

[0125] Reference numeral 123 denotes a distribution device, which assigns the production unit 103 that produced the plastic preform to each plastic preform 10 whose temperature has been detected. The production device 101 preferably has at least one control device, which is suitable and intended to also control the individual production units based on the measured temperature of the individual plastic preforms.

[0126] Reference numeral 105 denotes a transport device, in particular a handling unit, which receives the plastic preform 10 from the transport device 104.

[0127] Additionally or alternatively, the distribution device 123 can also assign a forming station 112 for forming the plastic preform into a plastic container to each plastic preform.

[0128] Therefore, the first inspection device and / or the temperature detection device is preferably arranged between the production device and / or the individual production units and the cooling device 106 and / or the transport device 105.

[0129] Reference numeral 121 denotes a further inspection device, which detects at least one value characterizing the respective inspected plastic preform. Here, again, it can preferably be a value selected from a group of values that includes the geometry of the plastic preform, the color of the plastic preform, the humidity of the plastic preform, the IV value of the plastic preform, the temperature of the plastic preform, etc.

[0130] Reference numeral 220 schematically denotes a spectral analysis device provided according to the invention, which is suitable and intended to inspect, in particular analyze, individual plastic preforms. Here, in particular, the wavelength spectrum of the radiation penetrating the plastic preform is detected or recorded.

[0131] Reference numeral 230 denotes a storage device in which a plurality of spectra for different plastic preforms are preferably stored. If, for example, spectra are recorded for a new set of plastic preforms, it can be checked whether they match the spectra stored in the storage device 230.

[0132] Preferably, these values are provided to a higher-level control system in order to control the parameters of the entire device.

[0133] Furthermore, a discharge device can be provided which, in particular on the basis of the abovementioned characteristic values, prevents individual plastic preforms from being handed over to the forming device 112. That is to say, it is also possible to discharge plastic preforms which are evaluated as defective on the basis of the analysis by the spectral analysis device.

[0134] Furthermore, a (not shown) gap closing device can be provided which fills the gaps created by the discharge of the individual plastic preforms.

[0135] Reference numeral 110 denotes the forming device as a whole, which forms the plastic preforms into plastic containers 20.

[0136] Here, preferably, a heating device is provided first, which heats the plastic preforms to a temperature suitable for forming, in particular for expansion into the plastic container 20.

[0137] The forming device 110 preferably has a rotatable carrier 114 at which a plurality of forming stations 112 are arranged. These forming stations can preferably be controlled independently of one another.

[0138] Reference numeral 240 denotes an optional second spectral analysis device which checks and / or analyzes the plastic containers 20 produced by the forming device 110.

[0139] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A first view of a manufacturing device 102 for manufacturing plastic preforms is shown. Here, reference numeral 103 denotes a plurality of manufacturing units, each of which manufactures an individual plastic preform.

[0140] Reference numeral 106 denotes a cooling device for cooling the plastic preforms. Reference numeral 106a denotes a discharging device for discharging the plastic preforms after the manufacturing process.

[0141] Figure 4 A diagram for explaining the device and method of the invention is shown.

[0142] Here, a manufacturing device 102 is provided which has a plurality of (not shown in detail) manufacturing units, each of which manufactures a plastic preform. It is recognized that the mouth 10b of an individual plastic preform.

[0143] Reference numeral 120 denotes a first inspection device which, in particular, images the mouthpiece 10b here, where individual mouthpieces, and thus individual preforms, can be individually processed. Thereby, the production unit that manufactures these preforms can also be determined.

[0144] Reference numeral 140 denotes a turning device which turns the carrier with the preform arranged thereon here by 90°. In addition, the preform is cooled in this area by a cooling device (not shown here).

[0145] The turned carrier 142 together with the preform arranged thereon is transported, and a second inspection device 121 images at least one image of the preform, more precisely, now images the body 10a of the preform.

[0146] Reference numeral 125 denotes a third inspection device which also inspects the preform arranged in the carrier. Preferably, material defects are inspected here, such as so-called BlackSpecs, etc.

[0147] A vacuum holding device (not shown) is provided in the area of the carrier 142 which holds each individual preform at its own carrier. In this way, defective preforms can be separated from the qualified preforms.

[0148] In Figure 4 the embodiment shown, the defective preforms are first still held at their (vacuum) grippers, while the qualified preforms fall onto another transport unit 150.

[0149] The preform can be made to fall from this other transport unit in the form of the carrier 150 onto another transport unit 144 which here has two rollers arranged parallel to each other and between which the preform 10 is guided. For this purpose, the carrier 150 with the individual preform can be pushed relative to this other transport unit in the direction of arrow P1.

[0150] More precisely, the carrier with the preform is moved transversely above the transport unit 144. For this purpose, a gap 155 can be opened at the carrier as shown Figure 4 below, and the preform can be made to fall between the rollers.

[0151] The defective preforms still held at the carrier 142 by means of vacuum grippers can be discarded by selective control when the carrier 142 returns.

[0152] Reference numeral 220 again denotes the first spectral analysis device, which is arranged in the region of the above-mentioned roller. The spectral analysis device can in particular examine or analyze the body of the manufactured plastic preform.

[0153] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents that are essential to the present invention, provided that these features are novel, either individually or in combination, compared to the prior art. Further, it should be noted that features that may be advantageous in themselves are also described in individual figures. A person skilled in the art will directly recognize that a certain feature described in the figures may be advantageous even if other features in the figure are not used. Additionally, a person skilled in the art will recognize that advantages can also be achieved by combining several features shown in individual figures or in different figures.

Claims

1. An apparatus (101) for manufacturing a plastic container (20), the apparatus having a manufacturing device (102) which is adapted and intended to manufacture a plastic preform (10); and a forming device (110) which is adapted and intended to form the plastic preform (10) into the plastic container, wherein the manufacturing device (102) has a plurality of manufacturing units (103) for manufacturing the plastic preform, and the forming device (110) has a plurality of forming stations (112) for forming the plastic preform (10) into the plastic container; and a transport mechanism which is adapted and intended to transport the plastic preform manufactured by the manufacturing device to the forming device (4), characterized in that, the apparatus (101) has a first spectral analysis device (220) which is adapted and intended to inspect and / or analyze at least one region of the plastic preform manufactured by the manufacturing device (102), wherein the first inspection device (220) is arranged between the manufacturing device (102) and the forming device (110), and wherein the first spectral analysis device (220) is adapted and intended to perform spectral analysis on the radiation incident thereon.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, the first spectral analysis device (220) is adapted and intended to detect a predetermined spectral range of the radiation.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, the first spectral analysis device (220) has: a radiation device which irradiates the plastic preform; and a radiation detection device which is adapted and intended to detect the radiation emitted by the radiation device and penetrating the plastic preform.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, the apparatus has a second spectral analysis device (240) which is adapted and intended to inspect at least one region of the plastic container manufactured by the forming device (102).

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, the apparatus has a storage device (230) in which a plurality of spectral data characterizing the plastic preform are stored.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, the apparatus has a distribution device (108) which is adapted to assign to each inspected plastic preform the manufacturing unit (103) that manufactured the plastic preform, and / or the apparatus has a distribution device (108) which is adapted to assign to each inspected plastic preform the forming station that forms the plastic preform into a plastic container.

7. The apparatus (101) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device (101) has a control device for controlling the manufacturing device, where the control device is adapted and intended to control the manufacturing device, and / or the device (101) has a control device for controlling the forming device, where the control device is adapted and intended to control the forming device of the plastic preform.

8. The device (101) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (101) has a first inspection device (120), the first inspection device being adapted and intended to inspect at least one area of the plastic preform manufactured by the manufacturing device (102), where the first inspection device (120) has an image capturing device, the image capturing device being adapted and intended to capture spatially resolved images of a plurality of plastic preforms.

9. The device (101) according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport device is adapted and intended to transport the plastic preform (10) from the manufacturing device individually to the forming device (110).

10. The device (101) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device has a cooling device (106), the cooling device being adapted and intended to cool the plastic preform manufactured by the manufacturing device (102).

11. The device (101) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the first or second spectral analysis device is adapted and intended to determine at least one value characterizing a physical property of the plastic preform.

12. The device (101) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device has a heating device for heating the plastic preform manufactured by the manufacturing device.

13. The device (101) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device has a discharging device (140), the discharging device being adapted and intended to remove individual plastic preforms from the transport path between the manufacturing device and the forming device (130).

14. A method for manufacturing a plastic container (20), where a manufacturing device (102) manufactures a plastic preform (10), and a forming device (110) forms the plastic preform (10) manufactured by the manufacturing device into a plastic container, where the manufacturing device (102) has a plurality of manufacturing units (103) that manufacture plastic preforms, and the forming device (110) has a plurality of forming stations (112) that form the plastic preform (10) into the plastic container, and where a transport mechanism transports the plastic preform manufactured by the manufacturing device to the forming device (4), characterized in that the device (101) has a first spectral analysis device (220), the first spectral analysis device inspecting and / or analyzing at least one area of the plastic preform manufactured by the manufacturing device (102), where the first spectral analysis device (220) is arranged between the manufacturing device (102) and the forming device (110), and where the first spectral analysis device (220) performs a spectral analysis on the radiation incident thereon.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, a manufacturing unit that manufactures the plastic preform is assigned to at least one plastic preform inspected and / or analyzed by the first spectroscopic analysis device (220), and / or a forming station that forms the plastic preform into a plastic container is assigned to at least one plastic preform inspected and / or analyzed by the first spectroscopic analysis device.

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