Extrusion blow-moulding method for producing at least one hollow element

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing at least one hollow element (20), in particular at least one container such as at least one bottle and / or at least one tube, comprising the following steps: inserting an extruded blank (11) into a blow moulding tool (40) such that the blank (11) extends along a blank axis (41); inflating the blank (11) inserted in the blow moulding tool (40) at least to form a hollow element (20), the blow moulding tool (40) giving the hollow element (20) a hollow-element longitudinal axis (21) oriented transversely to the blank axis (41); and separating the hollow element (20).

Description

[0001] Extrusion blow molding process for producing at least one hollow body

[0002] The invention relates to a method for producing at least one hollow body, in particular at least one container such as at least one bottle and / or at least one tube. The invention also relates to a blow molding tool for producing at least one hollow body by extrusion blow molding, an extrusion blow molding machine comprising such a blow molding tool, an extrusion-blow molded body, a hollow body separated from such a body, and a hollow body produced by the method mentioned above.

[0003] Extrusion-blown hollow bodies, such as containers, particularly bottles and / or tubes, are manufactured by extruding a tube, which is then clamped between two halves of a blow mold and subsequently inflated. The longitudinal axis of the hollow body to be blown is aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube.

[0004] The production of such hollow bodies is relatively cost-intensive. The corresponding tools require a relatively high investment. Accordingly, such tools are not particularly suitable for the cost-effective production of hollow bodies with small volumes.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the invention to remedy one or more of these disadvantages. In particular, a method for producing hollow bodies is to be provided which enables the production of hollow bodies with increased cost efficiency.

[0006] These and other objects, which will be mentioned upon reading the following description or which may be recognized by a person skilled in the art, are achieved by the methods and subject matter defined in the independent patent claims. The dependent claims develop the central idea of ​​the invention in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing at least one hollow body, in particular at least one container such as at least one bottle and / or at least one tube. The method comprises the following steps: introducing an extruded blank into a blow molding tool such that the blank extends along a blank axis; inflating the blank inserted into the blow molding tool to form at least one hollow body, wherein the blow molding tool imparts to the hollow body a hollow body longitudinal axis that is oriented transversely to the blank axis; and separating the hollow body. This enables particularly cost-efficient production of at least one hollow body. This is due in particular to the fact that the hollow body longitudinal axis, which is oriented transversely to the blank axis, makes particularly good use of the space in the blow molding tool.The transverse alignment of the hollow body's longitudinal axis relative to the blank axis results in more space laterally and along the blank axis. This space can be used, for example, for the production of additional hollow bodies and / or saved.

[0008] The blank inserted into the blow molding tool can be further inflated into a channel that extends along the blank axis and is fluidly connected to the hollow body. The channel and the hollow body can form a single receiving space.

[0009] It is preferred if, during the separation process, the hollow body is separated from the channel, whereby the hollow body separated from the channel receives an opening through which the hollow body can be filled with a good (product, etc.). Such a separation leaves the hollow body open on one side, as is the case, for example, with containers such as tubes before they are filled. The opening can then be closed, for example, by welding. The hollow body can be separated from the channel by placing the corresponding separation plane outside the channel or inside the channel.

[0010] It can be provided that the hollow body receives a closure element through the blow molding tool. The closure element can thus be provided easily, namely already in the blow molding tool. It is preferred if the closure element is provided laterally of the blank axis. The hollow body can have, e.g., with respect to the channel, a proximal end and a distal end, with the distal end containing the closure element. The hollow body is then connected to the channel via the proximal end.

[0011] The closure element can have a thread, a lid, a lever, and / or a predetermined breaking point. Another closure element can be screwed onto the thread. The lever can easily apply force to open the hollow body. The predetermined breaking point can facilitate opening the hollow body.

[0012] The blank inserted into the blow molding tool can be inflated into at least two or more, preferably ten or more, hollow bodies. The blow molding tool thus provides each hollow body with a respective hollow body longitudinal axis that is aligned transversely to the blank's axis.

[0013] The hollow bodies can be arranged according to a matrix, in particular according to a matrix with two columns and two or more rows. The hollow bodies can form a kind of tree. The tree can have a trunk and several branches extending from the trunk, with the trunk, for example, containing the channel and the branches containing the hollow bodies.

[0014] It can be provided that the hollow bodies are separated from one another when they are separated. The separation can occur, for example, by severing interconnected, in particular welded, regions of the blank. Such a region exists, for example, between adjacent hollow bodies that are provided on the same side with respect to the blank axis. The region can be relatively small, for example, have a width of less than 0.5 mm. The region can therefore be a separation region that is severed when the hollow bodies are separated.

[0015] Before separating the hollow bodies, they are preferably fluidically connected to one another via the channel. Such a fluidic connection can be used, for example, to distribute a liquid material via the channel into the multiple hollow bodies connected to this channel.

[0016] The hollow bodies can be provided (before separation of the hollow bodies) on the same side and / or on different sides with respect to the blank axis.

[0017] The blank can be made of one or more parts.

[0018] The blank can be a tube, i.e. an extruded tube.

[0019] The blank may comprise or consist of at least two films. The at least two films are separated from each other before being introduced into the blow molding tool, i.e., they are not bonded together.

[0020] It is preferred if the at least two films are connected to one another before they are inflated to form at least the hollow body. The at least two films can be provided by at least two film strips.

[0021] The at least two films can be arranged parallel to each other, for example before insertion into the blow mold and / or inflation.

[0022] The at least two films are preferably extruded from two correspondingly arranged extrusion heads, in particular in the form of nozzles, and then introduced into the blow molding tool.

[0023] Once the at least two films have been introduced into the blow mold, the at least two films are preferably brought into contact with one another and bonded, for example, by means of a material bond, for example, upon closing the blow mold. The films are preferably bonded to one another at their edges. The films are preferably bonded to one another to form a tube.

[0024] After the two films have been joined together, the blank, ie the at least two films, can be inflated at least to form the hollow body.

[0025] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a blow molding tool for producing at least one hollow body by extrusion blow molding. The blow molding tool comprises: a first cavity defining a blank axis, wherein an extruded blank introduced into the blow molding tool can extend along the blank axis; and a second cavity for forming a hollow body by inflating the blank introduced into the blow molding tool, wherein the second cavity is connected to the first cavity and defines a hollow body forming axis that is oriented transversely to the blank axis.

[0026] The above-mentioned advantages with regard to the process are analogous to the blow molding tool.

[0027] The second cavity may have a closure element section for forming a closure element, for example, a thread, a lid, a lever, and / or a predetermined breaking point. The closure element section may, in particular, be designed to complement (negatively) the closure element. The blow molding tool may have two or more, preferably ten or more, second cavities. Consequently, each second cavity defines a respective hollow body molding axis that is oriented transversely to the blank axis.

[0028] The second cavities can be arranged according to a matrix and / or on the same and / or different sides relative to the first cavity. In particular, the second cavities can form a kind of tree. The tree can have a trunk and several branches extending from the trunk, for example, the trunk having the first cavity and the branches having the second cavities.

[0029] The blow molding tool can have two blow molding tool halves. The extruded preform can be clamped between the blow molding tool halves. The blow mold halves are preferably movable between an open position, in which the preform can be inserted into the blow molding tool, and a closed position, in which the preform can preferably be clamped in the blow molding tool. The preform is inflated in the closed position.

[0030] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to an extrusion blow molding machine for producing at least one hollow body, in particular at least one container such as at least one bottle and / or at least one tube. The machine comprises a blow molding tool as described above.

[0031] The extrusion blow molding machine may comprise at least one extruder head for extruding a blank.

[0032] The extrusion blow molding machine can have at least one blow mandrel for inflating a blank inserted into the blow molding tool. The extrusion blow molding machine preferably has two such blow mandrels. A blank inserted into the blow molding tool can thus be inflated at a first opening via a first blow mandrel and at a second opening via a second blow mandrel. This allows for the production of numerous hollow bodies of essentially the same quality.

[0033] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to an extrusion-bias-molded body. This can, for example, be an extrusion-bias-molded group of hollow bodies. It is preferred if the body can be produced or is produced by a method as described above and / or by a blow molding tool as described above and / or by an extrusion blow molding machine as described above. The body comprises: a channel extending along a channel longitudinal axis; and a hollow body with a hollow body longitudinal axis, wherein the hollow body is connected to the channel and the hollow body longitudinal axis is oriented transversely to the channel longitudinal axis.

[0034] The body may comprise a plurality of hollow bodies which are connected to one another via the channel and each have a respective (or corresponding) longitudinal axis which is oriented transversely to the channel longitudinal axis.

[0035] According to a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a hollow body, in particular a container such as a bottle or a tube, wherein the hollow body is a hollow body separated from a body as described above. The hollow body preferably has only a single cavity, which is delimited, for example, by a side wall. The hollow body is open on one side, for example, by an opening, but otherwise closed. The opening can be closed, in particular, by connecting regions of the side wall to one another, in particular by welding.

[0036] According to a sixth aspect, the invention relates to a hollow body, in particular a container such as a bottle or tube, produced by a method as described above.

[0037] A detailed description of the figures is given below. The figures show:

[0038] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a blow molding tool according to an embodiment and an extrusion blow molding machine comprising the blow molding tool;

[0039] Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of an extrusion bias molded body according to an embodiment;

[0040] Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of an extrusion bias-molded body according to an embodiment; and

[0041] Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of an extrusion bias-molded body according to an embodiment, wherein a plurality of hollow bodies are separated from the channel.

[0042] For the sake of simplicity and clarity, some reference symbols for recurring features have been omitted in the figures.

[0043] Fig. 1 shows a blow molding tool 40 into which an extruded tube 11 can be introduced as a blank. The following description, particularly with regard to the tube n and the tube axis 41 as the blank axis, which will be explained in more detail below, applies analogously to any other blank, for example, a blank with at least two films, and any other blank axis, for example, a blank axis of a blank with at least two films.

[0044] The blow molding tool 40 is preferably a so-called extrusion blow molding (EBM) tool. The blow molding tool 40 can have two blow molding tool halves, which are movable, for example, between a closed position and an open position. In the open position, the hose 11 can be introduced into the blow molding tool 40. An extruder head 30 can be provided, from which the hose 11 can be extruded. The extruder head 30 preferably has a longitudinal axis 31, which extends correspondingly in the extrusion direction of the hose 11. The blow molding tool 40 is preferably arranged downstream of and preferably below the extruder head 30. In the closed position, the hose 11 is preferably clamped between the blow molding tool halves.

[0045] An extrusion blow molding machine 100 may include the blow molding tool 40 and preferably the extruder head 30.

[0046] Fig. 1 shows the extruded tube 11 before it is inserted into the blow molding tool 40. The tube 11 is located, for example, above the blow molding tool 40. Other extrusion blow molding processes are also known in which the spatial arrangement of the extruder head, the tube, and the blow mandrel is designed differently than that shown in Figure 1. The spatial arrangement is of secondary importance for the present invention, and therefore, these variants are not illustrated.

[0047] In a first step, the tube 11 is introduced into the blow molding tool 40, for example by lowering the tube 11 using the extruder head 30. The blow molding tool is in the open position. The tube 11 is introduced into the blow molding tool 40 such that it extends along a tube axis 41 as the blank axis. The tube axis 41 can be defined by the blow molding tool 40, for example by a cavity formed in the blow molding tool 40 for forming an extrusion-bias-molded body. This cavity is also referred to below as the “first cavity”. The tube axis 41 can be parallel to and / or congruent with the longitudinal axis 31. The tube 11 can extend along a longitudinal axis which, when inserted into the blow molding tool 40, extends parallel to the tube axis 41. The hose axis 41 can be defined by the first cavity 42.In the state in which the hose 11 is inserted into the blow molding tool 40 and extends along the hose axis 41, i.e., for example, when the longitudinal axis of the hose 11 is parallel to the hose axis 41, the hose 11 is inflated. Before this inflation step, the blow molding tool 40 can be closed, for example, by moving the blow molding tool halves into the closed position, and / or the hose 11 inserted into the blow molding tool 40 can be separated from the hose 11 not (yet) inserted into the blow molding tool 40.

[0048] A blow mandrel 60 may be provided for inflating the tube 11 inserted into the blow molding tool 40. The blow mandrel 60 may, for example, be part of the extrusion blow molding machine 100. The blow mandrel 60 may be arranged such that one end extends into the tube 11 and thus into a body subsequently formed from this tube 11.

[0049] The tube 11 inserted into the blow molding tool 40 is inflated, for example, by means of the blow mandrel 60. This transfers the tube 11 into a state in which the tube 11 forms a hollow body. The blow molding tool 40 is now designed such that the hollow body receives a hollow body longitudinal axis 21 through the blow molding tool 40, which is aligned transversely to the tube axis 41. This means that when the hollow body 20 is inserted into the blow molding tool 40, the hollow body longitudinal axis 21 is not parallel to the tube axis 41. The angle between the hollow body longitudinal axis 21 and the tube axis 41 can, for example, be in a range from 80° to 100°, preferably 85° to 95°. 0 , particularly preferably 90° + / - 1°.

[0050] In order for such a hollow body 20 to be produced by the blow molding tool 40, the blow molding tool 40 can, for example, have a second cavity 43. The second cavity 43 has a shape that is complementary to at least part of the hollow body 20. The second cavity 43 defines a hollow body forming axis 44, which, once the hollow body 20 is obtained, is parallel and / or concentric to the hollow body longitudinal axis 21. The hollow body forming axis 44 is aligned transversely to the tube axis 41, which means that these axes 44, 41 form, for example, an angle in the range of 80° to 100°, preferably 85° to 95°. 0 , particularly preferably 90° + / - 1°.

[0051] Inflation of the hose 21 inserted into the blow molding tool 40 results in at least one hollow body 20, which means that in addition to the hollow body 20, other structures can be obtained by inflating the hose 11. For example, the hose 11 inserted into the blow molding tool 40 can be further inflated to form a (central) channel 22. While still inserted in the blow molding tool 40, this channel 22 then extends along and preferably parallel and / or concentrically to the hose axis 41. The channel 22 is then fluidically connected to the hollow body 20, so that at least the hollow body 20 and the channel 22 form a single receiving space for receiving at least the air blown into the hose 11. The channel 22 preferably extends along a channel longitudinal axis 22 which is aligned transversely to the hollow body longitudinal axis 21, for example an angle in the range of 80° to 100°, preferably 85° to 95 0, particularly preferably 90° + / - 1°.

[0052] The channel 22 can be formed at least partially by the first cavity 42, so that the channel 22, when it is still inserted in the blow molding tool 40, is with its longitudinal axis 43 parallel and / or concentric with the hose axis 41.

[0053] The body 1 obtained by inflating the tube 11 inserted into the blow molding tool 40 is not limited to a specific number of hollow bodies 20. In Fig. 1, the body 1 obtained by the blow molding tool 40 is shown in a state removed from the blow molding tool 40, in particular ejected. The body 1 can, for example, have only one hollow body 20. As Fig. 1 shows, it is preferred if the body 1 has at least two or more hollow bodies 20 as described above. To form each of the hollow bodies 20, the blow molding tool 40 preferably has a respective second cavity 43 which is connected to the first cavity 42.

[0054] The hollow bodies 20 thus each have a respective or corresponding hollow body longitudinal axis 21, which, when the hollow bodies 20 are still provided in the blow molding tool 40, are aligned transversely to the tube axis 41. Once the body 1 is obtained, each of the hollow body longitudinal axes 21 is aligned transversely to the longitudinal axis of the channel 22.

[0055] The hollow bodies 20 can be arranged in different ways, for example according to a matrix, as shown in Fig. 1. The matrix can consist, for example, of two columns separated from one another, for example, by the channel 22. The matrix can have two or more rows, with one or two hollow bodies 20 and preferably at least a part of the channel 22 being arranged in each of these rows. The hollow bodies 20, together with the channel 22, can in particular form a tree structure, in which the central channel 22 represents the central element—the trunk of the tree—from which the hollow bodies 20 extend or branch off. The plurality of hollow bodies 21 is fluidly connected to the channel 22 so that, before they are separated, they form a single receiving space.

[0056] When provided in the blow molding tool 40, the hollow bodies 20 can be provided on the same side and / or on different sides with respect to the hose axis 41. For example, a first group of hollow bodies 20 is provided on a first side with respect to the hose axis 41 - i.e., in Fig. 1, for example, to the left of the hose axis 41 - and a second group of hollow bodies 20 is provided on a second side with respect to the hose axis 41 - i.e., in Fig. 1, for example, to the right of the hose axis 41. These groups of hollow bodies 21 are thus located on different sides with respect to the hose axis 41.

[0057] Once the at least one hollow body 20 has been obtained, the hollow body 20 is separated in a subsequent step. During the separation of the hollow body 20, it is separated from other structures that are obtained when the tube 11 is inflated in the blow-molded body 40. If the hollow body 20 is part of the body 1, which also has other hollow bodies 20, during the separation of the hollow body 20, it is separated at least from the other hollow bodies 20. This can be done, for example, by severing at least one connecting region 24 between the hollow body 20 to be separated and another, in particular adjacent, hollow body 20. The connecting region 24 is obtained, for example, by connecting two sections of the tube 11, wherein the connection comprises, for example, welding by means of the blow-molding tool 40. If the channel 22 is present, the separation of the hollow body 20 can comprise separating this hollow body 20 from the channel 22.For example, the hollow body 20 is separated from the channel 22 in such a way that the hollow body 20 then separated from the channel 22 does not have a wall, such as a side wall, that delimits the channel 22. In other words, it can be provided that the hollow body 20 is separated from the channel 22 in such a way that a wall (side wall) delimiting the channel 22 is not severed. The separated hollow body 20 is thus preferably free of any structure, such as a wall, that delimits the channel 22.

[0058] By separating the hollow body 20 from the channel 22, the hollow body 20 receives an opening through which the hollow body 20 can be filled with, for example, a liquid and / or flowable material.

[0059] Before separating the hollow body 20, the body 1 can be cooled. Fig. 2 shows an extrusion-bias-formed body 1 that was or can be produced according to an embodiment of the above-mentioned method. In Figs. 1 and 2, identical or equivalent components are provided with the same reference numerals. The illustrated components and the relative sizes of the components are not to scale.

[0060] Fig. 2 shows that the (or each) hollow body 20 can have, at least in sections, a constant width, in particular diameter, measured transversely to the hollow body's longitudinal axis 21. The (or each) hollow body 20 is not restricted to a specific cross-sectional shape (seen in a section transverse or perpendicular to the hollow body's longitudinal axis 21). The cross-sectional shape can be round or polygonal, for example. The cross-sectional shape can be circular, oval, or rectangular, for example square. The (or each) hollow body 20 preferably has an elongated shape, which means that the extension of the hollow body 20 along its hollow body's longitudinal axis 21 is at least twice, preferably at least three times, as large as its width measured transversely to the hollow body's longitudinal axis 21.

[0061] As can be clearly seen in Fig. 2, the (or each) hollow body 20 can receive a closure element 25 through the blow molding tool 40. The closure element 25 can be provided laterally of the tube axis 41 when the body 1 is still provided in the blow molding tool 40. With respect to the channel 22, the hollow body 20 can have a proximal and a distal end, wherein the distal end has the closure element 25 and the hollow body 20 is connected to the channel 22 via the proximal end. The closure element 25 is spaced from the channel 22 at least by the cavity defined or delimited by the hollow body 20. If the body 1 has a plurality of hollow bodies 20, the closure element 25 of a first hollow body 20 can be connected (directly) via the connecting region 24, for example in the form of a web, to the closure element 25 of a second, adjacent hollow body 20.In particular, the closure element 25 is not connected to one end of another hollow body 20, which end does not have a closure element 25.

[0062] As can be seen from Fig. 2, the closure element 25 can, for example, have a lever, which provides, for example, a (mechanical) lever with respect to the hollow body's longitudinal axis 21, and / or a lid that is integrally connected to the rest of the hollow body 20, in particular via a predetermined breaking point. The closure element 25 preferably has a width measured transversely to the hollow body's longitudinal axis 21 that is smaller than the width of the part of the hollow body 20 that delimits the cavity. In other embodiments, the closure element 25 can additionally or alternatively have a thread or other closure element.

[0063] To form the closure element 25 in the blow molding tool 40, the latter can have a closure element section in the second cavity 43, which is designed, for example, to correspond or complement the closure element 25.

[0064] Fig. 2 further shows that the channel 22 can have a section 221 at one end, which has a shape obtained by the blow mandrel 60. The inner width, e.g., the inner diameter, of the section 221 preferably corresponds to the outer width, e.g., the outer diameter, of the blow mandrel. The section 221 can define an axis 221.1 that is parallel and / or concentric to or corresponds to the axis 23. The section 221 preferably has a width, e.g., diameter, measured transversely (e.g., perpendicularly) to the channel longitudinal axis 22, which is greater than the width in a section of the channel 22, which section is connected to a hollow body 20.

[0065] Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of an extrusion-bias-molded body 1. Here, too, components that are identical to, or function identically to, those described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2 are provided with the same reference numerals. For the sake of simplicity, only the differences with respect to the embodiment according to Figs. 1 and 2 are described.

[0066] As can be seen from Fig. 3, the channel 22 can be delimited by at least several wall sections 222 distributed along the channel's longitudinal axis 23. The wall sections 222 can each have an arcuate shape when viewed in a section transverse to the channel's longitudinal axis 23. In other embodiments, it is also possible for the wall sections 222 to have a different shape when viewed in cross-section, for example an angular and / or angled shape. In particular, the wall sections 222 can be provided by several, for example cylindrical, sleeve segments. The wall sections 222 can merge into one another or be spaced apart from one another. Viewed in plan view, the wall sections 222 can have a polygonal shape, in particular a square (Fig. 3) or hexagonal (Fig. 2). The hollow bodies 20 can be separated from the channel 22, for example, laterally from the wall sections 222.Alternatively or additionally, the hollow bodies 20 can be separated from the channel 22 by a separation through the wall sections 222. The separation plane when separating the hollow bodies 20 from the channel 22 is preferably parallel to the channel longitudinal axis 23. Fig. 4 shows an extrusion-bias-formed body 1', wherein here too, components that are the same as or have the same effect as the components described with reference to Figs. 1, 2 and 3 are provided with the same reference numerals. The body 1' is in a state in which it has a plurality of hollow bodies 20, preferably arranged in a row, and is separated from the channel 22. As a result, each hollow body 20 is provided with an opening 26 at the point at which it was separated from the channel 22. The opening 26 can be circular, oval and / or angular and / or concentric with the respective hollow body longitudinal axis 21.The respective hollow body 20 can be filled with a material (filling material) via the opening 26, after which the opening 26 can be closed, for example by connecting, in particular by welding, at least two sections that delimit the cavity of the respective hollow body 20. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the opening 26 to be closed with a closure element, for example a lid element, in particular in the form of a film or disc. The closure element can, for example, be glued to the hollow body 20.

[0067] As can be seen from Fig. 4, each hollow body 20 can have, at least in sections, a varying width, in particular diameter, measured transversely to the hollow body's longitudinal axis 21, whereby the hollow body 20, for example, is given a tapered, in particular bell-shaped, shape with respect to the hollow body's longitudinal axis 21. It is preferred if the hollow body 20 tapers in a direction away from the channel 22 - or, if the hollow body 20 is separated from the channel 22, in a direction away from the opening 26. The closure element 25 is preferably provided at the end with a smaller width, with the opening 26 preferably being provided at the end with a greater width.

[0068] A separated hollow body 20 can form a container, such as a bottle or a tube. A separated hollow body 20 preferably has an opening, for example, opening 26, at the point where the hollow body 20 was separated from the channel 22. The hollow body 20 (and thus, for example, the container) can be filled via this opening, in particular with a liquid and / or flowable material, for example. The opening can then be closed, preferably by welding, thereby sealing the container on all sides.

[0069] Due to the separation of a hollow body 20 from the extrusion-bias-molded body 1, the separated hollow body 20 can have a separating region on each side, i.e. on its two lateral sides, on the opening side and on the side opposite the opening side, which has, for example, the closure element 25, via which separating region the separated hollow body 20 was connected to the rest of the body 1. The hollow body 20 can form a cavity having a volume in the range of 1 ml to 100 ml, preferably in the range of 1 ml to 50 ml, particularly preferably in the range of 10 ml to 40 ml, or in the range of 50 ml to 100 ml, particularly preferably in the range of 60 ml to 90 ml.

[0070] It is thus possible to produce a hollow body, which subsequently serves, for example, as a container, particularly cost-efficiently. In particular, it is possible to produce a large number of, for example, identical hollow bodies 20 in a single blow-molding step, which makes the production of a large number of hollow bodies 20 particularly efficient. Furthermore, it is possible to produce, in a single blow-molding tool, several groups, each comprising hollow bodies arranged in a matrix, for example in the shape of a tree. The groups can, for example, be arranged such that their multiple tube axes are arranged along a (for example horizontal) direction and / or are each oriented transversely to this direction.

[0071] In the embodiments described above, a tube 11 is used as the blank (i.e. starting element or structure). However, other types of blanks can also be used, for example a blank which has or consists of at least two films. With reference to Fig. 1, the at least two films are separated from one another before they are introduced into the blow molding tool 40, i.e. they are not materially bonded to one another. Once the at least two films have been introduced into the blow molding tool 40, for example when the blow molding tool 40 is closed, the at least two films are preferably brought into contact with one another and connected, for example by material bonding. The connection of the films to one another preferably takes place at their edges. It is preferred if the at least two films are connected to one another before they are inflated at least to form the hollow body 20.The films are preferably joined together to form a tube. This tube can then be inflated as described above with respect to tube 11.

[0072] The at least two films can be provided by at least two film strips. The at least two films can be extruded, for example, from two correspondingly arranged extrusion heads, in particular in the form of nozzles, and then introduced into the blow molding tool 40. The extrusion heads can be arranged, for example, corresponding to the extrusion head 30. The at least two films are preferably arranged parallel to one another, at least before being introduced into the blow molding tool 40, ie, with reference to Fig. 1, for example, parallel to the plane of the drawing.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for producing at least one hollow body (20), in particular at least one container such as at least one bottle and / or at least one tube, comprising the steps: Introducing an extruded blank (11) into a blow molding tool (40) so that the blank (11) extends along a blank axis (41), Inflating the blank (11) inserted into the blow-molding tool (40) to at least one hollow body (20), wherein the hollow body (20) receives a hollow body longitudinal axis (21) by the blow-molding tool (40) which is aligned transversely to the blank axis (41), and Separating the hollow body (20).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the blank (11) inserted into the blow molding tool (40) is further inflated to form a channel (22) which extends along the blank axis (41) and is fluidly connected to the hollow body (21).

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein during the singulation of the hollow body (20) it is separated from the channel (22), whereby the hollow body (20) separated from the channel (22) receives an opening (26) through which the hollow body (20) can be filled with a product.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow body (20) receives a closure element (25) by the blow molding tool (40), which closure element is preferably provided laterally of the blank axis (41).

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the closure element (25) has a thread, a cover, a lever and / or a predetermined breaking point.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the blank (11) placed in the blow molding tool (40) is inflated to form at least two or more, preferably ten or more hollow bodies (20), wherein the hollow bodies (20) are each given a respective hollow body longitudinal axis (21) by the blow molding tool (40), which is aligned transversely to the blank axis (41), wherein the hollow bodies (20) are preferably arranged according to a matrix, in particular according to a matrix with two columns and two or more rows. 7- Method according to claim 6, wherein during the singulation of the hollow bodies (20) the hollow bodies (20) are separated from one another.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the hollow bodies (20) are fluidly connected to one another via the channel (22).

9. Method according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the hollow bodies (20) are provided on the same side and / or on different sides with respect to the blank axis (41).

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the blank (11) is a hose (11).

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the blank comprises at least two films which are separated from one another when they are introduced into the blow molding tool.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the at least two films are joined together before they are inflated at least to form the hollow body (20).

13. Blow molding tool (40) for producing at least one hollow body (20) by extrusion blow molding, wherein the tool (40) has: a first cavity (42) which defines a blank axis (41) along which an extruded blank (11) introduced into the blow molding tool (40) can extend, and a second cavity (43) for forming a hollow body (20) by inflating the blank (11) introduced into the blow molding tool (40), wherein the second cavity (43) is connected to the first cavity (42) and defines a hollow body forming axis (44) which is oriented transversely to the blank axis (41).

14. Blow molding tool (40) according to claim 13, wherein the second cavity (43) has a closure element portion for forming a closure element (25).

15. Blow molding tool (40) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the blow molding tool (40) has two or more, preferably ten or more second cavities (43), wherein preferably the second cavities (43) are arranged according to a matrix and / or on the same and / or are arranged on different sides with respect to the first cavity (42).

16. Blow molding tool (40) according to one of claims 13 to 15, comprising two blow molding tool halves.

17. Extrusion blow molding machine (100) for producing at least one hollow body (20), in particular at least one container such as at least one bottle and / or at least one tube, wherein the extrusion blow molding machine (100) has a blow molding tool (40) according to one of claims 13 to 16.

18. Extrusion blow molding machine (100) according to claim 17, comprising at least one extruder head (30) for extruding a blank (11).

19. Extrusion blow molding machine (100) according to claim 17 or 18, comprising at least one blow mandrel (60) for inflating a blank (11) introduced into the blow molding tool (40).

20. Extrusion-bias-molded body (1), in particular extrusion-bias-molded group of hollow bodies (20), wherein the body (1) can be produced in particular by a method according to one of claims 1 to 12 and / or by a blow-molding tool (40) according to one of claims 13 to 16 and / or by a machine (100) according to one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the body (1) comprises: a channel (22) extending along a channel longitudinal axis (23), and a hollow body (20) with a hollow body longitudinal axis (21), wherein the hollow body (20) is connected to the channel (22) and the hollow body longitudinal axis (21) is oriented transversely to the channel longitudinal axis (23).

21. Body (1) according to claim 20, comprising a plurality of hollow bodies (20) which are connected to one another via the channel (22) and each have a respective longitudinal axis (21) which is oriented transversely to the channel longitudinal axis (23).

22. Hollow body (20), in particular a container such as a bottle or tube, wherein the hollow body (20) is a hollow body (20) separated from a body (1) according to one of claims 20 to 21.

23. Hollow body (20), in particular a container such as a bottle or tube, produced by a method according to one of claims 1 to 12.

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