Device for manufacturing containers and method for controlling the device

Abstract

Device (10) for producing containers from preforms made of thermoplastic material, comprising at least one transport device (15) with at least one transfer device (12) for transferring and receiving containers or preforms, wherein the at least one transfer device (12) comprises at least one gripping element (20) which is rotatable at least about a first axis of rotation (16) of the transfer device (12), characterized in that the at least one gripping element (20) is connected to the first axis of rotation (16) via a support element (14) rotatable about the first axis of rotation (16), wherein the gripping element (20) is at least pivotable about a second axis of rotation (18) about the support element (14), wherein the second axis of rotation (18) is arranged eccentrically to the first axis of rotation (16), wherein the rotation of the support element about the first axis of rotation displaces the second axis of rotation by twice the distance between the two axes of rotation.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for manufacturing containers and a method for controlling the device.

[0002] In the production of containers from preforms, and in the filling and reuse of containers, transport devices are used to move a large number of containers along a transport route. The containers or preforms can be held and moved, for example, by separate holding devices or transported by a conveyor belt. When using separate holding devices, the device is attached to a rotating drive unit and guided along a circular path. However, it is often necessary for the held preforms or containers to follow curved paths that deviate from a circular track.

[0003] WO 2009 / 144664 A2 discloses a device for manufacturing containers whose holding devices are pivotably attached to arms, the arms themselves being pivotably attached to the drive unit. The pivot axes are located at opposite end sections of the arms. By pivoting the holding devices about both pivot axes, the containers or preforms can be guided along cam tracks during rotation around the drive unit. However, the device is relatively inflexible and cannot be easily adapted to different requirements.

[0004] From DE 10 2011 007 280 A1, a container handling machine is defined as having at least one gripper which is forcibly transportable for handling a preform or container during transport and / or pickup and / or delivery along a predetermined transport path and has at least one controllable electrical or magnetic drive mounted on a holder bearing at least two gripper claws, wherein the gripper claws are movable relative to each other in opening and closing directions and at least between defined gripping and release positions and are in motion-transmitting connection with the drive, each gripper claw can be actuated individually and / or separately by the drive in the opening and / or closing direction relative to another gripper claw of the gripper.

[0005] A similar container handling machine with at least one gripper for handling containers is also known from DE 10 2006 062 896 B4.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a device for manufacturing containers and a method for controlling the device, which offer increased flexibility in adapting the device to different requirements.

[0007] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0008] In a device for manufacturing containers from preforms made of thermoplastic material, comprising at least one transport device with at least one transfer device for transferring and receiving containers or preforms, wherein the at least one transfer device has at least one gripping element rotatable about at least a first axis of rotation of the transfer device, the invention provides that the at least one gripping element is connected to the first axis of rotation via a support element rotatable about the first axis of rotation, wherein the gripping element is at least pivotable about a second axis of rotation about the support element, wherein the second axis of rotation is arranged eccentrically to the first axis of rotation, and wherein the rotation of the support element about the first axis of rotation allows the second axis of rotation to be displaced by twice the distance between the two axes of rotation.

[0009] The invention provides a device in which at least one gripping element is connected to the at least one transfer device of the transport device via two axes of rotation. The first and second axes of rotation can, for example, be arranged parallel to each other. However, a non-parallel arrangement of the axes of rotation is also conceivable. The rotatable mounting of the support element means that, when rotating about the first axis of rotation, the support element can sweep through an angular range oriented towards at least one other support element of another or the same transfer device of the transport device, without colliding with that other support element. The support element does not necessarily have to be fully rotatable about the first axis of rotation, but can also be only partially rotatable.Due to the eccentric arrangement of the second axis of rotation relative to the first axis, the rotation of the support element allows the second axis of rotation to be offset by twice the distance between the two axes. In this way, the gripping element can also be offset by this distance. In combination with a counter-rotating movement of the gripping element around the second axis of rotation, a held container or preform can be moved along a linear path. The gripping element is at least pivotably attached to the second axis of rotation. A rotatable attachment of the gripping element is also conceivable. A collision of the gripping element with adjacent gripping elements of the transport device during rotation of the support element around the first axis of rotation can be avoided by a simultaneous pivoting movement of the gripping element around the second axis of rotation.The rotatably mounted support element, in combination with the gripping element, which is at least pivotably mounted, eliminates the need for linear guidance of the gripping element. Furthermore, the rotatable mounting of the support element on the transfer device, combined with the pivotable mounting of the gripping element, allows for a greater number of curved tracks for the containers or preforms compared to the prior art. Additionally, the path of a container or preform during transport through the conveying device can be adapted to various requirements with greater flexibility compared to the prior art. For example, the rotatability of the support element allows curved tracks for the containers or preforms to be followed at a wide distance from the primary axis of rotation.Furthermore, the gripping element can be pivoted independently of a rotation of the support element, so that pivoting movements of the gripping element are still possible.

[0010] Drive elements can be provided, for example, to rotate the carrier element and the gripping element. These drive elements can be motors, for instance, that act on the first or second axis of rotation. The drive elements can extend along a portion of the respective axes of rotation. They can also extend in opposite directions. This allows the drive elements to be positioned outside the areas swept through when the carrier element or gripping element rotates. In this way, a collision between the carrier element or gripping element and one of the drive elements during rotation about the first or second axis of rotation can be avoided.

[0011] It is conceivable that the transport device may, for example, have a plurality of transfer devices, wherein the first axes of rotation of adjacent transfer devices have a first distance to each other that is greater than a second distance between the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation of a transfer device.

[0012] The first axes of rotation of different transfer devices of the transport system are thus arranged further apart than the respective second axes of rotation of the first axes of rotation of the same transfer device. The second axes of rotation of adjacent transfer devices can therefore be rotated around the first axis of rotation without collision. The second axis of rotation can be located at an outer edge of the support element.

[0013] Furthermore, the first axes of rotation of the multitude of transfer devices can, for example, be arranged along a closed path that is rotatable about a third axis of rotation.

[0014] For this purpose, the transfer devices can be attached, for example, to a wheel rotatable about the third axis of rotation, preferably at its edge, or to a chain running about the third axis of rotation.

[0015] In another example, a third distance between the second axis of rotation and the third axis of rotation can be changed by rotating the support element around the first axis of rotation.

[0016] The gripping element can then be moved along a direction radial to the third axis of rotation. In this way, a radial offset of the gripping element relative to the third axis of rotation can be achieved.

[0017] According to another example, the transport device can have at least one carrier plate with an opening, wherein the carrier element is an eccentric disc rotatably mounted in the opening about the first axis of rotation, wherein a sealing element, preferably a ring sealing element, is arranged between an edge of the opening and the eccentric disc.

[0018] The drive element of the eccentric disc can thus be positioned on one side of the disc, while the gripping element holding the preform or container can be located on the other side. This allows the eccentric disc to act as a barrier between the drive element and the held preform or container, thus preventing lubricants from the drive element from reaching the container or preform. This enables compliance with stringent hygiene requirements. Furthermore, the transport device is then also suitable for use in a cleanroom. Sterilization and wet cleaning are also facilitated by the sealing element. The transport device can therefore also be used in an aseptic container manufacturing system.

[0019] In an alternative example, the support element can also be designed as an arm or lever. In this case, the first and second axes of rotation can be located at opposite ends of the arm or lever.

[0020] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation could, for example, be arranged parallel to each other.

[0021] In this example, the support element and the gripping element are rotated in parallel planes. However, in another example, it is also conceivable that the axes of rotation are non-parallel. In that case, a rotation of either the support element or the gripping element can result in a height adjustment of the gripping element.

[0022] The support element can, for example, be rotatable about the first axis of rotation by means of a first electrical drive device connected to the first axis of rotation, preferably a servo motor or a stepper motor.

[0023] Furthermore, a linear-lift motor in rotary configuration or other motor types can preferably be used as the first electrical drive device. In particular, motors that effect both rotation and translation of the support element can be used.

[0024] The support element can be rotatable about the first axis of rotation by at least 180°, preferably at least 270°, and more preferably at least 360°.

[0025] When rotating at least 180° around the first axis of rotation, the support element can offset the second axis of rotation by twice the distance between the first and second axes of rotation. This eliminates the need for a linear guide that would move the gripping element back and forth from the transfer device. The support element can also be mounted so that it can rotate around the first axis of rotation any number of times.

[0026] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the gripping element can be rotatable about the second axis of rotation, for example by means of a second electrical drive device connected to the second axis of rotation, preferably a servo motor or a stepper motor.

[0027] Furthermore, for example, a linear linear actuator in rotary configuration or other motor types can preferably be used as the second electric drive device. In particular, motors that effect both rotation and translation of the support element can be used.

[0028] The gripping element can be rotatable about the second axis of rotation by at least 180°, preferably at least 270°, and more preferably at least 360°.

[0029] With a rotation of at least 180° around the first axis of rotation, the gripping element can displace a held container or preform by twice the distance between the held container or preform and the second axis of rotation. The gripping element can also be mounted so that it can rotate any number of times around the second axis of rotation.

[0030] The invention further relates to a method for controlling a device according to the preceding description, wherein the carrier element is rotatable about the first axis of rotation by means of a first drive device and the gripping element is rotatable about the second axis of rotation by means of a second drive device, wherein the first drive device and the second drive device are controlled by means of a control device, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: defining a cam track for the gripping element on the transport device; determining, for a plurality of different positions on the cam track, a first angular position for the first drive element and a second angular position for the second drive element, wherein the gripping element is positioned on the cam track by combining the first angular position and the second angular position;and controlling the first drive unit and the second drive unit using the determined angular positions via the control unit.

[0031] The advantages, effects, and further developments of the method result from the advantages, effects, and further developments of the device described above. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made to the preceding description in this regard.

[0032] The invention is described below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a device for manufacturing containers; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a transport device; Fig. 3a-3c a schematic representation of a transfer device in a side view; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a transport device in a top view; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a transport device with a cover; and Fig. 6. A flowchart of a procedure for controlling the device.

[0033] The device for manufacturing containers is hereinafter referred to in its entirety by reference numeral 10, as in Fig. 1 shown.

[0034] The device 10 can have a feeding device 2, a transfer wheel 4, a heating device 6, a first transport wheel 8, a forming device 7 and a second transport wheel 9.

[0035] The transfer wheel 4 and the transport wheels 8, 9 can each have a transport device 15.

[0036] The feeder 2 can supply 10 thermoplastic preforms to the device. The supplied preforms can be received by the transfer wheel 4 and transferred to the heating unit 6. In the heating unit 6, the preforms can be thermally conditioned for forming into containers.

[0037] After thermal conditioning, the preforms can be transferred to the first transport wheel 8 at a first transfer position 11 or removed from the heating unit 6 by the first transport wheel 8. The first transport wheel 8 can transport the thermally conditioned preforms to the molding unit 7. The first transport wheel 8 can then transfer the thermally conditioned preforms to the molding unit 7 at a second transfer position 13 and / or place the thermally conditioned preforms into molding tools of the molding unit 7. The molding unit 7 can then form the thermally conditioned preforms into containers in the molding tools, for example, by pneumatic or hydraulic forming.

[0038] The manufactured containers can be removed from the molds at a third transfer position 17 using the second transport wheel 9 and transported to other components of the device 10. For this purpose, the second transport wheel 9 can transfer the containers to further components, such as a sterilization unit, a labeling unit, or a filling unit, at a fourth transfer position 19.

[0039] The device 10 can have further transfer wheels 4, transport wheels 8, 9 and transfer positions 11, 13, 17, 19.

[0040] The transport device 15 is described below in accordance with Fig. 2 described.

[0041] The transport device 15 has at least one transfer device 12, wherein in this example the transport device 15 has a plurality of transfer devices 12. The number of transfer devices 12 is unlimited. Preferably, the transport device 15 can have between five and 120 transfer devices 12, more preferably between 10 and 60, and most preferably between 20 and 30 transfer devices.

[0042] At least one transfer device 12 has at least one gripping element 20 for holding containers or preforms, which is rotatable about a first axis of rotation 16 and about a second axis of rotation 18. For rotation about the first axis of rotation 16, the gripping element 20 is connected to a support element 14, the support element 14 being rotatably attached to the transfer device 12 about the first axis of rotation 16.

[0043] The first axes of rotation 16 of adjacent transfer devices 12 can have a first distance 22 from each other (see Fig. 4).

[0044] In this example, the support element 14 has the shape of a disc. Furthermore, the support element 14 is connected to a first drive unit 40, which in this example is arranged on a downward-facing side of the support element 14. The first drive unit 40 can be electrically operated and can rotate the support element 14 about the first axis of rotation 16. The first drive unit 40 can be, for example, a servo motor, a stepper motor, or a linear actuator with a rotary version.

[0045] The support element 14 can alternatively be designed as an arm or a lever. A first end section of the arm or lever can be connected to the first axis of rotation 16.

[0046] A second axis of rotation 18 is further attached to the support element 14, which is arranged offset from the first axis of rotation 16.

[0047] If the support element 14 is disc-shaped, the support element 14 can thus be designed as an eccentric disc.

[0048] In the version as an arm or lever, the second axis of rotation 18 can be arranged on a second end section opposite the first end section.

[0049] The gripping element 20 is pivotably connected to the support element 14 about at least the second axis of rotation 18. When the support element 14 rotates about the first axis of rotation 16, the gripping element 20 is also rotated about the first axis of rotation 16.

[0050] A second drive unit 42 is provided for pivoting or rotating the gripping element 20 about the second axis of rotation 18. In this example, the second drive unit 42 is arranged on the upward-facing side of the support element 14 and can also be electrically operated. Furthermore, the second drive unit 42 can be, for example, a servo motor, a stepper motor, or a linear actuator with rotary capability.

[0051] The first drive unit 40 and the second drive unit 42 are thus preferably arranged on different sides of the support element 14. Furthermore, the support element 14 and the gripping element 20 can be arranged between the first drive unit 40 and the second drive unit 42. The first drive unit 40 and the second drive unit 42 are thus arranged outside the areas through which the support element 14 and the gripping element 20 move during rotation, and the first axis of rotation 16 and the second axis of rotation 18, respectively.

[0052] The at least one transfer device 12 is in an opening 36 (see Fig. 3a to 3c and 4) are arranged on a carrier plate 34 of the transport device 15. If the carrier element 14 is designed as an eccentric disc, the eccentric disc can close the opening 36. A sealing element 38, preferably designed as a ring seal, can be arranged between the eccentric disc and the carrier plate 34 (see Fig. 3a to 3c).

[0053] The eccentric disc can thus serve as a shield for lubricants from the first and / or second drive unit 40, 42. Furthermore, sterilization and wet cleaning of the transfer device 12 can be carried out without the sterilization or cleaning fluid coming into contact with the first or second drive unit 40, 42.

[0054] The support plate 34 is rotatable about a third axis of rotation 30. This allows the transfer devices 12 to be rotated by rotating the support plate 34 about the third axis of rotation 30.

[0055] A rotation of the support element 14 then causes a change in the distance 32 between the second axis of rotation 18 and the third axis of rotation 30.

[0056] The rotation of the gripping element 20 about the first axis of rotation 16 and the second axis of rotation 18 is described below by means of the Fig. 3a to 3c described.

[0057] In Fig. Figure 3a shows the transfer device 12 in a side sectional view. The transfer device 12 is, as already mentioned above, Fig. 2 described in an opening 36 of the carrier plate 34.

[0058] The illustration shows, among other things, the support element 14 arranged in the opening 36, which closes the opening 36 as an eccentric disc, the sealing element 38, which is arranged between the support element 14 and the support plate 34, as well as the first axis of rotation 16 and the second axis of rotation 18, which are arranged at a second distance 28 from each other (see Fig. 4) The two axes of rotation 16, 18 are essentially aligned parallel to each other.

[0059] The first drive unit 40 is connected to the support element 14 via the first axis of rotation 16.

[0060] A second drive unit 42, designed to rotate the gripping element 20, is connected to the second axis of rotation 18. In this example, the transfer device 12 is in a position in which the support element 14 is rotated such that the second axis of rotation 18 has a minimal distance to the edge of the support plate 34. This allows the gripping element 20 to hold a preform or container at a maximum distance from the support plate 34.

[0061] The in Fig. The position shown in 3a can be described as the handover position.

[0062] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3b, the gripping element 20 can be mounted in a recess 37 of the support element 14. A further sealing element 39, which can be designed as a ring seal, can be arranged between the gripping element 20 and the recess 37. This allows lubricants from the second drive unit 42 to be shielded from the gripping element 20. Furthermore, sterilization or cleaning fluids applied to the transfer device 12 can also be shielded from the second drive unit 42.

[0063] Fig. Figure 3c shows a position of the transfer device 12 in which the carrier element 14 is rotated such that the second axis of rotation 18 has a maximum distance to the edge of the carrier plate 34. In this position, the gripping element 20 intersects the first axis of rotation 16. Furthermore, a preform or container held by the gripping element 20 is held close to the edge of the carrier plate 34. This reduces the probability of collision with other components of the device 10.

[0064] In Fig. Figure 4 shows the transport device 15 in a top view with a plurality of transfer devices 12. The transfer devices 12 are all designed as described above.

[0065] At the first transfer position 11 and the second transfer position 13, the support element 14 and the gripping element 20 have such angular positions around the first and second axis of rotation 16, 18 that the gripping element 20 is almost completely extended outwards relative to the support plate 34.

[0066] The further transfer devices 12, which are arranged between the first transfer position 11 and the second transfer position 13, are in a position in which the gripping element 20 is retracted relative to the carrier plate. The transfer devices 12 between the first and second transfer positions show snapshots of a transfer device 12 moving between the two transfer positions.

[0067] That is, a transfer device 12, which is moved between the first transfer position 11 and the second transfer position 13, can successively assume the positions shown in between. The carrier element 14 and the gripping element 20 can be continuously rotated about the first and second axes of rotation 16 and 18, respectively. Both rotational movements can also include changes of direction or pauses. The gripping element 20, or the preform or container held by the gripping element 20, then describes a curved path.

[0068] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the transport device 15 can have a wall 44 that extends around the first drive units 40. Furthermore, the wall 44 can adjoin and be connected to the support plate 34. The wall 44 can act as a shield for the lubricants of the first drive unit 40, protecting the held preforms or containers from the lubricants. This allows for compliance with increased hygiene requirements. In addition, the wall 44 facilitates the sterilization and / or wet cleaning of the transfer devices 12 of the transport device 15. The first drive units 40 are shielded by the wall 44 in such a way that no sterilization or cleaning fluids can reach the first drive units 40 from the side.

[0069] The wall 44 can, for example, have the shape of a cylindrical shell. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the transport device 15 is also shielded downwards by a floor plane (not shown), so that the first drive devices 40 are almost completely encapsulated in a chamber formed by the support plate 34, the wall 44 and the floor plane.

[0070] The method 100 for controlling the device 10 described above is described below by means of the Fig. 6 described.

[0071] In a first step, a curved path is defined for the gripping element of the transport device. This curved path also encompasses a preform and a container that can be held by the gripping element.

[0072] In a further step 104, the required angular positions of the gripping element and the support element are determined to realize the curved path. For example, a multitude of successive positions of the gripping element along the curved path can be selected. For each position, a first angular position for the support element and a second angular position for the gripping element can then be determined, whereby the gripping element with these two angular positions is positioned at the corresponding position on the curved path.

[0073] A rotation of the transport device around the third axis of rotation can also be taken into account, if necessary.

[0074] In a further step 106, the transport device is controlled according to the determined first and second angular positions. For this purpose, the angular positions of, for example, the first and second drive units can be transmitted.

[0075] The example described above does not in any way limit the invention. Rather, the invention can be modified in numerous ways. All features of the invention described above can be essential to the invention, either alone or in combination. Reference symbol list 2 Feeding device 4 Transfer wheel 6 Heating system 7 Molding equipment 8 transport wheel 9 Transport bike 10 Device for manufacturing containers 11 first handover position 12 Transfer device 13 second handover position 14 Support element 15 Transport device 16 first axis of rotation 17 third handover position 18 second axis of rotation 19 fourth handover position 20 gripping elements 22 first distance 28 second gap 30 third axis of rotation 32 third distance 34 Carrier plate 36 Opening 37 Exclusion 38 Sealing element 39 Sealing element 40 first drive unit 42 second drive unit 44 Wall

Claims

[1] Device (10) for producing containers from preforms made of thermoplastic material, comprising at least one transport device (15) with at least one transfer device (12) for transferring and receiving containers or preforms, wherein the at least one transfer device (12) comprises at least one gripping element (20) which is rotatable at least about a first axis of rotation (16) of the transfer device (12), characterized by , that the at least one gripping element (20) is connected to the first axis of rotation (16) via a support element (14) rotatable about the first axis of rotation (16), wherein the gripping element (20) is at least pivotable about a second axis of rotation (18) about the support element (14), wherein the second axis of rotation (18) is arranged eccentrically to the first axis of rotation (16), wherein the second axis of rotation can be displaced by twice the distance between the two axes of rotation by rotating the support element about the first axis of rotation. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the transport device (15) has a plurality of transfer devices (12), wherein the first axes of rotation (16) of adjacent transfer devices (12) have a first distance (22) to each other which is greater than a second distance (28) between the first axis of rotation (16) and the second axis of rotation (18) of a transfer device (12). [3] Device according to claim 2, characterized by , that the first axes of rotation (16) of the plurality of transfer devices (12) are arranged along a closed path (35) which is rotatable about a third axis of rotation (30). [4] Device according to claim 3, characterized by , that a third distance (32) between the second axis of rotation (18) and the third axis of rotation (30) can be changed by rotating the support element (14) about the first axis of rotation (16). [5] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that the transport device (15) has at least one carrier plate (34) with an opening, wherein the carrier element (14) is an eccentric disc which is rotatably mounted in the opening (36) about the first axis of rotation (16), wherein a sealing element (38), more preferably a ring sealing element, is arranged between an edge of the opening (36) and the eccentric disc. [6] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the first axis of rotation (16) and the second axis of rotation (18) are arranged parallel to each other. [7] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the support element (14) is rotatable about the first axis of rotation (16) by means of a first electrical drive device (40) connected to the first axis of rotation (16), preferably a servo motor or a stepper motor. [8] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, that the support element (14) is rotatable about the first axis of rotation (16) by at least 180°, preferably by at least 270°, and more preferably by at least 360°. [9] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the gripping element (20) is rotatable about the second axis of rotation (18) by means of a second electrical drive device (42) connected to the second axis of rotation (18), preferably a servo motor or a stepper motor. [10] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the gripping element (20) is rotatable about the second axis of rotation (18) by at least 180°, preferably by at least 270°, and further preferably by at least 360°. [11] Method for controlling a device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support element is rotatable about the first axis of rotation by means of a first drive device and the gripping element is rotatable about the second axis of rotation by means of a second drive device, wherein the first drive device and the second drive device are controlled by means of a control device, wherein the method (100) comprises at least the following steps: - Defining (102) a curved path for the gripping element on the transport device; - Determining (104), for a multitude of different positions on the cam track, a first angular position for the first drive element and a second angular position for the second drive element, wherein the gripping element is positioned on the cam track by combining the first angular position and the second angular position; and - Control (106) the first drive unit and the second drive unit by means of the determined angular positions using the control unit.

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