Device for processing plastic parisons

Abstract

A device (1) for processing plastic parisons (10) has a containing device (2) which is suitable and intended to contain a plurality of plastic parisons (10); a first transport device (4) which extracts the plastic parisons from the containing device (2) and transports them in a predetermined transport direction; and a second transport device (6) which is arranged after the first transport device (4) in the transport direction and is suitable and intended to transport the plastic parisons (10) in the transport direction, characterized in that the transport of the plastic parisons (10) by the first transport device (4) can be controlled independently of the transport of the plastic parisons (10) by the second transport device (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus for processing plastic preforms. Background Technology

[0002] It is already known in the prior art that a plastic preform is heated in a furnace, and then formed into a plastic container by a forming device, such as a stretch blow molding machine. It is also known to heat different plastic preforms in the furnace, for example, plastic preforms of different sizes.

[0003] It is also known that plastic preforms with different components (e.g., different proportions of recycled materials) are used. Here, for feeding devices known in the art for such plastic preforms, different batches of plastic preforms are typically not separated during handling and transporting and / or sorting, and are therefore mixed together. This mixing results in all (i.e., different) plastic preforms being handled in the same way during the production process, for example, being heated in the same manner.

[0004] This can negatively impact the quality of the resulting containers. Therefore, it is known from the prior art that, in order to ensure batch or quality separation, the system is first completely emptied before filling with the next batch. However, this process is very time-consuming.

[0005] For plastic preforms with different geometries, qualities, or colors, the previous operating procedures were sufficient, as subsequent machines usually had to be set up and modified when changing batches.

[0006] Compared to the high consistency when using new materials, the processing of plastic preforms with a high proportion of recycled materials results in relatively large fluctuations in the material properties of the plastic preforms.

[0007] If batches with different material properties are fed into a blow molding machine, the machine will be unable to produce containers of consistent quality because the integrated automatic adjustment system and the machine's structural design cannot achieve high dynamic adjustment. The result is containers that do not meet specifications, or, for example, bottles bursting within the blow molding machine. Utility Model Content

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that enables the production of containers with constant quality.

[0009] The apparatus according to the invention for processing, and particularly for transporting, plastic preforms has a receiving device suitable for and intended to accommodate multiple plastic preforms. Furthermore, the apparatus has a first transport device that draws or deflects the plastic preforms from the receiving device and transports them in a predetermined transport direction. It is feasible that this first transport device is directly connected to the receiving device, but it is also conceivable that another device, such as a transfer device, is arranged between the receiving device and the first transport device. In particular, such a transfer device can be a so-called high conveyor, which preferably also transports the plastic preforms upwards, at least in a vertical or inclined direction.

[0010] However, it is also possible to transfer the plastic preform directly from the receiving device to the first transport device. The first transport device is, for example, a conveyor belt.

[0011] In addition, a second transport device is provided, which is arranged after the first transport device in the transport direction (of the plastic preform) and is adapted and intended to transport the plastic preform in the transport direction.

[0012] Here, the second transport device is preferably arranged directly after the first transport device, but it is also possible to provide a transfer device between the first and second transport devices to transfer the plastic preform from the first transport device to the second transport device.

[0013] According to the present invention, the first transport device can control and / or execute the transport of the plastic preform independently of the second transport device.

[0014] In the prior art, these transport devices are typically synchronized and / or coupled to each other. However, the present invention proposes independent control of the transport devices, which in particular enables the efficient separation of individual batches of plastic preforms.

[0015] Particularly preferably, the first transport device has a first drive mechanism, particularly in the form of an electric motor and especially in the form of a servo motor. Particularly preferably, the second transport device has a second drive mechanism, also preferably in the form of an electric motor and especially in the form of a servo motor.

[0016] Particularly preferably, the first drive device and the second drive device can be controlled independently of each other, and preferably can be adjusted independently of each other.

[0017] In another advantageous embodiment, the containing device is a reservoir for containing the plastic preform or a transport unit for transporting the plastic preform. That is, for example, it is feasible to pour the plastic preform directly from a container, such as a so-called octagonal bin, onto the transport device, or also into the aforementioned (particularly fixed) reservoir or containing device.

[0018] Particularly preferably, at least one of the transport devices is a transport device that is suitable and intended to accommodate a plurality of plastic preforms, particularly suitable and intended to accommodate a plurality of non-oriented or arbitrarily oriented plastic preforms.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, at least one of the transport devices linearly transports the plastic preform, and / or this is suitable. Preferably, both transport devices linearly transport the plastic preform, or this is suitable.

[0020] Particularly preferably, at least one of the transport devices is a conveyor belt or conveyor chain. Particularly preferably, both transport devices are conveyor belts or conveyor chains. Preferably, the transport device has side guides that specifically prevent the plastic preform from falling off the sides of the transport device.

[0021] In another advantageous embodiment, the apparatus has a sorting device adapted and intended to sort the plastic preforms fed therein, particularly orienting them in the same manner. Therefore, sorting is specifically understood as sorting with respect to orientation.

[0022] In another advantageous embodiment, the device has a clockwise feeding mechanism that transports plastic preforms and, at least in certain sections, creates a constant spacing between the transported preforms. The clockwise feeding mechanism is particularly a so-called clockwise feed star wheel. The plastic preforms are fed into this clockwise feed star wheel, which typically has multiple grooves adapted and designed to each accommodate a single plastic preform.

[0023] Particularly preferably, a heating device for heating the plastic preform is connected to this cycle-feed star wheel or cycle-feed device.

[0024] In another advantageous embodiment, the apparatus includes a production device for producing plastic preforms. In particular, this is referred to as an injection molding machine.

[0025] Particularly preferably, the heating device is an infrared furnace, a microwave oven, or a laser furnace. This heating device preferably includes another transport device that transports the plastic preforms during heating. Particularly preferably, the heating device also includes a rotating device that rotates the plastic preforms at least temporarily about their longitudinal direction during heating, thereby achieving uniform heating of the plastic preforms.

[0026] Particularly preferably, the apparatus has a molding device suitable for and designed to mold a heated plastic preform into a plastic container, particularly a plastic bottle. Particularly preferably, this molding device is a stretch blow molding machine.

[0027] In another advantageous embodiment, the sorting device is arranged at least after the first transport device in the transport device for the plastic preform, and preferably after the first and second transport devices.

[0028] In another advantageous embodiment, the sorting device has two rollers arranged parallel to each other, which extend particularly in the transport direction and form or are designed with a gap between them through which the substrate of the plastic preform can pass, but the opening region of the plastic preform, particularly the support ring of the plastic preform, cannot pass. Particularly preferably, the two rollers rotate in opposite directions to each other.

[0029] Therefore, it is recommended to redesign the logistics flow in the plastic preform feeding device. In this way, the mixing of plastic preforms from different containers (such as octagonal silos) can be completely avoided in the handling and transportation areas, especially in continuous production.

[0030] Short-term mixing can be avoided when appropriate only within the actual sorting area, without the risk of micro-stops at the forming device.

[0031] For the implementation of this technology, it is advantageous to have a conveyor or transport device with individually controlled feeding mechanism. For this purpose, a frequency converter can be provided, for example. Preferably, each transport device, and particularly the drive unit of each transport device, is equipped with a frequency converter.

[0032] Furthermore, the loading function is preferably adjusted by the receiving device and the sorting device (by means of logic), and particularly preferably the function of the return device (e.g., at the sorting device) is also changed.

[0033] This invention allows for the batch transport of a minimum amount of plastic preforms (e.g., preforms fed from an octagonal silo) with a reasonable input in the preform feeding device, and preferably also for sorting in a near-batch-purity manner. This creates the necessary conditions for achieving constant container quality using blow molding machines and known or developing regulation mechanisms, even when the properties of the plastic preforms change.

[0034] In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus has at least one detection device adapted and designed to detect at least one characteristic characterizing a plastic preform transported by at least one of the transport devices.

[0035] Preferably, the characteristic is selected from a set of characteristics, including the orientation of the plastic preform, the quantity of plastic preforms transported, the occupancy density of the transported plastic preforms, the distance between the transported plastic preforms, the type of plastic preforms, etc.

[0036] Particularly preferably, each transport device is equipped with at least one detection device.

[0037] Particularly preferably, at least one detection device is a grating device.

[0038] Particularly preferably, the device includes a control unit that controls the transport of the plastic preform via a first transport device and a second transport device. Preferably, this control unit is adapted and intended to control the transport based on at least one value detected by at least one detection device, and particularly on several values ​​detected by several detection devices. In particular, these values ​​characterize the occupancy status of the plastic preform on the transport device.

[0039] However, it is also feasible to assign several gratings to one or several transport devices.

[0040] In another advantageous embodiment, the device has a return device adapted and designed to return at least a portion of the plastic preforms, and in particular those rejected by the rejection device, to the transport path of the plastic preforms, especially upstream of the extraction point.

[0041] Therefore, particularly preferably, the device, and especially the sorting device, has a rejection device adapted and designed to reject individual plastic preforms from the transport path, for example, by ejecting them. This could be, for example, misoriented plastic preforms.

[0042] Particularly preferably, this rejection device is arranged inside or after the sorting device.

[0043] Particularly preferably, the return device is suited to and designed to send such plastic preforms back to the sorting device.

[0044] In another advantageous embodiment, the device has a control device that can control the return device and / or transport device in such a way that the returned plastic preform is fed into a predetermined and / or correct batch (particularly a batch with the same material properties).

[0045] In another preferred embodiment, the device has at least one sensor device adapted and designed to identify the category of the plastic preform. Preferably, the two different categories of plastic preforms differ in at least one physical property, such as the proportion of recycled materials.

[0046] Therefore, this device can be controlled like a molding device. However, in particular, the drive unit of the transport device can also be controlled based on this characteristic.

[0047] Therefore, batch separation of plastic preforms is recommended, especially because of the different processing methods in the blow molding machine. When large batches of plastic preforms are mixed, the significant deviations in the physical properties of the preforms cannot be compensated for by the adjustment mechanisms available in the blow molding machine. This leads to variations in bottle quality. The batch separation proposed within the framework of this invention results in constant container quality, and the adjustment of the blow molding machine can control the process on a batch-by-batch basis. However, this is contingent upon the smallest batch being, for example, a so-called octagonal container.

[0048] In terms of the apparatus, it is advantageous to equip the feeding device of the plastic preform with a monitoring device for the transport device, such as a belt monitoring device. Particularly preferably, as described above, a single belt drive unit can be controlled independently.

[0049] Particularly preferably, the first transport device has a transport length at least similar to that of the second transport device. Particularly preferably, the lengths of these transport devices or the transport routes taken by the plastic preform on these transport devices differ from each other by no more than 30%, preferably no more than 20%, and most preferably no more than 10%.

[0050] Preferably, the device is implemented having at least two transport devices, particularly two transport belts.

[0051] Therefore, it is recommended that in batch separation systems, the replacement of feed containers (e.g., octagonal silos) be carried out effectively and selectively. This can be done, for example, using AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles). When the unloading process is requested, the silo or containing device should preferably already be empty. Delays increase the risk of production downtime, which is also undesirable.

[0052] In another preferred embodiment, it may also be feasible to equip such feeding or unloading devices with an upstream pallet transport device.

[0053] The present invention is further directed to a process, particularly a method of transporting plastic preforms, especially a method of transporting plastic preforms to a heating device, wherein a plurality of plastic preforms are transported (or brought) to a receiving device suitable for and intended to accommodate the plurality of plastic preforms.

[0054] Furthermore, the first transport device removes the plastic preforms and / or from the receiving device and transports them in a predetermined transport direction. Furthermore, a second transport device, arranged in the transport direction after the first transport device and specifically directly connected to the first transport device, also transports these plastic preforms in that transport direction or in one of the transport directions.

[0055] According to the present invention, the first transport device controls the transport of the plastic preform at least temporarily independently of the second transport device.

[0056] Particularly preferably, the speed at which the first transport device transports the plastic preform is at least temporarily different from the speed at which the second transport device transports the plastic preform.

[0057] Particularly preferably, one transport device is stopped at least temporarily, while the other transport device moves. Particularly preferably, this different control, particularly through different speeds of the transport devices, makes it possible to separate different batches of plastic preforms.

[0058] Particularly preferably, the transport device transports at least two different batches of plastic preforms, at least temporarily. Preferably, a gap is created, increased, or decreased between the two batches transported by the transport device, particularly through corresponding control of the transport device. It is also possible to keep the size of the gap constant throughout the transport.

[0059] In another preferred embodiment, the plastic preforms are sorted and, in particular, oriented in the same manner. Particularly preferably, this sorting or orientation is performed after the plastic preforms have been transported using at least one of the transport devices, and even more preferably after they have been transported using two transport devices.

[0060] In another preferred method, the return of the plastic preform is partially performed. Here, it is particularly preferred to transport the plastic preform from a region or section located after the sorting device in the transport direction to a region or section located earlier in the transport direction, especially a region or section located before the sorting device.

[0061] Particularly preferably, plastic preforms that were rejected from the transport path, specifically in a region of the sorting device, are returned. Particularly preferably, plastic preforms that were not oriented or sorted in a predetermined manner are rejected.

[0062] Particularly preferably, the rejection of plastic preforms is performed at least partially. Particularly preferably, the rejected plastic preforms are reintroduced into the transport path upstream of the sorting device.

[0063] In another preferred method, a gap is formed between the first category of plastic preforms and between the second category of plastic preforms. This gap preferably enables batch-pure transportation or batch-pure processing of the plastic preforms.

[0064] Particularly preferably, this gap is caused by the different controls described above on the transport devices. In particular, the transport devices, especially two transport devices, are transport belts or a plurality of transport belts or transport chains.

[0065] That is, an important aspect of the invention is to avoid mixing plastic preforms from different feed containers (especially so-called octagonal bins) during continuous operation. To this end, at least two conveying devices are provided before the sorting unit, particularly before the drum separator, wherein these conveying devices can be controlled independently.

[0066] As described above, preferably, the measurement of the loading or occupancy status on the transport device is performed specifically by means of sensors (e.g., gratings). This is done in conjunction with the feeding of new batches, thereby maintaining a gap between batches and preventing mixing.

[0067] As described above, a return device is preferably provided, particularly in the form of a smart return belt. This return device is specifically located at the sorting device, especially a roller sorter. Therefore, this return device is preferably suited and designed to transport the plastic preform in the opposite direction to the sorting device.

[0068] When plastic preforms are rejected from the drum separator, they are fed back into the drum separator via a return device, particularly a return belt.

[0069] Preferably, the device therefore includes a rejection device adapted and designed to reject individual plastic preforms from the transport path of the plastic preforms. Preferably, this rejection device is assigned to a sorting device.

[0070] The return process is preferably carried out in such a way that mixing with the new batch does not occur. For this purpose, gaps can also be created in the (return) flow of the plastic preform in the return device.

[0071] Advantageously, automated delivery of new feed containers (especially octagonal silos) can be carried out. For this purpose, robots or AGVs can be installed, for example.

[0072] Once a new batch arrives at the feed star wheel or the aforementioned intermittent feeding device leading to the furnace, the flow of plastic preforms can be stopped. Subsequently, preferably only a small number of plastic preforms are driven into the furnace to allow for the determination of suitable process and / or heating parameters. Once the system stabilizes, production resumes.

[0073] Advantageously, the plastic preform is transported directly from the injection molding machine to the furnace. For this purpose, it is preferably configured to intelligently integrate the transport device into the entire apparatus.

[0074] Preferably, the apparatus has at least one inspection device adapted and designed to identify batches of plastic preforms. This inspection device may, for example, include an image capturing device that takes images of one or more of the transported plastic preforms. Preferably, the plastic preforms can be identified (at least in terms of their category) based on these images.

[0075] Preferably, the device has several such inspection devices.

[0076] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the formation of gaps in the flow of plastic preforms does not occur only during transport on the conveyor, but rather as the preforms are fed into the device. Here, the first type of preforms is dumped onto the first conveyor, and then the second type of preforms are dumped at intervals. It is feasible here that the plastic preforms are not poured into a receiving device, but rather directly from the octagonal bin onto the conveyor belt or conveyor. Attached Figure Description

[0077] Further advantages and implementation methods are evident from the accompanying drawings:

[0078] in:

[0079] Figure 1 A first illustration is shown to illustrate the method according to the present invention;

[0080] Figure 2 A second method step according to the method of the present invention is shown;

[0081] Figure 3 A third method step according to the method of the present invention is shown;

[0082] Figure 4 The fourth method step according to the method of the present invention is shown;

[0083] Figure 5 The fifth method step according to the method of the present invention is shown;

[0084] Figure 6 The sixth method step according to the invention is shown; and

[0085] Figure 7 The seventh method step according to the method of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0086] Figure 1 The apparatus 1 according to the invention for handling plastic preforms 10, and particularly for transporting plastic preforms 10, is shown in full. Here, reference numeral 2 indicates a receiving device adapted and intended (particularly in an unordered manner) to receive a plurality of plastic preforms 10.

[0087] These plastic preforms 10 preferably have a base and a threaded region. This threaded region preferably has threads, particularly external threads for screwing on a cap. Furthermore, these plastic preforms preferably also have a support ring by means of which they are transported. This support ring extends radially beyond the base of the plastic preform. Preferably, the plastic preforms are used to produce plastic containers, particularly plastic bottles.

[0088] Reference numeral 4 in the attached figure indicates a first transport device that transports plastic preforms in sections along the transport direction T, wherein preferably the plastic preforms are transported in a straight line.

[0089] The plastic preform is preferably transferred from the storage device 2 to the first transport device 4 by means of a transfer device 3. In particular, the transfer device 3 is a vertical conveyor, which is preferably also adapted and designed to lift the plastic preform in the vertical direction. The transfer device (especially a vertical conveyor or a high conveyor) transports the preform to a higher height so that back pressure is generated by gravity when it is later sent into a lower furnace.

[0090] Reference numeral 6 indicates a second transport device, which is connected here to the first transport device 4 and also transports the plastic preform 10 in the transport direction T.

[0091] Reference numeral 42 indicates the drive unit of the first transport device, and reference numeral 64 indicates the drive unit of the second transport device. These two drive units 42 and 64 are preferably controllable independently of each other, such that, for example, it is feasible for one of the two transport devices to move the plastic preform forward while the other transport device remains stationary.

[0092] The reference numeral 8 in the attached diagram indicates a sorting device suitable for and intended for sorting plastic preforms and particularly suitable for and intended for uniformly orienting the plastic preforms.

[0093] Reference numeral 16 indicates a return device for returning, for example, incorrectly sorted, particularly incorrectly oriented, plastic preforms, specifically to a position upstream of sorting device 8.

[0094] Reference numeral 18 indicates a conveying device for guiding plastic preforms, particularly one after another, to a cycle-feeding device, such as a cycle-feeding star wheel 19. Preferably, a heating device (not shown) for heating the plastic preforms is connected to this cycle-feeding star wheel 19. This is particularly an infrared furnace, microwave oven, or laser furnace.

[0095] The reference numerals 12a to 12f indicate multiple detection devices that can, for example, detect the occupancy or loading status of plastic preforms in a single transport segment of the transport path.

[0096] Preferably, each unit of the device is provided with at least one such detection device. Preferably, at least one transport device, particularly the first transport device 4, is also provided with two such detection devices (12b and 12c).

[0097] Preferably, at least one of these transport devices, and in particular several of these transport devices, is a grating.

[0098] Reference numeral 40 indicates a control device, particularly for controlling transport devices 4 and 6, and especially their drive units 42 and 64. Preferably, signals and / or measurements from individual detection devices 12a to 12f are fed into the control device, which also controls transport devices 4 and 6 in consideration of these signals, particularly for performing batch changes.

[0099] Down Figures 2 to 7 The method for performing batch replacement is now described. Figure 1 In the case shown, the device is still fully equipped with the first batch of C1 (lighter gray) plastic preforms.

[0100] exist Figure 2 In the case shown, the receiving device 2 is emptied (L), meaning that there are no longer any plastic preforms in the receiving device 2. All other parts of the device still contain plastic preforms from batch C1.

[0101] exist Figure 3 In the case shown, the second batch of C2 (darker gray) plastic preforms has been filled into the receiving device. Furthermore, in this state, the transfer device 3 (specifically the vertical conveyor) has been emptied (L). The remainder of the device still contains the first batch of C1 plastic preforms.

[0102] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated case, the second batch of C2 plastic preforms remains in the receiving device 2, and the first transport device 4 is emptied. The first batch of C1 plastic preforms remain in the second transport device 6 and other devices. In this way, a gap is formed between the first batch of C1 plastic preforms and the second batch of C2 plastic preforms.

[0103] exist Figure 5 In the scenario shown, the transport of the second batch of C2 plastic preforms has now been released, and the second batch of plastic preforms is now located in transfer device 3 and an area of ​​the first transport device. An area of ​​the first transport device 4 and an area of ​​the second transport device 6 are empty or have gaps.

[0104] The remaining area of ​​the second transport device 6 and subsequent devices still contain the plastic preforms of the first batch C1. However, the gap between the first batch C1 and the second batch C2 is reduced again, which is made possible specifically by the independent control of the two transport devices 4 and 6.

[0105] exist Figure 6In the case shown, only the second batch of C2 plastic preforms is now in the second transport device 6. The gap between the two batches C1 and C2 has been further reduced.

[0106] Inside the sorting device 8 there is a small area where both the first batch of C1 plastic preforms and the second batch of C2 plastic preforms can be found.

[0107] exist Figure 7 In the case shown, sorting unit 8 is now also fully equipped with plastic preforms of batch C2. There are no longer any gaps in the return unit. In units 18 and 19 downstream of sorting unit 8, the plastic preforms are still from the first batch C1.

[0108] It should be noted that all features described with reference to this method are also disclosed accordingly for this apparatus, which in particular means that the corresponding apparatus has a device suitable for and used to perform the corresponding method. Furthermore, the features described with reference to this apparatus can also be applied accordingly to one or more methods. This means that the method is performed using the corresponding apparatus features.

[0109] The applicant reserves the right to claim rights to all features essential to the utility model disclosed in the application, whether individually or in combination, provided that such features are novel compared to the prior art. Furthermore, it should be noted that features that may be advantageous in themselves are also described in individual figures. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that a particular feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without employing other features in that figure. Additionally, those skilled in the art will recognize that advantages can also be derived by combining several features shown in a single figure or different figures.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for processing plastic preforms (10), comprising a receiving device (2) adapted and intended to receive a plurality of plastic preforms (10); a first transport device (4) for drawing the plastic preforms from the receiving device (2) and transporting them in a predetermined transport direction; and a second transport device (6) arranged after the first transport device (4) in the transport direction and adapted and intended to transport the plastic preforms (10) in the transport direction. Its features are, The first transport device (4) can control the transport of the plastic preform (10) independently of the second transport device (6).

2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The containing device (2) is a storage container for containing plastic preforms or a transport unit for transporting plastic preforms.

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, At least one of the transport devices transports the plastic preform in a straight line.

4. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The device (1) has a sorting device (8) which is adapted and intended to sort plastic preforms fed therein.

5. The apparatus (1) according to claim 4. Its features are, The sorting device (8) is arranged at least after the first transport device (4) in the transport direction of the plastic preform.

6. The apparatus (1) according to claim 4. Its features are, The sorting device has two rollers arranged parallel to each other, which extend in the transport direction and are designed with a gap between them. The base of the plastic preform can pass through the gap, but the opening area of ​​the plastic preform cannot pass through the gap.

7. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The device (1) has at least one detection device (12) adapted and designed to detect at least one characteristic characterizing a plastic preform transported by at least one transport device (4, 6), wherein the characteristic is selected from a set of characteristics including the orientation of the plastic preform, the number of plastic preforms transported, the density of the plastic preforms transported, or the distance between the plastic preforms transported.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, Its features are, Each transport unit (4, 6) is equipped with at least one detection device.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, Its features are, At least one detection device (12) is a grating device.

10. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The device has a return device (16) adapted and designed to re-feed at least a portion of the plastic preform (10) into the transport path of the plastic preform (10) upstream of the extraction point.

11. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, The device (1) has at least one sensor device (22) that is adapted and designed to identify the category of plastic preform.

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