Container treatment plant for the production and treatment of preforms

Abstract

Container treatment plant for producing and treating preforms, wherein the container treatment plant comprises a production machine for producing preforms, at least one container treatment machine arranged downstream of the production machine in a transport direction of the preforms, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to control a flow of preforms in the container treatment plant based on a standstill of a component of the container treatment plant.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a container treatment plant for producing and treating preforms according to independent claim 1 and a corresponding method according to independent claim 9. State of the art

[0002] Container processing systems are well known in the art. Container processing systems typically include a blow molding machine, which can be used to form preforms into containers. However, in the prior art, the preforms are not produced in the container processing system itself, but rather in a separate process at a separate time and location. Injection molding processes are typically used to produce the preforms.

[0003] However, the temporally and spatially separate production of preforms and their further processing into containers brings with it a number of disadvantages. For example, the preforms can be damaged or lose their sterility during transport from the production site to the container processing facility. Furthermore, the transport and storage of the preforms is associated with relatively high transport and storage costs. Task

[0004] Based on the known state of the art, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to make the production and processing of preforms more efficient and to minimize downtimes of the container treatment plant due to malfunctions. Solution

[0005] This object is achieved by the container treatment system for producing and treating preforms according to independent claim 1 and the corresponding method for producing and treating preforms according to independent claim 9. Preferred developments are covered in the dependent claims.

[0006] According to the invention, a container treatment plant is provided for producing and treating preforms, wherein the container treatment plant comprises a production machine for producing preforms, in particular an injection molding machine, at least one container treatment machine arranged downstream of the production machine in a transport direction of the preforms and a control unit, wherein the control unit is designed to control a flow of preforms in the container treatment plant based on a standstill of a component of the container treatment plant.

[0007] The manufacturing machine is preferably designed to produce preforms used in the beverage industry from plastic, preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), or polypropylene (PP). However, this configuration is not to be understood as limiting. Thus, the manufacturing machine can also be designed to produce preforms of any type from any plastic or thermoplastic material.

[0008] The manufacturing machine can, in particular, be an injection molding machine. Alternatively, it can also be a device for producing preforms using a compression molding process or a device for producing preforms using an injection compression molding process. However, it can also be any other device suitable for producing a preform.

[0009] The at least one container treatment machine can be any type of device suitable for treating containers. For example, it can be a blow molding machine, such as a stretch blow molding machine or an extrusion blow molding machine. The blow molding machine can be designed to form the preforms into containers, preferably bottles used in the beverage industry. However, the at least one container treatment machine can also be a device for pretreating containers, such as a corona or plasma pretreatment device, a filler for filling containers with a beverage or any other liquid, a labeling machine, a direct printing machine, or a capper for closing containers.In one embodiment, it may also be provided that any combination of the above-mentioned or any other container treatment machine is arranged downstream of the manufacturing machine in a transport direction of the preforms.

[0010] A component of the container treatment system can be understood, for example, as the at least one container treatment machine or the production machine. However, a component can also mean an optional transport device that connects, for example, the production machine to the at least one container treatment machine or to several container treatment machines. However, the component can also represent any other component of the container treatment system that may be at a standstill.

[0011] A downtime is a malfunction that can be caused, for example, by a defect or a blockage in a component or a maintenance-related downtime of a component, which can be caused, for example, by a maintenance-related change of a subcomponent of the component or by an upcoming change of a consumable of the component.

[0012] Controlling a flow of preforms is understood to mean, in particular, a removal of preforms from the production machine and / or a supply of preforms to the at least one container treatment machine.

[0013] The container treatment plant according to the invention allows preforms to be manufactured and further processed in one plant, thus preventing transport-related damage or decontamination of the preforms. Sorting out damaged or contaminated preforms during transport in the container treatment plant is thus unnecessary, which can increase the efficiency of the plant's operation. By regulating the flow of preforms based on the downtime of a component, the container treatment plant can also be at least partially maintained in operation even if a component is down. This ensures the most efficient operation of the container treatment plant and, in particular, avoids downtimes of the entire container treatment plant due to malfunctions or maintenance.

[0014] In one embodiment, the component may comprise the at least one container processing machine. By controlling the flow of preforms, continued operation of the production machine and / or other components of the container processing machine can be ensured even when the at least one container processing machine is at a standstill.

[0015] In one embodiment, if the downtime is less than a threshold, controlling the flow of preforms can include removing the preforms produced by the production machine to a first storage device. By storing the preforms produced by the production machine in the first storage device, continued operation of the production machine can be ensured even when the at least one container treatment machine is at a standstill. By only removing the preforms to the first storage device until the downtime reaches a threshold, the number of preforms removed to the first storage device can be flexibly adjusted.

[0016] In a further development of the two preceding embodiments, if the downtime period exceeds a threshold value, controlling the flow of preforms can include discharging the preforms produced by the production machine into a reject box for shredding the preforms, in particular a shredder. Thus, overproduction of preforms can be prevented without having to interrupt the operation of the production machine, and the shredding of the preforms allows for the most space-saving handling of excess preforms.

[0017] In one embodiment, the control unit can be configured to determine the threshold based on the storage capacity of the first storage device. This ensures that the preforms produced by the manufacturing machine are only crushed by the reject box when the storage capacity of the first storage device is completely exhausted, thus preventing unnecessary material consumption.

[0018] In one embodiment, the component can comprise the manufacturing machine. Thus, when the manufacturing machine is at a standstill, the flow of preforms can be controlled in such a way that operation of the at least one container processing machine is maintained and a standstill of the entire container processing system is avoided.

[0019] In a further development of the preceding embodiment, controlling the flow of preforms can comprise feeding preforms to the at least one container processing machine from a second storage device. By feeding the preforms from the second storage device, a continuous supply of preforms to the at least one container processing machine can be ensured even when the production machine is at a standstill.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first and second storage devices can be identical and configured as a single storage unit. In this case, for example, the preforms fed to the storage unit when the blow molding machine is at a standstill can be fed back to the at least one container treatment machine at a later time, which can be the case, for example, when the production machine is at a standstill.

[0021] In a further development of the preceding embodiment, a sorting device can be arranged between the second storage device and the at least one container treatment machine, and the preforms can be fed to the at least one container treatment machine in an orderly manner. This ensures that the preforms, typically stored as bulk material in the storage device, are separated before being fed to the at least one container treatment machine and transferred to the at least one container treatment machine in an orderly manner. In particular, a possible blockage at the at least one container treatment machine caused by disordered preforms can be prevented.

[0022] In one embodiment, the sorting device can be designed as a roller sorter or a disc sorter. These embodiments allow for reliable sorting of preforms, in particular for alignment of the preforms.

[0023] According to the invention, a method for producing and treating preforms in a container treatment plant is also provided, wherein the container treatment plant comprises a production machine for producing preforms, in particular an injection molding machine, at least one container treatment machine arranged downstream of the production machine in a transport direction of the preforms and a control unit, wherein a flow of preforms in the container treatment plant is controlled by the control unit based on a standstill of a component of the container treatment plant.

[0024] By regulating the flow of preforms based on the downtime of a component, the container processing plant can be maintained at least partially even if a component is down. This ensures the most efficient operation of the container processing plant and, in particular, avoids downtimes of the entire container processing plant due to malfunctions or maintenance.

[0025] In one embodiment, the component can comprise at least one container processing machine. By controlling the flow of preforms, continued operation of the production machine of the container processing machine can be ensured, for example, even when the at least one container processing machine is down.

[0026] In a further development of this embodiment, if the downtime is less than a threshold value, the flow of preforms can be controlled such that the preforms produced by the production machine are transferred to a first storage device. By storing the preforms produced by the production machine in the first storage device, continued operation of the production machine can be ensured even when the at least one container treatment machine is at a standstill. Because the preforms are only discharged into the first storage device until the downtime reaches a threshold value, the number of preforms discharged into the storage device can be flexibly adjusted.

[0027] In a further development of the two preceding embodiments, if the downtime exceeds a threshold value, the preform flow can be controlled such that the preforms produced by the production machine are fed to a reject box for shredding the preforms, in particular a shredder. This prevents overproduction of preforms without having to interrupt the operation of the production machine, and at the same time, by shredding the preforms, the excess preforms can be handled in the most space-efficient way possible.

[0028] In a further development of the two preceding embodiments, the threshold value can be determined by the control unit based on the storage capacity of the first storage device. This ensures that the preforms produced by the manufacturing machine are only crushed when the storage capacity of the first storage device is fully utilized, thus preventing unnecessary material consumption.

[0029] In one embodiment, the component may comprise the manufacturing machine, and the flow of preforms may be controlled such that preforms are supplied to the at least one container processing machine from a second storage device. Thus, when the manufacturing machine is at a standstill, the flow of preforms may be controlled to maintain operation of the at least one container processing machine and avoid a standstill of the entire container processing system.

[0030] In one embodiment, the first and second storage devices can be identical and configured as a storage unit. In this case, for example, the preforms fed to the storage unit during a blow molding machine shutdown can be fed back to the blow molding machine at a later time, which can be the case, for example, when the production machine is at a shutdown.

[0031] In a further development of the preceding embodiment, a sorting device can be arranged between the second storage device and the at least one container treatment machine, and the preforms can be fed to the at least one container treatment machine in an orderly manner. This ensures that the preforms, typically stored as bulk material in the storage device, are separated before being fed to the at least one container treatment machine and transferred to the at least one container treatment machine in an orderly manner. In particular, a possible blockage at the at least one container treatment machine caused by disordered preforms can be prevented.

[0032] In one embodiment, the sorting device can be designed as a roller sorter or as a disc sorter. Short description of the characters Fig. 1a: Operating state of a container treatment plant for producing and treating a preform according to an embodiment Fig. 1b: Operating state of a container treatment plant for producing and treating a preform according to a further embodiment Fig. 1c: Operating state of a container treatment plant for producing and treating a preform according to another embodiment Detailed description of the characters

[0033] Fig. 1a - 1c show operating states of a container treatment plant 100 for producing and treating a preform according to various embodiments.

[0034] According to the invention, the container treatment plant 100 comprises a manufacturing machine 101, at least one container treatment machine 102 arranged downstream of the manufacturing machine 101 in a transport direction 104 of the preforms 105, and a control unit 103. According to the invention, the control unit 103 is designed to control a flow of preforms 105 in the container treatment plant 100 based on a standstill of a component of the container treatment plant 100.

[0035] The manufacturing machine 101 can be configured to produce preforms 105 used in the beverage industry from plastic, wherein the plastic can preferably comprise polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), or polypropylene (PP). However, this configuration of the manufacturing machine 101 is not to be understood as limiting, so that the manufacturing machine 101 can also be configured to produce preforms 105 of any type from any plastic or thermoplastic material.

[0036] The manufacturing machine 101 can, in particular, be an injection molding machine. Alternatively, it can also be a device for producing preforms using a compression molding process or a device for producing preforms using an injection compression molding process. However, it can also be any other device suitable for producing a preform.

[0037] In connection with the Fig. In the embodiments described in Figures 1a-1c, the at least one container treatment machine 102 is configured as a blow molding machine 102, wherein the blow molding machine 102 may be, for example, a stretch blow molding machine or an extrusion blow molding machine. For example, an optional heating device may be assigned to the blow molding machine 102 in order to apply heat or electromagnetic radiation to the preforms 105 and thus generate a specific temperature or a specific temperature distribution in the preforms 105 before they are formed into containers. In one embodiment, the blow molding machine 102 may be configured as a rotary machine, wherein the rotary machine may comprise a plurality of blow mold receptacles arranged along the circumference of the rotary machine.Each blow mold holder can be assigned a blow unit, wherein the blow unit can be designed to apply compressed air to a preform located in a blow mold and pre-tempered by the optional heating device and to form this preform into a container 121.

[0038] The containers 121 can preferably be bottles used in the beverage industry. Alternatively, however, they can also be containers of any type, such as cans, cups, glasses, or tubes, as used, for example, in the beverage, pharmaceutical, healthcare, or food industries, or any other container 121 that can be suitable for holding any liquid or pasty medium.

[0039] The design of the at least one container treatment machine 102 as a blow molding machine 102 is to be understood as an example. The at least one container treatment machine 102 can also be designed as any other device suitable for treating containers. For example, the at least one container treatment machine 102 can also be designed as a device for pretreating containers, for example, using a corona and / or plasma process, as a filler for filling containers with a beverage or any other liquid, as a labeling device, as a direct printing device, as a capper, or as any other container treatment machine.

[0040] In one embodiment, it may also be provided that a combination of the container treatment machines just described or any other container treatment machine is arranged downstream of the production machine 101 in a transport direction 104 of the preforms 105.

[0041] The control unit 103 can be configured as a computer, server, or any other computing unit and can be connected to the manufacturing machine 101 and the blow molding machine 102 via cable connections 116, 117. The control unit 103 can also be connected to any other component of the container treatment machine 100 via a corresponding cable connection. In an alternative embodiment, it can also be provided that the control unit 103 is connected to the components of the container treatment system 100 via a wireless connection, for example via a WLAN connection. Due to the cable or wireless connection between the control unit 103 and the components of the container treatment system 100, the control unit 103 can, for example, detect a standstill at a component of the container treatment system 100 and, based on this, control a flow of preforms 105 in the container treatment system 100.Thus, even if a component of the container treatment plant 100 is shut down, the operation of the container treatment plant 100 can be maintained at least partially.

[0042] A first transport device 108 can be provided between the production machine 101 and the blow molding machine 102 to transport the preforms 105 produced by the production machine 101 to the blow molding machine 102. The transport of the preforms 105 by means of the first transport device 108 from the production machine 101 to the blow molding machine 102 can be provided, for example, when the container treatment plant 100 is in a normal state, i.e., none of the components of the container treatment plant 100 are at a standstill.

[0043] In a transport direction 104 of the preforms 105, a second transport device 110 can be provided downstream of the blow molding machine 102, by means of which the preforms 105 formed into containers 121 by the blow molding machine 102 can be transported to an optional additional container treatment machine (not explicitly shown here). The optional additional container treatment machine can be any of the container treatment machines described above or a combination thereof. Thus, in one embodiment, for example, a filler for filling the formed containers with a beverage or any other liquid can be provided downstream of the blow molding machine 102 in a transport direction 104 of the preforms 105 or containers 121.

[0044] In one embodiment, the container treatment system 100 can comprise a first storage device 106 for storing preforms 105 and / or a box for rejects 114 for comminuting preforms 105. The box for rejects 114 can, in particular, be a shredder. In the embodiment discussed here, the storage device 106 and the box for rejects 114 can be arranged laterally next to the first transport device 108. The storage device 106 can be connected to the first transport device 108 by means of a third transport device 111, and the box for rejects 114 can be connected to the first transport device 108 by means of a fourth transport device 115. The arrangement of the first storage device 106 and the box for rejects 114 just discussed is to be understood as exemplary.The first storage device 106 and the box for reject parts 114 can also be arranged at any other location in the container treatment system 100, provided they are arranged such that the preforms produced by the production machine 101 are fed to the first storage device 106 or the box for reject parts 114 instead of the blow molding machine 102. In an alternative embodiment, it can also be provided, for example, that the first storage device 106 and the box for reject parts 114 are directly connected to the production machine 101 via corresponding transport devices, and the preforms are not first transferred to the first transport device 108.

[0045] In connection with the Fig. 1, the container treatment plant 100 comprises an optional distribution device 118, wherein the distribution device 118 can be controlled by the control unit 103 such that the preforms 105 produced by the production machine 101 can either be guided from the first transport device 108 to the third transport device 111 and discharged into the first storage device 106, or can be guided from the first transport device 108 to the fourth transport device 115 and discharged into the box for defective parts 114, or can be transferred by the first transport device 108 in the transport direction 104 to the blow molding machine 102.

[0046] To direct the flow of preforms 105 toward the first storage device 106, toward the blow molding machine 102, or toward the reject box 114, the distribution device 118 can comprise a guide plate, which can be aligned, for example, by means of a servo motor by the control unit 103 such that the preforms 105 are directed either to the first storage device 106, to the blow molding machine 102, or to the reject box 114. In this sense, the distribution device can serve as a switch or be designed as a switch. In order to control the distribution device, the control unit 103 can be connected to the distribution device 118 via a cable connection 120 (alternatively, a wireless connection can also be provided).In the alternative embodiment briefly outlined above, where the first storage device 106 and the box for reject parts 114 are directly connected to the production machine 101 via corresponding transport devices, it can also be provided that the distribution device 118 is integrated into the production machine 101. In this case, the distribution device 118 can be arranged, for example, at an outlet of the production machine 101.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment, the distribution device 118 can also be designed as a robot, a gantry system, or any type of handling system. A configuration of the distribution device 118 as a plurality of interconnected conveyor belts is also conceivable.

[0048] In one embodiment, the container treatment system 100 can comprise a second storage device 107 for preforms, wherein the second storage device can be connected to the first storage device via a fifth transport device 112, so that the preforms 105 stored in the first storage device 106 can be transferred from the first storage device 106 to the second storage device 107. The second storage device 107 can in turn be connected to the blow molding machine 102 via a sixth transport device 113, so that the preforms 105 stored in the second storage device 107 can be fed to the blow molding machine 102. Optionally, a sorting device 119 can be provided between the second storage device 107 and the blow molding machine 102.By means of the sorting device 119, the preforms 105, which are typically stored as bulk material in the storage device, can be separated and transferred to the blow molding machine 102 in an orderly manner. In one embodiment, the sorting device 119 can be configured as a roller sorter. The roller sorter can, for example, be configured such that it not only separates the preforms 105 but also transports them from the second storage device 107 to the blow molding machine 102. In this case, the sorting device 119 and the second transport device 113 are configured as a single unit. Alternatively, the sorting device 119 can also be configured, for example, as a disc sorter.

[0049] In an alternative embodiment, it can also be provided that the first 106 and the second storage device 107 are identical and configured as a storage unit, in which case the optional fifth transport device 112 is not required. In this case, it can be provided that the storage unit is connected to the production machine 101 via the third transport device 111 and to the blow molding machine 102 via the sixth transport device 113. In this case, too, the sixth transport device 113 can be configured, for example, as a roller sorter, so that the preforms can be transferred in an orderly manner from the storage unit to the blow molding machine 102.In this case, for example, the preforms fed to the storage unit when the blow molding machine is at a standstill can be fed back to the blow molding machine at a later time, which can be the case, for example, when the production machine 101 is at a standstill.

[0050] In an alternative embodiment, not discussed in detail here, it can also be provided that the first storage device 106 and the second storage device 107 are designed as separate storage devices and are not connected to one another.

[0051] In connection with the Fig. In the embodiment discussed in Figures 1a-c, the optional transport devices 108, 110, 115, 111, 112, and 113 are illustrated as linear transport devices by way of example. This embodiment is not to be understood as limiting. The transport devices 108, 110, 115, 111, 112, and 113 can alternatively be provided as transport stars or as a combination of linear transport devices and transport stars.

[0052] In connection with the Fig. 1a - 1c, three different operating states of the container treatment plant 100 are now discussed in more detail.

[0053] In connection with the Fig. In the embodiment described in Figure 1a, the blow molding machine 102 arranged downstream of the production machine 101 in a transport direction 104 is at a standstill. The standstill of the blow molding machine 102 can be caused, for example, by a malfunction of the blow molding machine 102, for example, by a defective component of the blow molding machine 102, or by a maintenance-related standstill of the blow molding machine 102, which can be caused, for example, by a maintenance-related change of a component or the replacement of a consumable. In an alternative embodiment, it can also be the case, for example, that a further optional container treatment machine arranged downstream of the blow molding machine 102 in a transport direction 104 of the preforms 105 is at a standstill, or that a combination of container treatment machines arranged downstream of the production machine 101 in a transport direction 104 is at a standstill.

[0054] In order to maintain partial operation of the container treatment system 100 even when the blow molding machine 102 is at a standstill, the control unit 103 can control the distribution device 118 when the blow molding machine 102 is at a standstill such that the preforms 104 produced by the production machine 101 are diverted from the first transport device 108 to the third transport device 111 and discharged into the first storage device 106. Thus, even when the blow molding machine 102 or another optional container treatment machine is at a standstill, continued operation of the production machine 101 and further production of preforms 105 can be ensured.By continuing to produce preforms 105 and transferring them to the first storage device 106, they can be stored in reserve and, for example, fed back to the blow molding machine 102 via the second storage device 107 at a later time, once the downtime on the blow molding machine 102 has been resolved. Alternatively, the preforms 105 stored in the first 106 or second storage device 107 can also be fed to the blow molding machine 102, for example, only when the production machine 101 has come to a standstill and no new preforms 105 can be produced. This embodiment is described in connection with the . Fig. 1c described in more detail.

[0055] In one embodiment, it can be provided that the preforms 104 produced by the production machine 101 are only fed to the first storage device 106 until the downtime of the blow molding machine 102 reaches a certain threshold. In one embodiment, the threshold can be determined, for example, by a storage capacity of the first storage device 106 (for example, 5,000 or 10,000 preforms). This ensures that preforms 105 are only fed to the first storage device 106 until the storage capacity of the first storage device 106 has been reached. This can prevent, for example, a blockage of the first 108 and the third transport device 111 caused by preforms 105 that cannot be stored in the first storage device 106 and a resulting potential malfunction of the production machine 101.

[0056] In one embodiment, it may also be provided that the preforms are distributed between the first 106 and the second storage device 107. In this case, the threshold value may also be determined, for example, based on a storage capacity of the first and second storage devices.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment, it may also be provided that the threshold value is set on a customer- and / or variety-specific basis.

[0058] If the downtime of the blow molding machine 102 exceeds the threshold value, it can be provided in one embodiment that the flow of preforms generated by the production machine 101 is not led to the first storage device 106, but to the box for rejects 114 for comminuting the preforms 105. This embodiment is described in connection with the Fig. 1b described in more detail.

[0059] Fig. Figure 1b shows schematically the already mentioned Fig. 1a discussed container treatment plant 100 in an operating state according to another embodiment.

[0060] As already mentioned in connection with the Fig. 1a, also applies to the design of the Fig. 1b, a standstill occurs at the blow molding machine 102. In contrast to the Fig. 1a, the control unit 103 controls the distribution device 118 in the embodiment of Fig. 1b, however, such that the preforms 105 produced by the production machine 101 are diverted from the first transport device 108 to the fourth transport device 115 and discharged into the reject box 114 for comminuting the preforms 105. As already mentioned above, this can be the case, for example, if the downtime of the blow molding machine 102 exceeds a threshold value.

[0061] Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that the preforms 105 are immediately removed to the box for rejects 114 when the blow molding machine 102 or the at least one container treatment machine is at a standstill and not only after the time interval of the standstill of the blow molding machine has reached a threshold value.

[0062] In one embodiment, it can be provided that the preforms 105 crushed by the box for rejects 114 can be fed back to the production machine 101 and new preforms can be produced from the crushed material.

[0063] Another embodiment, which already described in connection with the Fig. 1a and b shows the container treatment plant 100 discussed in a different operating state is shown in the Fig. 1c discussed.

[0064] In the embodiment of the Fig.1c, the production machine 101 is at a standstill, so that no more preforms 105 can be produced by the production machine 101 and the blow molding machine 102 can no longer be supplied with preforms 105 via the first transport device 108.

[0065] In order to maintain at least partial operation of the container treatment plant, i.e., to continue to enable the molding of preforms 105 by the blow molding machine 102, it can be provided that the control unit 103 controls the second storage device 107 and the sixth transport device 113 such that the blow molding machine 102 is supplied with preforms 105 from the second storage device 107. The second storage device 107 can in turn be supplied with preforms 105 from the first storage device 106, wherein the preforms 105 can be transported from the first storage device 106 to the second storage device 107 by means of the fifth transport device 112.

[0066] In order to ensure that the first 106 or second storage device 107 is at least partially filled with preforms 105 in the event of a standstill of the production machine 101, so that the blow molding machine 102 or the at least one container treatment machine can be supplied with preforms 105 in the event of a standstill of the production machine 101 and partial operation of the container treatment plant 100 can be maintained, it can be provided in one embodiment that the first 106 and the second storage device 107 are at least partially filled with externally produced preforms before the container treatment plant starts operating.

[0067] Alternatively, in one embodiment, it may also be provided, for example, that when the container treatment plant starts operating, the control unit 103 initially controls the distribution device 118 in such a way that the preforms 105 produced by the production machine 101 are fed to the first 106 or the second storage device 107 during a specific time interval after the container treatment plant 100 starts operating, and the storage devices can be filled with preforms.

[0068] The specific time interval can, for example, be selected based on a storage capacity of the first and / or second storage device or can be determined dynamically based on a fill level of the first and / or second storage device. Once a specific fill level of the first and / or second storage device is reached, the control unit 103 can be configured to control the distribution device 118 such that the preforms 105 produced by the production machine 101 are fed to the blow molding machine 102 and normal operation of the container treatment system 100 can begin. For example, it can be provided that the first storage device 106 and the second storage device 107 are filled with a quarter, half, or three-quarters of the maximum storable quantity of preforms.

Claims

[1] Container treatment plant (100) for producing and treating preforms (105), wherein the container treatment plant (100) comprises a production machine (101) for producing preforms (105), in particular an injection molding machine, at least one container treatment machine (102) arranged downstream of the production machine (101) in a transport direction (104) of the preforms (105), and a control unit (103), wherein the control unit (103) is designed to control a flow of preforms (105) in the container treatment plant (100) based on a standstill of a component of the container treatment plant (100). [2] Container treatment plant according to claim 1, wherein the component comprises the at least one container treatment machine (102). [3] Container treatment plant according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein, when a period of downtime is less than a threshold value, controlling the flow of preforms (105) comprises discharging the preforms (105) produced by the manufacturing machine (101) into a first storage device (106). [4] Container treatment plant according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, when a period of standstill is greater than a threshold value, controlling the flow of preforms (105) comprises discharging the preforms (105) produced by the production machine (101) into a box for rejects (114) for shredding the preforms (105), in particular a shredder. [5] Container treatment plant according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control unit (103) is designed to determine the threshold value based on a storage capacity of the first storage device (106). [6] Container treatment plant according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the component comprises the manufacturing machine (101). [7] Container treatment plant according to claim 6, wherein controlling the flow of preforms (105) comprises feeding preforms (105) to the at least one container treatment machine from a second storage device (107). [8] Container treatment plant according to claim 7, wherein a sorting device (119) is arranged between the second storage device (107) and the at least one container treatment machine (102) and the preforms (105) can be fed in an orderly manner to the at least one container treatment machine (102). [9] Method for producing and treating preforms (105) in a container treatment plant (100), wherein the container treatment plant (100) comprises a production machine (101) for producing preforms (105), in particular an injection molding machine, at least one container treatment machine (102) arranged downstream of the production machine (101) in a transport direction (104) of the preforms (105), and a control unit (103), wherein a flow of preforms in the container treatment plant (100) is controlled by the control unit (103) based on a standstill of a component of the container treatment plant (100). [10] The method of claim 9, wherein the component comprises the at least one container treatment machine (102). [11] The method according to claim 10, wherein, when a period of downtime is less than a threshold value, the flow of preforms (105) is controlled such that the preforms (105) produced by the manufacturing machine (101) are transferred to a first storage device (106). [12] Method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, when a period of standstill is greater than a threshold value, the flow of preforms (105) is controlled such that the preforms (105) produced by the production machine (101) are fed to a box for rejects (114) for comminuting the preforms (105), in particular to a shredder. [13] The method according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the threshold value is determined by the control unit (103) based on a storage capacity of the first storage device (106). [14] Method according to one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the component comprises the manufacturing machine (101) and wherein the flow of preforms (105) is controlled such that preforms (105) are fed to the at least one container treatment machine (102) from a second storage device (107). [15] Method according to claim 14, wherein a sorting device (119) is arranged between the second storage device (107) and the at least one container treatment machine (102) and the preforms (105) are fed in an orderly manner to the at least one container treatment machine (102).

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