Device and method for producing containers by forming, using actively temperature-controlled outer moulds

Abstract

The invention relates to devices (B) and methods for producing containers from preforms (1) by forming, wherein the device (B) comprises a plurality of forming stations (3) circumferentially distributed on a forming wheel (25). Each forming station (3) has an application device (10) in order to feed a forming fluid under pressure into a preform (1). Each forming station (3) has a multi-part outer mould (4). The device (B) has a rotary distributor (50) in order to conduct media from a stationary part of the device to the rotating forming wheel (25). Each outer mould (4) is designed to be actively temperature controlled. The device (B) has a first and a second temperature-control-fluid supply device (V1, V2), which supply a first and a second temperature-control fluid in an associated temperature-control-fluid circuit (F1, F2), wherein, separately in separate rotary distributor paths (50.1-50.4), the conducted fluid is conducted to the forming wheel (25) and conducted away from the forming wheel (25). The bottom mould (5) and / or the side shells (6) of each of the outer moulds (4) are line-connected to at least one of the conducting-in rotary distributor paths (50.1, 50.2) and at least one of the conducting-away rotary distributor paths (50.3, 50.4). An intermediate store (60, 61, 62, 63) is arranged between the rotary distributor (50) and the forming stations (3) for each conducting-in rotary distributor path (50.1, 50.2).

Description

[0001] Eisenführ Speiser

[0002] KHS GmbH

[0003] Juchostraße 20, 44143 Dortmund

[0004] Device and method for the forming production of containers with actively temperature-controlled outer shapes

[0005] GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0006] The invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular the invention relates to a device for the forming production of containers with actively temperature-controlled outer shapes.

[0007] The invention further relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 10, in particular to a method for the forming production of containers with actively tempered outer shapes.

[0008] The invention relates generally to the field of forming containers from preforms made of a thermoplastic material, e.g., PET. Methods and devices for this type of forming container production are widely known in the prior art, e.g., from EP 2 977 184 A1 for forming using a blowing gas and e.g., from EP 2 709 819 A1 for forming using a forming fluid. Further prior art is cited in the aforementioned documents, to which reference is also made for the technical background. The present invention therefore concerns methods and devices in which preforms are formed into the finished container after tempering with a forming fluid that is injected into the preform under pressure.This is preferably achieved using a stretching bar, which is guided longitudinally into the preform and against its closed bottom, stretching the preform in its longitudinal direction. The forming fluid, fed into the preform under pressure, preferably together with the aforementioned stretching bar, causes the preform to expand circumferentially and longitudinally against a surrounding outer mold, the inner contour of which defines the outer shape of the finished container. During the forming process, the preform initially forms a container bladder, which increasingly conforms to the inner contour of the outer mold and finally transitions into the finished container, whose outer shape corresponds to the inner contour of the outer mold. The process engineering sequence for such expansion is described, for example, in DE 43 40 291 A1; a basic design of a forming station is described, for example, in [reference missing].described in DE 42 12 583 A1, tempering of the preforms is explained, for example, in DE 23 52 926.

[0009] For achieving high production rates, rotary forming machines, such as rotary blow molding machines, are common and well-known. A number of forming stations are arranged around the circumference of a rotating forming wheel and spaced apart from one another. Each forming station contains an outer die; however, multi-cavity stations are also known, i.e., stations in which several preforms are formed into containers simultaneously. In such rotary machines, preforms are fed to the stations, rotate with the station on the forming wheel, and are removed from the forming wheel after forming is complete.On the common path along the forming wheel, the outer mold closes around the preform, the drawing bar (if applicable) moves into the preform and stretches it, and the forming fluid is injected under pressure into the preform so that it expands against the outer mold and conforms to the inner contour of the outer mold. Then, if applicable, the drawing bar is moved out of the finished container, the interior of the container is depressurized, and the outer mold opens so that the container can be removed. All of this occurs during a continuous rotation of the wheel, i.e., the wheel rotates at a constant speed. A drawing bar is considered a preferred embodiment, but not a mandatory element.

[0010] It is also known that an outer mold is designed in multiple parts so that it can be opened to receive a preform or to remove a finished container, and then closed again after receiving a preform. This allows the preform to expand against the closed outer mold and conform to its shape. In the case of a multi-cavity molding station, several preforms would be inserted and several finished containers removed simultaneously. It is known and common, for example, that the outer mold is designed in three parts: two side shells, hereinafter also referred to as side forms, which can be moved relative to each other, for example, in a book-like fashion; and, for example, an additional bottom shell, hereinafter also referred to as bottom form, which can be moved vertically to enclose an inner cavity together with the side forms.It is also known from the prior art to couple the movement of the base shape and the movement of the side shapes.

[0011] The outer form, together with, for example, a forming nozzle (hereinafter also referred to synonymously as an application device) through which the forming fluid is introduced into the preform, together with, for example, a drawing bar (if provided), and together with, for example, a valve block containing valves that control the forming process, forms an essential component of a forming station. The station may include further elements.

[0012] The finished containers should achieve sufficient stability as quickly as possible to allow for safe further processing. For this reason, the finished container is cooled within the forming station whenever possible. Prior art describes actively cooling the outer mold so that the heat remaining in the container wall is quickly dissipated via the surrounding outer mold, against which the container walls rest. Without such active cooling, the outer mold would be gradually heated by the hot containers, and the desired cooling effect would not occur. A common approach is to implement a temperature control fluid circuit in which the outer mold is integrated; that is, cooling fluid is fed to the outer mold, flows through it, and is then discharged. For this purpose, temperature control fluid channels are incorporated into the outer mold, ensuring that the cooling fluid flows through it.

[0013] It is also known to cool the side molds and the base mold differently. This can be achieved, for example, by integrating the base mold into its own temperature control fluid circuit and the side molds into a different cooling fluid circuit, so that the base mold can be subjected to a different temperature than, for example, the side molds.

[0014] It is also known in the prior art that containers produced, for example, by blow molding, are filled with a hot product in a subsequent filling process. For this, the containers must be manufactured in a special way to prevent shrinkage or deformation due to the temperature of the product. So-called heat-set or hot-set II manufacturing processes are known in the prior art for this purpose. This means that the outer mold is not actively cooled, but rather actively heated, so that the containers inside the outer mold, and, for example, at the end of their rotation on the forming wheel, are kept at an elevated temperature for a period of time after their blow molding production. The outer mold is thus actively kept at an elevated temperature, where "actively" means that the outer mold is heated, for example, by connecting it to a heating device.Analogous to the active cooling described above, a heating fluid circuit can be provided, into which the outer mold is integrated. The medium referred to above, generally as the temperature control fluid, does not cool the side and bottom shells, but rather ensures a specifically elevated temperature for these outer mold elements. It is also known that, in the case of active heating of the outer mold, the bottom and side shells can be maintained at different temperatures and, for example, connected to different temperature control fluid circuits. Typical temperature control fluids can be, for example, water, oils, or other liquids. Gaseous temperature control fluids are also conceivable; in the case of a heating temperature control fluid, for example, steam or heated air could be used. However, liquid temperature control fluids are more advantageous.

[0015] In summary, according to the prior art from which the present invention is based, it is known to cool or heat the outer forms of forming stations to a desired temperature using a temperature control fluid. It is also known to temperature the bottom shell and the side shells differently if required, wherein the bottom shell and the side shells are connected to separate temperature control fluid circuits.

[0016] For forming stations arranged for continuous circulation on a common forming wheel, it is common practice for the temperature control fluid to be supplied from the outside, i.e., from the stationary part of a forming machine, at a suitable temperature via a rotary union onto the rotating forming wheel. Lines then lead from the rotary union to the respective stations, namely a supply line and a return line, to maintain the desired circulation. The forming fluid flows through the supply line to the forming station, passes through the connected external die (or, if applicable, only the bottom die or only the side shells), and then flows back via the return line, exiting the forming wheel through the rotary union. The forming wheel has corresponding rotary distribution tracks in which the temperature control fluid is guided, separately in a supply direction and a return direction.Each temperature control fluid has its own supply and return channel. The advantage of this is that a heating device for the temperature control fluid can be located in the stationary section to bring the fluid to the desired temperature, eliminating the need for a heating device on the forming wheel. It is known that pairs of hoses lead from the rotary distributor to each of the forming stations, namely one supply and one return hose. This means that two hoses are required per temperature control medium and per station, resulting in a very large number of hoses and, consequently, a long hose length, which is detrimental from an energy perspective.

[0017] It is also known that different containers can be produced on the same forming machine, which is designed to be adaptable for this purpose. For example, in forming stations, it is known that the outer shape is formed by mold carriers and the mold shells held by them, which are detachably connected to one another. Optionally, a mold holder is located between the mold carrier and the mold shell. If, for example, a changeover is required from one container shape to a second container shape, the mold shells are detached from the carriers or mold holders, removed, and other mold shells with the desired new internal contour are attached to the mold carriers or mold holders. This applies equally to the bottom shell and the side shells. It is also conceivable that, for example, only the side shells or only the bottom shell are replaced.It is also known that when manufacturing a first type of container on a forming machine, the outer mold is cooled, and when switching to the production of a different type of container, the outer mold is heated. Generally, it is known that the molds must be heated very differently depending on the requirements and the desired outcome. A variety of technical options are available in the prior art for converting forming stations to different outer molds. However, the prior art does not yet offer a satisfactory solution for quickly and easily implementing changed requirements for heating or cooling the outer mold, i.e., for example, for flexibly switching from identical temperature control (e.g., cooling) of the base mold and side shells to different temperature control of the base mold and side shells, e.g., switching to minimal cooling of the outer mold and intensive cooling of the base mold.There is also no satisfactory solution in the prior art for converting from a uniform heating of the base mold and side shells to a separate heating of the base mold and side shells. Current state of the art requires modification and reconnection of hoses or pipes in the temperature control fluid circuit(s) in such cases. This is considered disadvantageous because the conversion is time-consuming and leads to long downtimes of the forming machine.

[0018] It is also known that, for example, the side shells can be kept at a higher temperature than the mold fixtures that hold them. It is also known to temperature-control other elements of a forming station, which may require more than two temperature control fluids to be supplied to and from the stations. This increases the complexity and number of hoses or pipes required to supply the temperature control fluids in the necessary quantity and at the required temperatures.

[0019] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing an improved solution that addresses the aforementioned problems. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a device and a method of the type mentioned in the introduction such that rapid adaptation to changing needs regarding the temperature control of the outer molds is possible. Furthermore, advantages are to be achieved with regard to the flexible usability of a forming device for the production of different types of containers with varying requirements for the temperature control of the outer molds.

[0020] According to a first aspect of the invention, the problem is solved according to the invention by a device having the characterizing features of device claim 1.

[0021] The invention is based on devices known in principle for the forming of containers from preforms made of a thermoplastic material, in particular PET. Such devices are known, for example, in the form of blow molding machines, which use compressed air to form preforms into containers. Also known are so-called form-filling machines, in which the forming process is carried out using a liquid forming fluid, which is also introduced into the preform under pressure. The forming process typically involves a filling material that remains in the finished container after forming. Forming and filling thus occur simultaneously, hence the name Formfill.

[0022] For high production outputs, rotary machines with carousel-like rotating forming wheels have become established. The invention therefore comprises several forming stations arranged circumferentially on a rotary-driven forming wheel. For carousel-like rotation, the forming wheel is mounted on a rotating bearing in a stationary fixture frame. Such a fixture frame can, for example, be set up on the floor of a production hall. The frame can, for example, have a base plate with a ball joint on which the forming wheel is mounted. During production operation, the forming wheel is preferably driven to a continuous rotation relative to the frame; intermittent rotation is also known, but less advantageous.Each forming station has a supply device designed to feed a forming fluid under pressure into a preform held in the forming station and rotating with it. These supply devices are also referred to as forming nozzles in the prior art. Typically, the supply devices establish a sealed connection between the interior of the preform and the forming fluid lines, for example, by sealing against the preform's opening, a support ring of the preform, or the top surface of an outer mold. These forming nozzles feed the forming fluid under pressure into the preform, causing it to expand initially into a container-like shape until it comes into contact with the surrounding mold, forming the container with the desired contour. Such forming nozzles, or...Such blow nozzles are sufficiently known in the prior art and therefore do not require any further detailed description.

[0023] Each forming station has a multi-part outer mold consisting of at least a base mold and a pair of side shells. The base mold defines the bottom contour that the finished container's base will assume. To achieve this, the container bladder is progressively pressed against the outer mold by the supplied pressure fluid. The side shells, with their inner contour, define the desired container contour between the base and the container opening. The container opening corresponds in appearance to the opening of the preform; that is, the preform is already provided with an opening that matches the opening of the container to be produced. This opening, for example, already has an external thread for screwing on a lid and a neck ring for handling, such as for gripping handles. Such openings are known in numerous and standardized forms, such as those according to PCO 1881 or PCO 1810.

[0024] The outer shape of a forming station can be configured as either open or closed, provided that the forming elements of the outer shape (base and side shells) are arranged and designed to be movable relative to one another. In the closed configuration, the outer shape encloses a cavity, thereby providing an inner surface—a container contour—against which the expanding preform can be pressed. The device is designed to expand the preform by supplying the forming fluid under pressure against this inner surface. Conventional forming devices supply the forming fluid, for example, in several pressure stages and incorporate a valve block to control the individual pressure stages in the preform and to release the pressure after forming. Optionally, a portion of the used pressurized gas is recycled.This too is fundamentally known in many variations from the prior art. Likewise, a preferred embodiment is known in which each forming station has a stretching bar which is moved in a controlled manner through the opening into the preform and against its base, in order to stretch the preform in an axial direction as the stretching bar continues to move.

[0025] The rotating device further comprises a rotary distributor, which is arranged and designed to guide media from a stationary part of the device to the rotating forming wheel. The rotary distributor is preferably located in the center of the forming wheel. According to the invention, temperature control fluid is transferred from the rotary distributor to the forming wheel. The media guided to the forming wheel regularly include the forming fluid, and may also include control air. If the forming process is carried out with compressed air, this is generally supplied to the forming wheel at a high pressure and, if necessary, converted there to other, lower pressure levels. Electrical energy and / or control signals are also typically transmitted to the forming wheel via this rotary feedthrough; for example, a slip ring transmitter is often provided for this purpose.

[0026] Each outer mold is designed to be actively temperature-controlled by being supplied with a temperature control fluid and connected to a temperature control fluid circuit. For this purpose, the device includes a first and a second temperature control fluid supply unit, each configured to carry a first and a second temperature control fluid in their respective dedicated circuits. These two supply units and fluid circuits are necessary to supply two temperature control fluids at different temperatures if required. However, this does not preclude the possibility of both fluid circuits carrying temperature control fluids at the same temperature, for example, if the bottom molds and side shells of the outer molds are to be temperature-controlled simultaneously.The provision of two supply units and two fluid circuits allows for the supply of fluids at different temperatures, thus enabling separate temperature control of the bottom molds and side shells. Each supply unit has its own temperature control device for the temperature control fluids in the two fluid circuits. By controlling the heating and / or cooling capacity of this device, the temperature of the temperature control fluids can be adjusted, consequently also controlling the temperature of the bottom molds and side shells. If both mold components are to be temperature-controlled in the same way, the two temperature control devices would have to bring the temperature control fluid they are cooling or heating to the same temperature.If different temperature settings are required for the base molds and the side trays, the temperature control devices must accordingly set different temperatures in the temperature control fluids. The term "temperature control" encompasses both cooling and heating of the temperature control fluid by the device.

[0027] The first and second temperature control fluid supply units are each connected to the rotary distributor via pipes in the stationary part of the device. The fluid carried in each of the two supply units is to be routed separately to and from the forming wheel via separate rotary distributor tracks. To form each temperature control fluid circuit, the base and / or side shells of each outer mold are connected to at least one of the two incoming rotary distributor tracks and at least one of the two outgoing rotary distributor tracks. "Connected via pipes" means that pipes lead to the rotary distributor. This simply indicates that the temperature control fluid can flow onto the rotary distributor as soon as a fluid connection is established, i.e., as soon as, for example, a valve in the line is opened.If a pipe does not have a valve controlling the pipe, a fluid connection would be permanently present.

[0028] In contrast to the prior art, the device according to the invention has an intermediate storage reservoir between the rotary distributor and the conversion stations for each incoming rotary distributor track. Thus, if two incoming rotary distributor tracks are present, two intermediate storage reservoirs are arranged between the rotary distributor and the conversion stations. These intermediate storage reservoirs can be referred to as incoming intermediate storage reservoirs, since they carry a first and a second temperature control fluid from the rotary distributor to the conversion stations. Functionally, these intermediate storage reservoirs could also be accurately described as intermediate distributors, as this corresponds to the function of the intermediate storage reservoirs, while storage is a secondary aspect, whereby the storage function can be limited to simply providing a required flow volume. Each intermediate storage reservoir, or...The intermediate distributor (both terms are synonymous) is connected to each of the two incoming rotary distributor tracks via pipes. Each of these connecting lines contains a controllable valve. This allows the flow of temperature control fluid from the rotary distributor to which intermediate storage tank to be determined by switching the valves accordingly – no new pipes need to be laid or rerouted. On the converter station side, several base units are connected to one of the incoming intermediate storage tanks, and several side units are connected to the other incoming intermediate storage tank.Due to the pipe connections of the intermediate distributors with more than one rotary distributor track and the switchable valves in these pipe connections, it is possible, by actuating the valves to an open or closed position, to direct the first temperature control fluid either into the first intermediate distributor or into the second intermediate distributor. It is also conceivable that the first temperature control fluid could flow into both intermediate distributors. Similarly, by appropriate valve control, it can be determined whether the second temperature control fluid flows into the first or the second intermediate distributor, or into both. The possibility of both temperature control fluids flowing into the same intermediate storage tank or distributor is generally to be ruled out, because mixing of the temperature control fluids is usually undesirable. This is entirely undesirable, for example, if...One temperature control fluid is water, and the other is an oil or other non-water-based fluid. Therefore, it is generally accepted that both temperature control fluids are not fed into the same intermediate storage tank by means of corresponding valve actuation of the switching valves. Instead, both fluids are always fed separately to the forming stations on the rotary distributor side and are also fed separately from the forming stations back to the rotary distributor and to the return rotary distributor tracks.

[0029] With the described arrangement, different temperature control configurations for the outer molds can be achieved without having to reroute or relocate any lines. For example, the bottom molds and the side shells can be heated or cooled to the same temperature. This is achieved by bringing both temperature control fluids to the same temperature and connecting the bottom molds to one of the intermediate storage tanks and the outer shells to the other. Uniform temperature control could also be achieved by routing only one of the two temperature control fluids from the corresponding rotary distributor track to the intermediate storage tanks and then to the bottom molds and side shells. The second temperature control circuit with the second temperature control fluid would then be essentially inactive.Different temperature control of bottom molds and side shells can be achieved, for example, by heating the first and second temperature control fluids to different temperatures. One of the two temperature control fluids is then directed to one of the intermediate storage tanks or distributors via appropriate control of the switching valves, and from there, for example, to the bottom molds. The other temperature control fluid is directed to the other intermediate storage tank or distributor via appropriate control of the switching valves, and from there, for example, to the side shells. For example, the bottom mold could be cooled while the side shells are heated to a higher temperature. Thus, with the same pipework arrangement, different temperature control configurations for the mold components can be achieved simply by switching the control devices, namely, switching between uniform temperature control and differential temperature control of the bottom mold and side shells.This only requires the switching devices to be addressed by a controller. The corresponding controller could, for example, store basic recipes, such as one valve configuration corresponding to the first of the above-mentioned possibilities and another valve configuration corresponding to the other. An operator could then select between these two configurations without having to worry about the switching state of each individual valve. Additionally, an operator could, for example, select and set the temperature at which the respective temperature control fluids should be set, or, if only one temperature control fluid is required, the temperature at which that single fluid should be set. The controller would then, for example...Control the corresponding temperature control devices of the temperature control fluid supply systems in such a way that the set temperature control fluid temperature is reached and kept constant.

[0030] The basic idea of ​​the invention is therefore to constructively provide several temperature control fluid circuits with several temperature control fluids, i.e., at least two, and to create the option, by means of switching devices, of selecting which temperature control fluid flows to which mold element of the outer mold. This option also includes the possibility of actively using only one temperature control fluid circuit and only one temperature control fluid. Thus, the switching devices determine, as required, how the specific temperature control fluid circuit and the temperature control fluid it contains are connected to the mold elements of the outer mold. By simply switching the valves, the temperature control mode, e.g., uniform temperature control versus differential temperature control of the mold elements, can be modified without the need to modify any lines or connections.

[0031] This basic idea of ​​the invention can, as an alternative to the difference described above in claim 1 compared to the prior art, also be implemented according to claim 2 by connecting each temperature control fluid supply device in the stationary part of the device to several, in particular all, supply rotary distributor tracks, wherein a switchable valve controlling the line is arranged in each of these supply connecting lines to the rotary distributor. However, the two alternatives can also be implemented together, resulting in an even greater number of switching and variation possibilities for the specific interconnection of a temperature control fluid circuit and for determining which temperature control fluid is supplied to which element of a forming station that is actively to be temperature controlled.A further object of the present invention is, in particular, to further develop a method of the type mentioned in the introduction in such a way that rapid adaptation to changing requirements for the temperature control of the outer shape is possible. Furthermore, advantages are to be achieved with regard to the flexible usability of a forming device for the production of different types of containers with different requirements for the temperature control of the outer shapes. According to a further aspect of the invention, this object is achieved according to the invention by a method with the characterizing features of claim 10.

[0032] The method according to the invention is based on the same prior art as the device according to the invention – reference is therefore made to the preceding description for device claim 1. It concerns the forming of containers from preforms made of a thermoplastic material, in particular PET. Methods are considered that are carried out with carousel-like rotating forming stations. Several forming stations are arranged circumferentially on a forming wheel, and the forming wheel is rotaryally driven, preferably to continuous rotation. For this purpose, the forming wheel is rotatably mounted in a stationary frame, wherein the forming is carried out by introducing a forming fluid under pressure into the preforms while they are held in one of the forming stations and rotate with the forming station.The forming process takes place against a multi-part outer mold of the forming station, which consists of at least a base mold defining the bottom contour and a pair of side shells that define a container contour between the base and the container opening. The outer mold can be opened and closed by moving the aforementioned mold elements (base mold, side shells) relative to each other. In the closed configuration, the outer mold encloses a cavity and provides an inner surface, namely a container contour. During the forming process, the preform is expanded against this inner surface by the pressurized injection of the forming fluid. Preferably, each forming station is equipped with a stretching bar that stretches the preform in an axial direction during the forming process. Media, in particular the forming fluid, are fed onto the rotating forming wheel via a rotary distributor.The outer mold is actively temperature-controlled by being supplied with a temperature control fluid. At least two temperature control fluids are provided in separate temperature control fluid circuits, each fluid being supplied at a specific temperature. The at least two temperature control fluids are fed separately to the rotary distributor, and within the rotary distributor, they are directed onto the rotating forming wheel in separate rotary distributor tracks and then to the bottom molds and / or side shells of each of the outer molds. The returning temperature control fluid is directed from the bottom molds and / or side shells to the rotary distributor and is returned to the stationary part in separate rotary distributor tracks that are separate from each other and from the feeder rotary distributor tracks.

[0033] In contrast to the prior art, the inventive method incorporates switching elements in the guide lines for the temperature control fluids. These elements enable switching to determine which temperature control fluid is fed into which incoming rotary distributor track and / or from which rotary distributor track the temperature control fluid is directed to the bottom dies or side shells of the forming stations, and into which return rotary distributor track the returning temperature control fluid is directed, thus establishing separate temperature control fluid circuits. According to the inventive method, these switching elements can therefore be arranged in the stationary part or in the rotating part. When arranged in the stationary part, the switching position of the switching elements determines which temperature control fluid is fed into which incoming rotary distributor track.When arranged in the rotating part, the switching position of the switching means determines from which rotary distributor track the temperature control fluid is directed to which mold element of the outer mold. It is also conceivable that switching means are arranged in both the stationary and rotating parts, whereby for the realization of the invention it is sufficient if the switching means are arranged either in the stationary or in the rotating part.

[0034] Preferably, an intermediate storage unit is arranged between the rotary distributor and the conversion stations for each incoming rotary distributor track. This intermediate storage unit is connected to each of the two incoming rotary distributor tracks via a line on the distributor side, with a switchable valve controlling the line being arranged as a switching device in each of these connecting lines. On the conversion station side, several bottom forms are connected to one of the incoming intermediate storage units, and several side shells are connected to the other incoming intermediate storage unit. These intermediate storage units can also be referred to synonymously as intermediate distributors, as explained above in the device claim.

[0035] Optionally, a controllable valve can also be arranged in each of these connecting lines, thereby providing further advantageous switching options. In principle, it is not necessary for the invention to provide these additional valves. This applies equally to the device according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the device and the method are specified in the respective dependent claims. The preferred embodiments of the method discussed above and below are also reflected in the device. Conversely, the preferred embodiments of the device discussed above and below are also reflected in the method. The advantages of the method and the device specified in each case are also advantages of the device and the method, respectively.

[0036] For both the method and the device, it is preferred that exactly one intermediate buffer is provided for each incoming rotary distributor track, and that all base forms and / or all side shells are connected to one of the intermediate buffers. Thus, if there are two incoming rotary distributor tracks, there should preferably also be two intermediate buffers. If there are more than two incoming rotary distributor tracks, there should preferably also be more than two intermediate buffers. A possible, but less preferred, alternative embodiment would be to provide more than one intermediate buffer for one or for all incoming rotary distributor tracks, and then connect some of the base forms to one of these multiple intermediate buffers and another portion of the base forms to another of the multiple intermediate buffers. This applies analogously to the side shells.Particularly in the preferred embodiment, where at least one, and preferably all, intermediate storage units extend in a ring shape around the rotary distributor, this results in design simplifications. It is especially preferred if at least one, and preferably all, of the intermediate storage units form a closed ring around the rotary distributor. In this way, all base forms and side shells, and optionally also other station elements requiring active temperature control, can be connected to such a common, and in particular ring-shaped, intermediate storage unit, for example, by connecting all base forms via pipes to the same ring-shaped intermediate storage unit and all side shells via pipes to a different ring-shaped intermediate storage unit. This allows for short pipe runs between the intermediate storage unit and the form elements.Simultaneously, a uniform supply of temperature control fluids to all stations can be achieved, ensuring consistent temperature control of the forming elements across all stations. Such a ring main could, for example, be connected to the supply rotary distributor tracks via several valve-controlled lines to promote this uniform supply to all stations. While this increases the number of lines and the number of valves required, it promotes a uniform supply across all stations. A compromise that considers both criteria can easily be found, for example, by providing four lines offset by 90° circumferential angles. The above applies equally to the return rotary distributor tracks and return buffers discussed below.

[0037] Analogous to the supply rotary distributor tracks and the supply intermediate storage tanks, it is advantageously proposed that an additional intermediate storage tank be arranged between the rotary distributor and the conversion stations for each outgoing rotary distributor track, which, due to its function, is to be referred to as an outgoing intermediate storage tank or intermediate distributor, which is connected on the rotary distributor side to each of the two outgoing rotary distributor tracks by means of a line, wherein a switchable valve controlling the line is arranged in each of these connecting lines, wherein on the conversion station side several bottom forms are connected by means of a line to one of the outgoing intermediate storage tanks and several side shells are connected by means of a line to the other outgoing intermediate storage tank.This results in a significantly simplified design, since not every base form and not every side shell needs to be connected to the return rotary distributor tracks via corresponding valve-controlled lines. Instead, several base forms and side shells can be connected to a return intermediate storage unit, and this intermediate storage unit is then connected to the return rotary distributor tracks, with this latter connection being valve-controlled. A particularly preferred simplified design is achieved by providing exactly one return intermediate storage unit for each return rotary distributor track, and by connecting all base forms and / or side shells to one of these return intermediate storage units.In particular, when the intermediate storage tanks are implemented as ring mains, additional advantages arise in reducing connecting line lengths and in ensuring the most uniform possible flow of the temperature control fluid from all stations, in order to guarantee the most uniform temperature control possible across all stations.

[0038] The flexibility in temperature control of different station elements achieved according to the invention is preferably further developed by the fact that the switching means, in particular the switchable valves, can be controlled by a control unit of the device. This control unit can, for example, be exclusively responsible for controlling the temperature control of the outer molds and optionally also for controlling the temperature control of other elements of a forming station. However, this control unit can also perform other control tasks or be part of a larger control unit. In the present context, the term control unit also includes, strictly speaking, devices and processes that could be described as regulating devices or control systems; hybrid forms of control and regulation are also included. This control unit simplifies the control of the switching means.Valves and avoids errors, especially in contrast to the fundamentally possible manual switching of the switching devices by operators, and allows, for example, fixed temperature control modes to be stored in the memory, which can then be selected and lead to a specific switching of all valves to be switched. Preferably, the control device is designed to actuate the line-controlling valves in such a way that each intermediate storage or distributor is always in fluidic contact with only one of the rotary distributor tracks and / or, in the stationary section, each temperature control fluid supply device is always in fluidic contact with only one of the incoming rotary distributor tracks and one of the return rotary distributor tracks. This preferably applies equally to the return and incoming rotary distributor tracks and intermediate storage devices, so that a circuit separate from the other temperature control fluids is always ensured for each temperature control fluid.This control system can also control the temperature control devices and, in particular, regulate them so that the temperature control fluids are maintained at a desired temperature. In this context, the term "control system" also encompasses "regulation."

[0039] The preceding considerations focused on the usual elements of an outer mold that are actively temperature-controlled, namely the base molds and side shells. However, it is known that other elements of a forming station can also be actively temperature-controlled, e.g., mold carriers, which are, for example, temperature-controlled to a different temperature than the mold holders and mold shells they support. A preferred example is a stop plate of the station against which the preform rests with its neck ring. It is also preferred that these other station elements, which are designed to be actively temperature-controlled, are supplied with a temperature control fluid and connected to a temperature control fluid circuit. Alternatively, these station elements could, for example, each be equipped with a temperature control device, e.g., an electrically operated temperature control medium.The additional station element should preferably either be connectable to the same fluid circuit as one of the aforementioned components, or it should have a separate third fluid circuit, which is assigned to a third temperature control fluid supply unit with a third temperature control unit. These units should be configured to adjust the third temperature control fluid to a specific temperature using the third temperature control unit. The third temperature control fluid supply unit is connected to the rotary distributor via a pipe in the stationary part of the device, and the fluid in the third fluid supply unit is guided separately from the other temperature control fluids in separate rotary distributor channels to and from the forming wheel.To form the third temperature control fluid circuit, the additional station element is to be connected to the incoming and outgoing rotary distributor tracks. In this respect, there is a complete analogy to the active temperature control of the bottom mold and the side shells and their integration into a temperature control fluid circuit. Preferably, an additional incoming intermediate reservoir for the third temperature control fluid is arranged between the rotary distributor and the forming stations. This reservoir is connected to at least one, preferably more than one, and more preferably all incoming rotary distributor tracks on the distributor side. Each of these connecting lines contains a switchable valve controlling the line. On the forming station side, several of the additional station elements are connected to the third incoming intermediate reservoir.Preferably, all further station elements are connected to the third intermediate storage tank via a pipeline. This results in the same advantages already mentioned for the first and second intermediate storage tanks, temperature control fluid circuits, and the pipeline connection between the base forms and side shells.

[0040] In further analogy to the first and second temperature control fluids, it is also preferred for the further station elements that a third outgoing intermediate storage tank is arranged between the rotary distributor and the forming stations. This intermediate storage tank is connected on the rotary distributor side to the third outgoing rotary distributor track for the third temperature control fluid, with a switchable valve controlling the line being arranged in this connecting line. On the forming station side, several of the further station elements are connected to the third outgoing intermediate storage tank, preferably all further station elements being connected to the third outgoing intermediate storage tank. Here, too, the same advantages arise as those mentioned for the temperature control of the bottom molds and the side shells using the first and second temperature control fluids.Here too, it is considered advantageous if this third intermediate storage device is designed as a ring main surrounding the rotary distributor.

[0041] As already explained above, the control unit preferably controls the switchable valves and, even more preferably, also the temperature control devices. It is particularly preferred if the switchable valves are controlled in several different modes. In one mode, the bottom molds and the side shells are temperature-controlled to the same temperature. In this mode, the control unit could, for example, control the temperature control devices so that the temperature control fluids involved are kept at the same temperature. Alternatively, the control unit could control the switchable valves so that the same temperature control fluid cools both the bottom molds and the side shells. In this mode, for example, active cooling of both mold elements could be implemented as a sub-mode so that both mold elements are kept at a temperature below the room temperature in which the forming stations or forming devices are located.According to another mode, both mold components could be actively heated to maintain their temperature above room temperature. In yet another mode, the base mold and the side panels could be maintained at different temperatures, with the side panel temperature being kept higher than the base mold temperature, for example, by actively cooling the base mold and actively heating the side panels. Alternatively, both could be actively heated, but with the side panel temperature being kept higher than the base mold temperature. Finally, it is also possible for the base mold temperature to be kept higher than the side panels temperature, with both temperatures still remaining above room temperature.

[0042] With regard to temperature control, it is preferred that active cooling to a temperature in the range of 5-20 °C takes place and / or active heating to a temperature above 60 °C, preferably above 100 °C, more preferably to a temperature of approximately or greater than 120 °C.

[0043] It can be advantageous to provide additional temperature control devices in the forming stations, e.g., electric temperature control devices, to provide additional cooling and / or heating capacity in addition to the described temperature control via temperature control fluid circuits, with the temperature control devices preferably being controlled by the control unit. These additional temperature control devices could, for example, compensate for station-specific temperature differences by detecting these differences and compensating for them by appropriately controlling the temperature control devices in order to achieve, for example, a predetermined target temperature.

[0044] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures. The drawings are schematic representations and not necessarily to scale. In the figures, identical or essentially functionally identical or similar elements are designated with the same reference numerals. They show:

[0045] Fig. 1 is a sketch illustrating the basic structure of a device for the forming production of containers, using a blow molding machine as an example.

[0046] Fig. 2 shows a schematic sectional view through an outer form of a forming station, Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the supply of temperature control fluids to the forming elements of forming stations via rotary distributor tracks of a rotary distributor,

[0047] Fig. 4 shows an example of a circuit arrangement for two switchable temperature control fluid circuits to a bottom mold, and

[0048] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of the supply and return ring lines and their valve-controlled connection to a rotary distributor.

[0049] The following section first explains the basic structure of a machine for forming preforms (1) into containers, e.g., bottles, using a blow molding machine as an example. However, the basic structure would remain unchanged if the preforms (1) were not formed into containers using blown air, but rather by simultaneous forming and filling with the product. In particular, the heating device (H) with the circulation section (20) would not require any modifications, because regardless of the forming fluid used, the preform (1) must be heated to the required forming temperature, i.e., subjected to temperature conditioning, and a suitable temperature profile may need to be applied to the preform (1).

[0050] Fig. 1 shows, for a general understanding of the technical context of the invention, the basic structure of a blow molding machine (B) which is equipped with a heating device (H) with a circulation section (20) and with a rotating blow wheel (25). Starting from a preform input (26), the preforms (1) are transported by transfer wheels (27, 28, 29) into the heating device (H) and into the area of ​​the circulation section (20). In a transfer section, the preforms (1) are transferred from a transfer wheel (29) to a transport device (33). Heating devices (30) and blowers (31) are arranged along the circulation section (20) to temper the preforms (1). The part of the circulation section (20) that runs along the heating devices (30) is referred to in this application as the heating section (24). After sufficient tempering of the preforms (1), these are transferred to the blowing wheel (25), in the area of ​​which blowing stations (3) are arranged.For transfer to the blow molding wheel (25), a transfer wheel (35) removes the preforms from the transport equipment (33) in a removal area. The finished blow molded containers are fed to a discharge line (32) by further transfer wheels.

[0051] In order to transform a preform (1) into a container such that the container possesses material properties that ensure a long shelf life for foodstuffs, especially beverages, filled within the container, specific process steps must be followed for heating and orienting the preforms (1). Furthermore, advantageous effects can be achieved by adhering to specific dimensioning requirements. Various plastics can be used as thermoplastic materials. For example, PET, PEN, or PP are suitable.

[0052] In the chosen example, the expansion of the preform (1) during the orientation process is achieved by supplying compressed air. The compressed air supply is divided, for example, into a pre-blowing phase, in which gas, such as compressed air, is supplied at a low pressure, and a subsequent main blowing phase, in which gas is supplied at a higher pressure. During the pre-blowing phase, compressed air is typically used at a pressure in the range of 10 bar to 25 bar, and during the main blowing phase, compressed air is supplied at a pressure in the range of 25 bar to 40 bar.

[0053] Figure 1 also shows that in the illustrated embodiment, the circular track (20) is formed from a plurality of circulating transport devices (33) arranged in a chain-like fashion and guided along deflection wheels (34). The chain-like arrangement is intended to create a substantially rectangular basic contour. In the illustrated embodiment, a single, relatively large deflection wheel (34), the head wheel, is used in the area of ​​the circular track (20) facing the feed wheel (29) and a discharge wheel (35), while two comparatively smaller deflection wheels (36) are used in the area of ​​adjacent deflections. However, any other circular track contour is also conceivable.

[0054] To enable the feed wheel (29) and the discharge wheel (35) to be arranged as close as possible to each other, the arrangement shown proves to be particularly advantageous, since in the area of ​​the corresponding extension of the circular path (20) three deflection wheels (34, 36) are positioned, namely the smaller deflection wheels (36) in the area of ​​the transition to the linear circular sections of the circular path (24) and the larger deflection wheel (34, head wheel) in the immediate transfer area to the feed wheel (29) and to the discharge wheel (35).

[0055] The chain-like connected support devices (33) rotate around the described deflection wheels (34, 36) and along the circular track (20). For this purpose, one of the deflection wheels, e.g., the head wheel (34), or several of the deflection wheels can be rotaryally driven, e.g., by a motor driving the head wheel (34), or e.g., by a mechanical coupling to the rotation of the blow wheel (25), which may, e.g., have a rotary drive (41). The feed wheel (29) transfers preforms (1) onto support devices (33), which arrive without preforms in a feed section of the circular track. From this feed section, the support devices (33), now equipped with a preform (1), guide the preform (1) clockwise along the circular track (20), first towards the distant deflection wheel (34), then around this deflection wheel (34), and then back towards the discharge wheel (35).As soon as a carrying device (33) with a preform (1) enters the removal area of ​​the circulation section (20), the preform (1), which at this point has undergone the heating required for forming, is removed from the carrying device (33) or transferred to the removal wheel (35) and rotated by it towards the blow wheel (25). The carrying device (33), now without a preform after this removal process, travels along the circulation section (20) from the removal area to the feed area to pick up another preform (1).

[0056] The illustrated feed and discharge wheels (29) and (35) can, for example, have pincer-like feed and discharge elements. Since these wheels, collectively referred to as transfer wheels, are not significant for the present invention, further description is omitted. The blow wheel (25) also requires no detailed description for the same reason. These wheels can be designed in a wide variety of ways, as is known in the prior art.

[0057] After the containers have been blown, they are removed from the area of ​​the blowing stations (3) by a removal wheel (37) and transported via the transfer wheel (28) and a discharge wheel (38) to the discharge line (32).

[0058] The heating section (24) shown in Figure 1 can be modified, for example, by providing a larger number of heating devices (30) in order to, for example, temper a larger quantity of preforms (1) per unit of time. The heating devices (30) described above are designed as heating boxes in which NIR emitters are arranged. This is merely an example of usable heating devices. A multitude of designs are known in the prior art that serve the temperature conditioning of preforms and can therefore be described as heating devices. Other heating methods besides irradiation with IR or NIR radiation are also known in the prior art, e.g., heating the preforms by microwave irradiation. The invention is independent of the specific appearance of the heating devices (30) and also of the specific appearance of the heating section (24) and the circulation section (20).On the blowing wheel (25), which is rotated by the rotary drive 41, several blowing stations (3) are shown circumferentially. These are to be actively temperature-controlled in a manner shown later. For this purpose, the blowing machine (B) shown by way of example in Figure 1 has a first supply unit (V1) and a second supply unit (V2). Both supply units (V1, V2) serve to supply the blowing stations (3) with a temperature control fluid. The first supply unit (V1) is equipped with a temperature control unit (T1) for setting a temperature in one temperature control fluid. Similarly, the second supply unit (V2) is equipped with a temperature control unit (T2) for setting a temperature in a second temperature control fluid.A rotary distributor (50) supplies the blowing stations (3) not only with the required blowing fluid, in this specific example compressed air, but also with the aforementioned temperature control fluids, which are conveyed from the supply units (V1, V2) to the blowing stations (3), namely to the outer molds (4), as shown by way of example in Figure 2 below. For this purpose, a first and a second fluid circuit (F1, F2) are established, which run from the stationary part of the blowing machine (B) to the rotating blow wheel (25), namely to the blowing stations (3), which are thus integrated into these fluid circuits (F1, F2) and are supplied with the temperature control fluids. To form these fluid circuits (F1 , F2) there are therefore supply lines that carry the temperature control fluid after the temperature control has been carried out by the temperature control devices (T1 , T2) to the rotary distributor (50) and then from the rotary distributor (50) to the blowing stations (3).In addition, there are return lines that carry the temperature control fluid from the blowing stations (3) back to the rotary distributor (50) and back into the stationary part of the blowing machine (B) so that the temperature control fluids can be brought back to the desired temperature by the respective temperature control unit (T1 , T2).

[0059] According to the prior art, each of the blowing stations (3) had one hose line for the supply of the temperature control fluid and one hose line for the return of the temperature control fluid. To supply two different temperature control fluids, two supply hose lines and two return hose lines were provided to the rotary distributor (50) in order to supply two temperature control fluids separately from the rotary distributor (50) to the blowing stations (3) and, after passing through the blowing stations (3), to return them separately to the rotary distributor (50).

[0060] Fig. 2 shows a schematic sectional view through an outer mold (4) of a forming station (3). In the illustrated example, the outer mold (4) consists of a base mold (5), which defines the bottom contour, and two side shells (6), which define the wall contour of a container to be manufactured. These mold elements (5, 6) of the outer mold (4) enclose an inner cavity (9). In the illustrated example, a preform (1), shown in a stretched state, is located in the cavity (9) and held by the outer mold (4). A stretching bar (7) holds the stretched preform (1) against the base mold (5). A developing container bladder (8) is also shown, as the stretching process typically takes place with the simultaneous introduction of the forming fluid under pressure. A so-called stop plate (2) is located in the opening area of ​​the preform (1), the developing container bladder (8), and the finished container.The schematic shows how a blow nozzle (10) was lowered in a sealed manner onto the mouth edge of the preform (1) in order to inject blowing gas into the preform (1) and into the resulting container bladder (8).

[0061] Both the base mold (5) and the side shells (6) are provided with supply connections (11) for temperature control fluid lines (12). Dashed lines indicate that the temperature control fluid supplied via these connections (11) flows through the mold elements from the supply connections (11) in channels (14) to outlet connections (15) and is then discharged via outlet lines. Similarly, the stop plate (2) is also provided with a corresponding temperature control fluid supply connection (11) and a temperature control fluid outlet connection (15). A channel (14) extending between the connections is provided within the stop plate (2) through which the temperature control fluid flows to bring the stop plate (2) to the desired temperature.

[0062] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the supply of temperature control fluids to the forming elements (5, 6) of outer molds (4) of forming stations (3) via rotary distributor tracks of a rotary distributor (50). In the example shown, the bottom mold (5) is arranged in one temperature control fluid circuit, and the side shells (6) are arranged separately in another temperature control fluid circuit. The right-hand side of Figure 3 shows the integration of the side shells (6) into such a temperature control fluid circuit, while the left-hand side of Figure 3 shows the integration of the bottom mold (5) into a temperature control fluid circuit. The rotary distributor (50) is shown in the center of Figure 3 and has four rotary distributor tracks (50.1, 50.2, 50.3, and 50.4) separated from each other by seals. A temperature control fluid is guided in each of these tracks, separated from each other by seals. The rotary distributor tracks (50.1) and (50.) serve this purpose.2) as supply rotary distributor tracks, because temperature control fluid is supplied via these tracks from the outside, i.e., from the stationary part of the blow molding machine (B), to the rotating blow wheel (25) and then to the forming stations (3) rotating with the blow wheel (25). Between the rotary distributor (50) and the two blow stations (3) shown by way of example to the left and right of the rotary distributor (50), several intermediate storage reservoirs (60, 61, 62, 63) are arranged, which can, for example, be designed as ring lines surrounding the rotary distributor (50). The upper intermediate storage reservoirs (60 and 61) are to be designated as supply intermediate storage reservoirs because they are connected by lines to the supply rotary distributor tracks (50.1 and 50.2). Both the intermediate storage unit (60) and the intermediate storage unit (61) are connected to both supplying rotary distributor tracks (50.1 and 50.2) connected via pipes, with each of the four pipes containing a switchable valve that can be moved into at least one closed position and at least one open position. These valves are switchable, meaning they can be opened or closed, for example, by a control unit of the blow molding machine (B) shown in Figure 1 by issuing corresponding control commands. Opening valve (70a) and valve (71b), as well as closing valve (70b) and valve (71a), results, for example, in the intermediate storage tank (60) being in fluidic communication with the rotary distributor track (50.1), while the intermediate storage tank (61) is in fluidic communication with the rotary distributor track (50.2). Since no valve is arranged in the connecting line between the intermediate storage tank (61) and the subsequent blow station (3), temperature control fluid can flow to the side shells (6), namely the temperature control fluid supplied via the rotary distributor track (50.2).Similarly, the temperature control fluid, which flows via the rotary distributor track (50.1) through the open valve (70a) into the intermediate storage tank (60), can flow on to the bottom mold (5) of the blowing station (3) shown to the left of the rotary distributor (50). The rotary distributor tracks (50.3 and 50.4) are intended to be return rotary distributor tracks, i.e., temperature control fluid from the blowing stations (3) is to be returned to the stationary part in these tracks. For example, the rotary distributor track (50.3) is intended to return the temperature control fluid that is supplied via the rotary distributor track (50.1), and the rotary distributor track (50.4) is intended to return the temperature control fluid that is supplied via the supply rotary distributor track (50.2). In the illustrated embodiment, return intermediate storage units (62) and (63) are also arranged between the illustrated blowing stations and the return rotary distributor tracks (50.3, 50.4).In the example above, the temperature control fluid flowing through the supply intermediate storage tank (61) into the side shells (6) via the open valve (71b) thus flows back into the return intermediate storage tank (63), and valve (73b) must be opened and valve (73a) closed so that the temperature control fluid can enter the return rotary distributor track (50.4) associated with the supply rotary distributor track (50.2) and flow back onto the stationary part to form a fluid circuit. Accordingly, when considering the left part of Figure 3, the temperature control fluid flowing into the base form (5) is to be directed into the return intermediate storage tank (62), and valve (72a) would have to be opened and valve (72b) closed so that the temperature control fluid flows into the return rotary distributor track (50.3), which is assigned to the supply rotary distributor track (50.1) to form a temperature control fluid circuit.A control device shown purely as an example with reference numeral (100) could take over the switching of the valves shown (70a, b to 73a, b).

[0063] In the example shown in Figure 3, the switching elements in the form of the aforementioned valves (70a to 73b) are arranged in the rotating part of the blow molding machine (B). Alternatively or additionally, in the example of Figure 1, the supply device (V1) could be connected to both the incoming rotary distributor track (50.1) and the incoming rotary distributor track (50.2) by means of a line, this line being controlled by a valve. One of the lines could be opened by opening a valve, while the other line remains closed. Again, a control device could switch the valves and thereby determine whether the supply device (V1) is fluidically connected to the rotary distributor track (50.1) or to the rotary distributor track (50.2). It is also conceivable that a connection between one of the two supply devices and both incoming rotary distributor tracks could be established simultaneously, e.g.because the side panels and the base are to be brought to the same temperature, and the supply unit V1 is adequately designed to provide this supply. Similarly, the second supply unit V2 in the stationary part could also be connected to the two aforementioned supply rotary distributor tracks 50.1 and 50.2, with a controlling switching valve again being arranged in each of the two lines. Preferably, a control device controls these switching valves, and by issuing corresponding control commands, one of the two lines is opened while the other remains closed, so that, again, and also for the second supply unit V2, either the supply rotary distributor track 50.1 or the supply rotary distributor track 50.2 is selectively supplied with the second temperature control fluid provided by the second supply unit V2.Similarly, in the stationary part, the lines leading away from the return rotary distributor tracks 50.3, 50.4 could also be valve-controlled, and the switching of the controlling valves could determine whether the return rotary distributor track 50.3 communicates with the first or the second supply unit, and whether the second return rotary distributor track 50.4 communicates with the second or the first supply unit. Both the example described with reference to Figure 3 and the example of valve-controlled lines described with reference to Figure 1 make it possible to freely configure, by opening and closing valves, which temperature control fluid from which supply unit V1 or V2 supplies the bottom molds or the side shells with a temperature control fluid.

[0064] Figure 3 shows the case where a blow molding station 3 is supplied with two temperature control fluids. As shown in Figure 2, however, another station element, namely, for example, a stop plate 2, could be actively temperature controlled. In addition to the rotary distributor tracks shown in Figure 3, another incoming and another outgoing rotary distributor track could then be provided, as well as another incoming intermediate storage tank and another outgoing intermediate storage tank, which, analogous to the example shown in Figure 3, would be connected to all incoming and all outgoing rotary distributor tracks, respectively, via valve-controlled lines. This would allow for even greater variability by switching the valves, determining which of the three temperature control fluids from the three incoming rotary distributor tracks is supplied to which actively temperature-controlled element of the blow molding station.This applies equally to the return buffers and the return rotary distributor tracks. Such additional rotary distributor tracks and buffers are not necessary if the additional blow molding element requiring active temperature control, e.g., the support plate 2, is to be temperature-controlled identically to, for example, the bottom mold 5. In that case, the same temperature control medium could be used to supply both the bottom mold 5 and the stop plate 2, and the stop plate 2 could therefore be easily integrated into the temperature control fluid circuit for the bottom mold 5.

[0065] Fig. 4 shows an example of a circuit arrangement for two switchable temperature control fluid circuits to a bottom mold and thus corresponds approximately to the configuration shown in Fig. 3. In these two temperature control fluid circuits, one is intended to supply a fluid at 10 °C, e.g., cooling water, and the other a temperature control fluid at 120 °C, e.g., oil or hot water. Both temperature control fluids are to be fed to the blowing wheel via a rotary distributor (not shown), e.g., in the manner shown in Fig. 3. The valves shown in the lines leading to the bottom mold correspond to valves 70a and 70b in Fig. 3, and an intermediate reservoir 60 is indicated between these valves and the bottom mold 5. The intermediate reservoir 62 is located on the return flow path for the temperature control fluid, followed by the two valves 72a and 72b.It is not shown how the temperature control fluid reaches the subsequent rotary distributor tracks behind valves 72a and 72b. In the illustrated example, valves 70b and 72a, and the two valves 70a and 72b, are each linked to the 4 / 2-way valve 75. These are assumed to be pneumatically actuated valves, and when compressed air is applied to the switching line 76, valve 70b should open, while simultaneously valve 72a closes. Valves 70a and 72b are also linked. When compressed air is applied to the switching line 77, valve 70a should open and valve 72b should close. In order to apply a temperature control fluid of 10 °C to the bottom mold in this control arrangement, the switching valve 70b and the switching valve 72b must be opened.For this purpose, control air must be supplied to control line 76 so that valve 72a closes simultaneously with the opening of valve 70b. No control air must be supplied to control air line 77, so that valve 72b remains in the open position and valve 70a remains in the closed position. If, however, the bottom mold 5 is to be supplied with a temperature control fluid at 120 °C, control line 76 must be depressurized, i.e., it must not be supplied with control air, while control line 77 must be supplied with control air. This example in Figure 4 illustrates how the supply of a temperature control fluid to the bottom mold can be switched simply by switching control valves, without having to reroute any of the existing lines or lay new ones. The procedure for the side shells would be analogous.

[0066] Figure 5 shows a preferred embodiment of the intermediate storage units, namely supply and return ring lines and their valve-controlled connection to a rotary distributor. The upper of the two figures in Figure 5 shows an intermediate storage unit 60 in the form of a ring line. Four valve-controlled lines lead to this ring line 60 for each temperature control fluid and each supply lane of the rotary distributor. The valves are synchronized, while several lines extend radially outwards from the ring line, each leading to the outer forms of the blowing stations. Switching valves are arranged in each of the lines leading from the rotary distributor 50 to the ring line 60. These valves correspond to the valves 70a and 70b described in Figure 4 and are collectively referred to here as 70. The lower of the two figures shows a return ring line as a preferred embodiment of a return intermediate storage unit.The ring main shown in the lower figure corresponds to the intermediate storage tank 62 in Figure 4. Four lines also extend radially inwards from this return ring main 62 to the rotary distributor 50, and these lines terminate in a return rotary distributor track. As explained with reference to Figure 4, the valves 70 can be appropriately configured to determine which temperature control fluid is routed from which rotary distributor track of the rotary distributor 50 to the ring main 60 and then on to the blowing stations. Accordingly, the valves designated with reference numeral 72 in the lower figure 5 are configured to ensure that the returned temperature control fluid is fed into the correct rotary distributor track to form a temperature control fluid circuit. For the return of the temperature control fluid, several valve-controlled lines per temperature control fluid lead from the ring main to the rotary distributor.This is done to ensure the most even distribution of the temperature control fluid to all blowing stations, so that all blowing stations are supplied with temperature control fluid as equally as possible, thus achieving the most uniform temperature control of all station elements requiring active temperature control. Figures 4 and 5 only show the supply of temperature control fluid to the bottom molds. The supply to the side trays would be analogous; that is, corresponding switching valves and ring mains would also have to be provided for the side trays.

[0067] While less advantageous, it is also possible according to the invention to replace the ring lines shown in Figure 5 with several partial rings or to provide a different shape than a ring or partial rings. Within the scope of the present invention, it would also be possible to provide a different circuit arrangement of the valves than shown in Figure 4. For example, solenoid valves that operate without pilot air could be used, so that, for example, the circuit coupling shown in Figure 4, which connects to the same pilot air line, could be replaced by a logical connection of valves that, for example, must never be open simultaneously, or of valves that should always be open simultaneously.

[0068] The supply of two temperature control fluids shown in Figures 3-5 can also be extended to three or more temperature control fluids according to the technical principles shown.

[0069] With the described technical setup, very different temperature control configurations can be achieved by switching valves, without having to reroute or relocate any pipes. For example, it is possible to keep all actively temperature-controlled elements at the same temperature. By actuating just a few valves, it is possible to modify the setup so that, for example, the bottom mold is cooled while the side trays are heated. While maintaining this arrangement, but possibly only by changing the switching position of some valves, the stop plate could, for example, be temperature-controlled in the same way as the bottom mold, or alternatively, in the same way as the side trays, or even be heated to a third temperature by a different temperature control fluid. Similarly, it is possible to start with the uniform temperature control of all elements described at the beginning, for example.By switching certain valves, the process can be changed to cooling the stop plate, moderate heating of the bottom mold and side shell supports, and strong heating of the side shells. Further temperature control configurations can be devised, all of which are achievable according to the above concept by appropriately switching the control valves. In this way, a variety of temperature control configurations can be implemented on a single forming machine equipped according to the invention, as required, for example, for hot-fill or other special applications. It is possible to switch quickly from a standard application, in which all elements of the outer mold are cooled, to a hot-fill application, in which the bottom mold and side shells are to be kept at different but elevated temperatures.

[0070] What is not shown is that, in addition to these temperature control fluid circuits, the forming stations may also have additional temperature control devices arranged at the forming stations as needed, e.g. to have further heating power available in addition to the heating power of the temperature control fluid, e.g. electrical heating power, e.g. to achieve particularly high temperatures or e.g. to compensate for any remaining temperature differences between the individual stations and to temper all stations to the same temperature.

[0071] List of reference signs

[0072] B Blowing machine

[0073] H Heating device

[0074] F1, F2 Fluid circuits for temperature control fluids T1, T2 Temperature control units for temperature control fluids V1, V2 Supply units for temperature control fluids

[0075] 1 preform

[0076] 2 Stop plate

[0077] 3 Blowing station / forming station

[0078] 4. External form of a blowing station

[0079] 5 Base shape

[0080] 6 side panels

[0081] 7 Horizontal bar

[0082] 8 Container bladder

[0083] 9 Cavity

[0084] 10 blow nozzles

[0085] 11 Supply connection

[0086] 12 Temperature control fluid line

[0087] 14-channel

[0088] 15 Drain connection

[0089] 20 circuit

[0090] 21

[0091] 22

[0092] 23

[0093] 24 Heating section

[0094] 25 rotating blower wheel

[0095] 26 Preform input 26a

[0096] 27 Transfer wheel

[0097] 28" transfer wheel

[0098] 29 Transfer wheel, feed wheel

[0099] 30 Heating device of the heating unit

[0100] 31 Rotary drive blower wheel

[0101] 32 Output section

[0102] 33 Transport equipment in H

[0103] 34 Deflection wheel, head wheel

[0104] 35 Transfer wheel, removal wheel

[0105] 36 deflection pulleys

[0106] 37 Dispensing wheel

[0107] 38 Output wheel

[0108] 39

[0109] 40 41 Rotary drive blower wheel

[0110] 50 rotary distributors

[0111] 51

[0112] 60

[0113] 70 70a 100 Control unit

Claims

Claims 1. Device (B) for forming containers from preforms (1) made of a thermoplastic material, in particular PET, wherein the device (B) has several forming stations (3) arranged circumferentially distributed on a rotary forming wheel (25), wherein the forming wheel (25) is rotatably mounted in a stationary device frame, and wherein, during production operation of the device (B), the forming wheel (25) is driven to a preferably continuous rotation relative to the frame, wherein each forming station (3) has a supply device (10) configured to feed a forming fluid under pressure into a preform (1) held in the forming station (3) and rotating with the forming station (3), wherein each forming station (3) has a multi-part outer mold (4) comprising at least a bottom mold (5) defining a bottom contour and a pair of side shells (6) configured toto define a container contour between the base and the bottle mouth, wherein the outer shape (4) can assume an open and a closed configuration by means of the aforementioned shape elements (base shape (5), side shells, (6)) of the outer form (4) are arranged and designed to be movable relative to each other, wherein the outer form (4) in its closed configuration is designed to enclose a cavity (9) and to provide an inner surface, namely a container contour, wherein the device (B) is further designed to expand the preform (1) by feeding the forming fluid under pressure against this inner surface, wherein each forming station (3) preferably has a stretching bar (7) for stretching the preform (1) in an axial direction of the stretching bar (7), wherein the device (B) further comprises a rotary distributor (50) which is arranged and configured to guide media from a stationary part of the device onto the rotating forming wheel (25), in particular the forming fluid, wherein each outer form (4) is actively temperature controlled by being designed to be supplied with a temperature control fluid and connected to a temperature control fluid circuit, wherein the device (B) further comprises a first and a second temperature control fluid supply unit (V1, V2), each configured to guide a first and a second temperature control fluid in a respective temperature control fluid circuit (F1, F2) associated with the supply unit (V1, V2), and to adjust the respective temperature control fluid to a respective fluid temperature using a respective temperature control unit (T1, T2),wherein the first and the second temperature control fluid supply units (V1, V2) in the stationary part of the device (B) are each connected by pipe to the rotary distributor (50), wherein the in, The fluid supplied by each of the two fluid supply devices (V1, V2) is guided separately to and from the forming wheel (25) in separate rotary distributor tracks (50.1 - 50.4), wherein, to form a respective temperature control fluid circuit, the base form (5) and / or the side shells (6) of each of the outer forms (4) is connected by pipes to at least one of the two incoming rotary distributor tracks (50.1, 50.2) and at least one of the two outgoing rotary distributor tracks (50.3, 50.4), characterized in that between the rotary distributor (50) and the forming stations (3) there is a rotary distributor track (50.1, 50.4) for each incoming rotary distributor track (50.1, 50.4).2) an intermediate storage unit (60, 61, 62, 63) is arranged, which is connected on the rotary distributor side to each of the two incoming rotary distributor tracks by means of a line, wherein a switchable valve (70) controlling the line is arranged in each of these connecting lines, wherein on the converter station side several bottom forms (5) are connected by means of a line to one of the incoming intermediate storage units (50.1, 50.2) and several side shells (6) are connected by means of a line to the other incoming intermediate storage unit (50.1, 50.2), wherein preferably exactly one incoming intermediate storage unit (60, 61) is provided for each incoming rotary distributor track (50.1, 50.2) and all bottom forms (5) and / or side shells (6) are connected by means of a line to one of the incoming intermediate storage units (50.1, 50.2).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein, in addition or alternatively to the characterizing features of claim 1, each temperature control fluid supply device (V1, V2) in the stationary part of the device (B) is connected by lines to several, in particular all, rotary distributor tracks (50.1, 50.2), wherein a switchable valve (70) controlling the line is arranged in each of these supplying connecting lines to the rotary distributor (50).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an additional intermediate storage unit (62, 63) is arranged between the rotary distributor (50) and the forming stations (3) for each outgoing rotary distributor track (50.3, 50.4), each intermediate storage unit being connected by a line to each of the two outgoing rotary distributor tracks (50.3, 50.4) on the distributor side, wherein a switchable valve (70) controlling the line is arranged in each of these connecting lines, wherein several bottom forms (5) are connected by a line to one of the outgoing intermediate storage units (62) on the forming station side and several side shells (6) are connected by a line to the other outgoing intermediate storage unit (63), wherein preferably exactly one outgoing intermediate storage unit (62, 63) is provided for each outgoing rotary distributor track and all bottom forms (5) and / or side shells (6) are connected to one of the outgoing intermediate storage units (62, 63) are connected by lines.

4. Device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that at least one, preferably all, intermediate storage units (60, 61, 62, 63) extend in a ring shape around the rotary distributor (50), in particular at least one of the intermediate storage units (60, 61, 62, 63), preferably all intermediate storage units, forms a closed ring around the rotary distributor (50).

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switchable valves (70) can be controlled by a control device (100) of the device, wherein this control device (100) is designed to control the line-controlling valves (70) in such a way that each intermediate storage tank (60, 61, 62, 63) is always in fluidic contact with only one of the rotary distributor tracks and / or in the stationary part each temperature control fluid supply device (V1, V2) is always in fluidic contact with only one of the supply rotary distributor tracks and one of the return rotary distributor tracks.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in addition to the forming elements (bottom shape (5), side shells (6)) of the outer shapes (4) of the forming stations (3), a further station element (2) is designed to be actively temperature-controlled, preferably in that the further station element is designed to be supplied with a temperature control fluid and connectable to a temperature control fluid circuit, wherein the further station element is either connectable to the same fluid circuit as one of the forming elements or a separate third fluid circuit is designed, which is assigned to a third temperature control fluid supply unit with a third temperature control unit, which are designed to adjust the third temperature control fluid to a fluid temperature using the third temperature control unit, wherein the third temperature control fluid supply unit is connected by a line in the stationary part of the device (B) to the rotary distributor (50),wherein the fluid in the third fluid supply device is guided separately from the other temperature control fluids in separate rotary distributor tracks to and from the forming wheel (25), wherein to form the third temperature control fluid circuit the further station element is connected to the incoming rotary distributor track and the outgoing rotary distributor track, wherein preferably a further incoming intermediate storage reservoir for the third temperature control fluid is arranged between the rotary distributor (50) and the forming stations, which is connected on the rotary distributor side to at least one, preferably more than one, further preferably to all incoming rotary distributor tracks, wherein a switchable valve controlling the line is arranged in each of these connecting lines, wherein on the forming station side there are multiple Several of the further station elements (2) are connected by pipes to the third incoming intermediate storage, wherein preferably all further station elements are connected by pipes to the third incoming intermediate storage, wherein preferably a third outgoing intermediate storage is arranged between the rotary distributor (50) and the conversion stations (3), which is connected on the rotary distributor side to the third outgoing rotary distributor track for the third temperature control fluid, wherein a switchable valve controlling the pipe is arranged in this connecting pipe, wherein on the conversion station side several of the further station elements (2) are connected by pipes to the third outgoing intermediate storage, wherein preferably all further station elements (2) are connected by pipes to the third outgoing intermediate storage.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (100) is configured to control the temperature control devices (T1, T2) and the valves (70) in several different modes, wherein in one mode the base mold (5) and the side trays (6) are tempered at the same temperature, wherein in another mode the base mold (5) and the side trays (6) are tempered at different temperatures, wherein the temperature of the side mold (6) is kept higher than the temperature of the base mold (5), wherein preferably active cooling to a temperature in the range of 5-20 °C takes place and / or active heating to a temperature above 60 °C, preferably above 100 °C, more preferably to a temperature of approximately or greater than 120 °C.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that additional temperature control means are provided in the forming stations (3), e.g. electrical temperature control means, to provide additional cooling and / or heating power in addition to the temperature control according to the preceding claims, wherein the temperature control means are preferably controlled by the control device (100).

9. Device according to claim 6 or according to one of the preceding claims, insofar as it relates back to claim 6, characterized in that the further actively temperature-controlled station element (2) is actively cooled and / or is temperature-controlled to the same temperature as the bottom form (5) or the side form (6), wherein preferably the further station element is a stop plate (2) of the station (3) against which the preform (1) rests with its neck ring.

10. Method for the forming of containers from preforms (1) made of a thermoplastic material, in particular PET, wherein several forming stations (3) are arranged circumferentially distributed on a forming wheel (25) which is rotaryally driven, in particular to a continuous rotation, wherein the forming wheel (25) is rotatably mounted in a stationary frame, wherein the forming is carried out by introducing a forming fluid under pressure into the preforms (1) while they are held in one of the forming stations (3) and rotate with the forming station (3), wherein the forming takes place against a multi-part outer form (4) of the forming station (3), which consists at least of a bottom form (5) defining a bottom contour and of a pair of side shells (6) defining a container contour between the bottom and the bottle mouth, wherein the outer form (4) can be opened and closed.by using the aforementioned form elements (base shape (5), side shells, (6)) of the form (4) are moved relative to each other, wherein the outer form (4) in the closed configuration encloses a cavity (9) and provides an inner surface, namely a container contour, wherein during the forming process the preform (1) is expanded by feeding the forming fluid under pressure against this inner surface, wherein preferably each forming station (3) is equipped with a stretching bar (7) and during the forming process the stretching bar (7) stretches the preform (1) in an axial direction of the drawing bar (7), wherein media are guided via a rotary distributor (50) onto the rotating forming wheel (25), in particular the forming fluid, wherein the outer shape (4) is actively temperature controlled by applying a temperature control fluid, wherein at least two temperature control fluids are provided in respective temperature control fluid circuits (F1, F2), wherein each of the temperature control fluids is provided at a specific temperature, wherein the at least two temperature control fluids are guided separately to the rotary distributor (50), in the rotary distributor (50) in separate rotary distributor tracks (50).1, 50,2) onto the rotating forming wheel (25) and then to the bottom forms (5) and / or the side shells (6) of each of the outer forms (4), wherein the backflowing temperature control fluid is guided from the bottom forms (5) and / or side shells (6) to the rotary distributor (50) and is guided back into the stationary part in outgoing rotary distributor tracks (50.3, 50.4) that are separate from each other and from the incoming rotary distributor tracks (50.1, 50.2), characterized in that switching means (70) are arranged in the guiding lines for the temperature control fluids in order to be able to switch which temperature control fluid is fed into which incoming rotary distributor track (50.1, 50.2) and / or from. which rotary distributor track (50.1 , 50.2) the temperature control fluid guided there is directed to the bottom forms (5) or to the side shells of the forming stations (6) and into which return rotary distributor track (50.3, 50.4) the returning temperature control medium is returned in order to establish separate temperature control fluid circuits.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that an intermediate storage unit (60, 61, 62, 63) is arranged between the rotary distributor (50) and the forming stations (4) for each incoming rotary distributor track (50.1, 50.2, 50.3, 50.4), which is connected on the rotary distributor side to each of the two incoming rotary distributor tracks (50.1, 50.2) is connected by lines, wherein a switchable valve controlling the line is arranged as a switching means in each of these connecting lines, wherein several bottom forms (5) are connected by lines to one of the incoming intermediate storage units (50.1 , 50.2) on the transformer station side and several side shells (6) are connected by lines to the other incoming intermediate storage unit (50.1 , 50.2), wherein preferably exactly one incoming intermediate storage unit (60, 61) is provided for each incoming rotary distributor track (50.1 , 50.2) and wherein preferably all bottom forms (5) and / or side shells (6) are connected to one of the incoming intermediate storage units by means of a line.

12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that at least one additional intermediate storage unit (62, 63) is arranged between the rotary distributor (50) and the forming stations (4) for each outgoing rotary distributor track (50.3, 50.4), each intermediate storage unit being connected by a line to each of the two outgoing rotary distributor tracks on the rotary distributor side, wherein a switchable valve (70) controlling the line is arranged in each of these connecting lines, wherein several bottom forms (5) are connected by a line to one of the outgoing intermediate storage units and several side shells (6) are connected by a line to the other outgoing intermediate storage unit, wherein preferably exactly one outgoing intermediate storage unit is provided for each outgoing rotary distributor track and all bottom forms (5) and / or side shells (6) are connected by a line to one of the outgoing intermediate storage units.

13. Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that at least one, preferably all, intermediate storage units extend in a ring shape around the rotary distributor (50), in particular at least one, preferably all, of the intermediate storage units forms a closed ring around the rotary distributor.

14. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that a control device (100) of the device (B) controls the switchable valves (70), wherein this control device (100) controls the line-controlling valves in such a way that each intermediate storage tank is always in fluidic contact with only one of the rotary distributor tracks.

15. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that, in addition to the forming elements (bottom shape (5), side shells (6)) of the outer shapes (4) of the forming stations (3), a further station element (2) is actively temperature-controlled, preferably by supplying the further station element with a temperature control fluid and connecting it to a temperature control fluid circuit, wherein the further station element is either connected to the same fluid circuit as one of the forming elements or a separate third fluid circuit is formed, which is associated with a third temperature control fluid supply unit with a third temperature control unit, which is configured to adjust the third temperature control fluid to a fluid temperature using the third temperature control unit, wherein the third temperature control fluid supply unit is connected to the rotary distributor (50) in the stationary part of the device (B).wherein the fluid in the third fluid supply device is guided separately from the other temperature control fluids in separate rotary distributor tracks to and from the forming wheel (25), wherein to form the third temperature control fluid circuit, the further station element is connected to the incoming rotary distributor track and the outgoing rotary distributor track by means of lines, wherein preferably a further incoming intermediate storage tank for the third temperature control fluid is arranged between the rotary distributor (25) and the forming stations, which is connected on the rotary distributor side to at least one, preferably more than one, and more preferably to all incoming rotary distributor tracks, wherein a switchable valve controlling the line is arranged in each of these connecting lines, wherein on the forming station side several of the further station elements (2) are connected to the third incoming intermediate storage tank by means of lines,wherein preferably all further station elements are connected to the third incoming intermediate storage tank, wherein preferably a third outgoing intermediate storage tank is arranged between the rotary distributor (50) and the conversion stations (3), which is connected on the rotary distributor side to the third outgoing rotary distributor track for the third temperature control fluid, wherein a switchable valve controlling the line is arranged in this connecting line, wherein on the conversion station side several of the further station elements (2), are connected to the third outgoing intermediate storage via a cable, wherein preferably all further station elements (2) are connected to the third outgoing intermediate storage via a cable.

16. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (100) controls the temperature control devices (T1, T2) and the valves (70) in several different modes, wherein in one mode the base mold (5) and the side trays (6) are tempered to the same temperature, or the base mold (5) and the side trays (6) are tempered to different temperatures, wherein the temperature of the side mold (6) is kept higher than the temperature of the base mold (5), wherein preferably active cooling to a temperature in the range of 5-20 °C takes place and / or active heating to a temperature above 60 °C, preferably above 100 °C, more preferably to a temperature of approximately or greater than 120 °C.

17. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that additional temperature control means are provided in the forming stations (3), e.g. electrical temperature control means, to provide additional cooling and / or heating power in addition to the temperature control according to the aforementioned method claims, wherein the temperature control means are preferably controlled by the control device (100).

18. Method according to claim 15 or according to one of the preceding method claims, insofar as it refers back to claim 15, characterized in that the further actively temperature-controlled station element (2) is actively cooled and / or tempered to the same temperature as the bottom mold (5) or the side shells (6), wherein preferably the further station element is a stop plate (2) of the station (3) against which the preform (1) rests with its neck ring.

Images