DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TREATING PLASTIC CONTAINERS, IN PARTICULAR BY MEANS OF LONG STATORS

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for treating plastic containers. Particularly in the beverage manufacturing industry, it has long been known that, to produce plastic bottles, so-called plastic preforms are first heated. These heated plastic preforms are then formed into plastic bottles using forming devices, such as stretch blow molding machines. Various procedures are known for heating these plastic preforms. For example, infrared ovens are known through which the plastic preforms are transported and heated. Heating mandrels are provided, which are immersed in a mouth of the plastic preforms and are arranged on chains.

[0002] The pitch of this chain or the individual holding mandrels also determines the spacing and is therefore immutable. As mentioned, the heated plastic preforms are later formed into plastic bottles using a blow molding machine. This requires increasing the pitch of the individual plastic preforms (i.e., their mutual spacing). In the prior art, this is typically achieved using so-called pitch-distortion starwheels, which grip the plastic preforms individually and increase their pitch. Solutions are also known in which the heating mandrels are brought to an increased pitch using a linear screw.

[0003] From DE 10 2014 115 302 A1, for example, a device for transporting plastic preforms with double pitch distortion is known, and from EP 2 848 382 A1 a container treatment plant with a furnace and a blowing device with individual drive of supports for preforms is known.

[0004] Furthermore, for example, DE 10 2013 105 687 A1 describes a device for transporting containers with a magnetic drive and DE 10 2010 018 153 A1 describes a transport device and a transport method for container treatment plants.

[0005] The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing devices and methods that enable simplified handling of such processes. In particular, a possibility is to be created to make it easier to increase the said divisions.

[0006] These objects are achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] A device according to the invention for treating containers, and in particular plastic containers, comprises a first transport device having a rotating carrier on which a first plurality of transport elements are arranged (in particular movable relative to this carrier), each of which has at least one holding means for holding plastic preforms and which are suitable and intended for transporting these plastic preforms along a first transport path. Furthermore, the device comprises at least one heating device, which is arranged in particular along the first transport path in order to heat the plastic preforms at least in sections during their transport along the first transport path.

[0008] According to the invention, the device comprises a second circulating transport device, which has a second circulating carrier on which a second plurality of transport elements are arranged, each of which has at least one holding means for holding the plastic preforms and which are suitable and intended for transporting these plastic preforms along a second transport path. The second transport path runs at least partially parallel to the first transport path.

[0009] Furthermore, first magnetic drive means are arranged on at least one carrier, which interact with second magnetic drive means located on the respective transport elements arranged on this carrier in order to transport these transport elements (in particular relative to the carrier) and / or these at least one transport element can be moved independently of one another relative to the first carrier. However, a sequence or order of the transport elements arranged on the respective carriers is preferably fixed or does not vary. Preferably, the transport elements are arranged on the carrier in a movable but particularly preferably non-removable manner. The individual transport elements are preferably guided by the respective carrier on which they are arranged in such a way that they move along a transport path, in particular a circumferential transport path. This transport path preferably runs in a (in particular horizontal) plane.

[0010] The parallel arrangement of the transport devices preferably ensures that a specific plastic preform is assigned, at least temporarily during its transport, both a transport element of the first transport device and a transport element of the second transport device. According to the invention, this plastic preform is temporarily held by both a holding element of the first transport device and a holding element of the second transport device. Preferably, the number of second transport elements is greater than the number of first transport elements.

[0011] Therefore, within the scope of the invention, two transport devices which are at least partially parallel to one another are proposed, each of which preferably allows independent movement of the respective holding means. This design of independent mobility makes it possible to implement the desired pitch distortion without high mechanical expenditure. In other words, it is proposed that a rotating carrier, in particular a long stator system, be used which carries individual holding means or transport elements. Partially parallel to this first transport device, a second transport device is provided which is likewise suitable and intended to grip the plastic preforms. Thus, it is particularly preferred to arrange two such transport devices and in particular stator circuits one above the other. Preferably, at least one of the two carriers is arranged stationary. Preferably, both carriers are arranged stationary.

[0012] Particularly preferably, along the said section in which the first transport path runs parallel to the second transport path, the two holding elements are each capable of holding individual plastic preforms. Thus, particularly preferably along this section or at least a portion of this section, the plastic preforms are held by both holding elements (or can at least be held at these sections). The invention thus creates the possibility of arbitrarily changing the pitches and even enabling partially synchronized operation of the individual plastic preforms or synchronized transport of the plastic preforms.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment, the second transport path is located below the first transport path and / or laterally offset from this first transport path. The first transport path, i.e. the transport path assigned to the first transport device, can be designed as a heating circuit that serves to heat the plastic preforms. In this transport device, the individual holding means can be designed, for example, as mandrels that can be inserted into the mouths of the plastic preforms. The second transport path can - as mentioned above - also have the movable holding elements that can, for example, grip the plastic preforms, for example, beneath their support rings.

[0014] The procedure described here makes it possible to change the pitch between the plastic preforms as desired without the use of mechanical means. In particular, the corresponding pitches can be adjusted or changed electronically.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment, the individual holding elements can have wheels to guide the holding elements relative to the carriers. The actual movement is achieved—as mentioned above—particularly by magnetic forces. The magnetic means that generate this movement can be, in particular, electromagnets or permanent magnets. Electromagnets are preferably arranged on the carriers, and permanent magnets are arranged on the transport elements.

[0016] In addition, the device can also comprise energy transmission means for transmitting electrical energy from the carrier to the individual transport elements. Transmission devices can also be provided, for example, to transmit control signals from the carrier to the individual transport elements. In this way, drive elements located on the transport elements can also be both supplied with power and controlled. These energy transmission means can be sliding contacts, for example. Energy can also be transmitted via the wheels, which roll preferentially relative to the individual carriers.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment, further first magnetic drive means are arranged on the other carrier, which interact with further second magnetic drive means arranged on the respective transport elements to transport these transport elements. Alternatively or additionally, it would also be possible for the second holding means or the second transport elements to be movable independently of one another relative to the second carrier.

[0018] Independent mobility of the individual transport elements means that, in particular, the pitch or distance of a specific transport element from a preceding and / or following transport element can be arbitrarily adjusted. For example, it would be possible for a first transport element to temporarily move more slowly than a second transport element, which, however, is also arranged on the same carrier.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment, the first transport path and the second transport path differ from each other at least in sections. Advantageously, the second transport path is longer than the first transport path. However, at least two mutually parallel sections of the first transport path are also preferably parallel to at least two mutually parallel sections of the second transport path. Advantageously, the plastic preforms are transported in opposite directions in these mutually parallel sections of the two transport paths.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one of the two transport paths is oval. For example, this at least one transport path can have two straight sections and two deflection sections each, in which the direction of movement of the plastic preforms is rotated by 180°. Advantageously, both transport paths are oval.

[0021] For a process according to the invention, it would be possible for a transport element (hereinafter also referred to as a "mover") to first pick up a plastic preform using a gripping device, move it into a heating device or an oven, and, in parallel, for a mandrel to move over the mouth of the plastic preform using the first transport device and insert it into the mouth. As soon as the plastic preform is held by this mandrel, holding means of the further transport device, such as gripping tongs, can open, thus enabling, for example, a rotation of the plastic preform.

[0022] This allows for a variable mandrel pitch within the actual heating device. Advantageously, a plurality of heating elements, particularly infrared heating elements, are provided along the first transport path of the plastic preforms. However, the use of a microwave oven would also be conceivable, in which individual plastic preforms are inserted into microwave resonators and heated there.

[0023] In addition to the described variable pitch between the individual transport elements or holding mandrels, a speed of rotation is preferably also variably adjustable within the furnace. Furthermore, the plastic preform cannot fall from the holding element or mandrel during the actual heating phase. This can be achieved, for example, by a safety device which acts on the holding means arranged below via the second holding device, such as a gripper,. Furthermore, no further transfer of the plastic preforms is necessary after heating, as they can already be taken over by the second holding elements. Furthermore, the first holding means, such as a gripper, can also serve as heat or radiation shielding in order to prevent excessive heating of the mouth of the plastic preforms.

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a forming device arranged along the second transport path and suitable and intended for forming the plastic preforms into plastic containers. This can be, for example, a blow molding machine, and in particular a stretch blow molding machine, which has blow molds within which the plastic preforms are blown, in particular by means of compressed air, to form the plastic containers. For this purpose, the forming device could comprise a plurality of such blow molds, each of which has application devices, such as blow nozzles, which apply compressed air to the heated plastic preforms.

[0025] In this embodiment, several such forming stations are advantageously arranged next to one another and, in particular, in a stationary manner. Furthermore, the individual forming stations can also comprise rod-like bodies that can be inserted into the plastic preforms to stretch them longitudinally. As mentioned above, the present invention also allows for synchronized transport of the plastic preforms. In this embodiment, it is advantageously possible for the plastic preforms to be inserted into these stationary forming stations and pressurized there with compressed air. Thus, the forming device advantageously comprises a plurality of stationary forming stations. "Stationary" here means that these forming stations are not transported movably, for example, on a blowing wheel, as is sometimes common in the prior art, but are arranged in a stationary manner.

[0026] This stationary arrangement allows for a technically simplified design, for example, with regard to the supply of electrical power, the supply of control signals, and also the supply of blast air. Furthermore, the production output of such a device can be varied by, for example, changing the number of forming stations. Additional forming stations can also be added to existing systems.

[0027] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one transport device is therefore suitable and intended for transporting the plastic preforms in a timed manner, i.e., for transporting the plastic preforms even with at least temporary downtimes. This is preferably the second transport device. Preferably, both transport devices are suitable and intended for transporting the plastic preforms in a timed manner.

[0028] In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport device which transports the first holding elements, which are in particular heating mandrels, is a long stator system. By means of the second transport device, which is preferably also designed as a long stator system, the plastic preforms can be transferred to a closing unit and / or forming station. Advantageously, the first holding elements and the second holding elements are moved parallel to one another, at least in sections. A second holding element can be assigned to each first holding element, and the plastic preform can be guided jointly by these two holding elements. Advantageously, the holding elements are at least partially active holding elements, for example gripping clamps that can be actively opened and closed.

[0029] Furthermore, a pitch of the first transport elements relative to the first carrier and of the second holding elements relative to the second carrier can be electronically adjustable and can also be selected differently, in particular in the areas in which only one transport device, such as the second transport device, is present.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a coupling device that at least temporarily couples first holding elements, which are movable relative to the first carrier, and second holding elements, which are movable relative to the second carrier. For example, it is possible for the two transport elements arranged on the two different carriers to be coupled to one another by moving a mandrel into the mouth of the plastic preforms.

[0031] In addition, it would also be possible for the respective holding elements to be coupled in such a way that, for example, a grip of the second holding means is released at the same time by a movement of the mandrel into a mouth of the plastic preforms, so that the plastic preform can now be freely rotated.

[0032] In a further advantageous embodiment, it is also conceivable to provide an additional drive device that causes a holding mandrel to move in its longitudinal direction, i.e., into and / or out of the openings of the plastic preforms. For this purpose, guide curves could be provided, for example. In this way, it is possible to ensure that the mandrels are inserted into the plastic preforms at specific positions and are also guided out of the plastic preforms again at specific positions.

[0033] In addition, an elastic means could be provided which urges the holding means, such as holding mandrels, into a specific position, for example into a position in which they emerge from the plastic preforms or are pulled out of them.

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device can also have a central drive device that sets all of the holding means, such as the holding mandrels, in a rotary motion. For example, a pulley could be provided on each of these holding mandrels, which runs on a (for example, stationary) belt and is thus set in rotation. However, it would also be possible for each individual holding means, and in particular each individual holding mandrel, to have its own drive.

[0035] Furthermore, it would also be conceivable for a control device to control the rotational speed of the first holding elements, such as holding mandrels. Such information, such as information about the rotational speed, can also be output by the second holding elements, such as gripping elements.

[0036] It would also be possible for one of the two carriers to have drive means, such as magnetic drive means, only partially along the transport path, or even none at all, and for the holding elements to be movable relative to the carrier, but for the movement to be generated by the second holding elements running along the other carrier. In this case, a mechanical coupling can exist, at least temporarily, between the respective holding elements or transport elements. This coupling can be mediated via the plastic preform to be transported, but also by additional mechanical elements, which can establish this connection between the transport elements, for example, by moving a holding mandrel or gripping clamps.

[0037] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one holding means and in particular a second holding means is suitable and intended to grip the plastic preform via a support or support ring.

[0038] Advantageously, each holding element has at least two wheels, which mount the holding element movably relative to the carrier, and preferably at least four wheels. Preferably, the holding elements have at least six wheels in order to mount the holding element movably relative to the carrier. These wheels are advantageously arranged at least partially one above the other in a vertical direction. Wheels of the holding elements arranged one above the other are also advantageously offset from one another in a direction of movement. In a further advantageous embodiment, the carrier has a modular construction. This modular design enables different carrier lengths and thus, for example, also different heating sections to be realized. For example, the carrier can be composed of a plurality of straight and curved segments, so that the shape of the carrier can also be adapted essentially as desired.

[0039] According to the invention, the first holding means are suitable and intended to grip the plastic preforms at a first region of the plastic preforms, and the second holding means are suitable and intended to grip the plastic preforms at a second region of the plastic preforms, wherein the first regions and the second regions differ from one another. As explained, the first holding means can be mandrels that engage in the mouths of the plastic preforms and thus grip them from the inside. The second holding means can be—as mentioned above—gripping elements that grip the plastic preforms at their outer periphery.

[0040] Advantageously, at least the first holding means are movable in their longitudinal direction so as to be inserted into the openings of the plastic preforms. This longitudinal direction is preferably also a longitudinal direction of the plastic preforms to be treated.

[0041] In a further advantageous embodiment, the first transport path is arranged above the second transport path. However, a lateral offset of the two transport paths would also be possible.

[0042] Advantageously, at least one first holding means is arranged rotatably in such a way that a rotation of the plastic preforms with respect to their longitudinal direction is effected.

[0043] The present invention is further directed to a method for treating plastic containers, wherein plastic preforms are transported by means of a first transport device along a first predetermined transport path, and this first transport device has a first circulating carrier, along which first transport elements with holding means for holding the plastic preforms move. Furthermore, the plastic preforms are heated at least partially and / or at least temporarily during their transport along the first transport path. Furthermore, the plastic preforms are transported by means of a second transport device along a second transport path.

[0044] According to the invention, the first transport path and the second transport path run parallel at least in sections and preferably the transport along the second transport path runs at least in sections and / or in a timed manner.

[0045] It is therefore also proposed in terms of the method that two, in particular parallel, transport paths are provided, wherein at least one of the two transport paths is transported in a synchronized manner during one transport, in particular in order to be able to further process the plastic preforms.

[0046] Particularly preferably, the plastic preforms are formed into plastic containers by means of a forming device during their transport by the second transport device. In particular, such forming is carried out by a blow molding process, i.e., in particular, the plastic preforms are exposed to a gaseous medium, and in particular to compressed air, for their forming. For this purpose, the plastic preforms are preferably fed into blow molding stations by means of the second transport device, and the transport is then stopped. In this state, the blow molds can be closed, and the plastic preforms can be expanded by exposure to compressed air.

[0047] According to the invention, the plastic preforms are held at least temporarily by holding means of the first transport device and by holding means of the second transport device. Advantageously, the plastic preforms are transferred from holding means of the second transport device to holding means of the first transport device. Advantageously, the plastic preforms are transferred (in particular at a later time) from holding means of the first transport device to holding means of the second transport device. Preferably, the plastic preforms are generally transferred from one transport device to another transport device (or to their respective transport elements and / or holding elements) and (in particular at a later time) taken over again by this first-mentioned transport device and transported further.

[0048] In a preferred method, it would be possible for the holding means of the second transport device, such as gripping elements, to initially still hold the plastic preforms. During this hold, holding means of the first transport device, such as holding mandrels, can dip into the preform mouths or the mouth and / or threaded sections of the plastic preforms. As soon as this has happened, the second holding means can loosen their grip and thus release the plastic preforms at least for rotation thereof. It is also possible for the gripping elements of the second holding elements to be opened by such a movement of the first holding means, such as mandrels. Furthermore, it is possible for the first holding means, for example transport elements which carry mandrels, to be temporarily displaced or moved along with the second holding means.

[0049] Preferably, the transport elements arranged on the first transport device (or the carrier of the first transport device) receive information about the rotational speed of the plastic preforms from the transport elements arranged on the carrier of the second transport device. Furthermore, the device and in particular the transport elements of the first transport device have a storage device in which information is stored, in particular information relating to the product to be treated, for example the plastic preforms to be treated (such as a material of the plastic preform, a liquid to be filled, and the like).

[0050] In a further advantageous method, the plastic preforms are moved by at least one transport device using magnetic forces. The respective transport devices can have the configurations described above, i.e., the supports can be designed as elongated stators, and the holding elements, in contrast, can have additional magnetic elements, such as permanent magnets, thus enabling movement. Advantageously, the plastic preforms are moved by magnetic forces in each of the two transport devices.

[0051] Further advantages and embodiments can be seen from the attached drawings: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an apparatus for producing containers; Fig. 2 shows a representation of second transport elements arranged on the carrier; and Fig. 3 shows a representation of first and second holding elements.

[0052] Figure 1shows a schematic representation of a device 1 according to the invention for treating plastic containers. This device has a first transport device 2 and a second transport device 4. The first transport device 2 has a rotating carrier 24 on which a plurality of transport elements 22 are movably arranged so that they can also rotate around this stationary carrier 24. To drive these transport elements 22, the carrier has a plurality of magnetic elements 26, such as electromagnets in particular. By appropriately controlling these electromagnets, the individual transport elements, which also have magnetic elements 28 (here in the form of permanent magnets, only one shown here), can be moved.

[0053] Arranged on the respective transport elements 22 (explained in more detail below) are holding elements 32, which are intended to hold the individual plastic preforms 10. These holding elements are mandrels that can be inserted into the mouths of the plastic preforms 10.

[0054] Reference numeral 4 denotes a second transport device, which also has a rotating carrier 44. Transport elements 42 are also movably arranged on this rotating carrier 44. The transport elements are also moved by means of magnetic elements 46 arranged on the carrier 44. Reference numeral 48 denotes magnetic elements arranged on the transport elements 42, such as permanent magnets, which serve to move the transport elements 42. Retaining elements 52, here in the form of gripping clamps, are arranged on each of these second transport elements 42.

[0055] Reference symbols P1 and P2 indicate the transport paths along which the transport elements are each moved. It can be seen that in the left-hand area, the transport elements of the first transport device 2 and the second transport device 4 are conveyed in parallel. In this area, the plastic preforms are heated. For this purpose, the device has a plurality of heating devices 18 arranged stationary along the transport path P1 of the plastic preforms 10. These heating devices 18 can be, for example, heating boxes arranged along the transport path P1 of the plastic preforms.

[0056] After heating, the plastic preforms are introduced into a forming device, designated as a whole by 8. This forming device here has four forming stations 82 arranged one behind the other, which, unlike what is often customary in the prior art, are stationary. To insert the plastic preforms, these forming stations are opened, then the plastic preforms are retracted and there (after closing the blow molds) expanded into plastic containers 20 by exposure to compressed air. It is possible for the blow molds of the individual forming stations to be arranged on a common carrier and thus opened and closed simultaneously or jointly. This also simplifies the mechanics compared to moving forming stations.

[0057] These plastic containers 20 are transferred to a third transport device 16. This third transport device 16 also has a plurality of transport elements 62 that move along the transport path P3. This third transport device 16 can also have a stationary carrier 64, which – as described above – moves the individual transport elements 62 with the gripping elements 66 arranged thereon by magnetic force. A container is also shown that is being transferred from the second transport device 4 to the third transport device 16. It is possible for this transfer to take place at a very low speed, since, as mentioned above, the individual transport elements can also be moved at variable speeds.

[0058] Thus, in this case, the supports 24 and 44 (but preferably also the support 64) are designed as long stators. In a further advantageous embodiment, it is also possible for the individual transport elements themselves to have drive means, such as rotary motors or lifting motors, which are also supplied with power by the support.

[0059] Therefore, a pitch of the first transport elements 22 or the second transport elements 42 is adjustable and, in particular, in the area in which only the second transport device 4 is present, can be adjusted differently in order to feed the plastic preforms 10 to the forming device 8 with a larger pitch.

[0060] In the method according to the invention, the plastic preforms 10 are first fed to the gripping elements 52 of the second transport elements 42. These transport elements enter the area in which the two transport paths P1 and P2 are arranged parallel to one another. In this area, a mandrel (not shown) can now dip into the preform mouth and the gripping element 52 can open slightly. Furthermore, it is possible for the two transport elements to be coupled to one another by this lifting movement of the holding mandrel (not shown). However, as mentioned above, the individual holding mandrels can each have their own drives.

[0061] In addition, position detection devices (not shown) can be provided, which, for example, detect a specific rotational position of the plastic preforms. This can be advantageous, for example, for producing non-circular containers. In the area where the two transport paths P1 and P2 intersect, it is possible for one of the two carriers to be without magnetic elements and thus passive. In this area, the transport elements can be moved by means of the other stator or its magnetic elements.

[0062] The second holding elements advantageously grip the plastic preforms using a pair of tongs, particularly below their support ring. Thus, as mentioned above, the plastic preforms can be picked up by the second transport elements, moved into the furnace, and the holding mandrel can move into the opening parallel to the opening of the plastic preform above the opening. The tongs or the second holding element can then open, for example, by between 1 / 10 mm and 5 / 10 mm, preferably between 1 / 10 mm and 3 / 10 mm, and particularly preferably between 1 / 10 and 2 / 10 mm. The respective holding mandrel can then be rotated. This makes it possible to use a variable mandrel pitch in the furnace or heating device. The mandrel's rotation is also preferably variably adjustable.

[0063] The second retaining element, in the form of a gripper, is still present and can also prevent the plastic preform from falling, as the second retaining element serves as a safety device. After heating is complete, the second retaining elements can grip the plastic preforms again, and the mandrels can be removed from the plastic preforms. However, this procedure eliminates the need for further transfer of the plastic preforms from the furnace to the forming device 8. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the mouth of the plastic preforms can be secured by the gripper clamp, particularly protecting it from overheating.

[0064] Figure 2shows a schematic representation of the second transport device 4. Here, the rotating carrier 44 is again shown, on which the transport element 42 is movably arranged. This transport element 42 has a carrier 54 on which a holding element 52, here in the form of a gripping clamp, is arranged. This gripping clamp is preferably active and particularly preferably has a drive for opening and closing the gripping clamp.

[0065] Reference numeral 36 refers to wheels by means of which the transport element 42 can roll relative to the carrier 44. Reference numeral 38 denotes a support area that serves to guide the holding elements or transport elements 42.

[0066] Figure 3shows an illustration of an arrangement of the first and second transport devices 2 and 4 arranged one above the other. The first transport device 2 also has - as mentioned above - a rotating support 24 on which the transport elements 22 are movably arranged. These transport elements 22 each have a holding mandrel 32 which is movable in the direction of the double arrow P4, i.e. up and down, in order to move into the mouths of plastic preforms (not shown). The reference numeral 35 denotes a guide for this holding mandrel 32. This holding mandrel can further have a gear wheel (not shown) by means of which it can roll against a (not shown) (tooth) guide. The holding mandrel 32 is preferably rotatable with respect to its longitudinal direction L, which is simultaneously also a longitudinal direction of the plastic preforms to be heated.

[0067] However, it would also be possible for the transport element 2 to have an active drive for rotating the holding mandrel 32. This holding mandrel can also have spreading means (not shown) in order to clamp a plastic preform.

[0068] In addition, by lowering the retaining mandrel 32 into the mouth of the plastic preform, the two transport elements 22 and 24 can also be coupled (for example, via the plastic preform, but also via other elements). In this way, the two transport elements 22 and 42 can be coupled to each other with regard to their movement. This coupling can be released again by withdrawing the retaining mandrel 32.

[0069] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are novel, individually or in combination, over the prior art. It is further noted that the individual figures also describe features that may be advantageous in and of themselves. The skilled person will immediately recognize that a specific feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without adopting additional features from that figure. Furthermore, the skilled person will recognize that advantages may also arise from a combination of several features shown in individual or different figures. List of reference symbols

[0070] L Longitudinal direction P1 Transport path P2 Transport path P3 Transport path P4 Double arrow 1 Device 2 Transport device 4 Second transport device 8 Forming device 10 Plastic preform 16 Third transport device 18 Heating devices 20 Plastic container 22 Transport element 24 Rotating carrier 26 Magnetic element, magnetic drive means 28 Magnetic element, magnetic drive means 32 Holding mandrel 35 Guide 36 Wheel 38 Carrying area 42 Transport element 44 Rotating carrier 46 Magnetic element 48 Magnetic element 52 Holding element / gripping element 54 Carrier 62 Transport element 64 Rotating carrier 66 Gripping element 82 Forming station

Claims

1. Apparatus (1) for processing containers and in particular plastic containers, having a first transport device (2) which has a circumferential carrier (24) on which a first plurality of transport elements (22) are arranged movably which in each case have at least one holding means (32) for holding plastic parisons (10) and which are suitable and intended to transport these plastic parisons (1) along a first transport path (P1), with at least one heating device (18) which is arranged along the first transport path (P1) in order to heat the plastic parisons (10) at least in sections during their transport along the first transport path (P1), characterised in that the apparatus (1) has a second circumferential transport device (4) which has a second circumferential carrier (44) on which a second plurality of transport elements (42) are arranged, which in each case have at least one holding means (52) for holding the plastic parisons (10) and which are suitable and intended to transport these plastic parisons (10) along a second transport path (P2), wherein the second transport path (P2) extends in sections parallel to the first transport path (P1), wherein on at least one carrier (24, 44) first magnetic drive means (26, 46) are arranged which co-operate with second magnetic drive means (28, 48) located on the respective transport elements (22, 42) arranged on this carrier (26, 46), in order to move these transport elements (22, 42) relative to the carrier (26, 48), and wherein transport elements (22, 42) arranged on at least one carrier (24, 44) are movable independently of one another relative to this carrier (24, 44), wherein the first holding means (32) are suitable and intended for gripping the plastic parisons (10) on first regions (B1) of the plastic parisons (10) and the second holding means (52) are suitable and intended for gripping the plastic parisons (10) on a second region (B2) of the plastic parisons (10), wherein the first regions (B1) and the second regions (B2) are different from one another and the plastic preforms (10) are held at least at times by holding means of the first transport device (2) and by holding means of the second transport device (4).

2. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that on the other carrier (44, 24) further first magnetic drive means (46) are arranged which co-operate with further second magnetic drive means (48, 28) located on the respective transport elements (42, 22) arranged on this carrier (44, 24), in order to move these transport elements (42, 22), and / or wherein the further second transport elements (42, 22) arranged on the other carrier (44, 24) are movable independently of one another relative to the other carrier (44, 24).

3. Apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first transport path (P1) and the second transport path (P2) differ from one another in sections.

4. Apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the apparatus has a transforming device (8) which is arranged along the second transport path (P2) and which is suitable and intended for transforming the plastic parisons (10) into plastic containers (20).

5. Apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one transport device (2, 4) is suitable and intended for transporting the plastic parisons (10) cyclically.

6. Apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first transport path (P1) is arranged above the second transport path (P2).

7. Apparatus (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one holding means (32) is arranged rotatably in such a way that it effects a rotation of the plastic parisons (10) relative to their longitudinal axes (L).

8. Method for processing plastic containers, wherein plastic parisons (10) are transported by a first transport device (2) along a first predetermined transport path (P1) and this first transport device (2) has a first circumferential carrier (24), along which first transport elements (22) with holding means (32) for holding the plastic parisons (10) move, and wherein the plastic parisons (10) are heated at least at times during their transport along the first transport path (P1), and wherein the plastic parisons (10) are transported by a second transport device (4) along a second transport path (P2), characterised in that the first transport path (P1) and the second transport path (P2) extend at least in sections parallel and the transport takes place along the second transport path cyclically at least in sections, wherein on at least one carrier (24, 44) first magnetic drive means (26, 46) are arranged which co-operate with second magnetic drive means (28, 48) located on the respective transport elements (22, 42) arranged on this carrier (26, 46), in order to move these transport elements (22, 42) relative to the carrier (26, 48), and wherein transport elements (22, 42) arranged on at least one carrier (24, 44) are movable independently of one another relative to this carrier (24, 44), wherein the first holding means (32) are suitable and intended for gripping the plastic parisons (10) on first regions (B1) of the plastic parisons (10) and the second holding means (52) are suitable and intended for gripping the plastic parisons (10) on a second region (B2) of the plastic parisons (10), wherein the first regions (B1) and the second regions (B2) are different from one another and the plastic preforms (10) are held at least at times by holding means of the first transport device (2) and by holding means of the second transport device (4).

9. Method according to claim 8, characterised in that during the transport of the plastic parisons by the second transport device (4) they are transformed into plastic containers by a transforming device.

10. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the plastic parisons (10) are moved by at least one transport device (2, 4) by magnetic forces.