Plant and method for manufacturing containers

Abstract

Plant for producing containers, the plant comprising a production machine for producing preforms, a blow molding machine for producing containers from the preforms and a transport device for transporting the preforms from the production machine to the blow molding machine, wherein the plant comprises a conversion device for converting at least one component of the production machine and / or the blow molding machine.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a plant for producing containers according to claim 1 and to a method for converting a plant for producing containers according to claim 9. State of the art

[0002] Systems for manufacturing containers are well known in the art. In particular, both unblocked and blocked designs are known. In unblocked designs, preforms for the containers are produced, for example, using injection molding machines and then temporarily stored. Further transport of the manufactured preforms to a processing company that manufactures containers from the preforms can also be provided. After temporary storage, the preforms are then formed into containers, for example, using blow molding machines, and then further processed, in particular, filled, sealed, and decorated, for example, by applying labels or printed images.

[0003] In block-type systems, the production of preforms takes place simultaneously with their further processing (at least simultaneously with the forming of the preforms into containers). The throughput of the production machine used to produce the preforms and the blow molding machine or other machine used to form the preforms into containers is essentially the same, and the preforms are transported and further processed immediately after their production in the injection molding machine. In particular, during normal operation, the preforms are fed directly to the blow molding machine via suitable transport devices, which then processes them.

[0004] However, during the operation of blocked systems, conversion work is necessary. This involves replacing one or more components of at least one of the machines, for example, to perform a format change, in which components suitable for containers and / or preforms of a first mold are exchanged for components suitable for containers and / or preforms of a second mold.

[0005] With regard to blocked devices or systems, there is no known possibility from the state of the art how a conversion can be carried out, especially with reduced personnel deployment. Task

[0006] Based on the known state of the art, the technical problem to be solved is to specify a plant for producing containers and a method for converting a plant with which different types of containers can be flexibly produced. Solution

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by the plant for producing containers according to claim 1 and the method for producing containers with a plant for producing containers according to claim 9. Advantageous developments of the invention are covered in the subclaims.

[0008] The plant according to the invention for producing containers comprises a production machine for producing preforms, a blow molding machine for producing containers from the preforms and a transport device for transporting the preforms from the production machine to the blow molding machine, wherein the plant comprises a conversion device for converting at least one component of the production machine and / or the blow molding machine.

[0009] The manufacturing machine can, for example, be or include an injection molding machine. Other configurations of the manufacturing machine, such as a compression machine or compression molding machine, are also conceivable, and the invention is not limited to the type of manufacturing machine.

[0010] While the blow molding machine is described below as comprising at least devices for forming the containers (for example blow molding), it can also be provided that the blow molding machine comprises upstream of these devices one or more heating devices for heating the preforms, for example an oven, in particular an infrared oven or a microwave oven or a laser oven for heating the preforms or any combinations thereof.

[0011] The conversion device can, in particular, comprise one or more tools and / or robots that enable the conversion of a component of the manufacturing machine and / or the blow molding machine. The conversion can be carried out either fully automatically by the conversion device alone, without interaction with an operator, or in cooperation with an operator.

[0012] The component of the manufacturing machine and / or the blow molding machine can, in principle, be any structural component of these machines. With regard to the injection molding machine, in particular, a conversion or replacement of an injection molding tool can be provided as a component; with regard to the blow molding machine, blow molds can, in particular, be converted as components. The system according to the invention enables a simple and at least partially, preferably fully automated, changeover process or adaptation of the machines to different container types and / or preform types.

[0013] It can be provided that the transport device comprises a buffer device for storing preforms, wherein the system comprises a control unit which is designed to control the transport of the preforms in the transport device in such a way that preforms are fed to the buffer device from a transport path of the transport device while the blow molding machine is being converted and a transport of preforms to the blow molding machine is interrupted, and / or that preforms are fed from the buffer device to the blow molding machine while the production machine is being converted.

[0014] This buffer device can ensure that the changeover is carried out as efficiently as possible and with minimal downtime, especially if the changeover times of the blow molding machine and the production machine are different or if only one of these machines is to be converted.

[0015] In one embodiment, it is provided that the buffer device comprises at least two buffer rows which can be introduced into the transport path of the transport device for receiving and / or conveying preforms and can be moved out of the transport path for buffering preforms.

[0016] This embodiment allows the buffer device to be integrated into the transport path of the transport device, which can reduce the space requirement of the system.

[0017] It can be provided that the transport device upstream of the buffer device comprises a blocking element for selectively blocking and releasing a transport of preforms into the buffer device.

[0018] This design ensures reliable feeding of preforms to the buffer device, so that even when buffering is necessary, operational disruptions are reduced.

[0019] The transport track can include conveyor rails for the preforms, and the buffer rows can include receiving rails for receiving the preforms. This simplifies the integration of the buffer device into the transport system. It can be provided that the conversion device comprises a conversion unit assigned to the blow molding machine and / or a conversion unit assigned to the production machine and / or that the conversion device comprises a conversion unit movable between the blow molding machine and the production machine, wherein the conversion unit is designed to convert the at least one component.

[0020] The conversion units can be specifically adapted to the requirements of the blow molding machine and the production machine, so that, for example, the tools for the conversion unit assigned to the production machine are different from the tools for the conversion unit assigned to the blow molding machine. If a movable conversion unit is provided, it can include tools adapted to the requirements of the blow molding machine and the production machine.

[0021] This design allows either simultaneous changeover by using the changeover units assigned to the machines or a reduced complexity of the system, while still ensuring reliable changeover.

[0022] It can be provided that the system comprises a container treatment machine downstream of the blow molding machine for treating containers produced in the blow molding machine, and wherein the conversion device is designed to convert at least one component of the container treatment machine. Necessary conversions of machine components involved in the production and further processing of the containers can thus be carried out reliably.

[0023] The container processing machine may comprise a filler and / or a sealer and / or a labeling machine and / or a printing machine and / or an inspection device. These machines typically require retooling when changing between container types to be produced, so the invention can be particularly advantageously applied to these container processing machines.

[0024] According to the invention, a method for converting a plant for producing containers is also provided, the plant comprising a production machine for producing preforms, a blow molding machine for producing containers from the preforms and a transport device for transporting the preforms from the production machine to the blow molding machine, wherein the plant comprises a conversion device for converting at least one component of the production machine and / or the blow molding machine, wherein the method comprises converting at least one component of the production machine and / or the blow molding machine with the conversion device, wherein optionally at least partly during the conversion of the blow molding machine preforms are produced with the production machine and / or optionally at least partly during the conversion of the production machine preforms are formed into containers with the blow molding machine.

[0025] With this process, a grade change or retooling can be carried out with reduced downtime of the system.

[0026] It can be provided that the transport device comprises a buffer device for storing preforms, wherein the system comprises a control unit which controls the transport of the preforms in the transport device in such a way that preforms are fed to the buffer device from a transport path of the transport device while the blow molding machine is being converted and a transport of preforms to the blow molding machine is interrupted, and / or that preforms are fed from the buffer device to the blow molding machine while the production machine is being converted.

[0027] The use of these buffer devices can enable continued operation of the blow molding machine and / or the manufacturing machine even during the changeover of the other machine, thus minimizing plant downtime.

[0028] It can be provided that the transport device upstream of the buffer device comprises a blocking element for selectively blocking and releasing a transport of preforms into the buffer device, wherein the method comprises at least temporarily blocking the transport of the preforms into the buffer device.

[0029] For example, the transport of preforms into the buffer device can be blocked if a buffer row of the buffer device is removed from the transport path of the conveyor to buffer the preforms contained therein. This prevents preforms from being inadvertently transferred to a buffer device that is not ready to receive the preforms, thus avoiding unintentional interruptions in operation.

[0030] In one embodiment, it is provided that the method comprises a conversion of the blow molding machine and the production machine, wherein after the conversion of the production machine and before the end of the conversion of the blow molding machine, the production machine produces preforms and the preforms are fed to the buffer device and wherein after the conversion of the blow molding machine, preforms are fed from the buffer device to the blow molding machine for producing containers and wherein the production machine is operated at least temporarily with a reduced throughput after the conversion of the blow molding machine.

[0031] The reduced throughput is therefore to be understood in comparison to the throughput of the production machine during an operating state of the system in which the blow molding machine is not being converted. The reduced throughput can be determined based on the number of preforms contained in the buffer device and the throughput of the blow molding machine, so that after a predetermined or dynamically calculated period of time, the buffer device is emptied and the throughput of the production machine can then be increased again to the non-reduced throughput, in which the throughput of the production machine is preferably equal to the throughput of the blow molding machine or equal to the throughput of all blow molding machines in the system if more than one blow molding machine is provided.

[0032] The production machine can be operated at the reduced throughput until the buffer device is emptied. This avoids a reduction in the throughput of containers produced by the system.

[0033] The method may comprise converting the blow molding machine and the manufacturing machine, and the converting device may convert the blow molding machine and the manufacturing machine at least partially simultaneously.

[0034] In this context, at least partially simultaneous changeover is understood to mean that the changeover device is involved in or carries out the changeover of a component of the blow molding machine and the production machine at least during an overlapping period, which does not have to be the same as the changeover time of the production machine and / or the blow molding machine. This can minimize downtime during product changeovers.

[0035] It can be provided that the system comprises a container treatment machine downstream of the blow molding machine for treating containers produced in the blow molding machine and that the conversion device is designed to convert at least one component of the container treatment machine, wherein the method comprises converting the component of the container treatment machine, wherein optionally the container treatment machine comprises a filler and / or a closer and / or a labeling machine and / or a printing machine and / or an inspection device.

[0036] This makes it possible to reliably convert the entire system, for example when changing the type or format of the containers. Short description of the characters Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a system according to an embodiment Fig. 3 to 4 show different embodiments of a buffer device Detailed description

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an inventive system 100 for producing containers 182 according to one embodiment.

[0038] According to the invention, the system 100 comprises at least one manufacturing machine 101 for producing preforms. The manufacturing machine 101 can be designed, for example, as an injection molding machine or compression molding machine or compression machine, which produces preforms from a preform starting material, in particular PET (virgin PET but also rPET), from which containers can subsequently be formed. However, the manufacturing machine is not limited with regard to its exact design.

[0039] According to the invention, the system 100 further comprises a transport device 102 which can remove preforms from the production machine 101 and feed them to the blow molding machine 103 provided according to the invention, in which the preforms 181 can be formed into containers 182 by biaxial stretching and in particular by applying blow pressure and stretching with a stretching rod.

[0040] The transport device 102 can be at least partially designed as an air conveyor, which can comprise two parallel conveyor rails, which can receive the preforms with their support rings in a suspended manner and can convey them by means of a compressed air flow from the production machine 101 towards the blow molding machine 103. Alternatively or additionally, the transport device for receiving preforms from the production machine 101 and / or for transferring preforms to the production machine 103 can also comprise further transport elements, such as clamp grippers and / or rotary star wheels with suitable grippers, which can receive and convey the preforms. Any sorting devices that rearrange the preforms after their production in the production machine and before they are transferred to, for example, an air conveyor, can also be provided, but are not described in further detail here.

[0041] The system may further comprise a container treatment machine 104 arranged downstream of the blow molding machine 103, which can further treat the containers produced in the blow molding machine 103. The container treatment machine 104 may, in particular but not exclusively, be configured to include a filler and / or a closer and / or a labeling machine and / or a printing machine and / or an inspection device. In general, any machine that can interact with or act on the container to determine and / or influence a property of the container can be understood as a container treatment machine.

[0042] A filler can introduce a product into the manufactured container 182, whereas a closer can close the already filled container. A closer can advantageously, but not exclusively, be arranged directly downstream (without any additional container treatment machine in between) of the blow molding machine if the blow molding machine is designed as a mold-filling machine that uses the product being filled into the container to form the container instead of compressed air. A separate filler downstream of the blow molding machine is then not required in this embodiment.

[0043] Labeling machines and printing machines can apply decorative elements to the manufactured containers 182 and are generally known from the prior art. An optical inspection device, such as a camera, can be provided as an inspection device, for example, which can check the manufactured containers 182 for quality.

[0044] Between the container treatment machine 104 and the blow molding machine 103, a further transport device 107 (for example a linear conveyor, such as an air conveyor, or one or more rotary stars) can optionally be arranged, which can take over the containers 182 and feed them to the container treatment machine 104.

[0045] According to the invention, the system 100 further comprises a conversion device 105, which is suitable for converting at least one component of the production machine and / or the blow molding machine. Component 111 of the production machine 101 can, for example, be an injection molding tool if the production machine 101 is configured as an injection molding machine. Component 131 of the blow molding machine 103 can, for example, be a blow mold or a component of the blow mold with which a preform can be formed into a container. Alternatively or additionally, component 131 can also be a stretching rod.

[0046] In one embodiment, the conversion device comprises a plurality of conversion units 151 and 152, at least one of which is assigned to the blow molding machine 103 and the production machine 101 and can convert the respective components. In an alternative embodiment, it can also be provided that a single conversion unit (for example, the conversion unit 152) is provided so as to be movable between the production machine and the blow molding machine 103 and can be moved between the production machine 101 and the blow molding machine 103 for converting the at least one component 111 and / or 131. The movable conversion unit can, for example, be arranged so as to be movable on rails or be implemented as a robot that can be freely moved in space or at least in the plane.

[0047] Optionally, one or more component storage areas 190 can also be provided, which can store components of the production machine and / or blow molding machine that are to be replaced. If a movable conversion unit is provided, it can be arranged so that it can be moved not only between the blow molding machine and the production machine, but also between the storage area 190, so that the conversion unit can remove the component to be replaced with the component installed in the respective machine from the storage area 190. If conversion units are permanently assigned to the machines, it can be provided that each conversion unit is assigned a component storage area from which the conversion units can remove components for converting the respective machine.

[0048] The conversion units can be configured as stationary conversion units or mobile conversion units, such as an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) with associated tools, so that they can at least participate in the conversion of the component or completely carry out the conversion. In principle, each conversion unit comprises at least one tool and / or a robot arm with which the conversion unit can carry out the conversion of the machine either fully automatically or partially in interaction with an operator. For this purpose, the conversion unit can further comprise sensors, for example, to detect physical objects such as operators and / or parts of the machine to be converted.

[0049] If the system 100 comprises a container treatment machine 104, a conversion unit 153 of this container treatment machine 104 can also be provided for converting at least one component 141 of the container treatment machine. Alternatively, the movable conversion unit, as already described above, can be designed such that it is arranged so that it can be moved (for example, on rails) between the container treatment machine, the blow molding machine, the production machine, and optionally the component storage 190, and can thus perform a conversion of each of the components 111, 131, and 141. The component of the container treatment machine can, for example, comprise a filling device and / or a printing head and / or a labelling unit or a component of a labelling unit (such as a pallet shaft) and / or a closing head for applying a closure to the container, depending on how the container treatment machine is designed and which component is replaced.

[0050] In a further embodiment, it can be provided that the system 101, in particular the transport device 102, comprises a buffer device 106 in which preforms 181 can be stored. The buffer device 106 can be arranged between two parts or sections 121 and 122 of the transport device, so that preforms 181 can be first fed from the production machine 101 to the buffer device 106 by the transport device or section 121 of the transport device 102 and then removed from the buffer device 106 by section 122 of the transport device 102 and fed to the blow molding machine 106.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the buffer device 106 does not permanently buffer preforms, but is designed or functions as part of the transport device 102 when buffering of the preforms is not required. In this case, the buffer device functions as part of the transport device, so that there is as little difference as possible in the distance traveled by the preforms compared to a continuous transport device 102 without a buffer device.

[0052] It can be provided that a blocking element 183 for selectively blocking and releasing the transport of preforms into or out of the buffer device is arranged upstream (and / or optionally downstream) of the buffer device 106. The blocking element 183 can, for example, be arranged upstream in a region of an air conveyor provided for transporting the preforms 181, so that, for example, a change in the buffer device, such as moving a buffer row of the buffer device, can be carried out while the preforms 181 are prevented from moving in the direction of the buffer device 106 by blocking the transport with the blocking element.

[0053] In each of the described embodiments, the system can comprise a control unit 180 (for example, a computer with an associated processor and memory) that can control the functions of the system 100 and in particular the conversion of the production machine and / or the blow molding machine and, if provided, the container treatment machine 104. For this purpose, the control unit can, for example, transmit control commands to the conversion device to instruct it to carry out the conversion. In addition, the control unit can be designed such that it can control the locking element 183 for locking or releasing the transport device and / or the feeding or removal of preforms into or from the buffer device 106, for example depending on a conversion of the blow molding machine 103 and / or the production machine 101.

[0054] It can be provided that the control unit is designed to control the system such that, during a changeover of the blow molding machine 103, the preforms 181 produced by the production machine 101 are buffered in the buffer device and not transported further to the blow molding machine 103. If the production machine is being converted, it can be provided that, at least partially during the changeover of the production machine 101, preforms are fed from the buffer device 106 to the blow molding machine in order to form them into containers 182 during the changeover of the production machine. This can reduce the downtime of the production machine and / or the blow molding machine 103 during the changeover of the other machine.Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided here that (in particular when providing conversion units 151 and 152 respectively assigned to the production machine 101 and the blow molding machine 103) the conversion of the blow molding machine and the production machine takes place at least partially simultaneously.

[0055] For example, it may be provided that during a planned changeover of the manufacturing machine and the blow molding machine, the manufacturing machine is first stopped and the blow molding machine continues to operate until the preforms 181 last produced by the manufacturing machine have been formed into containers 182.

[0056] Meanwhile, the production machine can already be converted by the conversion unit 152. If there are no more containers to be molded in the blow molding machine 103, the operation of the blow molding machine 103 can be stopped and the conversion process can begin (for example, using the conversion unit 151). As soon as the conversion of the production machine 101 is completed, it can be put back into operation and produce preforms 181 (optionally with a reduced throughput compared to normal operation), with these preforms 181 then being fed to the buffer device 106 for buffering and not to the blow molding machine 103. As soon as the blow molding machine 103 has been converted, it can be put back into operation and at least preforms from the buffer device 106 can be transferred to the blow molding machine 103 for molding into containers 182.In this case, further operation of the production machine 101 can take place at a reduced throughput, so that the buffer device 106 is initially emptied, yet enough preforms are produced to feed the blow molding machine 103. The throughput of the production machine can be reduced, for example, by up to 10%, up to 20%, or up to 50% compared to normal operation, so that the number of preforms fed to the buffer device during this operating phase is lower than the number of preforms removed from the buffer device per unit of time. As a result, the buffer unit is successively emptied.

[0057] If the buffer device 106 is empty (i.e., no longer contains any buffered or stored preforms), the throughput of the production machine 101 can be increased again and, for example, adjusted to the throughput of the blow molding machine (or the combined throughput of all blow molding machines in the system if more than one blow molding machine is provided), so that normal operation of the system can be continued until a retooling is required again.

[0058] The Fig. 2 to 4 show various embodiments of the buffer device 106, which can be particularly advantageously combined with an at least partially simultaneous changeover of the blow molding machine and the production machine, since they have at most a slight, preferably no, influence on the transport of the preforms during normal operation and allow a flexible continued operation of the blow molding machine and / or the production machine during the changeover.

[0059] In Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the buffer device 106, in which the buffer device 106 comprises two buffer elements 261 and 262, optionally arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T. The buffer elements 261 and 262 comprise a preferably rigid frame 263 and 264, respectively, which can in particular be made of stainless steel. A plurality (at least two) of buffer rows 265 and 266 are arranged on this frame in each buffer unit 261 and 262, into which preforms can be inserted by the transport device and which extend in the transport direction T. The buffer capacity of each buffer row depends on the extent of the preforms in the transport direction T and the length of the respective buffer row.This embodiment is particularly advantageous if the transport device comprises a transport track that includes two parallel conveyor rails, between which the preforms are transported suspended with their support rings (for example, by means of an air flow). In this case, the buffer rows 265 and 266 of the buffer units 261 and 262 can also comprise receiving rails, between which the preforms can be received suspended with their support rings. In this embodiment, each buffer row can further be assigned one or more air nozzles that can exert an air flow in the transport direction T on the preforms in order to remove them from the buffer device.

[0060] The transition from the transport track to the buffer row can be implemented for the preforms with reduced force in a direction different from that of the transport device T, which can prevent desired misalignment of the preforms. For this purpose, it can be provided that a vertical offset between the receiving rails and the conveyor rails when transferring the preforms from the transport device to a buffer row is as small as possible, preferably less than 3 mm, particularly preferably less than 2 mm.

[0061] The buffer rows are further preferably mounted on the frames 263 and 264 in such a way that the preforms are always suspended vertically along their longitudinal axis.

[0062] In the embodiment shown, a buffer row 267 (for example, a buffer row of the buffer unit 261 or buffer rows 267 of the buffer units 261 and 262 arranged one after the other in the transport direction) is first loaded with preforms. Subsequently, the blocking element (see Fig. 1) is actuated to block the further transport of preforms into the buffer device. The loaded buffer unit 261 is then rotated about the respective rotation axis (R1 or R2) with the aid of a drive element 271 assigned to the buffer unit (for example, a servo motor), so that the loaded buffer row (in which preforms are buffered) is removed from the transport path of the transport device in the direction of rotation shown, and the next buffer row of either the same buffer unit and / or the other buffer unit is inserted into the transport path so that it can be loaded with preforms. A corresponding drive element 272 is also assigned to the other buffer unit 262.

[0063] The rotation axes R1 and R2 are preferably arranged such that they run in a transport plane E of the preforms and parallel to the transport direction T, so that in the vertical direction there is no difference in height between the transport path of the transport device and the buffer row 267 receiving the preforms 181.

[0064] As already mentioned, it can be provided that the buffer units 261 and 262 are arranged one behind the other (in the transport direction T), so that preforms can be fed in one buffering process into both buffer units or the buffer rows 267 arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the buffer units 261 and 262 are arranged at the same height in the transport direction T, so that preforms are fed alternately to the buffer rows of the buffer units 261 and 262.

[0065] Fig. 3 shows a Fig. 2 alternative embodiment. In this embodiment, the buffer device comprises a frame 361 with buffer rows 362 arranged thereon, analogous to the embodiment of Fig. 2. In this embodiment, however, the frame is arranged to rotate about a rotation axis R that is vertically offset from the transport plane E but parallel to the transport direction T. The vertical offset can be either upward (against the direction of gravity) or downward (in the direction of gravity). Furthermore, the buffer device 106 comprises a drive element 363 (for example, a servomotor) designed to drive the frame and the buffer rows 362 arranged thereon, so that they can be rotated about the rotation axis R and introduced into a transport path of the transport device to receive preforms 181.

[0066] The basic structure of this buffer device corresponds to the structure of a buffer unit of the embodiment of the Fig. 2 except for the relative arrangement to the transport path of the transport device with regard to the rotation axis R of the buffer device. All other Fig. However, the embodiments described in section 2 are also suitable in connection with the Fig. 3 applicable.

[0067] Fig. 4 shows one of the embodiments of the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 alternative embodiment. In this embodiment of the buffer device 106, a plurality of buffer rows 362 are again provided, which are arranged movably in a plane of movement perpendicular to the transport direction T along a guide 461 in order to be introduced into the transport path of the transport device and to receive preforms there. Instead of the rigid, rotatably arranged frame according to the embodiments of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, however, in this embodiment, it is provided that the buffer rows are arranged on independently movable carriages 463, which can be moved along the guide 461 along the illustrated direction of movement D. The guide 461 can in particular be designed as part of a linear drive (as a stator), and the carriages 463 connected to the buffer rows 462 can be designed as movers, which can be selectively moved by electromagnetic interaction with the guide 461. As a result, the number of preforms that can be taken into or removed from the buffer device 106 per unit of time can be selectively controlled and, for example, controlled depending on the throughput of the blow molding machine and / or the throughput of the production machine when converting one of these machines.

[0068] With the described embodiments of the buffer device, together with the conversion device, an efficient, at least partially automated conversion of the machines of the system can be carried out, whereby downtimes are reduced in particular.

Claims

[1] Plant for producing containers, the plant comprising a production machine for producing preforms, a blow molding machine for producing containers from the preforms and a transport device for transporting the preforms from the production machine to the blow molding machine, wherein the plant comprises a conversion device for converting at least one component of the production machine and / or the blow molding machine. [2] Plant according to claim 1, wherein the transport device comprises a buffer device for storing preforms, wherein the plant comprises a control unit which is designed to control the transport of the preforms in the transport device in such a way that preforms are fed to the buffer device from a transport path of the transport device while the blow molding machine is being converted and a transport of preforms to the blow molding machine is interrupted, and / or that preforms are fed from the buffer device to the blow molding machine while the production machine is being converted. [3] Plant according to claim 2, wherein the buffer device comprises at least two buffer rows which can be introduced into the transport path of the transport device for receiving and / or conveying preforms and can be moved out of the transport path for buffering preforms. [4] Plant according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the transport device upstream of the buffer device comprises a blocking element for selectively blocking and releasing a transport of preforms into the buffer device. [5] Plant according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the transport path comprises conveyor rails for the preforms and wherein the buffer rows comprise receiving rails for receiving the preforms. [6] Plant according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the conversion device comprises a conversion unit assigned to the blow molding machine and / or a conversion unit assigned to the production machine and / or wherein the conversion device comprises a conversion unit movable between the blow molding machine and the production machine, wherein the conversion unit is designed to convert the at least one component. [7] Plant according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plant comprises, downstream of the blow molding machine, a container treatment machine for treating containers produced in the blow molding machine, and wherein the conversion device is designed to convert at least one component of the container treatment machine. [8] Plant according to claim 7, wherein the container treatment machine comprises a filler and / or a closer and / or a labelling machine and / or a printing machine and / or an inspection device. [9] Method for converting a plant for producing containers, the plant comprising a production machine for producing preforms, a blow molding machine for producing containers from the preforms and a transport device for transporting the preforms from the production machine to the blow molding machine, wherein the plant comprises a conversion device for converting at least one component of the production machine and / or the blow molding machine, wherein the method comprises converting at least one component of the production machine and / or the blow molding machine with the conversion device, wherein optionally at least partly during the conversion of the blow molding machine preforms are produced with the production machine and / or optionally at least partly during the conversion of the production machine preforms are formed into containers with the blow molding machine. [10] Method according to claim 9, wherein the transport device comprises a buffer device for storing preforms, wherein the system comprises a control unit which controls the transport of the preforms in the transport device in such a way that preforms are fed to the buffer device from a transport path of the transport device while the blow molding machine is being converted and a transport of preforms to the blow molding machine is interrupted, and / or that preforms are fed from the buffer device to the blow molding machine while the manufacturing machine is being converted. [11] Method according to claim 10, wherein the transport device upstream of the buffer device comprises a blocking element for selectively blocking and releasing a transport of preforms into the buffer device, the method comprising at least temporarily blocking the transport of the preforms into the buffer device. [12] Method according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the method comprises a retooling of the blow molding machine and the manufacturing machine, wherein after the retooling of the manufacturing machine and before the end of the retooling of the blow molding machine, the manufacturing machine produces preforms and the preforms are fed to the buffer device, and wherein after the retooling of the blow molding machine, preforms are fed from the buffer device to the blow molding machine for producing containers, and wherein the manufacturing machine is operated at least temporarily with a reduced throughput after the retooling of the blow molding machine. [13] The method of claim 12, wherein the manufacturing machine is operated at the reduced throughput until the buffer device is emptied. [14] Method according to one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the method comprises converting the blow molding machine and the manufacturing machine and wherein the conversion device converts the blow molding machine and the manufacturing machine at least partially simultaneously. [15] Method according to one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the plant downstream of the blow molding machine comprises a container treatment machine for treating containers produced in the blow molding machine and wherein the conversion device is designed to convert at least one component of the container treatment machine, wherein the method comprises converting the component of the container treatment machine, wherein optionally the container treatment machine comprises a filler and / or a closer and / or a labeling machine and / or a printing machine and / or an inspection device.

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