Device for transporting preforms

Abstract

Device (9) for transporting preforms (1), comprising at least one first conveyor (30) for the preforms (1), wherein the transport of the preforms (1) from this conveyor (30) takes place in a further processing machine (63), and wherein the conveyor (30) has two spaced-apart opposite guide rails (22) for guiding the preforms (1), wherein a first distance (31) between the guide rails (22) is variably adjustable and a drive device (71) is provided which moves at least one of the guide rails (22) relative to the other guide rail (22), wherein pressure channels (32) for supplying compressed air to the transport nozzles (34) for generating an additional gas flow (36b) are located below and / or above the guide rails (22), characterized in that a roller sorter (10) has paired,The system comprises counter-rotating driven rollers (12) for aligning and positioning the preforms (1), and the distance between the driven rollers (12) is variable, wherein a change in the distance between the rollers (12) is coupled to a change in the distance between the guide rails (22).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for transporting preforms. Preferably, the preforms are fed to a blow molding machine for the production of plastic containers.

[0002] German patent application DE 10 2005 048 358 A1 describes a device in which the preferably horizontal transport of preforms is carried out by a gas flow and the sorting is performed using a rotatable rotor and stationary guide rails. The preforms are transported, for example, by blowing gas onto them in the area of ​​the opening above the support ring, with the preforms moving on a support element. The gas flow is introduced into the conveying device through the outlet openings. The sorting of the preforms before the conveying device is carried out by utilizing centrifugal force. The preforms are fed centrally onto the sorting device. On the rotatable rotor, they move towards the edges, where they are held by a first guide rail and moved through the opening.After leaving the central area, the preforms are guided towards the second guide rail. This guide rail is raised sufficiently so that the body of the preforms fits between the guide rail and the rotor. The edge clearance prevents the preforms from tipping. The rotor's rotation transports the preforms to the discharge area, where they are transferred, for example, to the conveyor system. A similar transport device for conveying container products is known to those skilled in the art from international patent application WO 2005 / 005291 A1, wherein the transport device has two spaced-apart guide rails for guiding the container products, the distance between the guide rails being variably adjustable.

[0003] European patent application EP 0 452 857 A1 discloses a device for transporting and aligning preforms using belts with a circular cross-section. The belts are made of an elastic material. This makes it possible to transport preforms of different diameters within a range corresponding to the elasticity of the material.

[0004] The method described in French patent application FR 2 556 273 A1 relates to the use of a roller or drum conveyor that aligns preforms and transports them to a processing machine. The preforms are transported from a conveyor belt into the roller conveyor. Alignment is achieved by the two counter-rotating rollers, which move the preforms upwards so that they are not pulled in. The rollers are positioned so that the preforms are held against the support ring.

[0005] The German translation of European patent DE 601 18 772 T2 discloses a system for straightening and positioning preforms, which is used, for example, to feed blow molding machines. In this system, the preforms are positioned by two counter-rotating rollers and transported by the inclination of the rollers. The rotation of the rollers positions the preforms with their closed end facing downwards, with the ring preventing them from falling off. Preforms resting on top of those located in the rollers are removed by two ejection wheels equipped with flexible blades and fed to a return conveyor, which transports them back into the storage hopper. In a further embodiment, the preforms are removed by an ejection wheel arranged transversely to the direction of transport.

[0006] The German translation of European patent DE 60 2004 006 164 T2 discloses a further development of the prior art described in publication DE 601 18 772 T2. In this system, the incorrectly positioned preforms are ejected by a wheel. Another difference from publication DE 601 18 772 T2 is that the preforms are collected in an additional container for recovery and are not returned to the storage container.

[0007] International patent application WO 2005 / 070793 A1 describes a further development of German patent applications DE 601 18 772 T2 and DE 60 2004 006 164 T2. In the described system, incorrectly positioned preforms are ejected by a wheel. The ejection and collection of the preforms is analogous to that described in German patent application DE 60 2004 006 164 T2, with the preforms being collected in an additional container for recycling. In addition to the known unit, there is an additional unit that ejects preforms lying longitudinally on the conveyor belt. A sensor unit can also detect preforms that are nested inside one another. The removal of the preforms is achieved by briefly increasing the distance between the downward-facing guide rails on which the preforms travel to the blow molding machine.The distance is increased by retracting at least part of the guide rail on one side. This causes the incorrect or incorrectly positioned preform to fall downwards into an additional container.

[0008] The invention is based on the objective of providing a maintenance-friendly, reliable and easily adaptable device for transporting preforms, suitable for different types of preforms.

[0009] This problem is solved by a device having the features of claim 1. Further embodiments of the device according to the invention are the subject of dependent claims 1 to 11.

[0010] The device according to the invention for transporting preforms comprises at least one conveyor for transporting the preforms into a processing machine. For guiding the preforms, the conveyor has two spaced-apart, opposing guide rails. The distance between the guide rails is variably adjustable, and a drive device is provided which moves at least one of the guide rails relative to the other.

[0011] According to the invention, it is therefore proposed that the movement of these guide rails be at least partially automated. This allows for automated adjustment of the preform feeder to different preform types. More precisely, it is possible to automatically adjust the guide rails or sliding sections in the transport rail to the respective preform diameter. This adjustment can be made manually by a user, but it would also be possible to make the adjustment using sensors. It would also be conceivable for sensors to measure the preforms being fed in and adjust the guide rails accordingly in response to a specific measurement.

[0012] The actual transport path or conveyor can be horizontal or inclined. If a horizontal conveyor is used, the preforms are preferably transported by a gas stream generated by the conveyor. However, it would also be possible for the conveyor to be inclined, allowing the preforms to be moved by gravity.

[0013] This enables an almost completely automated product changeover. The drive unit preferably consists of pneumatic cylinders connected to valves.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, only one of the two guide rails is movable, while the other guide rail is stationary. This means that only one side is adjusted using this method.

[0015] In an advantageous conveyor, a multitude of transport nozzles are arranged below and / or above the guide rails to generate the gas flow. The transport nozzles are oriented to move the preform forward in the transport direction. The gas flow causes the preform to tilt slightly in the transport direction. The additional arrangement of transport nozzles above the guide rails accelerates the preforms more strongly than if the transport nozzles were only located below the guide rails. This increased acceleration reduces the gaps between the individual preforms, thus ensuring a continuous feed to a downstream processing machine.

[0016] Although the following description describes the pressure supply to the transport nozzles as being implemented via pressure channels, this should not be considered a limitation of the invention. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that an individual supply of compressed air to the transport nozzles is also possible. As can be seen in the following description, the pressure channels are arranged in pairs, opposite each other, below and / or above the guide rails.

[0017] At least one safety element is mounted along a center line above the conveyor. This safety element prevents the preforms from being unintentionally ejected upwards from the conveyor by the gas flows that transport them.

[0018] The safety element is movably mounted on the conveyor. This allows the safety element to be adjusted to different sizes of preforms, as well as to increased transport speeds of the preforms due to the gas flow. Depending on the size of the preforms used, the safety element is moved closer to or further away from them.

[0019] Between the conveyor and the downstream processing machine is a non-powered conveying section. This conveying section is necessary to transfer the preforms seamlessly to the infeed unit of a blow molding machine. The non-powered conveying section should be as short as possible. The shorter the non-powered conveying section, the less back pressure the horizontal conveyor needs to generate. In the conveyor according to the invention, this back pressure is generated by the interaction of the additional transport nozzles above the guide rails and the transport nozzles below the guide rails.

[0020] A horizontal sorting unit is preferably installed upstream of the conveyor in the transport direction. In the horizontal sorting unit, the preforms are sorted out by increasing the distance between the guide rails so that the preforms fall downwards out of the preferably horizontal sorting unit.

[0021] Below the horizontal sorting device, at least one inclined plane is installed, with which the sorted preforms are fed to at least one return device and / or at least one collection device.

[0022] The preforms are also transported by a gas stream in the horizontal sorting unit. The gas stream is generated by a multitude of transport nozzles located below the guide rails of the horizontal sorting unit.

[0023] The pressure supply to the transport nozzles is provided via pressure channels, which are arranged in pairs opposite each other below the guide rails.

[0024] Above the horizontal sorting unit, as with the conveyor, at least one safety element is mounted along a center line. This safety element prevents the preforms from being unintentionally discharged from the horizontal sorting unit. The position of the safety element mounted on the horizontal sorting unit is adjustable.

[0025] Because the guide rails of the conveyor and the horizontal sorting unit are variably adjustable in their distance, it is possible to transport different types of preforms with the device for transporting preforms.

[0026] For aligning and positioning the preforms, a roller sorter is installed upstream of the horizontal sorting unit in the transport direction. The roller sorter consists of pairs of counter-rotating rollers.

[0027] These counter-rotating rollers serve to position the preforms. Preferably, the distance between the driven rollers is adjustable. This also makes it possible for both, or preferably one, of the two rollers to be moved in a direction perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the roller, so that the distance between these two rollers can be changed by a drive mechanism.

[0028] In another advantageous embodiment, a change in the distance between the rollers is linked to a change in the distance between the guide rails. Preferably, the adjustment of the guide rail distance and the adjustment of the distance between the driven rollers are linked by the control system. In this case, the machine operator can press a specific button on an input device, and the two distances change automatically. This approach results in a considerable time saving when changing product types.

[0029] In a further advantageous embodiment, the (geometric) axis of rotation of one of the two rollers is stationary, while the axis of rotation of the other roller is movable. This allows one side of the roller sorter to be fixed while only the other side is moved. This can be achieved, for example, by keeping one suspension of the respective roller shaft stationary and only moving the suspension of the other roller shaft. Preferably, in this embodiment, one of the two guide rails is also stationary, and only the other guide rail moves.

[0030] In this embodiment, both the width of the aforementioned conveyor and the width of the sorting device are changed. If only one side is adjusted at a time, compensation for deviations from a central track (which would otherwise be affected by a one-sided adjustment) can be achieved using an existing component, particularly in an infeed barrier of the system. This reduces the number of moving parts and makes the automatic adjustment of distances more economical. Furthermore, it significantly simplifies operation.

[0031] It is also possible for a discharge rail to connect to the conveyor, which in turn connects directly to the roller end of the sorting unit. This means that the conveyor or discharge rail is no longer divided into two sections, and only a straight section needs to be adjusted. In this way, the entire conveyor system, including the sorting unit and the conveyor, can be reconfigured with relatively simple measures.

[0032] It is therefore preferable to arrange an additional transport device between the conveyor and the roller sorter for transporting the preforms.

[0033] Preferably, the connection between the roller sorter and the conveyor or discharge rail is achieved via a format component, which, if necessary, forms a curve and, particularly in the case of an inclined discharge rail, also compensates for the incline between the roller sorter and the conveyor. This format component can be mounted on a movable carriage. Preferably, this entire transport system is replaced when changing the roller sorter components. Advantageously, this replacement is carried out using a quick-change system.

[0034] Due to the arrangement with one movable and one fixed side, only one format part needs to be replaced when the preform diameter changes.

[0035] Preferably, the further transport device has two rails for guiding the preforms, one of which is movable. This part of the assembly can be mounted on a movable carriage that swings out in the event of a jam, automatically resolving the malfunction. The preforms falling downwards can be collected via a hopper and transported back to the roller sorter by a return conveyor.

[0036] It is possible for the respective rail to extend completely, but it would also be possible for this rail to be pivoted around a pivot point in order to eject the preforms in a certain way.

[0037] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has an ejection device for the preforms, wherein this ejection device comprises a body rotatable about an axis of rotation with ejection elements arranged thereon. In the event of a malfunction, these ejection elements can contact the preforms and eject them from the path.

[0038] Below the rollers of the roller sorter are blow-off nozzles that separate the preforms from the roller sorter. The blow-off action of the nozzles discharges the preforms upwards from the roller sorter. After discharge, the preforms are fed to at least one return device and / or at least one collection device.

[0039] Each horizontal sorting unit and roller sorter is equipped with at least one sensor device that detects the position and / or quality of the preforms. These sensors can be either mechanical devices for determining the position of the preforms or optical devices. The optical devices can detect both the position of the preforms and qualitative characteristics. Possible qualitative characteristics include, for example, the color of the preform. If a preform has the wrong color, it would be detected by the optical device and either blown out of the roller sorter or removed from the horizontal sorting unit by increasing the distance between the guide rails.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one return device associated with the horizontal sorting unit and / or the roller sorter consists of at least one return conveyor belt. This return conveyor belt returns the rejected preforms to the preform transport device. This type of return is particularly suitable for preforms that were incorrectly positioned or jammed together.

[0041] Another way to collect the preforms rejected by the horizontal sorting unit and / or the roller sorter is to use at least one collection device. A collection device could, for example, be a container placed under the horizontal sorting unit and / or the roller sorter. This method of collecting the preforms is useful if, for example, preforms that do not meet the quality requirements have been rejected.

[0042] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the device according to the invention for transporting preforms and its advantages will be explained in more detail with reference to the attached figures. Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a known precursor; Fig. Figure 2a schematically shows the structure of the device for transporting preforms and an associated return device; Fig. 2b shows schematically the structure of the device for transporting preforms and several associated collecting devices; Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the roller sorter's construction; Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows the view of the roller sorter along the section line marked AA. Fig. 3; Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows the structure of the horizontal sorting device; Fig. Figure 6a schematically shows the view of the horizontal sorting device along the section line marked BB. Fig. 5; Fig. Figure 6b shows a schematic side view of the horizontal sorting device; Fig. Figure 7 schematically shows the view of the horizontal sorting device along the section line marked CC. Fig. 5; Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of the conveyor's construction; Fig. 9a schematically shows the view of the conveyor along the section line marked DD. Fig. 8; Fig. 9b shows a schematic side view of the conveyor; Fig. Figure 10 schematically shows the transfer of the preforms from the conveyor to the infeed unit before a further processing unit; Fig. Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a conveyor for conveying preforms; Fig. Figure 12 shows a representation of a system according to the invention with a conveyor and a roller sorter upstream of it; Fig. Figure 13 shows a detailed representation of the in Fig. 12 shown facility; Fig. Figure 14 shows a further embodiment of a device according to the invention; Fig. Figure 15 shows a representation of an inlet barrier for the preforms; Fig. Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the in Fig. 15 shown inlet barriers; Fig. Figure 17 shows a top view of a system in the area of ​​a single-feed wheel for the preforms; and Fig. Figure 18 shows a cross-sectional view of a conveyor according to the invention.

[0043] Identical reference numerals are used for identical or equivalently functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals necessary for describing the respective figure are shown in the individual figures.

[0044] The Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a known preform 1. This preform 1 consists, firstly, of the body 2, from which the liquid container is later manufactured. Secondly, it consists of the retaining ring 3, by which the preform 1 is guided and held in the processing machine during production. The preform 1 also includes a neck 4, on which the thread is formed that will later receive the closure of the liquid container.

[0045] The Fig. Figure 2a schematically shows the structure of the device 9 for transporting preforms 1 and an associated return device 40. A roller sorter 10 is shown, which aligns the preforms 1 and transports them to a horizontal sorting unit 20. In this horizontal sorting unit 20, the preforms 1 are sorted according to various criteria. All preforms 1 that have no defects and / or incorrect positions in the horizontal sorting unit 20 are conveyed to a conveyor 30. In one embodiment, the sorting unit (20) can also act as a buffer zone or accumulation zone together with the conveyor (30). The conveyor 30 reduces the gaps 37 between the preforms 1. By reducing the gaps 37, a continuous supply of the preforms 1 to the further processing unit 63 is ensured.All preforms 1 that have been sorted out by the roller sorter 10 or the horizontal sorting unit 20 are fed back to the device 9 for transporting preforms 1 by the return device 40.

[0046] The Fig. Figure 2b schematically shows the structure of the device 9 for transporting preforms 1 and several associated collecting units 41. This embodiment illustrates how the collection of the rejected preforms 1 can be achieved with a system of collecting units 41. The preforms 1 are sorted by the roller sorter 10 and / or the horizontal sorting unit 20 and transferred in the direction 42 into the collecting units 41.

[0047] The Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows the structure of the roller sorter 10. The preforms 1 are aligned by the counter-rotating rollers 12 and transported in the transport direction 6. Another task of the roller sorter 10 is to reject jammed preforms 5 and / or preforms 1 that do not meet the quality requirements and transfer them to the return device 40. The sensor device 19 makes it possible to determine the position, orientation, and / or quality of the preforms 1. In one embodiment, the distance between the driven rollers 12 is adjustable. This adjustment can be achieved via a drive unit (not shown). This drive unit is located on the rollers.

[0048] The Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows the construction of the roller sorter 10 along the section line AA. Fig. 3. The roller sorter comprises two rollers 12, which transport and align the preforms 1. The rollers 12 rotate in opposite directions 13. By rotating the rollers 12 in the direction 13 shown, the preforms 1 are prevented from being drawn into the roller sorter 10. The alignment of the preforms 1 is also achieved by the counter-rotating rollers 12. The preforms 1 are held by the rollers 12 at the retaining ring 3 and oscillate between the rollers 12 with their body 2. A gas stream 14 is generated by the blow-off nozzles 16 for blowing out defective preforms 1, for example, from the roller sorter 10. The blow-off nozzles 16 are controlled by the sensor device 19.If the sensor device 19 detects a defective or incorrectly positioned preform 1, a signal is transmitted to the blow-off nozzles 16 and the corresponding preform 1 is blown out. These preforms 1 then reach the return device 40 (see figure). Fig. 3).

[0049] The Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows the structure of the horizontal sorting device 20. In the horizontal sorting device 20, the preforms 1 are transported in the transport direction 6 by means of guide rails 22. The feed force that transports the preforms 1 is provided by a gas flow 36 (see Figure 5). Fig. 6a) is generated. In the closed position 28 of the guide rails 22, the preforms 1 are transported. When the guide rails 22 are moved to the open position 29, the preforms 1 located on the guide rails 22 are sorted out along direction 42 and transferred to the return device 40. The position of the guide rails 22 depends on the information transmitted by the sensor device 19. If the sensor device 19 detects a preform 1 that is incorrectly positioned and / or does not meet the required quality, the guide rails 22 are opened so that the preform 1 falls downwards out of the horizontal sorting device 20. The distance between the guide rails 22 can be adjusted. Consequently, a small distance 31a can be set, which is dimensioned such that the preforms 1 can be transported through the spaced guide rails 22.In another setting of the guide rails 22, a larger distance 31b can be set, dimensioned such that the preforms 1 are no longer guided by the retaining ring 3 and fall downwards out of the horizontal sorting device 20. In the area of ​​the horizontal sorting device 20 where the small distance 31a is set by the closed position 28 of the guide rails 22, the preforms 1 are held and transported by their retaining ring 3. If the larger distance 31b is set in the horizontal sorting device 22 by means of the open position 29 of at least a section of the opposing guide rails 22, the preforms 1 fall out of the horizontal sorting device 20 because they are no longer guided by the retaining ring 3.In one embodiment, the sensor device 19 comprises two sensors, wherein the first sensor operates in the area of ​​the roller sorter 10 and the second in the area of ​​the horizontal sorting device 20. It is also possible that one sensor interacts with a blow-off device that removes the preforms 1 from the horizontal sorting device 20 or from the roller sorter 10 by means of a generated gas flow.

[0050] The Fig. Figure 6a schematically shows the structure of the horizontal sorting device 20 along the section line BB. Fig. 5. In this embodiment, the guide rails 22 are in the closed position 28. In this position 28, the preforms 1 can be transported by the horizontal sorting device 20 due to the small distance 31a between the guide rails 22. This transport is possible because the retaining rings 3 of the preforms 1 rest on the guide rails 22. A gas flow 36a is supplied via the transport nozzles 34a located in the pressure channels 32, which transports the preforms 1. At least one securing element 38 is mounted above the preforms 1 to be transported, along a center line 39. This securing element 38 prevents the preforms 1 from being unintentionally discharged from the horizontal sorting device 20.

[0051] The Fig. Figure 6b schematically shows a side view of the horizontal sorting device 20. The preforms 1 are transported on the guide rails 22 in the transport direction 6. The transport nozzles 34a, which are arranged in the pressure channels 32, generate a gas flow 36a that moves the preforms 1. The safety element 38 prevents the preforms 1 from being unintentionally lifted out of the horizontal sorting device 20.

[0052] The Fig. Figure 7 schematically shows the structure of the horizontal sorting device 20 along the intersection line CC. Fig. 5. The guide rails 22 are in the open position 29. In this position 29, the preforms 1 can no longer be transported by the horizontal sorting device 20 due to the larger distance 31b between the guide rails 22. Because of the larger distance 31b between the guide rails, the preforms 1 fall down and are fed to the return device 40 via the inclined plane 44.

[0053] The Fig. Figure 8 schematically shows the structure of the conveyor 30. The conveyor 30 transports the pre-firming units 1 in the transport direction 6 by means of guide rails 22 and the gas flow 36a (see Fig. 9a) transported. In addition, the gaps 37 between the preforms 1 are reduced by the conveyor 30, so that a seamless feed to a further processing unit 63 is ensured.

[0054] The Fig. Figure 9a schematically shows the structure of conveyor 30 along the section line DD. Fig. 8. The guide rails 22 are in the closed position 28. A gas flow 36a is generated by the transport nozzles 34a, which are formed in the pressure channels 32 located below the guide rails 22. This gas flow moves the preforms 1. Additional pressure channels 32 are also arranged above the guide rails 22. These pressure channels 32 also contain transport nozzles 34b, which generate an additional gas flow 36b. This additional gas flow 36b interacts with the gas flow 36a. This interaction causes the preforms 1 to move faster in the conveyor 30 than in the horizontal sorting unit 20. The additional gas flow 36b is adjusted to reduce the gaps 37 between the preforms 1, thus ensuring a continuous feed to a further processing unit 63.Above the preforms 1 to be transported, at least one securing element 38 is attached along a center line 39. This securing element 38 prevents the preforms 1 from being unintentionally discharged from the conveyor 30.

[0055] The Fig. Figure 9b schematically shows a side view of the conveyor 30. The preforms 1 are transported on the guide rails 22 in the transport direction 6. The transport nozzles 34a, which are arranged in the pressure channel 32 below the guide rails 22, generate a gas flow 36a that moves the preforms 1. Above the guide rails 22, another pressure channel 32 with additional transport nozzles 34b is located, through which an additional gas flow 36b is generated. The additional gas flow 36b pushes the preforms 1 closer together, thus closing the gap 37. The locking element 38 prevents the preforms 1 from being unintentionally lifted out of the conveyor 30.

[0056] The Fig. Figure 10 schematically shows the transfer of the preforms 1 from conveyor 30 to a feeder unit 52 upstream of the downstream processing unit 63. The preforms 1 are transported via guide rails 22 in transport direction 6 to the feeder unit 52. Between conveyor 30 and the feeder unit 52 is an unpowered section 50, along which the preforms 1 are transported solely by the back pressure from conveyor 30. The feeder unit 52 takes over the preforms 1 and transports them in the direction of rotation 54 to the downstream downstream processing unit 63.

[0057] Fig. Figure 11 shows a representation of a conveyor according to the invention, here in the form of a discharge rail. This discharge rail can be arranged both horizontally and inclined. The conveyor also has two guide rails 22 between which the preforms run; more precisely, a support ring of the preforms rests against these two guide rails 22.

[0058] Above these two guide rails 22, a locking element or hold-down device 38 is provided, which ensures the unimpeded transport of the preforms. The two guide rails 22 are each movably mounted on a support 72 in the X direction. The two guide rails 22 are movably mounted in the X direction by means of drive devices 71 in the form of pneumatic cylinders. In one embodiment, the two guide rails 22 are each mounted on a support 72, which can be moved in the X direction by a drive device 70 in the form of pneumatic cylinders. In the preferred embodiment, it would also be possible to provide only one such drive device 70 and thus adjust the guide rails 22 only on one side. Reference numerals 74 refer to guide elements that support the base body of the preforms during their transport.Reference numeral 70 refers to a further drive device in the form of a pneumatic cylinder to change the distance between the guide elements 74.

[0059] In a further advantageous embodiment, the guide elements 74 and the guide rails 22 are coupled only to a drive unit. This could be equipped with a pneumatic cylinder or a servo motor including gearbox.

[0060] Fig. Figure 12 shows an overall view of a system according to the invention. It can be seen that the conveyor 30 is again provided here, and that a further sorting device 85 for the containers is located on this conveyor 30. Reference numeral 10 designates a roller sorter, which has been shown in detail above. A further transport device is provided between the roller sorter 10 and the conveyor 30, which connects the roller sorter 10 and the conveyor 30.

[0061] Fig. Figure 13 shows a detailed representation of a transition area between the roller sorter 10 and the conveyor 30. The additional transport device 80 is also visible here, along which the preforms 1 are conveyed, in this case along a curved path. A collection device 95 is provided below this additional transport device to collect any preforms that have fallen out or been ejected. The distance between the two rollers 12 of the roller sorter 10 is also adjustable to adapt the system to different preforms. Drive devices (not shown) may also be provided for changing this distance. It would be advantageous if only one of the two rollers were moved to change the distance between them.Preferably, the same sides are adjusted for both the roller sorter and the conveyor 30, for example, the right side with respect to the transport path and the other side held stationary. Reference numeral 82 refers to a rail of the additional transport device, which can be unfolded if necessary, i.e., to eject preforms. In this case, the preforms 1 fall into the collection device 95. The conveyor 30 can be held on a support 84. Reference numeral 83 refers to a movable carriage that can pivot out in the event of a jam, thus automatically resolving malfunctions. In this embodiment, the rail 82 or the carriage 83 performs the same function as the guide rails 22 of the sorting device 20.

[0062] The Fig. Figure 14 shows another embodiment of the Fig. The system shown in Figure 13. Reference numeral 96 refers in its entirety to a hold-down device located directly at the end of the two rollers 12. An axis of the ejector device 90 or kicker wheel 92 is located directly above the end of the rollers 12. The kicker wheel 92 can, for example, rotate counterclockwise and thus eject preforms into Fig. 14 to the right. For this purpose, ejection elements 94 can be arranged on the kicker wheel 92, which extend in a radial direction of the kicker wheel to grasp the preforms and throw them out of the transport path. Furthermore, a blowout (not shown) is provided which blows out such preforms.

[0063] Fig. Figure 15 shows an inlet barrier 100. This inlet barrier serves to prevent the feed of preforms to a Fig. To prevent the sorting device 85 shown in Figure 17 from malfunctioning, this inlet stop 100 in turn has a drive unit 102, such as a pneumatic cylinder, which controls the movement of a locking cone 104. In the event of a blockage, this locking cone extends into track B and thus blocks the flow of the (not shown) preforms. The reference numeral 106 refers to a guide element, which is also movable via a further drive unit 108 and thus also serves as an ejection element for preforms. Fig. Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the in Fig. The inlet barrier shown in Figure 15. Here, too, the two drive devices 102 and 108 can be seen, which serve on the one hand to block the flow of preforms and on the other hand to eject the preforms.

[0064] Fig. Figure 17 shows a transition area between the conveyor 30 and the further sorting device 85. It can be seen that the preforms 1 are fed here via a curved path to the sawtooth-shaped transport wheel 87. In this area, the preforms are separated and guided between this transport wheel 87 (sawtooth wheel) and a circumferential wall 89.

[0065] Fig. Figure 18 shows another embodiment of a conveyor, which here is designed as a conveyor. In addition to the guide rails already mentioned above, air discharge openings 35 are provided here, which discharge the air from the conveyor 30 when the channel is pressurized. Here again, the locking element 38 or the hold-down element is shown, which holds the preform 1 in position. The distance between the conveyor 30 and the transport wheel 87 is chosen to be small in order to facilitate the transfer of the preforms from the conveyor 30.

[0066] The invention has been described in relation to one embodiment. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that modifications and adaptations can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the following claims. Reference symbol list A Section AA B section BB b railway C section CC D cut DD d distance x direction 1 preform 2 bodies 3 retaining rings 4 necks 5 wedged preforms 6. Transport direction 9 Device for transport 10 roller sorters 12 rolls 13 Direction of rotation 14 Gas flow for blowing out 16. Blow-out nozzle 19 Sensor device 20 horizontal sorting devices 22 guide rails 28 closed position 29 open position 30 sponsors 31 first distance 31a short distance 31b greater distance 32 Pressure channel 34a Transport nozzles 35 air vents 36 Gas flow 34b additional transport nozzles 36a Gas electricity 36b additional gas flow 37 gaps 38 securing element 39 Center line 40 Return device 41 Collection facility 42 direction 44 inclined plane 50 unpowered section 52 single-stroke units 54 Direction of rotation 63 Processing machine 70 Drive unit 71 Drive unit 72 carriers 74 guide elements 80 Transport equipment 82 rail 83 movable sleds 84 carriers 85 sorting device 87 Transport bike 89 Perimeter wall 90 Ejector device 92 rotating body or kicker wheel 94 Ejector element 95 Containment device 96 hold-down devices 100 Inlet barrier 102 Drive unit 104 barrier cones 106 Guide element 108 Drive unit

Claims

[1] Device (9) for transporting preforms (1), comprising at least one first conveyor (30) for the preforms (1), wherein the preforms (1) are transported from this conveyor (30) into a further processing machine (63), and wherein the conveyor (30) has two spaced-apart, opposite guide rails (22) for guiding the preforms (1), wherein a first distance (31) between the guide rails (22) is variably adjustable and a drive device (71) is provided which moves at least one of the guide rails (22) relative to the other guide rail (22), wherein pressure channels (32) for supplying compressed air to the transport nozzles (34) for generating an additional gas flow (36b) are located below and / or above the guide rails (22), characterized byin that a roller sorter (10) comprises paired, counter-rotating driven rollers (12) for aligning and positioning the preforms (1) and a distance between the driven rollers (12) is variable, wherein a change in the distance between the rollers (12) is coupled to a change in the distance between the guide rails (22). [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the pressure channels (32) are arranged opposite each other in pairs. [3] Device (9) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first conveyor (30) is designed as a horizontal conveyor. [4] Device (9) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the roller sorter (10) is arranged upstream of the horizontal sorting device (20) in the transport direction (6). [5] Device (9) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the rotation axis of one of the two rollers (12) is stationary and the rotation axis of the other roller (12) is movable. [6] Device (9) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a further transport device (80) for transporting the preforms (1) is arranged between the conveyor (30) and the roller sorter (10), and preferably the further transport device (80) has two guide rails (22) for guiding the preforms (1), one of the two guide rails (22) being movable. [7] Device (9) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device (9) has an ejection device (90) for the preforms (1), said ejection device (90) having a body (92) rotatable about an axis of rotation with ejection elements (94) arranged thereon. [8] Device (9) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a plurality of transport nozzles (34a) are arranged below the guide rails (22) of the horizontal sorting device (20) for generating the gas flow (36a) for transporting the preforms (1). [9] Device (9) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that underneath the guide rails (22) there are arranged pressure channels (32) lying opposite one another in pairs for supplying compressed air to the transport nozzles (34a) for generating the gas flow (36a). [10] Device (9) according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized by that the sorting device (20) is provided with at least one inclined plane (44) for feeding the sorted preforms (1) to at least one return device (40) and / or at least one collecting device (41). [11] Device (9) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a plurality of blow-out nozzles (16) are arranged below the rollers (12) of the roller sorter (10), with which the preforms (1) can be separated from the roller sorter (10) and that the preforms (1) can be fed to at least one return device (40) and / or at least one collecting device (41).

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