METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TRANSFORMING PLASTIC PREFORMS INTO PLASTIC CONTAINERS WITH PROGRESS CURVE EVALUATION

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a device for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers. Such methods and devices have long been known in the art. In these processes, heated plastic preforms are placed in blow molds and expanded or inflated into containers using compressed air or directly with the liquid product.

[0002] Numerous parameters are set and regulated for this process. For example, the blowing pressures used to expand the plastic preform are regulated and / or controlled, as is the movement of the stretching rod, which expands the containers longitudinally. Overall, this expansion process is relatively complex. Therefore, recent developments have led to the recording and evaluation of relevant measurement curves, such as those of pressure conditions, stretching rod movement, or stretching force, in order to gain more precise insights into the blow molding process. Such methods are known from the applicant's internal prior art; see, for example, WO 2019 / 101743 A1. However, this approach presents the challenge of recording a very large amount of data, such as a complete measurement curve of the blowing pressure and / or stretching rod movement over the course of a blow molding operation.These very large amounts of data are no longer easy to process in practice, and in particular, they are also difficult to store or transmit.

[0003] The present invention therefore aims to perform such an evaluation while reducing the amount of data to be evaluated and / or stored. This objective is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0004] In a method according to the invention for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers, a plastic preform is placed in a blow mold and expanded into a plastic container by pressurizing it with a flowable, and in particular gaseous, medium. The plastic preform is subjected to at least two different pressure levels, and preferably a rod-like body is inserted into the plastic preform to stretch it longitudinally. Furthermore, a pressure curve and / or a movement curve of the rod-like body and / or a force curve, for example of the drive device, of the rod-like body are determined during the expansion process by means of at least one measuring device.

[0005] According to the invention, at least one of the curves is evaluated by means of a processor device and at least one point or characteristic area of ​​this curve is determined, wherein at least one of the curves is evaluated by means of a processor device and at least one point or area characteristic of this curve is determined, and a plurality of plastic preforms are formed into the plastic containers by means of a plurality of forming stations and each forming station is individually controlled taking these values ​​and areas into account.

[0006] The invention therefore proposes that not the entire pressure curve is used, but only certain characteristic areas and, in particular, points of this pressure curve, such as extreme values ​​or inflection points, as described in more detail below. The applicant has determined that, for evaluating a pressure curve, it is not the entire range that is decisive, but rather its characteristic points.

[0007] The invention thus proposes to perform an evaluation or analysis of this curve and ultimately to save and / or evaluate only certain areas.

[0008] These characteristic points are preferably assigned to, or can be assigned to, certain processes occurring during the expansion.

[0009] Preferably, significant process points are determined by means of a mathematical evaluation of the recorded blow curves, pressure curves, or motion curves (pressure, stretching distance, stretching force, process time, valve switching times, and / or machine angle). These significant process points can be used for process control, predictive maintenance, and the derivation of process dependencies.

[0010] For example, a specific number of process points can be defined. Advantageously, the number of process points is greater than three, preferably greater than four, preferably greater than five, preferably greater than seven, and particularly preferably greater than ten. In a further preferred method, the number of these process points is less than 50, preferably less than 40, preferably less than 30, and preferably less than 25.

[0011] One advantage of this approach is that no modifications to the machine itself are necessary, only software adjustments. The required amount of data is significantly reduced compared to storing raw data. The selected process data points can be reused for later machine configuration and / or for other machines at other locations. This is possible, for example, by storing the data in a cloud.

[0012] Preferably, the pressure curve and / or the motion curve is recorded as a function of time and / or as a function of the position of a forming station or the location of the plastic preform to be expanded.

[0013] Preferably, the plastic preforms are expanded using a multitude of forming stations. These circumferential stations are preferably arranged on a movable, and in particular rotatable, support. Preferably, the pressure profile curves or motion profile curves described herein are recorded for each individual station. Preferably, the evaluation is performed with respect to the individual forming station, so that specific measurement curves (and / or the process points derived therefrom) can preferably be assigned to individual forming stations.

[0014] Preferably, the blow curve is recorded. andThe evaluation of the blow curves takes place in a control unit of the blow module or the forming unit, i.e., in the so-called SBC (Control stretch blow moulding sequence). Therefore, there are preferably no control units at the individual forming stations, but only decentralized peripherals that do not record any (blow) curve profiles.

[0015] However, it would also be advantageous if the blow curve recording and evaluation were carried out directly at the forming stations and therefore, unlike as described above, not in the SBC.

[0016] In a preferred method, this characteristic point or region is selected from a group of points or regions containing extrema or extreme regions, i.e., minimum or maximum regions of the pressure curve and / or the motion curves, inflection points or inflection point regions of the pressure curve or motion curve, and the like. In addition, points on a measurement curve can also be determined where a slope is maximal and / or minimal, i.e., extrema of a mathematical derivative of the curves.

[0017] The applicant has determined that particular conclusions can be drawn from areas where maxima, minima, or inflection points occur, for example, regarding a local pressure maximum or minimum. This can, for instance, be decisive in indicating that the expanded container begins to adhere to the wall of the blow mold during the expansion process. The point in time at which the expansion of the plastic preform begins when compressed air is applied is also identifiable as a characteristic measurement point on the curve, especially as a local maximum of the pressure profile.

[0018] However, the movement curves of the horizontal bar also exhibit such characteristic points, as shown in more detail below. The actual position curve of the horizontal bar preferably changes very little between the stretching and blowing processes and deviates only slightly from the target curve, which is already fixed and does not need to be recorded. Therefore, the target curve can preferably be used here. A velocity curve can also preferably be used instead of the position curve. Since the velocity curve is the derivative of the position curve, it would then not be necessary to determine a difference quotient. An evaluation of a stretching force curve at this point would also be preferable.

[0019] In another preferred method, the plastic preform(s) are transported along a predetermined transport path during their expansion. Advantageously, this path is circular or circular segment-shaped. The plastic preforms are particularly preferably transported by means of a blow mold wheel. The plastic preforms are particularly preferably expanded against a blow mold and / or the inner wall of a blow mold.

[0020] In another preferred method, the process curve is recorded as a function of time and / or as a function of the position of the plastic preform. For example, the entire expansion process can be observed over a specific time period, or as a function of the position of the respective forming station during a rotation of the blowing wheel.

[0021] In a preferred method, mathematical procedures are used to determine the process points from the pressure profiles. These process points are, in particular, corresponding inflection points, maxima, or minima of the pressure profile curve or the motion profile curve. For this purpose, as mentioned above, mathematical procedures that are known per se from the prior art are preferably applied. Such extrema or inflection points are preferably assigned to specific processes within the blow molding process.

[0022] In a further preferred method, the pressure curve and / or the motion curve are evaluated using curve sketching and / or mathematical curve sketching methods. In a preferred method, difference quotients are calculated, particularly to identify extrema and inflection points. In a further preferred method, smoothing procedures are performed and / or applied to the resulting pressure curves or motion curves. In a preferred method, at least one of the curves is smoothed first. Mathematical procedures for determining extrema and inflection points are then preferably performed.

[0023] In another preferred method, threshold calculation procedures are performed. In yet another preferred method, mathematical methods for determining extrema and inflection points are applied, and in particular methods selected from a group that includes the h-method, Newton's method, the mean value theorem, and the like.

[0024] In another preferred method, a plurality of plastic preforms are formed into the plastic containers by means of a plurality of forming stations, and at least one characteristic point and preferably a plurality of characteristic points and / or areas are determined for each of these forming stations.

[0025] Preferably, a large number of process curves are recorded for each forming station. The process points mentioned above can then be determined from these process curves. In the subsequent procedure, it would be possible to calculate averages over these process points. It would also be possible to observe changes in the positions of these process points over a longer period.

[0026] The term "progression curves" refers on the one hand to the pressure progression curves and on the other hand to the movement progression curve of the horizontal bar.

[0027] For all measurement curves, these characteristic points or areas are determined and / or evaluated. Each forming station is individually controlled taking these values ​​and areas into account. For example, switching times for valves or the drives of the pull rods are preferably controlled using these points.

[0028] For example, the forming station and its individual valves, which control the blow molding process, can be time-controlled. However, control dependent on the rotation angle or position of the forming station would also be possible.

[0029] In a preferred method, n-tuples are formed from several characteristic points (in particular, of a specific forming station), and these n-tuples are preferably stored in a storage device and / or a cloud. For example, five different measurement points can be stored for a measurement curve, particularly with a temporal assignment and / or an assignment to a position of the respective forming station. Furthermore, a value characteristic of the specific forming station can be assigned to this n-tuple. These n-tuples require significantly less storage capacity than a complete measurement curve and are therefore also easier to transfer. The variable n is a natural number between 1 and 50, preferably between 2 and 50, preferably between 3 and 40, and preferably between 4 and 30.

[0030] In a preferred method, the pressurization of the containers is controlled by means of at least one controllable valve assembly, and this valve assembly is preferably controlled taking into account the determined points and / or areas. Preferably, blowing parameters are controlled and / or changed based on these values. Preferably, several valve assemblies of a forming station are controlled according to the determined points. Preferably, the controllable valve assembly is a proportional valve.

[0031] In another preferred method, data is linked to each process point or process area. As mentioned above, this data can, for example, allow conclusions to be drawn about the relevant forming station or about the corresponding blowing parameters used.

[0032] Preferably, the characterizing data are selected from a group of data which includes a validity of the point, a time at which the point was recorded, a pressure at this process point, a position of the pull rod at this process point, a force of a drive device of a pull rod at this process point and / or a delay time of a valve actuation.

[0033] Preferably, all these values ​​are taken into account. For example, a 5-tuple of values ​​is included, consisting of the validity time, pressure, bar position, and delay time (at the relevant process point).

[0034] In another preferred method, an evaluation of the points or areas is recorded or carried out. Various causes can be identified or determined, such as a switching delay, a composition of the plastic preforms, or the like.

[0035] In another preferred method, artificial intelligence is used to evaluate the areas. This makes it possible to collect large amounts of data, for example, a large amount of data for a specific forming station, which is then stored and evaluated based on this data. In this way, the future behavior of the forming station in question can be predicted based on these values.

[0036] The present invention further relates to a device for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers, which has at least one forming station, preferably a blow mold into which the plastic preform can be inserted, and a pressurizing device which applies a flowable and, in particular, gaseous medium to the plastic preform, wherein the plastic preform is subjected to at least two different pressure levels, and wherein the device further preferably has a rod-like body (in particular a so-called stretching rod) that can be inserted into the plastic preform in order to stretch the plastic preform in its longitudinal direction.Furthermore, a pressure curve and / or a motion curve of the rod-like body and / or a force curve, for example from a drive device, of the rod-like body are determined by means of a measuring device during the expansion process. Preferably, a measuring device, and preferably a pressure measuring device, is assigned to the forming station, and preferably to each forming station. Preferably, the motion curve can also be determined without separate measuring devices (e.g., pressure measuring devices), whereby, in particular, the target profile can be used instead of a recording.

[0037] According to the invention, the device has a processor unit which is suitable and intended to evaluate at least one of these curves and to determine at least one point or area characteristic of the curve, and the device has a plurality of forming stations and a control unit which individually controls the forming stations taking these values ​​and areas into account.

[0038] Preferably, the forming station has a movement device, preferably an electric motor, to move the stretching rod. In a preferred embodiment, at least one and preferably all forming stations have position detection devices for detecting the position of the rod-like bodies (which are preferably movable in the longitudinal direction of the plastic preforms).

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment, the device includes a transport unit that moves the plastic preforms during their expansion. This is particularly preferably a so-called blow molding wheel, on which at least one, and preferably a plurality, forming stations are arranged. These forming stations particularly preferably each have blow molds that can be opened and closed. In a further preferred embodiment, each of these forming stations has a stretching bar that can be inserted into the plastic preforms to stretch them longitudinally.

[0040] Preferably, the device includes a position detection device suitable and designed to detect the position of the forming station. Preferably, the device includes a time detection device and / or a timer device to detect the (relative or absolute) times of characteristic points or process points.

[0041] In a further preferred embodiment, each forming station has at least one valve assembly and preferably a plurality of valve assemblies. Preferably, the device also has a storage device for storing compressed air, wherein this storage device is in particular an annular channel and, more specifically, an annular channel mounted on the blow wheel.

[0042] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device includes a storage device and / or a cloud which is suitable and intended to store a large number of characteristic points, in particular together with data characteristic of these points.

[0043] In a further preferred embodiment, the device has a plurality of forming stations. Preferably, each of these forming stations is assigned at least one measuring device, and in particular a pressure measuring device.

[0044] Preferably, the process points can also be assigned to the individual forming stations. A further preferred feature is an evaluation device that evaluates point tuples, and a particularly preferred feature is a control device that controls the forming stations and, for example, the aforementioned valves of the forming stations and / or the drive devices of the rod-like bodies accordingly.

[0045] In another preferred method, the blow pressure curve (or pressure profile curve) and / or the motion (profile) curve are first evaluated using at least one evaluation method, and preferably using various evaluation methods and the associated parameters. In a further step, defined points or areas (PO1, Point of Interest) are determined.

[0046] In a further step, the aforementioned points are transferred to a file management system. In a preferred method, a subsequent evaluation of the collected data takes place. This allows for the review of individual points regarding their relevance and / or plausibility.

[0047] Preferably, the relevant points with respect to the blow pressure curve or pressure profile curve are selected from a group of points, which include the start of the first blow pressure, an inflection point of the pressure profile curve during the application of the first blow pressure, a second inflection point of the pressure profile curve, which is characteristic, for example, of the preform material being applied to the front wall of the blow mold, the start of a PI pressure (first intermediate blow), the start of a Pl+ pressure (second intermediate blow), the start of application of pressure P2, the maximum pressure P2, the end of application of pressure P2, the end of the HPZ [High pressure zone], the start of recycling of the Pl+ pressure, the start of recycling of the PI pressure, the start of recycling of the P1 pressure, the start of external recycling, the start of exhaust (pressure relief), and, if applicable, the end of exhaust.

[0048] Several points can be defined regarding the movement of the horizontal bar. For example, a point can be defined at which the bar begins to descend. Furthermore, a point can be defined at which the bar begins to rest against the plastic preform. A further point can be defined at which the bar rests against the bottom of the blow mold. A further point can be defined at which the bar begins to rise again. Finally, a point can be defined at which the bar reaches its upper position again.

[0049] As mentioned, process points are preferably sought by calculating difference quotients. For example, a derivative can be calculated using difference quotients.

[0050] Furthermore, smoothing can be achieved by calculating a median over n values, for example over 6 values.

[0051] Comparative values ​​are still preferably calculated using brackets (S-bracket).

[0052] This allows for the detection of exceeding a threshold or S-threshold (with a valve switching time of up to +40 x time unit (e.g. 1.6 ms)).

[0053] Preferably, a point or area is then selected using half of this formed clasp.

[0054] Preferably, the process time, pressure, pull-rod position, and the switching time delay (as the difference between the control time and the process time) can then be determined after the array number.

[0055] Further advantages and embodiments are shown in the accompanying figures: These show: Fig. 1 a general representation of a pressure curve and a bar curve; Fig. 2 a detailed representation of a measurement curve; Figs. 3a, 3b two detailed representations of measurement curves; Figs. 4a, 4b two detailed representations of measurement curves; Figs. 5a - 5d four detailed representations of measurement curves; Figs. 6a - 6d four detailed representations of measurement curves; Figs. 7a, 7b two representations of general curves; Figs. 8a - 8d four representations of measurement curves; Figs. 9a - 9e five representations of measurement curves; Fig. 10 a schematic representation of a device according to the invention; and Fig. 11 a schematic representation to illustrate the tasks of the control device.

[0056] Figure 1The figure shows a representation of several measurement curves. The reference symbol BL refers to a (blowing) pressure curve. The left coordinate represents the bar position in millimeters, and the right coordinate represents blowing pressures in bar. The ordinate represents time in seconds.

[0057] The reference symbol PR indicates a position of the pull-up bar or the aforementioned motion curve. Reference symbols V1 to V3 indicate the switching positions of three (blast) valves. The two leftmost reference symbols, V1 and V2, indicate the opening of the valves to pressurize the preform with compressed air, while the two rightmost reference symbols, V1 and V2, indicate the opening of the valves for recycling (the blowing air).

[0058] Figure 2This illustrates the determination of a first process point P1 Start, i.e., the point at which the plastic preforms are subjected to the first pressure P1. It can be seen that valve V1 is switched at a slightly earlier time. Advantageously, point P1 is determined using a difference quotient method. By determining or specifying point P1, the valve delay time of the first valve V1 can be calculated. Furthermore, process values ​​and process experience can be gathered at this point.

[0059] Figure 3a This marks the determination of a second process point P2, which represents a local maximum. It is possible to find the first zero crossing in the difference quotient (of the derivative) and thus P2. An additional median smoothing is advantageously performed here.

[0060] Point P2 defines the point at which the plastic preform begins to flow, i.e., actually begins to expand. Figure 3b This illustrates a problem in determining point P2. In this case, it is possible to specify or restrict a range in which this point can be found (for example, a range bounded by a specific maximum slope). It would also be possible to estimate this point or specify a range of points. Alternatively, the midpoint of this range could be given as the point.

[0061] Point P3 (see below) Figs. 4a and 4b ) marks a local minimum. The second zero crossing in the difference quotient (of the derivative) after P1 is sought, and median smoothing can also be applied here. This point P3 defines the point at which the plastic preform rests against the blow mold and the pressure in the mold increases accordingly.

[0062] These points P2 and P3 also serve to adjust blowing parameters and to gather process experience.

[0063] The Figures 5a to 5d This shows the determination of a further process point P4 (here, the detection of the starting point with pressure application by pressure PI). This can also be determined using a difference quotient method. In this way, the start of pressure application with a second pressure PI can be recorded. Here, too, it is possible to determine a valve delay time. Furthermore, the blowing parameters can be set, and process values ​​and process experience can be gathered. Preferably, this approach can be used to reduce the overflow safety from PI to P1.

[0064] Figure 6aThis shows the recording of another relevant point P5 (here, the detection of the start of pressure application at level PI plus). This, too, can be done using a difference quotient method. In this way, it is also possible to determine the valve delay time and to adjust the blowing parameters. Figures 6b, 6c and 6d Each example illustrates problem situations where the evaluation of the measurement curves proves difficult and, if necessary, further areas need to be identified.

[0065] In another preferred method, a first local pressure maximum is sought. The search can be limited to, for example, the region where 95% of a specific pressure, such as the annular channel pressure of the maximum pressure P2, is reached. Subsequently, a local maximum on the pressure curve can be located. Based on this point, the cooling time can be determined, i.e., the point at which the already expanded bottle is in complete contact with the blow mold. The total pressure rise time can also be determined.

[0066] The Figures 7a and 7b This shows how to determine the point at which the P2 valve closes. A specific valve delay time can be added, for example, 60 ms (twice the average valve delay). This point, which is located in Figure 7b As shown, leaks can be detected if the pressure drop is too great when the P2 valve is closed.

[0067] The Figures 8a to 8d This shows the identification of relevant points for initiating the recycling of compressed air. Here, too, the search can be carried out using the difference quotient method. These process points can be used, for example, to reduce air consumption or to shorten process times.

[0068] The Figures 9a to 9e The figures show five graphs of measurement curves, from which the start of the air discharge process from the container is determined. Here, too, the respective process points can be determined using the difference quotient method.

[0069] The following table shows relevant points of the pressure curve and, where applicable, their significance: Process points pressure curve Meaning or physical meaning P1 Start Effect of opening the P1 valve on the pre-blow pressure P1 Inflection Point 1 The plastic of the plastic preform begins to flow, or the plastic preform begins to expand. P1 Inflection Point 2 ( The plastic preform, or rather its material, rests against the inner wall of the blow mold. PI Start *1 Effect of opening the PI valve on the pressure curve PI Plus Start *1 Effect of opening the PI plus valve on the pressure curve P2 Start *1 Effect of opening the P2 valve on the pressure curve P2 Max *3 P2 End *4 Effect of closing the P2 valve on HPZ End *1 PI Plus Recycling Start Effect of opening the PI Plus valve for compressed air recycling PI Recycling Start *1 Effect of opening the PI valve for compressed air recycling P1 Recycling Start *1 Effect of opening the P1 valve for compressed air recycling External Recycling Start Exhaust Start *1 Effect of opening the exhaust valve Exhaust end? Effect of closing the exhaust valve

[0070] Fig. 10 Figure 1 shows a roughly schematic representation of a device 1 according to the invention for forming plastic preforms 10 into plastic containers and, in particular, plastic bottles 20. Specifically, the device is a stretch blow molding machine. Reference numeral 2 denotes a transport device, such as a so-called blow wheel, on which a plurality of forming stations 25 are arranged. These forming stations are preferably each designed in the same way or each have the same components. For the sake of clarity, however, this is only shown for two forming stations.

[0071] Reference numeral 32 identifies a feeding device such as a transport star which feeds plastic preforms 10 to the forming device 1, and reference numeral 34 identifies a discharge device which removes the blown plastic containers or plastic bottles 20 from the forming device 1.

[0072] The forming stations each have a supply device 14, such as a blow nozzle, which supplies the plastic preforms with compressed air. The reference numeral 12 schematically denotes the blow mold within which the plastic preforms are formed.

[0073] Reference numeral 8 schematically denotes a measuring device, more precisely a pressure sensing device, which records the actual (air) pressure (especially within the containers to be expanded). Reference numeral 16 denotes a rod-like body or a stretching bar, which stretches the plastic preforms 10 in their longitudinal direction. The pressure curves shown above can be recorded using the measuring device.

[0074] Reference numeral 26 designates a smoothing device that smooths the recorded pressure curves or motion curves. A processor 22 determines the relevant process points from the curves, as mentioned above. A control device 28 is used to control the individual valve units of the forming stations.

[0075] The determined process points are stored in a storage device 30.

[0076] Figure 11Figure 28 is a schematic representation to illustrate the tasks of the control device 28. The control device 28 is preferably a central control unit, in particular for the higher-level control of the blow molding machine components.

[0077] The control unit 28 preferably controls a control unit of the blow molding machine (SBC) for blow curve evaluation, in particular the processor unit 22, and / or also control units 24 for container transport (SDC), for example for position detection of the containers or the like. The control units of the blow molding machine (SBC) preferably control the forming stations 25n 1...X, the blow molds with valve block, and / or the stretching unit.

[0078] The control device 28 also controls, for example, a heating device 5 upstream of the supply device 32. Preferably, the control device controls the heating controls, lamps, heating devices, cooling devices, etc. of the heating device 5.

[0079] 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 compared to the prior art. It is further noted that the individual figures also describe features which may be advantageous on their own. A person skilled in the art will immediately recognize that a particular feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without incorporating other features from that figure. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will recognize that advantages may also arise from a combination of several features shown in individual or different figures.

Claims

1. A method for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers, wherein a plastic preform is introduced into a blow mould and is expanded into a plastic container by being applied with a flowable medium, wherein the plastic preform is applied by at least two different pressure levels (P1, Pi, P2) and wherein furthermore a rod-like body is introduced into the plastic preform, in order to expand the plastic preform in its longitudinal direction (L), wherein a pressure curve and / or a movement curve of the rod-like body and / or a force curve of the rod-like body being determined by at least one measuring device during the expansion process, characterized in that at least one of the curves is evaluated by a processor device and at least one point or region of this curve which is characteristic of the curve is determined, and a plurality of plastic preforms is formed to the plastic containers by a plurality of forming stations (25) and taken into account these values and regions each forming station (25) is controlled individually.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that said characteristic point or region is selected from a group of points or regions containing extremes or extreme regions of the pressure curve or movement curve, turning points or turning point regions of the pressure curve or movement curve and the like.

3. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic preform is transported along a predetermined transport path during its expansion.

4. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the curve is recorded as a function of time and / or as a function of a position of the plastic preform.

5. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two, preferably at least three and preferably at least four characteristic points of the course are determined.

6. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the curve is evaluated by a curve discussion method.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one characteristic point is determined for each of these forming stations.

8. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that n-tuples are formed from several characteristic points and these n-tuples are stored in a storage device and / or a cloud.

9. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application of the containers with pressure is controlled by at least one controllable valve device and this valve device is controlled taking into account the determined points and / or regions.

10. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that data are linked to each process point and / or process region, which in particular allow conclusions to be drawn about the relevant forming station or also conclusions to be drawn about correspondingly used blowing parameters.

11. The method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the characteristic data are selected from a group of data including a validity of the point, a time, a pressure at said process point, a position of the stretching bar at said process point, a force of a driving device of a stretching rod at said process point and / or a delay time.

12. An apparatus (1) for forming plastic preforms (10) into plastic containers (20), having at least one forming station (25) which has a blow mould (12) into which the plastic preform (10) can be introduced, and an application device (14) which applies the plastic preform (10) with a flowable and in particular gaseous medium, wherein the plastic preform (10) is applied with at least two different pressure levels (P1, Pi, P2) and wherein the apparatus (1) further comprises a rod-like body (16) which can be introduced into the plastic preform, in order to expand the plastic preform in its longitudinal direction (L), wherein a pressure curve (BI) and / or a movement curve (PR) of the rod-like body (16) and / or a force curve of the rod-like body being determined by a measuring device (8) during the expansion process, characterized in that the apparatus has a processor device (22) which is suitable and intended for evaluating at least one of the curves (BI, PR) and for determining at least one point or region of this curve (BI, PR) which is characteristic of the curve, and the apparatus (1) has a plurality of forming stations (25) and a control device (28), which, taking into account these values and regions, correspondingly individually controls the forming stations (25).

13. The apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a storage device (24) and / or a cloud suitable and intended for storing a plurality of characteristic points together with these data characteristic thereof.

14. The apparatus according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a transport device (2) which transports the plastic preforms during their expansion.