Container handling device and dispensing device for producing containers

Abstract

The utility model relates to container processing equipment and a distribution device for producing containers. The container handling apparatus (400) comprises: a production machine (401), such as an injection molding machine, for producing a parison; at least one unit (404) for producing containers from these parisons; at least one dispensing device (402) for orderly dispensing the parisons produced by the production machine; at least one air conveyor (403) for orderly feeding the parisons produced by the production machine (401) to the at least one unit (404) for producing containers with the parisons wherein the dispensing device (402) is configured to orderly accommodate a plurality of the parisons produced by the production machine (401) in a two-dimensional matrix arrangement, and sequentially transferring them to the air conveyor (403).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a device for transferring parisons produced by injection molding or other processes to a subsequent process in a container processing plant, in particular in the food and beverage industry, during which the parisons are formed into containers, for example by stretch blow molding. Background Art

[0002] In known processes for producing containers, in particular plastic containers, by stretch blow molding of parisons, the production of the parisons and the production of containers from the parisons are separated in terms of location and time.

[0003] For example, the parisons are produced at one location, stored as bulk goods, and later transported to a container production plant at another location, where they are sorted and separated again and fed to a stretch blow molding machine.

[0004] These known production processes are logistically complex, expensive and prone to failures.

[0005] Handling and storing the preforms as bulk goods often leads to preform damage and bacterial contamination. Complex sorting devices are also required, which must sort the bulk goods of preforms before they can be fed to the stretch blow molding machine in an orderly manner. Utility Model Content

[0006] Purpose

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to improve an apparatus for transferring preforms produced by injection molding or other processes to a subsequent process in an installation for the food and beverage industry, during which the preforms are formed into containers, for example by stretch blow molding.

[0008] In particular, the object of the present invention is to improve the production efficiency, economy, environmental compatibility, energy efficiency, quality, hygiene, sterility and susceptibility of known technologies and methods for transferring preforms produced by injection molding or other processes to a subsequent process for producing containers from said preforms.

[0009] Solution

[0010] Therefore, the present invention particularly proposes a device for producing containers or a container processing device, which may include the following components:

[0011] •Production machines, such as injection molding machines, are used to produce parisons.

[0012] • At least one unit for producing containers from the parisons produced in the production machine.

[0013] • At least one distributing device for orderly distributing the parisons produced by a production machine (eg an injection molding machine).

[0014] • At least one air conveyor configured to supply the parisons produced by a production machine, such as an injection molding machine, in an orderly manner to the at least one unit for producing containers from the parisons.

[0015] The distribution device may be configured to orderly accommodate a plurality of parisons produced by a production machine (eg, an injection molding machine) in a two-dimensional matrix arrangement and to orderly transfer them to the air conveyor.

[0016] The production machine for the preforms can be embodied as an injection molding machine.

[0017] However, it is also conceivable to use other types of production machines for preforms. In particular, for example, it is conceivable here to be production machines for preforms which can produce preforms via a compression molding method or an injection compression molding method.

[0018] The containers and preforms described herein may here in particular be understood as containers and preforms which are made of a material comprising or made of a plastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0019] An ordered distribution of the parisons is to be understood in particular as a distribution of the parisons in which they can be processed and / or transported in the form of a two-dimensional matrix and / or a one-dimensional matrix, for example in rows or lines or tracks or lines or belts.

[0020] An ordered accommodation of the parisons in the distribution device is to be understood in particular as the accommodation of the parisons in the form of a two-dimensional matrix arrangement.

[0021] The orderly supply of the parisons produced by a production machine, such as an injection molding machine, to the at least one unit for producing containers from the parisons by means of an air conveyor can be particularly understood as supplying or transporting or processing the parisons, wherein the parisons can be processed and / or transported in the form of a one-dimensional matrix, for example in rows or columns or tracks or lines or belts.

[0022] The air conveyor can be configured in particular to transport the parisons received from the distribution device in an orderly row to the at least one unit for producing containers from the parisons. The air conveyor can be embodied, for example, as a shaft or channel and operated by applying compressed air.

[0023] Orderly supply can also be understood to mean that the preforms can be supplied to the unit for producing containers from the preforms at predefinable intervals or at a predefinable distance from adjacent preforms.

[0024] The orderly transfer of the parisons from the distribution device to the air conveyor is understood to mean that the parisons can be transferred to the air conveyor in the form of a one-dimensional matrix, for example in rows or lines or columns or tracks or lines or belts.

[0025] For example, the distribution device may be configured to selectively transfer the parisons in separate rows or separate columns of the two-dimensional matrix arrangement of the accommodated parisons to the air conveyor.

[0026] The parisons in the container treatment plant can therefore occupy a clearly defined, traceable and reproducible position within the container treatment plant at any time and anywhere in the container treatment plant.

[0027] The container processing apparatus described here therefore completely dispenses with any sorting device for the preforms.

[0028] This is not feasible when handling the preforms as bulk goods.

[0029] It is therefore possible in the container handling system described here that the preforms do not have to be handled as bulk goods at any time.

[0030] Such a container processing plant for producing containers offers numerous advantages compared to known plants.

[0031] In particular, by directly connecting or linking the production processes of the preforms and the production of containers from the preforms at the same location, it is possible, for example, to significantly reduce or completely save on the transport and storage costs of the preforms, since the preforms no longer have to be transported via long transport routes from the plant for producing the preforms to the container production plant.

[0032] The logistics of container production can thus be significantly simplified and reduced.

[0033] Accidental damage to the preforms, which could occur, for example, as a result of storing or transporting the preforms as bulk goods, can also be almost completely avoided.

[0034] Since the parisons are accommodated in an orderly manner in the distribution device, are subsequently transferred in an orderly manner from the distribution device to the air conveyor, and are subsequently supplied in an orderly manner to the subsequent unit for producing containers from the parisons / subsequent unit for producing containers from the parisons by means of the air conveyor, the use of a more complex and more prone to malfunction sorting device for the parisons can be omitted.

[0035] Furthermore, the organized handling of the preforms enables better tracking, i.e. improved tracking and tracing, of the preforms through the system, which facilitates monitoring the quality of the system or container production.

[0036] Compared to known container production methods, the time between producing the preform and producing a container from the preform can be significantly shortened.

[0037] Likewise, possible undesired changes in the properties of the parison, for example in its material properties and / or in its shape stability, which could result from long storage times or long transport times of the parison and could have an adverse effect on the stretch blow molding process, can be reduced or avoided.

[0038] This can have a positive impact on the quality of the produced containers.

[0039] Likewise, the risk of bacterial contamination of the preforms can be avoided or reduced by shortening the production process between producing the preforms and producing containers from them and by avoiding the need to transport or store the preforms as bulk goods.

[0040] Thus, for example, the sterility of the preforms imparted by the production process (e.g. injection molding) can be better utilized since, for example, the preforms heated by the production process (e.g. injection molding) and sterilized by the production heat can be processed further immediately, i.e. without delay.

[0041] This results in a higher sterility rate and improved hygiene of the produced containers.

[0042] The container processing apparatus described herein is therefore suitable for the aseptic production and filling of containers produced from parisons.

[0043] In particular, for example, the air conveyor can be embodied as a sterile air conveyor, wherein the air conveyor can be operated, for example, with sterile air.

[0044] This also contributes to a higher sterility rate and improved hygiene of the produced containers.

[0045] The distribution device can be designed to be able to slide transversely to the transport direction of the air conveyor.

[0046] This allows, among other things, greater flexibility in transferring the parisons from the distribution device to the air conveyor.

[0047] For example, it is conceivable that the distribution device can thus be brought into targeted proximity with different transfer points on an air conveyor or on a plurality of different air conveyors.

[0048] Alternatively and additionally, it is conceivable that the distribution device can transfer or unload individual columns of a two-dimensional matrix arrangement in which the parisons are located to the air conveyor in such a targeted manner.

[0049] The dispensing device can have a receptacle or a holder for the preforms to be received.

[0050] In this case, these supports or receptacles can be embodied so as to be movable and controllable and can, for example, be moved in a controlled manner between a fixed position, in which the parison is received and fixed in the dispensing device, and a release position, in which the parison is no longer fixed by the receptacle or support of the dispensing device.

[0051] This facilitates the orderly transfer of the parisons received by the distribution device to the air conveyor.

[0052] The movement control of the holder or the receptacle of the dispensing device can here also be controlled by the control unit of the container treatment system.

[0053] The dispensing device can have a plurality of movable support strips, and the supports or receptacles for the parisons to be received by the dispensing device can be formed by the support strips.

[0054] The support strips can be designed such that the parisons can be accommodated with their support rings suspended in the support strips, in particular suspended vertically and in the direction of gravity, in a fixed position in the dispensing device.

[0055] The support bars can also be embodied such that they can be moved from a securing position into a release position, wherein the parisons in the release position are no longer secured by the support bars and can be transferred to an air conveyor.

[0056] This can be made possible by a release mechanism which can correspondingly move the support strips, for example by folding them open or pulling them apart or pulling them apart.

[0057] This facilitates the orderly transfer of the parisons received by the distribution device to the air conveyor.

[0058] The pair of support bars may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in parallel.

[0059] The parisons received by the dispensing device can each be fixed in the fixing position by opposing support strips of a support strip pair.

[0060] The pairs of support strips can be configured or arranged in such a way that they define rows or columns of a two-dimensional matrix arrangement in which the parisons can be accommodated in the dispensing device.

[0061] In order to be able to reach the release position, for example, the support strip pairs can then be separated or moved apart or turned apart, so that the parisons can be transferred in rows or columns to the air conveyor.

[0062] In this case, the support strip can be displaceable, for example, along a guide rail or by means of a joint element.

[0063] This likewise facilitates an orderly and flexible transfer of the parisons received by the distribution device to the air conveyor.

[0064] The exemplary support bars may each be formed from separate modules, wherein the modules may be arranged in a row.

[0065] Alternatively, a plurality of support bars may be formed from one unit.

[0066] This exemplary modular design enables easy adaptation of the application options, size and capacity of the dispensing device to different production requirements or production variations, such as, for example, to different production rates or different types of containers or different types of parisons.

[0067] Alternatively, the dispensing device may be implemented as follows.

[0068] The distribution device can have at least one path for transporting the received parisons and at least one outlet leading to an air conveyor.

[0069] Therein, a portion of the at least one path may define at least one row of a two-dimensional matrix arrangement, and the parisons may be received in the distribution device in the form of the two-dimensional matrix arrangement.

[0070] The distribution device may be configured to transport the received parisons along the at least one path to the at least one outlet of the distribution device so that the received parisons can be transferred to the air conveyor.

[0071] Thus, the air conveyor can be directly coupled to this outlet / the outlet of the distribution device.

[0072] The distribution device in this embodiment can have a plurality of support bars which determine the at least one path, and wherein the support bars can be designed such that the parisons can be transported with their support rings suspended in the support bars, in particular suspended vertically and in the direction of gravity.

[0073] The at least one path can also be understood as a channel or a shaft in which the parisons can move or in which the parisons can be transported.

[0074] The support strips may define an edge or boundary of the at least one path. The parisons may then be transported within the path, for example suspended between adjacent support strips using their support loops.

[0075] The support strips can also be regarded as guide strips, which can guide the parisons through the dispensing device and wherein the parisons can slide along the support strips via their support rings.

[0076] The distribution device may be further configured to transport the parison along the at least one path by applying compressed air.

[0077] The distribution device itself can also be designed as an air conveyor.

[0078] For example, the distribution device may have air shafts with air holes along the at least one path, through which compressed air can be applied to move or convey the parison along the at least one path.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, the distribution device may be configured to mechanically transport the parisons along the at least one path.

[0080] For example, the dispensing device may have a plurality of mechanically drivable actuators, such as actuator cams, which may be configured to transport the accommodated parisons along the at least one path determined by the support strips to the at least one outlet of the dispensing device for transfer to the air conveying section, which can then further transport the parisons in an orderly manner to the at least one unit for producing containers from the parisons.

[0081] In this case, exemplary drivable entrainment elements can be configured such that they can come into contact with the preform, for example with a support ring of the preform and / or with the surface of the preform below and / or above the support ring.

[0082] Wherein, exemplary drivable entrainment member can protrude in this at least one path.For example, drivable entrainment member can extend in this at least one path up to the center line of this path or even further.

[0083] The distribution device can also comprise a circulating transport device, such as a conveyor belt, a conveyor chain or a conveyor belt, which can be assigned to the support strip and wherein a carrier for transporting the parisons can be attached to the circulating transport device.

[0084] In this case, the circulating transport device can be driven, for example, by controllable drive rollers.

[0085] The exemplary surrounding transport device may be connected to the support bar or may be spaced apart from the support bar, ie, not in contact with the support bar.

[0086] The distribution device can be configured such that the parisons can be moved along at least one well-defined direction of movement or along at least one well-defined direction of transport movement along the at least one path.

[0087] The direction of movement of the preforms can correspond, for example, to the direction of movement of the drivers of the surrounding transport device or can be parallel thereto.

[0088] Alternatively, however, it is possible that the movement direction of the driver of the circulating transport device forms an angle of, for example, 1° or more with the transport movement direction of the parison along at least one section, in particular along a straight section or segment of the path.

[0089] This can, among other things, prevent, for example, drivers of transport devices of different circumferences assigned to adjacent and oppositely disposed support strips from colliding with one another. This can prevent damage to the distributing device.

[0090] Alternatively or additionally, the drivers of the transport devices of different circumferential paths assigned to adjacent and oppositely situated support strips can be arranged offset with respect to one another.

[0091] The distribution device can also be configured to selectively transport the parisons along different, in particular opposite, directions of movement or opposite transport directions of movement.

[0092] Alternatively or additionally, the distribution device can have a plurality of outlets for the parisons, wherein the distribution device can be configured to selectively transport the parisons to one outlet or to a plurality of outlets.

[0093] For example, while one outlet of the distributing device may lead to an air conveyor which can then further transport the parisons in an orderly manner to the at least one unit for producing containers from the parisons, another outlet of the distributing device may lead to another unit of the container processing equipment, such as an inspection unit or a waste collection unit.

[0094] As already described, the distribution device can be configured to selectively transport the parisons along different, in particular opposite, directions of movement or opposite transport directions of movement.

[0095] For example, the dispensing device can comprise a circulating transport device for this purpose, the transport circulation direction of which can be controlled and reversed.

[0096] The movement control of the circulating transport device of the distributing device can here also be controlled by the control unit of / the control unit of the container treatment system.

[0097] In this way, the parisons can be transported in an ordered manner (for example in a single lane or in a single file) and in a controlled manner to the different possible outlets.

[0098] This increases the flexibility of the dispensing device, thereby improving the efficiency and flexibility of the equipment.

[0099] By arranging the preforms in a row on a path and separating them, for example, by means of a driver of a circulating transport device, it is also possible to position individual preforms above a rejection device and reject them in a targeted manner.

[0100] The parisons can be discharged in rows, spaced apart from one another by the carriers of the circulating transport device, in an orderly, single-file or single-track manner over one or more outlets of the distribution device, which allows for more precise monitoring and control of the flow of the parisons through the container processing device.

[0101] The exemplary support bars may each be formed from separate modules, wherein the modules may be arranged in a row.

[0102] Alternatively, a plurality of support bars may be formed from one unit.

[0103] This exemplary modular design enables easy adaptation of the application options, size and capacity of the dispensing device to different production requirements or production variations, such as, for example, to different production rates or different types of containers or different types of parisons.

[0104] In all previously described implementation possibilities or in all previously described embodiments, the distribution device can be configured to simultaneously and sequentially accommodate a multiple of the number of preforms that can be produced per cycle of the injection molding machine.

[0105] For example, the dispensing device may be configured to simultaneously accommodate 50 to 300 parisons in an ordered manner.

[0106] The matrix arrangement shape of the distribution device in all described implementation possibilities or all previously described embodiments can, for example, be dimensioned such that the matrix arrangement shape of the forming tools of a production machine (e.g. an injection molding machine) can be a partial matrix of the matrix arrangement shape of the distribution device.

[0107] For example, if 100 parisons of a forming tool of a production machine (e.g. an injection molding machine) are arranged in a 10×10 matrix, the matrix arrangement shape of the distribution device can be implemented as, for example, a 20×10 matrix, so that the distribution device can accommodate two cycles of parisons produced by the production machine (e.g. an injection molding machine).

[0108] Alternatively, the matrix arrangement shape of the distribution device can, for example, be dimensioned such that the matrix arrangement shape corresponds exactly to the dimensions of the matrix arrangement shape of the forming tools of a production machine (e.g. an injection molding machine), so that the distribution device can accurately accommodate the number of preforms that the production machine (e.g. an injection molding machine) can produce in one cycle.

[0109] The above-described exemplary coordination of the matrix arrangement shape of the dispensing devices and the dimensions of the matrix arrangement shape of the forming tools of a production machine (eg, an injection molding machine) can increase the efficiency of a container handling apparatus for producing containers.

[0110] The container handling apparatus described above and herein may further comprise at least one automated handling unit, such as a robot, wherein the automated handling unit, such as a robot, may have at least one gripper, and the at least one gripper may be configured to extract the parisons from the forming tool of a production machine (e.g., an injection molding machine) and transfer them in an orderly manner in the form of the two-dimensional matrix arrangement / two-dimensional matrix arrangement to the dispensing device.

[0111] The at least one clamp of the automated handling unit (e.g. a robot) may also have a plurality of clamping mechanisms, wherein these clamping mechanisms can each be specifically assigned to a preform of a forming tool of a production machine (e.g. an injection molding machine), or can each be specifically assigned to a preform of a forming tool of a production machine (e.g. an injection molding machine).

[0112] This facilitates a well-defined and orderly transfer of the preforms to a unit for producing containers from the preforms.

[0113] An exemplary clamping mechanism of the at least one clamp of an automated processing unit (e.g., a robot) may be arranged in a grid or matrix, which may correspond to a grid or two-dimensional matrix arrangement, such that the parisons may be arranged in the latter grid or two-dimensional matrix arrangement in a forming tool of a production machine (e.g., an injection molding machine), and the parisons may be accommodated by a dispensing device in the latter grid or two-dimensional matrix arrangement.

[0114] The exemplary gripping mechanisms of the at least one gripper of an automated handling unit (eg a robot) may also be embodied to be individually controllable.

[0115] This increases flexibility and precision in parison handling and transfer to the dispensing device.

[0116] The at least one clamp of an automated processing unit (e.g. a robot) or the at least one clamping mechanism of a clamp of an automated processing unit (e.g. a robot) can be configured or implemented in such a way that the force for clamping and / or fixing the parison can be transmitted by a force connection and / or a friction connection and / or a form connection and / or in combination with the use of a fluid flow, for example by applying a vacuum.

[0117] The at least one unit for producing containers from parisons, to which the parisons can be transported from an air conveyor connected to a distribution device, can be, for example, a unit of the following types: an inlet unit of a stretch blow molding machine, an inlet unit of a heating section, a conveying unit, a transport unit, a transport diverter unit for further distribution and / or further diverting the parison flow through the device, an inlet to a parison cleaning unit, an inspection unit, a waste collection unit.

[0118] The combination of the distribution device and the air conveyor described above and here can thus be used flexibly and can feed the parisons to various units of the container processing plant.

[0119] The present invention not only provides a container processing equipment for producing containers as described above, but also provides a distribution device for parisons used in the container processing equipment for producing containers as described above, and wherein the distribution device can be configured to orderly accommodate a plurality of parisons produced by a production machine (such as an injection molding machine) in the form of a two-dimensional matrix arrangement, and transfer them in an orderly manner to an air conveyor.

[0120] The dispensing device may have some or all of the features described above.

[0121] The present invention also provides a method for processing a parison in the container processing apparatus for producing a container as described above, which method may include some or all of the following steps:

[0122] • Extract the parison from the forming tool of the injection molding machine (in an orderly manner).

[0123] • The extracted parisons are transferred in an orderly manner to a distribution device, wherein the distribution device is configured to orderly accommodate a plurality of parisons produced by a production machine (eg, an injection molding machine) in a two-dimensional matrix arrangement.

[0124] •Orderly transfer of parisons from the distribution unit to the air conveyor.

[0125] • The parisons are transported in an orderly manner by means of an air conveyor to the at least one unit for producing containers from the parisons, for example a stretch blow molding machine.

[0126] As mentioned above, the terms "ordered extraction", "ordered transfer" and "ordered transport" of the parisons are particularly to be understood as processing of the parisons, wherein the parisons can be arranged and moved in a clearly defined manner in the form of a two-dimensional matrix arrangement and / or in the form of a one-dimensional matrix arrangement, i.e. in rows or columns or lines or tracks or lines or belts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0127] Other exemplary aspects of the present invention are illustratively shown by the following drawings.

[0128] Figure 1a : An exemplary dispensing device for parisons;

[0129] Figure 1b : Exemplary alternative dispensing devices for parisons;

[0130] Figure 1c : Exemplary release mechanism;

[0131] Figure 2 : Exemplary methods;

[0132] Figure 3 : Exemplary container handling equipment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0133] Figure 1a An exemplary top view of an exemplary dispensing device 100 is shown having received a plurality of parisons 109 in an exemplary two-dimensional matrix arrangement.

[0134] These parisons 109 can, for example, come directly from a forming tool of a production machine (not shown), such as an injection molding machine, or can be transferred from a forming tool of a production machine (such as an injection molding machine) to the dispensing device 100 by an automated handling unit (such as a robot) (not shown).

[0135] In the example shown, this is a matrix arrangement with eight rows and eighteen columns, that is to say an 8×18 matrix, ie 144 parisons are accommodated in this matrix and can be transported within the dispensing device 100 along an exemplary path 115 .

[0136] The width of the path 115 may, for example, correspond to the average diameter of the parison 109 and may be slightly smaller than the average diameter of the support ring of the parison.

[0137] Other matrix arrangements or other fillings of the dispensing device 100 are also conceivable. Thus, not every position of the matrix must be filled with a parison. In fact, in the example shown, not all matrix spaces are occupied, but there are still available positions or gaps that can accommodate other parisons.

[0138] The filling of the distribution device 100 can be flexibly adapted to the required spacing or period for the ordered stream of parisons to be output.

[0139] In the example shown, the dispensing device 100 has two exemplary outlets 113 , 114 and the exemplary path 114 extends between the two outlets 113 , 114 .

[0140] The exemplary path 115 is formed by an arrangement of exemplary support bars or support bar modules 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, which enable the parison 109 to be transported by means of its support rings suspended in the support bars, wherein, for example, the support rings of the parison can be supported or guided by opposing support bars.

[0141] In other words, the parison 109 can be transported with its support ring suspended in the path channel 115 , which can be formed by two opposing support bars.

[0142] The path 115 may include a plurality of straight line segments that may be parallel to one another and may define rows of an exemplary two-dimensional matrix arrangement.

[0143] The straight sections of the path 115 may be connected to each other via curved sections.

[0144] By way of example, in the figure, the uppermost straight section of the path 115 is provided with the reference numeral 134 , which adjoins a curved section 135 .

[0145] The support strips or support strip modules 101 , 102 , 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 can each comprise a circulating transport device 119 , 120 , 121 , 122 , 123 , 124 , 125 , which can be designed, for example, as circulating transport belts having entraining elements.

[0146] The exemplary circulating transport devices 119 , 120 , 121 , 122 , 123 , 124 , 125 or circulating transport belts can each be driven by a drive roller.

[0147] The exemplary circulating transport devices 119 , 120 , 121 , 122 , 123 , 124 , 125 can also have deflection rollers (not shown), which can be arranged opposite corresponding drive rollers.

[0148] For the sake of clarity, only the transport belt 110 with the entrainment element 111 and the drive roller 112 is provided with reference numerals.

[0149] The drive roller and its direction of rotation are controllable, such that, for example, the direction of rotation of the drive roller is reversible.

[0150] Exemplary directions of rotation of the drive rollers are provided with reference numerals 126 , 127 , 128 , 129 , 130 , 131 , 132 , 133 .

[0151] In the exemplary configuration of the drive rollers shown, the parisons 109 received by the dispensing device are, for example, guided to an outlet 113 and, for example, output there and, there, for example, transferred to an air conveyor 136, which can then further transport the parisons to a unit (not shown) for producing containers from the parisons.

[0152] Reference numeral 108 denotes the parisons which are output, for example, at an outlet 113 and which can then be transported further via an air conveyor 136 to a unit (not shown) for producing containers from the parisons.

[0153] In the exemplary reversal of the direction of rotation 126 , 127 , 128 , 129 , 130 , 131 , 132 , 133 of the drive rollers, the parisons 109 received by the device 100 will be guided, for example, to the outlet 114 and can be discharged there, for example, to another unit (not shown) of the container processing system.

[0154] In order to improve the fault resistance of the distribution device 100 and ensure trouble-free transport of the parisons 109 within the distribution device 100, the circulating transport device can be configured so that the movement direction of the driving member of the circulating transport device can form an angle of, for example, 1° or more with the transport movement direction of the parisons along the straight section of the path.

[0155] Thus, the contour of the surrounding transport devices 119 , 120 , 121 , 122 , 123 , 124 , 125 may be conical.

[0156] In the example shown, for example, the movement direction 118 of the entrainment of the circulating transport device 124 and the transport movement direction 107 of the parison along the straight path section between the transport devices 124 and 125 are marked, and an exemplary angle 116 between the two directions is plotted.

[0157] This exemplary embodiment of the geometry of the linear path segments and the transport device circling around the linear path segments can be implemented (as shown) for each linear path segment of the dispensing device 100 .

[0158] Thus, the opposing entrainment members of the opposing transport devices can be moved parallel to one another along the straight path section and project into the path up to the center line of the straight path section in order to establish optimal contact with the preforms to be transported.

[0159] This prevents opposing entrainment members from colliding during operation of the dispensing device 100 .

[0160] Alternatively, however, it is conceivable that the distribution device can be designed in such a way that the direction of movement of the parisons corresponds to the direction of movement of the drivers of the surrounding transport device or is parallel thereto.

[0161] In this case, the drivers of the transport devices of different circumferential paths, which are assigned to adjacent and opposite support strips, can then be arranged offset to one another, for example.

[0162] Figure 1b A further distribution device 200 is shown schematically and partially simplified, which already accommodates a plurality of parisons 215 in an exemplary two-dimensional matrix arrangement.

[0163] Therein, the parisons can be removed from a forming tool of a production machine (not shown), such as an injection molding machine, for example, by an automated handling unit 216 , such as a robot, and transferred to the dispensing device 200 .

[0164] The (mobile) automated handling unit 216 (e.g. a (mobile) robot / the (mobile) robot) may, for example, have a (mobile) gripper 203 which may have a plurality of (individually controllable) gripping mechanisms 204 , wherein the gripping mechanisms 204 accommodate, handle, transport and transfer the preforms 205 .

[0165] For the sake of clarity, only an exemplary parison 205 is depicted in the figure, which parison is held by a gripping mechanism 206 of an automated handling unit 216 (eg a robot).

[0166] Therein, the clamping mechanisms 204 can be arranged, for example, in the form of a matrix, which can correspond to a matrix arrangement of the parisons in a forming tool of the production machine / production machine (not shown) (e.g., an injection molding machine), and / or can correspond to a two-dimensional matrix arrangement of the parisons in the dispensing device 200.

[0167] The dispensing device 200 can have a plurality of movable support bars or movable support bar modules 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, which can accommodate the parisons with their support rings suspended in the support bars in a fixed position in the dispensing device.

[0168] For example, the parisons 223 may be received in rows or columns 217 of a two-dimensional matrix arrangement of the dispensing device 200 and held in a fixed position by the support bar pairs formed by the support bars 207 , 208 .

[0169] In the example shown, all support bars 207 , 208 , 209 , 210 , 211 , 212 , 213 , 214 of the dispensing device 200 are shown in a fixed position 224 .

[0170] The movable support bars or movable support bar modules 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214 can be moved from the illustrated fixed position to a release position. For example, the movable support bars can be moved apart, for example along guide rails (not shown), to reach the release position, in which the parisons are no longer fixed by the support bars and can thus be transferred to the air conveyor.

[0171] In the release position, the parisons can, for example, fall or slide by simple gravity onto a shaft-like or channel-like air conveyor 201 arranged below the distribution device, so that they can then be further transported by the air conveyor in direction 221 to the at least one unit for producing containers from the parisons.

[0172] Figure 1c Such an exemplary movement or an exemplary release position is shown in .

[0173] The entire distributing device 200 may be displaceable or movable transversely or transversely or orthogonally relative to the transport direction 221 of the air conveyor 201. An exemplary movement direction of the entire distributing device 200 is marked with reference numeral 202.

[0174] In this way, individual rows or columns with parisons can be transferred in a targeted and orderly manner from the distribution device 200 to the air conveyor 201 .

[0175] Figure 1cA possible movement of the support strips of the dispensing device into a release position is shown by way of example, in which the parisons can be transferred from the dispensing device to an air conveyor.

[0176] In particular, Figure 1c An example is shown from Figure 1b The support bars 207 and 208 of the dispensing device 200 are moved 218, 219 to an exemplary release position 222 in which the parisons 223 are no longer held by the support bars 207, 208 in order to be transferred to the air conveyor 221 (see Figure 1b ).

[0177] Thus, the parisons 223 of the row or column 217 can be transferred, for example, in an orderly and targeted manner to the air conveyor 221 (see Figure 1b ), wherein the air conveyor 221 (see Figure 1b ) can be located below the distribution device 200, that is, below the support bars 207 and 208.

[0178] in addition, Figure 1c The support strips are shown as exemplary having exemplary optional protrusions that can facilitate receiving and securing the parison.

[0179] Figure 2 An exemplary flow chart of an exemplary method 300 for processing parisons in a container processing apparatus for producing containers is shown, wherein the container processing apparatus may have some or all of the features previously described.

[0180] The exemplary method 300 herein may include, among other things:

[0181] • Orderly extraction of parisons from the forming tool of a production machine (e.g. an injection molding machine).

[0182] • The extracted parisons are transferred in an orderly manner to a distribution device, wherein the distribution device is configured to orderly accommodate a plurality of parisons produced by a production machine (eg, an injection molding machine) in a two-dimensional matrix arrangement.

[0183] •Orderly transfer of parisons from the distribution unit to the air conveyor.

[0184] • The parisons are transported in an orderly manner by means of an air conveyor to the at least one unit for producing containers from the parisons, for example a stretch blow molding machine.

[0185] Figure 3By way of example, a container processing device 400 for producing containers is shown schematically, which includes: a production machine 401 (e.g., an injection molding machine) for producing preforms; at least one unit 404 for producing containers using preforms; at least one distribution device 402 for orderly distributing the preforms produced by the production machine 401 (e.g., an injection molding machine); and at least one air conveyor 403 for orderly supplying the preforms produced by the production machine 401 (e.g., an injection molding machine) to at least one unit 404 for producing containers using preforms, and wherein the distribution device 402 is configured to orderly accommodate a plurality of preforms produced by the production machine (e.g., an injection molding machine) in the form of a two-dimensional matrix arrangement and to transfer them to the air conveyor 403 in an orderly manner.

[0186] An exemplary unit 403 may be, for example, a stretch blow molding machine.

[0187] The following are Figure 1a 、 Figure 1b 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 .

[0188] The reference numerals are assigned as follows.

[0189] 100 distribution device

[0190] 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107 modules or support bars or support bar modules

[0191] 108 parison or output parison

[0192] 109 parison or contained parison

[0193] 110 belt or looped belt

[0194] 111 driving member or driving member cam

[0195] 112 driving roller

[0196] Exit 113

[0197] Exit 114

[0198] 115 path or channel or path channel

[0199] 116 Angle between the transport direction of the parison and the moving direction of the driving member

[0200] 117 transport movement direction of the parison

[0201] 118 The moving direction of the driving member of the belt 110 of the transport device 119

[0202] Transport devices surrounding 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, and 125

[0203] 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133 Moving direction of the driving rollers

[0204] 134 straight path segments

[0205] 135 Curved section of the path

[0206] 136 air conveyor

[0207] 200 distribution device

[0208] 201 air conveyor

[0209] 202 Moving direction of the dispensing device

[0210] 203 fixture

[0211] 204 clamping mechanism

[0212] 205 parison

[0213] 206 clamping mechanism

[0214] 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214 support bars or support bar modules

[0215] 215 parison

[0216] 216 Automatic processing units, such as robots

[0217] 217 rows or columns

[0218] 218 Moving direction of support bar

[0219] 219 Moving direction of support bar

[0220] 220 receiving portion or bracket, exemplary protrusion

[0221] 221 Transport direction of air conveyor

[0222] 222 release position

[0223] 223 parison

[0224] 224 fixed position

[0225] 300 Method

[0226] Method steps 301, 302, 303, and 304

[0227] 400 container handling equipment

[0228] 401 Production machines, such as injection molding machines

[0229] 402 distribution device

[0230] 403 air conveyor

[0231] 404 Units for producing containers from parisons, such as stretch blow moulding machines

Claims

1. A container processing device (400) for producing containers, characterized in that The container processing equipment comprises: A production machine (401) for producing parisons; at least one unit (404) for producing a container from said parison; at least one distributing device (402) for orderly distributing the parisons produced by the production machine; at least one air conveyor (403) for feeding the parisons produced by the production machine (401) in an orderly manner to the at least one unit (404) for producing containers from the parisons, The distribution device (402) is configured to orderly accommodate a plurality of the parisons produced by the production machine (401) in the form of a two-dimensional matrix arrangement, and transfer them to the air conveyor (403) in an orderly manner.

2. The container processing device (400) according to claim 1, characterized in that The distributing device (402) is configured to transfer a portion of the accommodated preforms in an orderly manner in rows to the air conveyor (403), and wherein the air conveyor (403) is configured to transport the preforms received from the distributing device (402) in an orderly manner in rows to the at least one unit (404) for producing containers using the preforms.

3. The container processing equipment (400) according to claim 1, characterized in that The dispensing device (402) is slidable transversely to the transport direction of the air conveyor (403), and / or the air conveyor (403) is a sterile air conveyor.

4. The container processing equipment (400) according to claim 1, characterized in that The dispensing device (402) has a receiving portion for the preform to be received, and wherein the receiving portion is movable between a fixed position in which the preform is received and fixed in the dispensing device (402) and a release position in which the preform is no longer fixed by the receiving portion of the dispensing device (402).

5. The container processing device (400) according to claim 4, characterized in that The distribution device (402) has a plurality of movable support bars, wherein the receiving portion for the parison to be received is formed by the support bars, and the support bars are implemented in such a way that the parison can be received in the fixed position in the distribution device (402) by means of its support ring in a manner suspended in the support bars, and wherein the support bars are configured in such a way that the support bars can be moved from the fixed position to the release position, wherein the parison in the release position is no longer fixed by the support bars and can be transferred to the air conveyor (403).

6. The container processing device (400) according to claim 5, characterized in that The support bar pairs are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart, and the parison can be fixed in the fixed position by the opposing support bars of a support bar pair, and the support bar pairs are configured so that they define rows or columns of the two-dimensional matrix arrangement.

7. The container processing device (400) according to claim 1, characterized in that The distribution device (402) has at least one path for transporting the accommodated preforms and at least one outlet leading to the air conveyor (403), wherein a portion of the at least one path defines at least one row of the two-dimensional matrix arrangement, and wherein the distribution device (402) is configured to transport the accommodated preforms along the at least one path to the at least one outlet of the distribution device (402) so that the accommodated preforms can be transferred to the air conveyor (403).

8. The container processing device (400) according to claim 7, characterized in that The distribution device has a plurality of support bars which define the at least one path, and wherein the support bars are designed such that the parisons can be transported with their support rings suspended in the support bars.

9. The container processing device (400) according to claim 8, characterized in that The distributing device (402) has a plurality of mechanically drivable driving members, which are configured to transport the accommodated parisons along the at least one path determined by the support strips to the at least one outlet of the distributing device (402).

10. The container processing device (400) according to claim 9, characterized in that The distribution device (402) also includes a circulating transport device, which is assigned to the support strip and wherein the carrier for transporting the parisons is mounted on the circulating transport device.

11. The container processing device (400) according to claim 1, characterized in that The distribution device (402) is configured to simultaneously and orderly accommodate a multiple of the number of the preforms that can be produced per cycle of the production machine (401), and / or the distribution device (402) is adapted to simultaneously and orderly accommodate 50 to 300 preforms.

12. The container processing device (400) according to claim 1, characterized in that The container handling equipment also includes at least one automatic handling unit, wherein the automatic handling unit has at least one clamp, and the at least one clamp is configured to extract the preform from the forming tool of the production machine (401) and transfer it in an orderly manner to the distribution device (402) in the form of the two-dimensional matrix arrangement / two-dimensional matrix arrangement.

13. The container processing device (400) according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one unit (404) for producing containers from the parisons is a unit of the following type: an inlet unit of a stretch blow molding machine, an inlet unit of a heating section, a conveying unit, an inlet of a parison cleaning unit, an inspection unit, a waste collection unit.

14. The container processing device (400) according to claim 1, characterized in that The production machine (401) is an injection molding machine.

15. The container processing device (400) according to claim 10, characterized in that The circulating transport device is a transport belt or a transport chain.

16. The container processing device (400) according to claim 12, characterized in that The at least one automated handling unit is a robot.

17. The container processing device (400) according to claim 10, characterized in that The circulating transport device is a transport belt.

18. A dispensing device (402) for preforms for use in a container processing apparatus (400) for producing containers according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that The distribution device (402) is configured to orderly accommodate a plurality of the parisons produced by the production machine / the production machine (401) in the form of a two-dimensional matrix arrangement and transfer them to the air conveyor / the air conveyor (403) in an orderly manner.

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