DEVICE FOR PRODUCING CONTAINERS FROM PREFORMS MADE OF THERMOPLASTIC MATERIAL

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for producing containers from preforms made of thermoplastic material.

[0002] To manufacture containers, particularly plastic containers, processes can be used that transform preforms by blow molding or hydraulic forming. Rotary machines are used for large-scale production. With the rotary machines, a large number of plastic preforms are transferred one after the other to a large number of molding devices that are connected to a rotor section of the rotary machine, e.g., a blowing wheel or a filling wheel. To transfer the preforms to the rotary machine or to remove the containers from the rotary machine, the containers or preforms can be gripped or made available using gripping devices. The gripping devices grip the containers or preforms in their neck area. For this purpose, the gripping devices are displaced radially relative to the rotor section.

[0003] From EP 2 114 804 B1, a rotary machine is known in which jaws are attached to support arms. The support arms are designed to be telescopic. By means of cam tracks, the support arms are telescopically extended and retracted in the radial direction, so that the jaws attached to them are also extended and retracted. The support arms are provided with linear slide bearings or lubricated roller body linear guides. Furthermore, the support arms can be pivoted about a vertical axis. The pivoting movement is also controlled by means of the cam tracks.

[0004] DE 10 2016 104257 A1 discloses a device for transporting and / or sorting plastic containers, and in particular plastic preforms, into a transport device, comprising a holding device that holds the plastic containers in a predetermined transfer area. The device comprises a receiving device that is suitable and intended for receiving individual plastic containers or groups of plastic containers from the holding device and transferring them to the further transport device. The receiving device is movable along variable movement paths to receive the plastic containers.

[0005] US 2019 / 134877 A1 describes a device for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers, comprising a transport device which transports plastic preforms along a predetermined transport path, with at least one forming station which is stationary along this transport path, wherein the forming station has a blow mold which can be opened and closed and which, in a closed state, forms a cavity within which the plastic preforms can be formed into the plastic containers by being subjected to a gaseous medium, and wherein the forming station has a closing unit for closing the blow mold, and this closing unit has at least one component of the blow mold which is movable relative to another component of the blow mold, and wherein the forming station further has a loading device,which can be applied to a region of the plastic preforms and / or the blow molds in order to supply these plastic preforms with the gaseous medium, as well as a valve unit for controlling the supply of the gaseous medium to be supplied to the plastic preforms. The closing unit has a wall that at least partially surrounds the blow mold in a circumferential direction, and the valve unit is arranged within this wall.

[0006] DE 41 33 114 A1 describes a conveyor system that uses an asynchronous linear motor as a conveyor drive. The motor comprises a longitudinal stator with stationary electrical and electronic components and brushless rotors for conveying the individual parts. Preferably, each rotor is made of aluminum or a magnetic material to interact with the stator's electromagnets, with the electromagnets in each individual zone of the longitudinal stator being controlled independently of the electromagnets in the remaining zones. Preferably, the stator defines a closed conveyor path for the rotors, allowing the individual parts to be transported through a series of consecutive stations.

[0007] Furthermore, DE 103 25 693 A1 discloses a transfer device that transports objects from a loading station to the receiving stations of a circulating conveyor and from there to a delivery station. Two groups of grippers are controlled relative to each other on a single rotor, and the rotor rotates in the same direction as the conveyor in the transfer area. This creates a transfer device that, despite its compact and cost-effective design, enables reliable and gentle transport of objects even at the highest performance levels. Another device of this type is described in document US2018117825A1.

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a device for producing containers from preforms made of thermoplastic material, which has increased flexibility in operation and assembly.

[0009] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0010] In a device for producing containers from preforms made of thermoplastic material, wherein the device comprises at least one transport device with at least one transfer device for moving containers and / or preforms between a first transfer position and a second transfer position, wherein the transfer device has a holding element for holding a container and / or preform, it is provided according to the invention that the transport device for the at least one transfer device has a separate drive device for moving the transfer device between a first transfer position and a second transfer position.

[0011] According to the invention, the at least one transfer device is moved between the first transfer position and the second transfer position by means of its own drive device. If more than one transfer device is present, the transport device has its own, i.e. separate, drive device for each transfer device. The transfer devices of the transport device are therefore not driven by a single common drive, such as a wheel or a conveyor chain. With the separate drive device, a central drive by a wheel or a chain is no longer required. Furthermore, an individual drive is provided for the at least one transfer device. The transfer device can therefore be moved between the first transfer position and the second transfer position independently of other transfer devices.The containers or preforms held by the holding element of the at least one transfer device can thus be moved independently of containers or preforms held and moved by other transfer devices of the transport device. This provides the device with increased flexibility.

[0012] According to the invention, the transport device comprises a carrier plate extending at least along a transport path between the first and second transfer positions, on which the at least one transfer device is arranged and is freely movable on the carrier plate by means of the drive device. The drive device can be movable independently of the transport device. For this purpose, the drive device can be arranged on the transport device in a cable-free manner.

[0013] The at least one transfer device can thus move the preform or container between the first transfer position and the second transfer position along an adjustable path. If multiple transfer devices are each coupled to a separate drive device, each of these transfer devices can be used on the same or similar device. This reduces frontal collisions and increases the safety of handling the device.

[0014] According to one example, the drive device can be further designed to pivot the transfer device.

[0015] This allows the transfer device to pivot the preform and container as needed using the separate drive unit. The transfer device can be pivoted, for example, around a vertical axis using the separate drive unit. In this case, a dedicated pivoting device for the transfer device is not required.

[0016] According to a further example, the drive device can be designed to pivot the transfer device about a horizontally arranged axis.

[0017] This allows preforms or containers to be easily lifted by means of a pivoting movement. For this purpose, the drive device can, for example, have a pivoting module, which does not necessarily have to contribute to the movement of the transfer device between the transfer positions. Furthermore, the orientation of the preforms and containers can be changed by pivoting around a horizontal axis. For example, narrow passages on the transport route can be passed through using this pivoting movement without the preforms or containers colliding with other components of the device. Furthermore, it can be used to pass through such narrow passages in the first place. Furthermore, the pivoting movement can also simplify the transfer at the transfer positions or overcome slight differences in height.

[0018] The drive device can, for example, be further designed to adjust the height of the transfer device.

[0019] This allows for flexible selection of the transfer position during height adjustment. Furthermore, the first transfer position and the second transfer position can be arranged at different heights, simplifying assembly of the device, for example, by increasing the tolerances when adjusting the heights of various device components.

[0020] Furthermore, the at least one transfer device can be mounted on the transport device in a contactless and / or lubricant-free manner, preferably magnetically mounted and / or air-mounted.

[0021] This prevents abrasion during movement of the transfer device and eliminates the need for lubricant to operate the transport device. This allows for compliance with stricter hygiene requirements. Furthermore, maintenance of the transport device is simplified and made more cost-effective. If the container manufacturing device uses blast air to convert the preforms into containers, the blast air source can also be used for air bearings if the transfer device is mounted on air bearings. For this purpose, the drive device can be connected to the blast air source, for example, with a hose via a rotary union.

[0022] It is further conceivable, for example, that the drive device can be a magnetic drive element for generating a feed force by means of an alternating magnetic field.

[0023] The alternating magnetic field can be generated by the magnetic drive element or by an external device. If the magnetic drive element generates the alternating magnetic field, the transport path can be equipped, for example, with a corresponding floor, which, in interaction with the alternating magnetic field, provides the feed force for the transfer device. Alternatively, the alternating magnetic field can be provided, for example, by the floor of the transport path or other components of the transport device. In this case, the drive device itself can generate a feed force in interaction with the alternating magnetic field.

[0024] Furthermore, the drive device can, for example, have at least one planar motor.

[0025] The planar motor can, for example, be arranged on the carrier plate described above and move freely on the carrier plate.

[0026] In a further example, the transport device can have at least two transfer devices.

[0027] Preferably, the transport device comprises a plurality of transfer devices, e.g., 10 to 30. Depending on the length of the transport path and the number of transfer positions, even more transfer devices with a separate drive device can be used.

[0028] According to another example, the device may comprise a control unit for controlling the drive device, wherein the control unit is connected to the drive device via a signal connection. For this purpose, the drive device may, for example, comprise sensors that can transmit sensor signals to the control unit via the signal connection.

[0029] The control unit can control each separate drive unit individually and define a unique path between the transfer positions for each separate drive unit. Furthermore, a transfer position can be skipped or an ejection position can be approached if necessary.

[0030] The signal connection can, for example, be a wireless connection, wherein the at least one transfer device can preferably have an electrical energy storage device for operating the wireless signal connection and the drive device.

[0031] With a wireless signal connection, the freedom of movement of the transfer device is further increased.

[0032] In an alternative or additional example, the signal connection can, for example, be further formed by at least one electrical line connecting the at least one transfer device and the control unit. Furthermore, the transfer device can be connected to a power source by means of another electrical line.

[0033] According to a further example, the control unit can be configured by means of the drive device to move the at least one transfer device to the first transfer position at which a container or preform is gripped by means of the holding element; and to move the transfer device along the transport path to the second transfer position at which the container or preform is removed from the holding element.

[0034] The invention further relates to a method for controlling a device according to the preceding description, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: moving the at least one transfer device to the first transfer position by means of the separate drive device; gripping a container or preform by means of the holding element; moving the at least one transfer device to the second transfer position by means of the drive device; and transferring the container or preform.

[0035] Advantages and effects, as well as further developments of the method, arise from the advantages and effects, as well as further developments of the device described above. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made to the preceding description in this regard.

[0036] The invention is described below using an exemplary embodiment with the aid of the accompanying drawings. They show: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an apparatus for producing containers; Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a transport device; Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a transfer device; Figure 4a shows a schematic representation of another apparatus for producing containers; and Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of another example of a transport device; Figure 6 shows a flow chart of the method for producing containers.

[0037] The device for producing containers is designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 10, as in Figure 1 shown.

[0038] The device 10 may comprise a feeding device 12, a transfer unit 14, a heating device 16, a first transport unit 18, a forming device 20 and a second transport unit 22.

[0039] The transfer unit 14 and the transport units 18, 22 can each have a transport device 15.

[0040] Preforms made of thermoplastic material can be fed to the device 10 via the feed device 12. The fed preforms can be received by the transfer unit 14 and transferred to the heating device 16. In the heating device 16, the preforms can be thermally conditioned for forming into containers.

[0041] After thermal conditioning, the preforms can be transferred to the first transport unit 18 at a first transfer position 24 or removed from the heating device 16 by the first transport unit 18. The first transport unit 18 can transport the thermally conditioned preforms to the molding device 20. The first transport unit 18 can transfer the thermally conditioned preforms to the molding device 20 at a second transfer position 26 and / or insert the thermally conditioned preforms into molds of the molding device 20. The molding device 20 can form the thermally conditioned preforms into containers in the molds, e.g., by means of pneumatic or hydraulic forming.

[0042] The produced containers can be removed from the molds by means of the second transport unit 22 at a third transfer position 28 and transported to further devices of the device 10. For this purpose, the second transport unit 22 can transfer the containers to further devices, for example, a sterilization device, a labeling device, or a filling device, at a fourth transfer position 30.

[0043] The device 10 can have further transfer units 14, transport units 18, 22 and transfer positions 24, 26, 28, 30.

[0044] The transport device 15 is described below in accordance with Figure 2 described.

[0045] The transport device 15 has at least one transfer device 32, wherein the transport device 15 in this example has a plurality of transfer devices 32. The number of transfer devices 32 is unlimited. The transport device 15 can preferably have between 5 and 120 transfer devices 32, more preferably between 10 and 60, and most preferably between 20 and 30 transfer devices. At least one of the transfer devices 32 has a separate drive device 36. By means of the separate drive device 36, the transfer device 32 can be moved independently of other transfer devices 32. In this example, all transfer devices 32 have separate drive devices 36, so that all transfer devices 32 can be moved independently of one another.

[0046] The at least one transfer device 32 has a holding element 38 with which a container or a preform 34 can be gripped

[0047] Furthermore, the transport device 15 can have a carrier plate 40 that extends between the first transfer position 24 and the second transfer position 26. In this example, the carrier plate 40 is designed as an annular track. The transfer devices 32 can be designed such that they move along the annular track only in one direction of travel 42, according to the principle of a one-way street.

[0048] The section of the carrier plate 40 on which the transfer devices 32 are moved from the first transfer position 24 to the second transfer position 26 can be referred to as the transport section 44. The other section, on which the transfer devices 32 are moved from the second transfer position 26 to the first transfer position 24, can be referred to as the return section 46. In this example, the return section 46 is formed separately from the transport section 44. Figure 2 The transport path 44 and the return path 46 are separated from each other by a dashed line.

[0049] The transfer devices 32 can move freely on the support plate 40. The holding elements 38 can be pivoted into any desired orientation within a horizontal plane, for example, by pivoting the transfer device 32 about a vertical axis.

[0050] For further explanation, a single transfer device 32 is shown in Figure 3 shown schematically.

[0051] The transfer device 32 is arranged on the carrier plate 40. The transfer device 32 can be mounted on the carrier plate 40 in a contactless manner. The bearing can be designed as an air bearing and / or a magnetic bearing. In both cases, the transfer device 32 is also mounted without lubricant.

[0052] In the case of air storage, when the forming device 20 forms the preforms into containers by means of blown air, the source of the blown air can provide compressed air for the air storage.

[0053] In particular, if a magnetic bearing is provided, the drive device 36 can provide the feed force by means of an alternating magnetic field. The alternating magnetic field can be generated by the drive device 36. Alternatively, the alternating magnetic field can be provided by an external source, e.g., by a device on or below the carrier plate 40.

[0054] Furthermore, the transfer device 32 can have a planar motor as the drive device 36, which is supplied with power via a cable or by an energy storage device 64 of the transfer device 32. If the drive device 36 has an energy storage device 64, the transfer device 32 can be moved autonomously by the transport device 15. A cable connection between the transfer device 32 and the transport device 15 is then not absolutely necessary. Furthermore, the transfer devices 32 can then have sensors that can, for example, determine the position and / or state of the transfer device 32 or the drive device 36. Signals from the sensors can be used to control the transfer devices 32.

[0055] The holding element 38 can have grippers that can be configured to grip a neck region of a preform 34 or container. For this purpose, the holding element 38 can be arranged at a vertical distance from the carrier plate 40 that is greater than the length of the preforms 34 or containers. This allows the transfer device 32 to be moved freely on the carrier plate 40 without the containers or preforms 34 colliding with the carrier plate 40.

[0056] Furthermore, the holding element 38 can be height-adjustable. For this purpose, the drive device 36 can be configured to adjust the height of the transfer device 32. Alternatively or additionally, the holding element 38 can be height-adjustable relative to the transfer device 32.

[0057] The transfer devices 32 can thus transfer containers or preforms 34 at the transfer positions 24, 26, 28, 30 at different heights. This allows the transferring or receiving devices of the device 10 to be set up or mounted with larger height tolerances. The height adjustment of the holding element 36 can take place during the movement of the transfer device 32 between the transfer positions 24, 26, 28, 30.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, the holding element 38 can be pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis 48. The holding element 38 can thus be pivoted from an orientation in a horizontal plane to an orientation in a vertical plane. This is Figure 3 with the holding element 38 indicated by dashed lines.

[0059] A container or preform 34 held by the holding element 38 can thus also be pivoted about the horizontal axis 48. This can, for example, reduce the required footprint of the transfer device 32 on the support plate 40. Particularly during movement between the transfer positions 24, 26, 28, 30, the risk of collision between the transfer devices 32 is reduced and possible damage to the held containers or preforms 34 is avoided. Furthermore, the flexibility of the transport device 15 is further increased, since the transfer devices 32 can then pass through narrow passages more safely. Furthermore, more transfer devices 32 can then be provided on the same area without increasing the risk of collision.

[0060] In the Figure 4a and 4b Further embodiments of the device 10 are shown in a schematic representation.

[0061] According to Figure 4aThe feeding device 12, the heating device 16, and the forming device 20 are grouped around a transport device 15. The grouping shown is merely exemplary and can be adapted as desired.

[0062] The arrows on the heating device 16 and the forming device 20 indicate a direction of movement of the containers or preforms in the two devices. At the transfer positions 24, 26, 28, 30, it is advantageous if the transfer devices 32 are moved parallel to this direction of movement in order to transfer the containers or preforms 34.

[0063] In this example, a single carrier plate 40 is provided. The carrier plate 40 of the transport device 15 extends in this example in the area between the feeding device 12, the heating device 16 and the forming device 20 and also covers the transfer positions 24, 26, 28, 30. In this example, the transfer unit 14 and the transport units 18 and 22 are made of Figure 1 replaced by a single transport device 15. However, any number of transport devices 15 can be provided on the device 10.

[0064] The transfer devices 32 can be controlled or programmed to specific paths by a control unit 60. Communication between the control unit 60 and the at least one transfer device 32 can take place via a signal connection 62. In this example, a wireless signal connection 62 is provided. Alternatively, however, a wired signal connection can also be used.

[0065] For some of the transfer devices 32, a track 52 can be provided, in which transfer devices 32 take over preforms from the feed device 12 and transfer them to the heating device 16.

[0066] Furthermore, a second track 54 can be provided for another part of the transfer devices 32, on which transfer devices 32 receive thermally conditioned preforms at the first transfer position 24 and transfer them to the molding device 20 at the second transfer position 26.

[0067] A third track 56 can also be provided for yet another part of the transfer devices 32, on which the transfer devices 32 remove manufactured containers from the forming device 20 at the third transfer position 28 and move them to the fourth transfer position 30.

[0068] Furthermore, at least one ejection position 50 can be provided, which can be approached by transfer devices 32 that transport containers or preforms 34 declared as rejects. For this purpose, the device 10 can have one or more inspection devices 66, which can be arranged, for example, above the carrier plate 40 on one or more of the tracks 52, 54, 56. The transfer devices 32 can then first have the containers or preforms 34 inspected by the inspection device 66 before being transferred to one of the devices 16, 20 or further devices. If an inspection declares a container or preform 34 to be rejects, the corresponding transfer device 32 can be moved away from the tracks 52, 54, 56 to the ejection position 50 and eject the corresponding container or preform 34.

[0069] In another embodiment according to Figure 4bA single path 58 can be provided for the transfer devices 32. The transfer devices 32 then travel to all transfer positions 24, 26, 28, 30. Due to the independent movement of the transfer devices 32 from one another, the path 58 can also intersect.

[0070] In this example, the heating device 16 can heat the preforms to be thermally conditioned in a manner different from the examples in the Figure 1 and 4a move in the opposite direction.

[0071] Also in this example, a transfer device 32, whose container or preform 34 is declared as reject, can deviate from the path 58 and be moved by the drive device 36 to an ejection position 50.

[0072] In Figure 5 a further embodiment of the transport device 15 is shown.

[0073] In this example, the drive devices 36 can each be connected to a line 37 via a rotary inlet 35 with a blowing air source of the device 10 and / or an energy source and / or the control unit 60. When connected to a blowing air source, the drive devices 36 can then be air-mounted on the carrier plate 40 by means of compressed air, as shown in Figure 3 as already explained. When connected to an energy source, the drive devices 36 can be supplied with energy via line 37. When connected to the control unit 60, control signals and / or sensor signals can be exchanged between the respective drive device 36 and the control unit 60. Control signals and / or sensor signals can alternatively be exchanged via a wireless signal connection.

[0074] During the movement of the transfer devices 32 in the direction indicated by arrow 42, the rotary inlet 35 rotates. The rotary inlet 35 guides the lines 37 analogously to the movement of the transfer devices 32.

[0075] A method 100 for controlling the device described above is explained by means of the flowchart shown in Figure 6.

[0076] In a first step 102, the at least one transfer device is moved to the first transfer position. The movement of the transfer device is effected by means of the separate drive device associated with the transfer device.

[0077] In a further step 104, the container or preform can be gripped by means of the holding element of the transfer device. Gripping can occur below a retaining ring of the container or preform at its neck area.

[0078] The container or preform is moved to the second transfer position by the transfer device in a further step 106. In this case, too, the transfer device is moved by the separate drive device.

[0079] In a further step 108, the container or preform is transferred by the transfer device to another device, e.g., the heating device or the molding device. A transfer can also take place, for example, to a sterilization device, a labeling device, or a filling device.

[0080] The example described above does not limit the invention in any way. Rather, the invention can be modified in many ways. All of the features of the invention described above can be essential to the invention alone or in combination with one another. List of reference symbols

[0081] 10Device for producing containers 12Feeding device 14Transfer unit 15Transport device 16Heating device 18First transport unit 20Forming device 22Second transport unit 24First transfer position 26Second transfer position 28Third transfer position 30Fourth transfer position 32Transfer device 34Preform 35Rotary inlet 36Drive device 37Line 38Holding element 40Carrier plate 42Direction of travel 44Transport path 46Return path 48Horizontal axis 50Ejection position 52Track 54Track 56Track 58Track 60Control unit 62Signal connection 64Energy storage device 66Inspection device

Claims

1. Device for producing containers from preforms (34) of thermoplastic material, wherein the device (10) comprises at least one transport device (15) with at least one transfer device (32) for moving containers and / or preforms (34) between a first transfer position (24) and a second transfer position (26), wherein the transfer device (32) has a holding element (38) for holding a container and / or preform (34), wherein the transport device (15) for the at least one transfer device (32) has a separate drive device (36) for moving the transfer device (32) between a first transfer position (24) and a second transfer position (26), characterised in that the transport device (15) comprises a carrier plate (40) extending at least along a transport path (44) between the first and second transfer positions (26), on which the at least one transfer device (32) is arranged and can be moved freely on the carrier plate (40) by means of the drive device (36).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the carrier plate (40) additionally extends between the first and second transfer positions (26) at least along a return path (46) separate from the transport path (44).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the drive device (36) is further designed to pivot the transfer device (32).

4. Device according to claim 3, characterised in that the drive device (36) is designed for pivoting the transfer device (32) about a horizontally arranged axis (48).

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the drive device (36) is further designed to adjust the height of the transfer device (32).

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the at least one transfer device (32) is mounted on the transport device (15) in a contactless and / or lubricant-free manner, preferably magnetically mounted and / or air-mounted.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the drive device (36) is a magnetic drive element for generating a feed force by means of an alternating magnetic field.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the drive device (36) has at least one planar motor.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the transport device (15) has at least two transfer devices (32).

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the device (10) has a control unit (60) for controlling the drive device (36), the control unit (60) being connected to the drive device (36) via a signal connection (62).

11. Device according to claim 10, characterised in that the signal connection (62) is a wireless connection, wherein the at least one transfer device (32) preferably comprises an electrical energy store (64) for operating the wireless signal connection (62) and the drive device (36).

12. Device according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the control unit (60) is designed by means of the drive device (36) to move the at least one transfer device (32) to the first transfer position (24), at which a container or preform (34) is gripped by the holding element (38); and to move the transfer device (32) along the transport path (44) to the second transfer position (26), at which the container or preform (34) is removed from the holding element (38).

13. Method of controlling a device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the method (100) comprises at least the following steps: - moving (102) the at least one transfer device to the first transfer position by the separate drive device; - gripping (104) of a container or preform by the holding element; - moving (106) the at least one transfer device to the second transfer position by the drive means; and - transferring (108) the container or preform.