Device for shaping plastic parisons into plastic containers and valve arrangement

Abstract

The utility model relates to a device for forming plastic parisons into plastic containers and a valve device. The utility model relates to a device for forming plastic preforms, comprising a transport device having a transport carrier which has a plurality of forming stations for forming plastic preforms, the forming stations each having an impact device which impacts the plastic preforms with a flowable medium in order to expand the plastic preforms, the device has at least one first compressed air tank for providing compressed air at a first predetermined pressure and a second compressed air tank for providing compressed air at a second predetermined pressure, and each forming station has a valve arrangement for impacting the plastic parisons with at least two pressures. The first compressed air storage tank is used for supplying compressed air at a first preset pressure, the second compressed air storage tank is used for supplying compressed air at a second preset pressure, each forming station is provided with at least one throttling valve device, and the throttling valve devices are used for reducing the volume flow of the gaseous medium flowing to the plastic parisons, and the method is characterized in that the throttling valve devices can be automatically adjusted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a device for molding a plastic preform into a plastic container and a valve configuration. Background Art

[0002] Such devices are already known from the prior art.

[0003] It is known that a heated plastic parison is fed into a blow mold and expanded into a plastic bottle by the impact of a gas medium (especially compressed air) in the blow mold. This expansion process is relatively complex and is usually carried out at different pressure levels. For this purpose, it is known that compressed air tanks can store compressed air at different pressure levels, so that the impact on the plastic parison can be controlled using different pressure levels.

[0004] Furthermore, it is known in the prior art to use throttle valves at single or multiple pressure levels, which throttle valves are in particular adjustable.

[0005] In newer molding devices, at least three pressure levels are used to inflate the container, of which two pressure levels preferably use circulating air in whole or in part. In new generation equipment, another pressure level is added, which preferably also uses circulating air.

[0006] The minimum pressure level is usually a pressure (pre-blow molding), depending on the container and process, the pressure range is between 5-15 bar. In some cases, the residual pressure at the valve block of each molding station is discharged into the downstream silencer through the exhaust valve (exhaust port).

[0007] According to current research, the pre-blowing process of the plastic parison is particularly important because it has a significant impact on the subsequent shape of the container. During the pre-blowing process, the required air volume is adjusted or determined by the pressure and air supply throttle valve. In order to obtain an air volume that is exactly equal to this air volume, an air supply ring is used between the blowing stations on the blowing wheel. The air supply ring is usually implemented as a fixed hole and is usually or preferably located before the pre-blowing valve.

[0008] Can know from applicant's internal prior art that this throttle valve or the cross section of this throttle valve can be adjusted by the user.For this reason, multiple cross sections can be provided, and these cross sections can be manually adjusted.

[0009] However, for example when the device is adapted for a different container format, this provision may be ignored, resulting in the production of containers of inferior quality. Utility Model Content

[0010] Therefore, the purpose of the present invention is to ensure that the quality of containers produced in such a molding device having multiple molding stations is stable.

[0011] The device for molding plastic preforms into plastic containers of the utility model has a transport device, which transports the plastic preforms along a preset transport path. Preferably, the transport path is annular. The transport device has a rotatable transport carrier, on which a plurality of molding stations are arranged for molding the plastic preforms, wherein the molding stations each have an impact device, which impacts the plastic preforms with a flowable medium, especially a gas medium, to expand the plastic preforms.

[0012] Furthermore, the device has at least one first compressed air tank, which is suitable and designated for storing compressed air at a first preset pressure, and a second compressed air tank, which is suitable and designated for storing compressed air at a second preset pressure.

[0013] In addition, each molding station also has a valve configuration including multiple valve devices to impact these plastic preforms with at least two pressures. In addition, these molding stations each have at least one throttle valve device, which is suitable for and designated to reduce the volume flow (of the gas medium) flowing to these plastic preforms.

[0014] According to the utility model, the throttle valve device can be automatically adjusted.

[0015] As mentioned above, the throttle cross section can be changed to adapt to different processes. For this purpose, preferably a plurality of cross sections can be provided, which are arranged or designed so that the corresponding throttle valve or the corresponding throttle cross section can be activated or deactivated, in particular by rotation or adjustment. In the prior art, such setting changes are carried out manually when changing the type or process.

[0016] However, if the type of change is carried out automatically, for example, as is sometimes necessary in the prior art by means of a change robot, then manual adjustment of the throttle valve by the operator can cause problems. This work can also be forgotten, or an incorrect setting or an incorrect throttle cross section can be selected by mistake, leading to machine failures and other production interruptions.

[0017] While in the prior art setting changes for all forming stations required a certain amount of time, which resulted in increased downtimes, it is now proposed to automate the setting changes for the throttle valve units. In this way, the problem of operators making mistakes when changing the throttle valve unit settings or completely forgetting about the necessary setting changes or only making setting changes for certain forming stations can also be solved.

[0018] In the prior art, the machine had to be opened to make setup changes for all blow moulding stations, which can now also be avoided.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the throttle device, for example a pre-blow throttle on the valve arrangement, is preferably arranged so as to be easily accessible from the outside (radially) or from the top of the valve arrangement.

[0020] The throttle valve device can be adjusted according to the air flow through the throttle valve direction. In particular, automatic adjustment can be understood as adjusting the throttle valve device without manual intervention by the user, but by a suitable drive device, as described in detail below.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment, the molding stations each have a blow mold, in particular a multi-part blow mold, in particular a three-part blow mold, in which the plastic preforms are molded.

[0022] Particularly preferably, at least two pressure accumulators are connected to the respective valve configurations of the molding stations. Thus, the valve device can establish and / or interrupt the fluid connection between the pressure accumulator and the corresponding molding station.

[0023] In another advantageous embodiment, the pressure accumulator is designed as a channel, in particular an annular channel. In particular, these pressure accumulators, in particular annular channels, are arranged on the transport carrier.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, it is conceivable that each throttle valve device has its own drive device, for example its own motor. However, it is particularly preferred to provide a central control device, which will be described in more detail below, which can realize the setting changes of the throttle valve device.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment, the first preset pressure is less than the second preset pressure. Preferably, the first preset pressure level is assigned to the throttle device. In particular, the first preset pressure level is the pre-blowing pressure at which the plastic parison begins to expand. The throttle device thus preferably controls the impact of the plastic parison with the first preset pressure, that is to say in particular the minimum pressure.

[0026] In another advantageous embodiment, each of the molding stations has a rod-shaped body that can be inserted into the plastic preforms for stretching the plastic preforms in the longitudinal direction. These rod-shaped bodies (also called stretching rods) are elements that, in addition to impacting the plastic preforms with compressed air, also stretch the plastic preforms in their longitudinal direction.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the rod-shaped bodies or stretching rods have drive devices which control or drive the movement of the stretching rods, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the container.

[0028] For example, the movement of the stretching rods can be achieved via guide curves, but preferably a motor arrangement, in particular a linear motor, is assigned to each stretching rod.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment, the device has a third compressed air tank which is suitable and designed to store compressed air at a third preset pressure, wherein the third preset pressure is greater than the first preset pressure. However, it is particularly preferred that the third preset pressure is less than the second preset pressure. In this embodiment, the plastic parison is subjected to three pressure levels, in particular a pre-blowing pressure, an intermediate blowing pressure and a final blowing pressure.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a fourth compressed air tank which is suitable and designed for storing compressed air at a fourth preset pressure, wherein the fourth preset pressure is preferably greater than the first preset pressure and preferably less than the second preset pressure. In this embodiment, the plastic preforms are subjected to a total of four compressed air levels.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has at least one adjusting device for automatically adjusting the throttle device, wherein a first adjusting element of the adjusting device is particularly preferably assigned to each forming station.

[0032] In another advantageous embodiment, the device has a second adjusting element, which cooperates with the first adjusting element to adjust the throttle device. Therefore, in this embodiment, each forming station is preferably assigned such an adjusting element. For example, the second adjusting element can be arranged to be fixed, which cooperates with the first adjusting element and preferably realizes the setting or adjustment of the throttle device.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the second adjusting element is central or fixed. In addition, the second adjusting element can also be a robot device, which can work together with each molding station (especially the first adjusting element of each molding station).

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment, the second adjusting element interacts with at least two first adjusting elements of different forming stations, preferably with all first adjusting elements of all forming stations.

[0035] In another preferred embodiment, the throttle device can be adjusted by a rotational movement of the transport carrier. As mentioned above, the transport carrier is preferably rotatable. In this way, a central adjustment element can be provided, particularly preferably fixed, on which the individual forming stations move. Preferably, this relative movement also leads to an adjustment of the throttle device.

[0036] In another preferred embodiment, the first adjusting element can be rotated and / or swiveled relative to a preset axis. Preferably, the axis extends in the radial direction of the transport carrier or is perpendicular to the radial direction. Thus, the throttle valve device can be adjusted in a particularly simple manner.

[0037] In a further advantageous embodiment, the second adjusting element has a drive which is suitable and intended for moving an adjusting body of the second adjusting element. This movement can establish or prevent engagement between the second adjusting element and the first adjusting element.

[0038] Particularly preferably, the movement of the adjusting body is a linear movement. Particularly preferably, the drive device is a motor, in particular a linear motor.

[0039] The adjusting body can be moved between at least two positions, wherein one position enables engagement with the first adjusting element and a second position is preferably outside of the engagement or prevents engagement.

[0040] Particularly preferably, the regulating body can be adjusted in at least three positions. In the first position, all or a plurality of regional engagements with the first regulating element can be produced, in the second position only some elements of the regulating element are engaged, and in the third position, engagement is blocked.

[0041] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device has a detection device and / or query device for detecting or querying the position of the first adjusting element of each forming station. However, this query can also be generated by the type of the first adjusting element and / or the second adjusting element.

[0042] Furthermore, position detection can also be dispensed with by suitable design of the adjusting body and the adjusting element.

[0043] The adjustment body can be designed asymmetrically so that the adjustment element cannot reach every position. For example, the Maltese cross can have three long arms and one short arm, and the first adjustment element is far away from the center of the Maltese cross so that it can only engage with the long arms but not the short arms.

[0044] This will ensure that after a maximum of 3 turns the short arm is now in the engaged position and the first adjusting element will not reach this position. A second adjusting element is then required to move the adjusting body out of this zero position.

[0045] In another embodiment, the arms of the Maltese cross can have different heights or be located in different planes perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the adjusting body.

[0046] In such an embodiment, three arms would protrude longer in the direction of the adjusting element, while one arm would protrude shorter. The adjusting element has three positions. Full entry into the first position means that all arms of the adjusting body cannot interact with each other.

[0047] In the second position, the adjusting element is partially extended. Three of the four arms can engage. After a maximum of three switching operations, the adjusting body is in a defined position.

[0048] In the third position, the adjustment element is fully extended, all arms are engaged, and the adjustment element can be moved out of zero displacement.

[0049] The utility model also relates to a valve configuration for controlling the impact of a plastic preform with compressed air, wherein the valve configuration has at least three valve devices, which are suitable for and designated to establish and / or interrupt fluid connections between at least three pressure accumulators and an impact device, the impact device being used to impact the plastic preform with at least three different pressure levels, wherein a first preset pressure is less than a second preset pressure, and the second preset pressure is less than a third preset pressure, and wherein at least one of the three valve devices is also assigned a throttle valve device, the first valve device controls the supply of the first preset pressure, and the throttle valve device is suitable for and designated to reduce the first preset pressure reaching the impact device.

[0050] The pressure accumulator is not necessarily a tank, but can also be formed by a hose, a channel or a pipe. The term "tank" preferably does not primarily refer to the storage capacity, but rather particularly importantly to the commonality (of all molding stations).

[0051] It is conceivable that, instead of using an annular container or annular channel, the hose is preferably led directly to the forming station. However, the hose preferably connects at least two forming stations to each other via a T-piece or a central distributor, so that these forming stations can be "associated" in terms of pressure technology.

[0052] According to the utility model, the throttle valve device can be automatically set. Particularly preferably, the valve configuration is implemented in the above manner.

[0053] Preferably, the throttle valve device is arranged on the valve arrangement, ie on the valve block, so as to be easily accessible.

[0054] In another preferred embodiment, a contour or a triggering element is attached to the throttle valve device so that the throttle valve device can be easily adjusted via the contour. Particularly preferably, a cross-shaped contour, in particular a Maltese cross-shaped contour, is provided.

[0055] In this way, for example, by the cross being moved past fixed bolts or rollers, the throttle device can be adjusted automatically, in particular, as described above, during the rotation of the blow moulding wheel.

[0056] In this way, all pre-blowing throttle valve devices can be automatically adjusted when the blowing wheel rotates 360°.

[0057] The installation position (such as top or bottom) of the adjusting bolt also can affect the direction of rotation. For example, if a certain process needs to adjust the throttle valve device from position one to position three, the blowing wheel is preferably rotated twice, because only one position can be rotated at a time.

[0058] However, it is also possible to install a plurality of adjusting screws one after the other so that a plurality of adjustments can be made simultaneously. For example, two such adjusting screws can simultaneously rotate the Maltese cross into two positions.

[0059] The throttle valve device is therefore preferably adjustable in steps, ie preferably in different stages.

[0060] Since the throttle device can be further rotated by about 90° via the cross-shaped piece, four positions or four throttle cross sections can be set and / or operated. Depending on the geometry and size of the cross-shaped piece, other angular positions (e.g. 72° or 60°) can also be achieved and more positions (e.g. five or six or even more positions) can be operated.

[0061] It is particularly preferred that, as described above, the adjusting screw has at least two positions or settings. An active position can be set to adjust the throttle valve device, and a passive position can be set in which the throttle valve device is not connected to the throttle valve adjustment device and / or the cross-shaped piece and is therefore inactive during the machine production phase.

[0062] As mentioned above, this adjustment is preferably performed by means of a pneumatic cylinder and / or an electric motor, but can also be set manually.

[0063] In another embodiment, it is also conceivable to adjust the adjusting device of the throttle valve device by means of two linear units (which can be designed, for example, as electric or pneumatic units). The first linear unit moves the adjusting screw into the active position so that the adjusting element can be adjusted, while the second unit moves the adjusting screw or the adjusting body linearly so that it passes the adjusting element (for example a cross-shaped piece) and thus moves the cross-shaped piece by 90°.

[0064] Both drive devices can then be returned to their initial position and the above-described movement can be performed again.

[0065] This preferably always takes place when the blowing wheel is stationary and the position of the throttle valve device to be controlled is correct relative to the adjusting device.

[0066] Therefore, on the identical throttle valve device of positioning, also can carry out multiple position conversion continuously.In this case, transport carrier or blowing wheel can continue circulation around the blowing wheel pitch all the time, so that can regulate each throttle valve device.

[0067] Furthermore, it is also conceivable to produce the adjustment device by means of a drive and special movement gears, which can carry out movements in several directions simultaneously or one after the other.

[0068] In another advantageous embodiment, the throttle valve device has a ratchet device, wherein preferably, the triggering member or the second and / or first adjusting element can be returned to the initial position, in particular by means of an elastic drive member. When the throttle valve is triggered again, the throttle valve can be moved one more position.

[0069] In a further advantageous embodiment, the throttle valve arrangement is adjusted by a robot which performs the respective throttle valve adjustment fully automatically, in particular to the respectively required position of the throttle valve arrangement.

[0070] In another advantageous embodiment, the adjustment is carried out by means of an electric motor. For example, the electric motor can engage a contour on the throttle valve device and then adjust the throttle valve device according to the corresponding angle. Particularly preferably, the electric motor or the drive device is arranged to be fixed.

[0071] Preferably, the shaping stations are arranged to be adjustable. However, such a motor or drive can also be connected to the valve block, so that each throttle valve device has its own drive. The motor can be driven electrically or pneumatically and can have a control device in order to be able to control the motor, in particular to be able to individually operate the angular position.

[0072] As mentioned above, the device also has a query device, which can determine the specific position of the adjusting element, for example the zero position of the adjusting element, or find the corresponding position again after a power failure.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the interrogation device can detect or determine the basic position by means of a proximity switch or a photoelectric switch, or by means of a special profile (eg a cam, a protrusion or a depression).

[0074] Furthermore, it is also conceivable to shift the throttle position into the starting position via the bend or the adjusting device itself.

[0075] Thus, the throttle device, in particular the pre-blowing pressure throttle, can be adjusted without operator intervention. In the event of a process change or a recipe change, the necessary adjustment of the regulating device and / or the throttle device itself can be performed automatically.

[0076] As a result, the machine operator does not have to work extra or can focus on other tasks. Recipe changes can be made more quickly, as no operator intervention is required. In addition, there are no more mistakes to be made due to forgotten adjustments or incorrect settings being selected.

[0077] In a further preferred method, the throttle device and / or its actuation is coordinated with the displacement speed of the stretch rod and / or the switching times, in particular the switching times of different pressure surges. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0078] Further advantages and embodiments can be seen from the accompanying drawings:

[0079] in:

[0080] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a device according to the utility model is shown;

[0081] Figure 2 A diagram showing the valve configuration in a first embodiment;

[0082] Figure 3 A diagram showing a valve configuration in a second embodiment;

[0083] Figure 4 a diagram showing a valve configuration in a third embodiment; and

[0084] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 Detail of the valve configuration shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] Figure 1 A device 1 for molding plastic preforms 10 into plastic containers 15 is shown. This device has a transport device 2 for transporting plastic preforms containing a rotatable carrier 22 on which a plurality of molding stations 20 are arranged. The individual molding stations each have a blow molding device 82 in which a cavity is formed for expanding the plastic preform.

[0086] Reference numeral 84 denotes an application device for expanding the plastic preforms 10. This can be, for example, a blow nozzle which can be docked at the opening of the plastic preforms to expand these plastic preforms 10. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the blow opening is sealed on the blow molding device. The pressure device preferably moves in the longitudinal direction and preferably only in the longitudinal direction of the plastic preforms.

[0087] Reference numeral 4 denotes a valve arrangement, such as a valve block, which preferably has a plurality of valves which control the impact of different pressure levels on the plastic preforms. Preferably, each molding station has such a valve block.

[0088] Preferably, a throttle valve device is also provided on each valve arrangement, which throttle valve device is used to control the flow cross section of the compressed air supplied to the plastic preform under at least one pressure.

[0089] In a preferred method, the plastic parison is first exposed to a pre-blowing pressure p1, then to at least one intermediate blowing pressure pi higher than the pre-blowing pressure, and finally to a final blowing pressure p2 higher than the intermediate blowing pressure pi1. Particularly preferably, the plastic parison is covered by another intermediate blowing pressure pi2, which is greater than the pressure pi1 but less than the pressure p2.

[0090] After the plastic container has expanded, the pressure or compressed air is preferably fed back from the container to the respective pressure accumulator, in particular to the pressure accumulator having a lower pressure level.

[0091] The device therefore preferably has an air circulation device which is suitable and designed for feeding compressed air back from the individual forming stations to a compressed air tank, in particular a compressed air tank with a lower pressure level.

[0092] Reference numeral 88 denotes a stretching rod for extending the plastic preform in its longitudinal direction. Preferably, all molding stations have such a blow mold 82 and a stretching rod 88. Such a stretching rod is preferably a component of the stretching device with reference numeral 30. The stretching rod is (preferably also only) movable in the longitudinal direction of the plastic preform 10.

[0093] Preferably, the number of forming stations 4 is between 2 and 100, preferably between 4 and 60, preferably between 6 and 40.

[0094] The plastic preforms 10 are fed to the device by a first transport device 62 , in particular but not exclusively a transport star. The plastic containers 15 are transported out by a second transport device 64 .

[0095] Reference numeral 7 denotes a pressure supply device, such as a supercharger or a pressurized air connection. The pressurized air is supplied to a rotary distributor 74 via a connecting line 72 and from this rotary distributor via another line 76 to a first compressed air tank 32, also referred to as a first pressure accumulator, which here refers to an annular channel.

[0096] These rotary distributors are therefore preferably used to direct air from the stationary part of the device to the rotating part of the device.

[0097] In addition to the annular channel shown, a further annular channel is preferably provided, but Figure 1 It is hidden in the view shown by the annular channel, for example arranged at the bottom. For example, there is preferably a pressure tank for storing the third preset pressure p2 and the intermediate blowing pressures pi1 and pi2 and the first preset pressure p1.

[0098] Reference numeral 33 denotes a connection line for releasing compressed air to the forming station 20 or its valve block 4. Preferably, each of the annular channels is connected to all the forming stations via a corresponding connection line. This connection line 33 is preferably arranged in the rotating part of the device.

[0099] Reference numeral 18 schematically denotes an optional clean room, which is preferably annular here and surrounds the transport path of the plastic preforms 10. Preferably, a (geometric) rotation axis is arranged outside the clean room 18, about which the transport carrier 22 can rotate. Preferably, the clean room is sealed off from the non-sterile environment by a sealing device, preferably with at least two pressure storage tanks.

[0100] In addition, the device preferably has ( Figure 1 1 and 2. The cover device of the present invention (not shown) upwardly limits the clean room 18. The cover device is preferably arranged on at least one of the stretching devices 30.

[0101] The device has a plurality of measuring and / or sensor devices for controlling the device. Reference numeral 14 denotes a pressure measuring device for measuring the air pressure in the compressed air storage tank. Preferably, the other compressed air storage tanks also have corresponding pressure measuring devices.

[0102] Reference numeral 16 denotes another pressure measuring device, which measures the air pressure, in particular the pressure inside the container of the plastic preform to be expanded. Preferably, each molding station is assigned such a pressure measuring device.

[0103] Reference numeral 18 also schematically indicates a flow measuring device for determining the flow of the blowing air from the compressed air tank to the valve block 4 of the molding station 20. Preferably, corresponding flow measuring devices are respectively arranged between the compressed air tank and all molding stations.

[0104] A further flow measuring device can also be allocated between a further compressed air tank and the respective forming station.

[0105] Furthermore, a position detection device is preferably provided, which can detect the position of the stretching rod of each forming station.

[0106] Reference numeral 24 designates a control device which controls, in particular regulates, the device 1. The control device is preferably also capable of changing operating parameters of the device, in particular the setting of the throttle valve device.

[0107] The control device thus controls in particular the individual valves and thus the pressurization of the plastic parisons with the individual pressure levels. In addition, the control device preferably also controls the movement of the stretch rods of the individual forming stations. Preferably, the control device also controls the movement of the pressurization device, i.e. the blow molding nozzle. As mentioned above, the control device preferably also adjusts the settings of the individual throttle valve devices.

[0108] The control device is preferably suitable for controlling the moment at which the impact device is applied to the plastic preform and / or the moment at which the blow moulding device is lifted off the plastic preform again, and in particular for varying these moments.

[0109] Reference numeral 26 denotes a storage device in which in particular measured values, in particular pressure values ​​and flow values, but also corresponding operating parameters are recorded. Preferably, these values ​​are stored together with a time allocation.

[0110] Preferably, these values ​​can be stored continuously, in particular over a long period of time while the machine is in operation. The control device also takes these recorded measured values ​​into account for controlling or regulating the device.

[0111] Reference numeral 28 generally and schematically indicates an inspection device for inspecting manufactured containers.

[0112] Reference numeral 25 denotes a display device for outputting information to the machine operator. Via this display device, an approximately measured pressure (distribution) curve can be output.

[0113] Figure 2 The valve arrangement in a first embodiment is shown. Reference numeral 4 denotes the entire valve arrangement. Reference numerals 52, 54 and 56 denote here three valve devices which are used to control the pressure impact on the plastic preform. Reference numeral 58 denotes an opening through which the carrier passes, but preferably also a stretch rod device and an impact device.

[0114] Reference numeral 6 denotes a throttle valve device for reducing the flow rate through the first valve device.

[0115] Reference numeral 8 denotes as a whole an adjustment device for automatically adjusting the throttle valve arrangement.

[0116] For this purpose, a first adjusting element 92 is arranged in the form of a rotatable cross, in particular a Maltese cross, on the throttle valve device 6 in order to adjust the same.

[0117] Reference numeral 94 denotes a second adjusting element, which has an adjusting body or adjusting screw 96 , which can be linearly moved between a position in which the first adjusting element 92 can be further rotated and a second position in which the second adjusting element 92 is not engaged.

[0118] Reference numeral 86 designates a query device or a detection device which can detect the position of the first adjusting element.

[0119] Figure 3 Another embodiment of the valve arrangement 4 is shown. Here, the adjusting element 92 is designed in a bow shape and is connected to a ratchet device (not shown). By moving the adjusting element once, the throttle valve device can be moved to a further position.

[0120] It can be seen that the adjusting body 92 is movable along a linear direction P2. Reference numeral P1 denotes a movement of the valve arrangement 4, in particular annular, as described above. This movement ultimately results in an adjustment of the throttle valve device 8.

[0121] Figure 4 Another embodiment of the valve configuration is shown. Figure 3 In contrast to the embodiment shown, the adjusting device or second adjusting element 94 is arranged above the valve arrangement 8, and the adjusting body or first adjusting element 92 is movable in the vertical direction B3. Reference numeral 95 denotes a display device for displaying the position of the throttle valve arrangement.

[0122] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 Detail of the illustrated diagram. The display device can also be seen again from the figure, from which it can be seen that the throttle valve device can be switched to eight different positions. The figure also shows the adjustment body again, which moves the first adjustment element 92 and thus adjusts the throttle valve device.

[0123] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents that are essential to the utility model, as long as these features are new compared to the prior art individually or in combination. It is further noted that features that can be advantageous per se are also described in individual drawings. It is immediately apparent to a person skilled in the art that a certain feature described in a drawing can be advantageous even without using other features in the drawing. In addition, the skilled person sees that advantages can also be obtained by combining several features shown in a single drawing or in different drawings.

Claims

1. A device (1) for molding a plastic preform (10) into a plastic container (15), comprising a transport device (2), wherein the transport device transports the plastic preform (10) along a predetermined transport path, wherein the transport device (2) comprises a transport carrier (22), wherein the transport carrier has a plurality of molding stations (20) for molding the plastic preform (10), wherein each of the molding stations comprises an impact device (84), wherein the impact devices impact the plastic preforms with a flowable medium to expand the plastic preforms, wherein the device (1) comprises at least one first compressed air storage tank (32) and a second compressed air storage tank (34). two compressed air tanks, and each molding station (20) has a valve arrangement (4) including a plurality of valve devices (52, 54) to impact the plastic preforms with at least two pressures, the first compressed air tank being suitable and designated for providing compressed air at a first preset pressure (p1), the second compressed air tank being suitable and designated for providing compressed air at a second preset pressure (pi), wherein the molding stations each have at least one throttle valve device (6) which is suitable and designated for reducing the volume flow of the gaseous medium flowing to the plastic preforms (10), It is characterized in that The throttle valve device (6) can be automatically adjusted.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The first preset pressure (p1) is lower than the second preset pressure (pi), and the first preset pressure is distributed to the throttle valve device (6).

3. The device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The forming stations (20) each have a rod-shaped body (88) that can be inserted into the plastic preforms for stretching the plastic preforms (10) in the longitudinal direction.

4. The device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The device has a third compressed air tank which is suitable and designated for storing compressed air at a third preset pressure (p2), wherein the third preset pressure is greater than the first preset pressure (p1).

5. The device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The device has an adjusting device (8) for automatically adjusting the throttle valve device, wherein a first adjusting element (92) is assigned to each forming station.

6. The device (1) according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The device (1) has a second adjusting element (94) which cooperates with the first adjusting element (92) to adjust the throttle valve device (6).

7. The device according to claim 6, It is characterized in that The second adjusting element can interact with at least two first adjusting elements of different forming stations.

8. The device according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The throttle device can be adjusted by a rotational movement of the transport vehicle (22).

9. The device according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The first adjusting element (92) can rotate or swivel relative to a preset axis.

10. The device according to claim 6, It is characterized in that The second adjusting element (94) has a drive which is suitable and intended for moving an adjusting body (96) of the second adjusting element (94).

11. A valve arrangement (4) for controlling the impacting of a plastic preform with compressed air, wherein the valve arrangement (4) has at least three valve devices (52, 54, 56) which are suitable and designated for establishing and / or interrupting a fluid connection between at least three compressed air storage tanks and an impact device for impacting the plastic preform with at least three different pressure levels, the at least three different pressure levels comprising a first preset pressure (p1), a second preset pressure (pi) and a third preset pressure (p2), wherein the first preset pressure (p1) being less than the second preset pressure (p1), the second preset pressure being less than the third preset pressure, and wherein at least one of the three valve devices, a first valve device (52), is also assigned a throttle valve device (6), the first valve device controlling the supply of the first preset pressure (p1), the throttle valve device being suitable and designated for reducing the first preset pressure (p1) reaching the impact device, It is characterized in that The throttle valve device (6) can be automatically adjusted.

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