DE102022120588A1 - Transport system for transporting preforms in a device for producing finished containers from the preforms - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport system for transporting preforms (2) in a device (4) for producing finished containers (3) from the preforms (2), the transport system (29) comprising a transport chain (22) made up of several chain links Chain links each have a support element (28) for holding at least one preform (2), the support element (28) comprising a shaft part (30) and a head part (31), and the head part (31) has a mouth section (11) of the Preform (2) has insertable head end region (32) and the head part (31) is releasably coupled to the shaft part (30), and the head part (31) is coupled to the shaft part (30) by means of a coupling device (27), the coupling device (27) is designed and set up to set a detachable connection between the head part (31) and the shaft part (30). It is proposed that a coupling means (33) of the coupling device (27) can be moved from a connecting position in which the head part (31) and the shaft part (30) are connected to one another, into a different release position in which the head part (31) and the shaft part (30) are not connected to one another, the coupling means (33) being designed and arranged to be movable for this purpose by a magnetic force; and/or a connecting means (35) of the coupling device (27) magnetically holds the head part (31) on the shaft part (30).

Description

The present invention relates to a transport system for transporting preforms in a device for producing finished containers from the preforms according to the preamble of claim 1 as well as a device for producing finished containers from preforms according to the preamble of claim 10 and a use of a transport system according to claim 11 as well a support element for holding at least one preform according to the preamble of claim 12 and a method for changing a head part of a support element for holding at least one preform according to the preamble of claim 16.

Containers such as containers are usually used to package liquid food, cleaning agents, care products or drinks. B. bottles made of glass or plastic, which are created in a manufacturing process on various devices and then filled on another device. An example of this is the production of plastic containers in a blow molding machine. When forming containers by blowing pressure, preforms made of a thermoplastic material, for example preforms made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), are fed to different processing stations within a blow molding machine. Typically, such a blow molding machine has a heating device and a blowing device, in the area of which the previously tempered preform is expanded into a container by biaxial orientation. The expansion takes place with the help of compressed air, which is introduced into the preform to be expanded and, if necessary, additional stretching.

The process engineering process for such an expansion of the preform is, for example, in DE 43 40 291 A1 explained. The introduction of the pressurized gas also includes the introduction of compressed gas into the developing container bubble as well as the introduction of compressed gas into the preform at the beginning of the blowing process. The basic structure of a blow molding station for container forming is explained in the DE 42 12 583 A1 described. Options for tempering the preforms are discussed in the DE 23 52 926 A1 explained.

During the manufacturing and filling processes, it is necessary to transport the containers and transfer them from one station to the next between the individual process stages. Within the blow molding device, the preforms and the blown containers can be transported using different handling devices. The use of transport mandrels onto which the preforms are attached has proven particularly useful.

An exemplary device with transport mandrels for transporting the preforms and containers is from the WO 2013 034 309 A1 known. The blowing device includes several blowing stations arranged on a rotatable blowing wheel for forming the preforms into the finished containers, as well as holding devices for holding and transporting the preforms. The ones in the WO 2013 034 309 A1 The holding devices shown have, in the area of their head which can be inserted into a mouth section of the preform, several, namely at least two, positionable clamping elements which are rounded at least in some areas and which are arranged at a distance relative to one another along an outer circumference of the head, which are therefore arranged at a circumferential distance from one another. At least one of the clamping elements is positioned in a recess arranged laterally on the head with respect to a longitudinal axis of the holding device, the recess having upper and lower sliding surfaces which run obliquely to the longitudinal axis for acting on the clamping element and the head having a lower head part provided with the lower sliding surface and a lower part with the has an upper head part provided with an upper sliding surface. The preform is essentially designed with a cylindrical inner surface in the area of its mouth section. Suitable additional transport elements for transporting preforms are e.g. Am DE 10 2005 011 805 A1 , DE 10 2008 023 701 A1 and US 9,878,482 B2 described.

The transport mandrels used to transport the preforms must be replaced regularly, for example to change the device to a different type of preforms, e.g. with a larger or smaller mouth cross section, or to replace worn or contaminated parts. Replacing the transport mandrels is relatively complex and is carried out manually. In order to reduce the amount of work required to replace the transport mandrels, a stable transport system with mechanically exchangeable transport mandrels for preforms would be desirable, which enables the transport mandrels to be changed quickly despite a stable holder of the preforms. As a rule, not the entire transport mandrel is changed, but only the mandrel element that engages in the mouth area of the preform. This element is also referred to below as the headboard. In this respect, a transport mandrel is usually designed in several parts. It is therefore a matter of changing the element that holds the preform in the mouth area, even if we talk about replacing the transport mandrel below.

A mechanical quick-change system for replacing the transport mandrels is already available DE 10 2017 124 186 B4 known from which the invention is based. In the DE 10 2017 124 186 B4 A transport system for preforms is proposed that works with mechanical clamping means. The transport system shown is designed as a transport chain with several chain links.

The chain links each have a support element for holding at least one preform. The support element consists of a shaft part and a head part. Also in the DE 10 2017 124 186 B4 only the headboard is changed. In order to detach the head part from the sheep part, the DE 10 2017 124 186 B4 a mechanical clamping means is used to couple the shaft part and the head part or to cancel the coupling. The clamping means are in the DE 10 2017 124 186 B4 referred to as a shaft clamping element. Although such mechanical clamping means are suitable for machine-replaceable transport mandrels, practical problems arise. The mechanical clamping means can, for example, jam and are not easy to release in some cases due to the friction surfaces. In addition, the clamping or frictional force of clamping devices changes over time, for example with the degree of contamination. In addition, a greater force must be applied to release the transport mandrels in order to release the clamping force of the mechanical clamping means. There is a fundamental need to provide a simple and robust quick-change system.

The object of the present invention is therefore to construct a device of the type mentioned in the introduction in such a way that reliable transport of the preforms is supported at high transport speeds and, in addition, rapid interchangeability is ensured. In addition, the most robust and fail-safe device of the type mentioned in the introduction should be provided.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the transport system according to claim 1.

Accordingly, a transport system for transporting preforms in a device for producing finished containers from the preforms is proposed, the transport system comprising a transport chain made up of several chain links, the chain links each having a support element for holding at least one preform, the support element having a shaft part and a Head part comprises, and the head part has a head end region which can be inserted into a mouth section of the preform and the head part is releasably coupled to the shaft part, and the head part is coupled to the shaft part by means of a coupling device, the coupling device being designed and set up to provide a releasable connection between the head part and the shaft part.

The transport system is therefore part of the device for producing finished containers from the preforms, i.e. e.g. B. Part of a blow molding machine, as described above in the prior art, or a form filling machine. In form filling machines, the forming and filling of the preform takes place in one process step, for example supported by a stretching rod. Stretching is the stretching of materials beyond their elastic yield point to achieve special mechanical properties, for example stretching the preform into a container. The transport system is made up of several chain links, each chain link having a support element. The support element is an element that is designed and designed to hold and transport a preform. For example, the support element is designed with a transport mandrel or with transport tongs. Support elements are also known with which several preforms are held, for example two. The support element has a shaft part and a head part, which are detachably connected to one another. Detachably connected means that the head part can be separated from the shaft part, e.g. B. by force. The support element is therefore designed in several parts and the head part and the shaft part can be separated and joined together. The head part carries the preform. For this purpose, the head part has a head end area, i.e. an area where the head part ends. This head end area is adapted to a mouth section of the preform. The mouth section of the preform is the upper area of the preform in the area of its opening, i.e. opposite the closed bottom. The mouth section often has a thread. The head end region of the head part and the mouth section of the preform are therefore adapted to one another, so that the head part carries or holds the mouth section of the preform. The shaft part and head part are also connected via a coupling device. The coupling device is a device that connects or couples the shaft part and the head part to one another. The coupling device can set or establish a detachable connection between the head part and the shaft part. A connection is detachable if the connection can be detached again without damaging the components. The transport chain and the chain links must be provided generically and not as a chain in the classic sense (round link chain). A transport chain with chain links is the chain-like arrangement of the support elements for the preforms in order to move the preforms along a to move transport path. The support elements for the preforms can, for example, be connected via a chain or a belt or the like in order to form a transport chain with chain links.

It is essential that a coupling means of the coupling device can be moved from a connecting position in which the head part and the shaft part are connected to one another into a different release position in which the head part and the shaft part are not connected to one another, the coupling means being activated for this purpose by a magnetic force is designed and arranged to be movable; and/or a connecting means of the coupling device magnetically holds the head part on the shaft part.

A coupling means is therefore proposed which can be magnetically transferred or moved from a first position to a second position. The release position can be understood as a release position or a released position. In the release position of the coupling means, the head part and the shaft part can be separated from one another. The connection position can be understood as a connection position or an unresolved position. In the connecting position of the coupling means, the head part and the shaft part are connected to one another and cannot be separated from one another. The coupling means can be moved from the connection position into the release point by means of a magnetic force acting on the coupling means. The magnetic force can be generated, for example, with an actuating device that generates a magnetic field that acts on the coupling means. The magnetic field is preferably an external magnetic field that is generated outside the coupling device. The source of the magnetic force can be, for example, a permanent magnet or an electric coil. The coupling means is therefore designed to be magnetically actuable.

It goes without saying that the coupling means is made of a ferromagnetic material, i.e. the coupling means is at least partially made of a ferromagnetic or other magnetically actuable material.

The proposed magnetically actuated coupling means provides a possibility of releasing the fixed connection between the head part and the sheep part without contact. This provides a very robust and low-maintenance quick-change system for changing the head parts if the head parts need to be changed during a product change. It is also particularly advantageous that in the connection position the head part is firmly connected to the shaft part and the head part cannot fall off. With clamp connections, the head part is only held securely if a force acting on the head part does not exceed a clamping force. Clamp connections can cause the head section to fall down unintentionally. This risk is reduced with the proposed coupling agent. In addition, a user-friendly solution is provided as to how the head part and shaft part can be detached in a simple manner. For example, a machine operator can easily release the connection with a hand magnet or an actuating device with a magnet can be part of the transport system and an automated change of the head parts can be implemented. The transport chain moves, for example, past an actuating device that is arranged in a stationary manner or can be brought to the transport chain, and in the area of the actuating device the connection between the head part and the shaft part is released.

Additionally or alternatively, it is proposed that the coupling device is designed with a connecting means that magnetically holds the head part on the shaft part.

For this purpose, for example, permanent magnets or electromagnets can be arranged in the shaft part and/or the head part. These generate a holding force with which the shaft part is held on the head part. If the holding force is exceeded, the head part can be detached from the shaft part of the support element. The connecting means holds the head part and the shaft part together magnetically. If the head part needs to be changed, the old head part can be removed from the shaft part with little effort and a new head part can be attached.

With the magnetic connecting means it is advantageously achieved that the head part and shaft part of the support element hold together, but are still releasably connected to one another. A releasable magnetic connection has been found to be more robust in contrast to known mechanical connections. In addition, a magnetic connecting means is less susceptible to contamination because it can be installed encapsulated in the head part or shaft part.

It is preferably proposed that the coupling means is set up to set a frictional connection and/or a positive connection between the head part and the shaft part in the connecting position; and/or the connection position is established when no magnetic force acts on the coupling means.

It is therefore proposed that the coupling means in the connecting position connects the head part and the shaft part with a positive connection and/or holds a frictional connection and the connection can be canceled using a magnetic force. A positive connection is created by the interlocking of at least two connection partners. An example of a positive connection is a bayonet lock. In the present case, it is proposed, for example, that the head part and the shaft part have two interlocking connection partners which form a positive connection. For example, the head part can have a movably mounted pin as the first connection partner and the shaft part can have a recess as the second connection partner into which the pin is inserted, or vice versa. However, other connecting means can also be provided instead of the pin, such as movably mounted balls or the like. The shape of the coupling means is basically arbitrary in order to form a positive connection and/or frictional connection. A frictional connection occurs when a frictional force develops between two connection partners. For example, the shaft part is designed with a spring-loaded pin which exerts a force or frictional force on the head part or a part of the head part or vice versa. Being able to cancel the positive connection and/or frictional connection by means of the magnetic force is particularly advantageous, since only a small force or no force is necessary to separate the head part and shaft part from one another when the positive connection and/or frictional connection is no longer present. With mechanical clamping connections, however, at least the clamping force or frictional force must be overcome.

Additionally or alternatively, it is also proposed that the connection position is established when no magnetic force is established or acts on the coupling means. If no magnetic force acts on the coupling means, there is a firm connection between the head part and the shaft part. This advantageously ensures that the head part and shaft part are always securely connected and are only unlocked where a magnetic field or a magnetic force acts on the coupling means. This provides a safe quick-change system for changing the headboards and prevents the headboards from accidentally falling down.

It is preferably proposed that the coupling means is designed with a spring element in order to hold the coupling means in the connected position.

The spring element is, for example, a compression spring or a tension spring or a ferromagnetic armature or the like. The spring element therefore holds the coupling means in the locked position. The magnetic force therefore counteracts the spring force. A spring element is particularly robust and can be arranged encapsulated inside the head part or shaft part of the support element. This provides a robust and low-maintenance transport system. The spring element can also be part of a relay or the like, i.e. designed as a resiliently mounted ferromagnetic armature.

It is preferably proposed that the coupling means is designed with a movably mounted pin, the pin being set up in the connecting position to establish a frictional connection and/or a positive connection between the head part and the shaft part.

The movably mounted pin can therefore be moved by the magnetic force in order to cancel the frictional connection and/or positive connection. The magnetic force therefore counteracts the positive connection and the frictional connection. In comparison to known clamp connections, the advantage is achieved that the pin does not form a positive or non-positive connection in the release position and the head part and shaft part can be easily separated from one another. With clamp connections, however, there is always a frictional connection. The pin is, for example, a metal pin or a magnet. It is therefore suggested that the pen can be operated magnetically, i.e. H. for example, is formed from a ferromagnetic material. This generally applies to the coupling means, i.e. the coupling means is at least partially made of a magnetically actuable material.

It is preferably proposed that the transport system also has an actuating device for generating the magnetic force in order to move the coupling means into the release position.

A device is therefore proposed with which the coupling means can be actuated magnetically. The actuating device is intended and set up to generate a magnetic force and has, for example, an electric coil or a permanent magnet. The actuating device can thus be placed at a suitable location where the connection between the head part and the shaft part is to be released, for example in a deflection area of the transport chain or in a straight area of the transport chain. This advantageously ensures that the head part and shaft part are always secured, except where the actuating device generates a magnetic field or a magnetic force that acts on the coupling means. The arrangement of the actuating device is therefore arbitrary.

It is preferably proposed that the actuating device is designed with a permanent magnet for generating the magnetic force in order to move the coupling means into the release position transfer, preferably the actuating device can be positioned from a rest position into an actuating position, the actuating device being arranged closer to the coupling means in the actuating position than in the rest position, in particular the actuating device is designed to be pivotable in order to position it from the rest position into the actuating position.

A permanent magnet provides a particularly simple, robust and dirt-resistant actuating device.

Particularly preferably, the actuating device can be positioned from a rest position into an actuating position, the actuating device being arranged closer to the coupling means in the actuating position than in the rest position. In the actuating position, the magnetic force generated by the actuating device is sufficient to move the coupling means into the release position. In the rest position, the magnetic force is not sufficient to move the coupling agent into the release position. The actuating device can thus be used for an automated changing process when the transport chain of the transport system is moved past the magnet. The confirmation device can be positioned in any way from the rest position to the actuation position, for example pivoted, telescoped or moved. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the actuating device is designed to be pivotable in order to position it from the rest position into the actuating position. If necessary, the permanent magnet can be pivoted into the vicinity of the coupling means, for example using a pivotable frame.

It is preferably proposed that the actuating device is designed with an electromagnet for generating the magnetic force in order to transfer the coupling means into the release position, preferably the actuating device is designed with the electromagnet to be switched on and off, preferably by means of a control device of the device for producing finished containers the preforms.

An electromagnet is particularly advantageous because, in contrast to a permanent magnet, it can be controlled, i.e. the magnetic force can be switched on or off by means of control. Switching the electromagnet on and off can be implemented in different ways, for example by controlling it with a control device or by means of a sliding contact that briefly energizes or short-circuits the electromagnet. An automated replacement process can be triggered by controlling the electromagnet. For this purpose, the electromagnet can be designed, for example, with a coil. The actuating device with an electromagnet can be positioned in a fixed position and activated if necessary. A control device is preferably part of the transport system and this control device controls the switching on and off of the actuating device or the electric coil. The control device is, for example, part of a blow molding or form filling machine.

It is preferably proposed that the actuating device is arranged at least in one actuating position in a deflection area of the transport chain, the actuating position being a position of the actuating device in which the actuating device exerts a sufficient magnetic force on the coupling means in order to transfer the coupling means into the release position.

The deflection area is an area in which the transport chain is redirected, i.e. changes direction. The deflection area is, for example, a local area in the immediate vicinity of deflection wheels of the transport chain. The deflection area is a particularly advantageous area for arranging the actuating device, since there is good access to the support elements in the deflection area, at least in comparison to the areas between the deflection areas, i.e. where the transport runs straight. It is therefore advantageously proposed to arrange the actuating device for releasing the connection between the head part and the shaft part of the support element in the deflection area, at least in the actuating position, in order to provide good access to the head parts for replacing them.

It is preferably proposed that the connecting means is designed with a permanent magnet and the permanent magnet magnetically holds the head part on the shaft part with an adhesive force, the adhesive force being selected so that it is greater than the separating forces acting on the head part in regular operation; and/or the connecting means is designed with an electromagnet and the electromagnet magnetically holds the head part on the shaft part in a current-carrying state, and preferably the transport system also has an actuating device for transferring the electromagnet into a de-energized state in order to remove the head part from the shaft part solve.

It is therefore proposed that a permanent magnet with a specially designed holding force be used to magnetically releasably connect the head part to the shaft part. The adhesive force is chosen so that it is greater than the separating forces acting on the head part during regular operation. Regular operation refers to production operation when containers are produced using the forming machine. The separating forces acting are, for example, the centrifugal forces acting on the head part and the weight of the head part and the weight of the preform received.

In a further aspect according to the invention, a device for producing finished containers from preforms is proposed, in particular from preforms made of a thermoplastic material, with at least one heating section for thermally conditioning the preforms along a transport route and with at least one forming device for forming thermally conditioned preforms into the finished container, characterized in that the device has at least one transport system for transporting the preforms according to one of the above embodiments, the transport system being arranged in particular in the area of the heating device. All statements, explanations and definitions regarding the transport system described also apply to this device in the same way.

In a further aspect according to the invention, a use of a transport system is proposed, wherein the transport system is designed according to one of the above embodiments and is part of a device for producing finished containers from preforms, in particular from preforms made of a thermoplastic material, with at least one heating device for thermal conditioning Preforms along a transport route and with at least one forming device for forming thermally conditioned preforms into the finished container, the use taking place in particular in the area of the heating device. All statements, explanations and definitions regarding the transport system described apply equally to this use.

In a further aspect according to the invention, a support element for holding at least one preform is proposed, wherein the support element comprises a shaft part and a head part, and the head part has a head end region which can be inserted into the mouth section of the preform and the head part is releasably coupled to the shaft part, and the head part is coupled to the shaft part by means of a coupling device, the coupling device being designed and set up to produce a detachable connection between the head part and the shaft part, a coupling means of the coupling device being able to be moved from a connecting position into a different release position in which the head part and the shaft part is not connected to one another, the coupling means being designed and arranged to be movable for this purpose by a magnetic force; and/or a connecting means of the coupling device magnetically holds the head part on the shaft part. All statements, explanations and definitions regarding the transport system described also apply to this support element.

It is preferably proposed that the coupling means is set up to set a frictional connection and/or a positive connection between the head part and the shaft part in the connecting position; and/or the connection position is established when no magnetic force acts on the coupling means; and/or the coupling means is designed with a spring element to hold the coupling means in the connected position; and/or the coupling means is designed with a movably mounted pin or with a movably mounted ball, wherein the pin or the ball in the connecting position is designed to set a frictional connection and/or a positive connection between the head part and the shaft part. Reference is made to the above explanations, advantages and definitions of the transport system described above.

It is preferably proposed that the connecting means is designed with a permanent magnet and the permanent magnet magnetically holds the head part on the shaft part with an adhesive force, the adhesive force being selected so that it is greater than the separating forces acting on the head part in regular operation; and/or the connecting means is designed with an electromagnet and the electromagnet magnetically holds the head part on the shaft part in a current-carrying state, and preferably the transport system also has an actuating device for transferring the electromagnet into a de-energized state in order to remove the head part from the shaft part solve. Reference is made to the above explanations, advantages and definitions of the transport system described above.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for changing a head part of a support element for holding at least one preform is proposed, wherein the head part is releasably coupled to a shaft part of the support element, and the head part is coupled to the shaft part by means of a coupling device, the coupling device being designed for this purpose and is designed to produce a detachable connection between the head part and the shaft part.

The method includes the steps: generating a magnetic force with an actuating device; Transferring a coupling means of the coupling device from a connecting point lung, in which the head part and the shaft part are connected to one another, into a different release position, in which the head part and the shaft part are not connected to one another, the transfer taking place with the magnetic force generated by the actuating device; releasing the head part from the shaft part while the coupling means is in the release position; Connecting an interchangeable head part to the shaft part after loosening the head part and while the coupling means is in the release position; Transferring the coupling agent into the connecting position, preferably by removing the magnetic force.

The magnetic force can be generated manually with a magnet or automatically with an actuating device, as described above for the transport system. The magnetic field is preferably generated using an actuating device, as described above for the transport system. A coupling agent is then transferred into a release position. The transfer can be carried out, for example, by generating a magnetic field in the vicinity of the coupling means and exerting a sufficiently strong magnetic force on the coupling means in order to move the coupling means into the release position. The coupling means is preferably designed for this purpose, as described above for the transport system. After the connection between the head part and the shaft part has been released by means of magnetic force, it is proposed in a next step to detach the head part from the shaft part during the release position and then to attach a new head part to the shaft part. Loosening the old head part and/or connecting the new head part can be done manually and/or automatically using a changing device. After the new head part is attached to the shaft part, the coupling means is transferred to the connecting position. This can be done automatically using the spring elements described above. Reference is made to the above explanations, advantages and definitions of the transport system described above.

• 1 zeigt einen Längsschnitt durch eine Blasform, in der ein Vorformling gereckt und expandiert wird,
• 2 zeigt eine Skizze zur Veranschaulichung eines grundsätzlichen Aufbaus einer Vorrichtung zur Blasformung von Behältern,
• 3 zeigt ein erfindungsgemäßes Transportsystem zum Transport von Vorformlingen,
• 4 zeigt einen Vertikalschnitt eines erfindungsgemäßen Tragelementes mit einem Kopplungsmittel in Verbindungsstellung,
• 5 zeigt einen Vertikalschnitt eines erfindungsgemäßen Tragelementes mit einem Kopplungsmittel in Freigabestellung,
• 6 zeigt einen Vertikalschnitt eines erfindungsgemäßen Tragelementes mit einem Verbindungsmittel und
• 7 zeigt eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines Tragelements, wobei das Schaftteil und das Kopfteil des Tragelementes gelöst voneinander sind.

The present invention will now be explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures, the same reference numbers being used for the same or similar assemblies. Further advantages, characteristics and features of the present invention become clear in the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments based on the accompanying drawings. However, the invention is not limited to these exemplary embodiments.

• 1 shows a longitudinal section through a blow mold in which a preform is stretched and expanded,
• 2 shows a sketch to illustrate a basic structure of a device for blow molding containers,
• 3 shows a transport system according to the invention for transporting preforms,
• 4 shows a vertical section of a support element according to the invention with a coupling means in the connecting position,
• 5 shows a vertical section of a support element according to the invention with a coupling means in the release position,
• 6 shows a vertical section of a support element according to the invention with a connecting means and
• 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a support element, with the shaft part and the head part of the support element being detached from one another.

1 shows a basic operation of a blowing station 1 for forming preforms 2 into containers 3, which is part of a device 4 for producing containers 3, such as in the 2 shown. The blowing station 1 for forming the container 3 essentially consists of a blow mold 5, into which a preform 2 can be inserted, as well as a stretching system and a blowing gas supply.

The preform 2 can be an injection molded part made of polyethylene terephthalate. To enable the preform 2 to be inserted into the blow mold 5 and to enable the finished container 3 to be removed, the blow mold 5 consists of mold halves 6 and a base part 7, which can be positioned with a lifting device 8. The blow mold 5 is therefore formed in several parts from the two mold halves 6 and the base part 7. The individual parts of the blow mold 5 can be removed from one another and, when assembled, form an inner cavity which forms a negative of the shape of the container 3 to be produced. The preform 2 can be fixed in the area of the blow molding station 1 by a holding element. It is possible, for example, to insert the preform 2 directly into the blow mold 5 using pliers or other handling means.

To enable a compressed air supply, a connecting piston is arranged above the blow mold 5, which supplies compressed air to the preform 2 and at the same time provides a seal. With a modified design, it is fundamentally also conceivable to use fixed compressed air supply lines. This is in the 1 Not shown.

In this exemplary embodiment, the preform 2 is stretched using a stretching rod 9, which is positioned in a manner not shown becomes. According to embodiments known in the prior art, a mechanical positioning of the stretch rod 9 is carried out via curve segments which are acted upon by pick-up rollers. The use of curve segments is particularly useful when a plurality of blowing stations 1 are arranged on a rotating blowing wheel 10. It is also known to position the stretch rod 9 with a linear motor or another drive. However, the type of positioning of the horizontal bar is not important for the present invention.

To adapt to different shapes of a mouth section 11 of the preform 2 is according to 1 the use of separate thread inserts 12 in the area of the blow mold 5 is provided.

1 shows, in addition to the blown container 3, the preform 2 shown in dashed lines and schematically a developing container bubble 13.

2 shows the basic structure of a blow molding machine, which is provided with a heating section 14 and a rotating blow wheel 10. The blow molding machine shown is a device 4 for producing finished containers 3 from preforms 2. Starting from a preform input 15, the preforms 2 are transported by transfer wheels 16 into the area of the heating section 14. Radiant heaters 17 and fans 18 are arranged along the heating section 14 in order to control the temperature of the preforms 2. After the preforms 2 have been sufficiently tempered, they are transferred from a transfer wheel 16 to the blowing wheel 10, in the area of which the blowing stations 1 are arranged. The finished blown containers 3 are fed to an output section 19 by further transfer wheels 16.

In order to be able to form a preform 2 into a container 3 in such a way that the container 3 has material properties that ensure the long-term usability of foods, in particular beverages, filled within the container 3, special process steps must be followed when heating and orienting the preforms 2 become. In addition, beneficial effects can be achieved by adhering to special dimensioning regulations.

Different plastics can be used as thermoplastic material. For example, PET, PEN or PP can be used.

The expansion of the preform 2 during the orientation process takes place by supplying compressed air. The compressed air supply is divided into a pre-blow phase in which gas, for example compressed air, is supplied at a low pressure level and a subsequent main blow phase in which gas is supplied at a higher pressure level. During the pre-blow phase, compressed air with a pressure in the interval from 10 bar to 25 bar is typically used and during the main blow phase, compressed air with a pressure in the interval from 25 bar to 40 bar is supplied.

Out of 2 It can also be seen that in the illustrated embodiment the heating section 14 is formed from a large number of rotating transport elements, which are lined up like a chain and guided along deflection wheels 20. These can also be referred to as means of transport 21 or transport chain 22. In particular, it is intended to create a substantially rectangular basic contour through the chain-like arrangement. In the embodiment shown, a single relatively large deflection wheel 20 is used in the area of the extension of the heating section 14 facing the transfer wheel 16 and two comparatively smaller deflection wheels 20 are used in the area of adjacent deflections. In principle, any other tours are also conceivable.

To enable the transfer wheel 16 and the blowing wheel 10 to be arranged as densely as possible relative to one another, the arrangement shown proves to be particularly useful, since three deflection wheels 20 are positioned in the area of the corresponding extent of the heating section 14, namely the smaller deflection wheels 20 in the area of the transfer to the linear courses of the heating section 14 and the larger deflection wheel 20 in the immediate transfer area to the transfer wheel 16 and the blowing wheel 10.

After the containers 3 have been blown, they are guided out of the area of the blowing stations 1 by the transfer wheel 16 and transported to the output section 19.

The preforms 2 and the containers 3 can be transported through the blow molding machine in different ways. According to one embodiment variant, the preforms 2 are carried by transport mandrels 21 at least along the essential part of their transport path. However, it is also possible to transport the preforms 2 using tongs that engage the outside of the preform 2, or to use internal mandrels that are inserted into a mouth section 11 of the preform 2.

According to a variant, the preform 2 is in the area of the preform input 15 with its Mouth is supplied oriented vertically upwards, then rotated, conveyed along the heating section 14 and the blowing wheel 10 with its mouth oriented vertically downwards and rotated again before reaching the output section 19.

In addition, there are 2 two deflection areas 24 of the transport chain 22 are shown. A first deflection area 24 is formed in the area of the head wheel 25' and the deflection wheels 20. This area can also be understood as an input area or removal area, since in this area the preforms 2 are entered into the heating section 14 with the transfer wheel 16 and are removed from the heating section with the transfer wheel 16. A second deflection area 24 is formed at the rear end of the heating section 14. The second deflection area 24 is therefore an area which is arranged at an end of the heating section 14 opposite the input area or removal area. The second deflection area 24 is therefore formed in the area of the second deflection wheel 20 or head wheel 25.

In addition, an actuating device 26 for magnetically actuating a coupling device 27 of a support element 28 is arranged in the deflection area 24 in the area of the deflection wheel 20. The actuation device 26 and the support element 28 are explained in the following embodiments.

3 shows a transport system 29 for transporting preforms 2 in a device 4 for producing finished containers 3 from the preforms 2, the transport system 29 comprising a transport chain 22 made up of several chain links. The chain links each have a support element 28 for holding at least one preform 2, the support element 28 comprising a shaft part 30 and a head part 31. The head part 31 has a head end region 32 which can be inserted into the mouth section 11 of the preform 2 and the head part 31 is releasably coupled to the shaft part 30.

The head part 31 is coupled to the shaft part 30 by means of a coupling device 27, the coupling device 27 being designed and set up to establish a detachable connection between the head part 31 and the shaft part 30.

The 3 also shows a coupling means 33 of the coupling device 27, which can be moved from a connecting position in which the head part 31 and the shaft part 30 are connected to one another into a release position that deviates from this, in which the head part 31 and the shaft part 30 are not connected to one another, whereby the coupling means 33 is designed and arranged to be movable by a magnetic force. The transport system 29 also includes an actuating device 26 for generating a magnetic force in order to move the coupling means 33 into a release position. The transport chain 22 is moved in the direction of the directional arrow 34. In the area of the actuating device 26, the magnetic force acts on the coupling means 33 of the support element 28 shown on the left and moves the coupling means 33 into the release position.

In addition, it shows 3 a connecting means 35 of the coupling device 27, which magnetically holds the head part 31 on the shaft part 30.

The coupling means 33 is designed with a movably mounted pin 36, the pin 36 being set up in the connecting position to establish a frictional connection and/or a positive connection between the head part 31 and the shaft part 30. Like in the 3 can be seen, the coupling means 33 of the right coupling device engages in the pin receptacle 38 and thus establishes a positive connection.

4 shows a vertical section of a support element 28 according to the invention with a coupling means 33 in the connected position. The ones in the 4 The coupling device 27 shown is formed with three coupling means 33, each with a spring element 37, in order to hold the coupling means 33 in the connection position.

In addition, the three coupling means 33 are designed with a movably mounted pin 36, the pin 36 being set up in the connecting position to establish a frictional connection or a positive connection between the head part 31 and the shaft part 30. Like in the 4 can be seen, the two upper coupling means 33 form a positive connection with the head part 31. For this purpose, the two pins 36 are each movably mounted with a compression spring. If no magnetic field is generated with the actuating device 26, the pins 36 position themselves for the provided pin receptacles 38 and thus form a positive connection. So the blocking position is present. The actuating device 26 is too far away from the coupling device 27 to have a sufficiently large magnetic force on the coupling means 33. The lower coupling means 33 forms a frictional connection with a pin 36 of the head part 31. A spring-loaded pin 36' in the shaft part 30 presses against the inserted pin 36" of the head part 31 and thus forms a force or frictional connection. It is understood that the three coupling means 33 shown are exemplary. Other constructed coupling means could also be provided .For example, it could be just one of the in the 4 coupling means 33 shown can be used. The pins 36 of the coupling means 33 result in the head part being in the locked position 31 cannot be removed from the shaft part 30. The coupling means 33 shown therefore partially work as locking means.

5 shows a vertical section of a support element 28 according to the invention with a coupling means in the release position. As shown schematically in the figure, the actuating device 26 generates a magnetic field or a magnetic force that acts on the coupling means 33 shown. In the 5 is shown that the actuating device 26 is switched on. Magnetic field lines are shown. N is intended to represent a magnetic north pole and S is intended to represent a magnetic south pole. The orientation of the magnet is exemplary. The coupling means 33 are moved into the release position by the magnetic force, which can be confirmed by a comparison with the 4 becomes clear. The positive connection of the upper two coupling means 33 is canceled because the pins 36 no longer protrude into the pin receptacle 38, and the pin 36' of the lower coupling means 33 of the shaft part 30 no longer presses on the pin 36" of the head part 31. It is therefore formed There is also no longer any frictional connection. The magnetic force generated by the actuating device 26 therefore counteracts the positive connection and frictional connection. In the release position, the head part 31 can be easily detached from the shaft part 30.

6 shows a vertical section of an alternative support element 28 according to the invention with a connecting means 35. The connecting means 35 is designed with a permanent magnet and the permanent magnet holds the head part 31 on the shaft part 30 magnetically with an adhesive force. The connecting means 35 is, for example, as in the 6 shown with magnets arranged opposite each other in pairs. The magnets are encapsulated or embedded in the shaft part 30 and the head part 31. If the holding force of the connecting means 35 shown is exceeded, the head part 31 detaches from the shaft part 30 and can be replaced.

7 shows a schematic perspective view of a support element 28 with a detached head part 31 and shaft part 30. The head part 31 holds a preform 2. The support element 28 is therefore designed in several parts. The detached head part 31 can now be exchanged for a replaceable head part, for example in a manual or automated changing process.

Reference symbol list

1

Blowing station

2

preform

3

container

4

contraption

5

blow mold

6

half of the mold

7

bottom part

8th

Lifting device

9

horizontal bar

10

blow wheel

11

Mouth section

12

Thread insert

13

Container bladder

14

heating section

15

Preform input

16

transfer wheel

17

Radiant heater

18

fan

19

Output route

20

deflection wheel

21

Means of transport or transport mandrel

22

Transport chain

24

Deflection area

25

head wheel

26

Actuating device

27

Coupling device

28

Support element

29

Transportation system

30

shaft part

31

Headboard

32

Headboard area

33

coupling agent

34

Directional arrow

35

lanyard

36

Pen

37

Spring element

38

Pen holder

39

Heating device

40

Transport route

41

Forming device

42

Longitudinal axis

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 4340291 A1 [0003]
• DE 4212583 A1 [0003]
• DE 2352926 A1 [0003]
• WO 2013034309 A1 [0005]
• DE 102005011805 A1 [0005]
• DE 102008023701 A1 [0005]
• US 9878482 B2 [0005]
• DE 102017124186 B4 [0007, 0008]

Claims (15)

Transport system (29) for transporting preforms (2) in a device (4) for producing finished containers (3) from the preforms (2), the transport system (29) comprising a transport chain (22) made up of several chain links, the chain links each have a support element (28) for holding at least one preform (2), the support element (28) comprising a shaft part (30) and a head part (31), and the head part (31) in a mouth section (11) of the preform (2) has an insertable head end region (32) and the head part (31) is releasably coupled to the shaft part (30), and the head part (31) is coupled to the shaft part (30) by means of a coupling device (27), the coupling device ( 27) is designed and set up to produce a detachable connection between the head part (31) and the shaft part (30), characterized in that a coupling means (33) of the coupling device (27) from a connection position in which the head part (31) and the shaft part (30) are connected to one another, can be moved into a different release position, in which the head part (31) and the shaft part (30) are not connected to one another, the coupling means (33) being designed and arranged to be movable for this purpose by a magnetic force is; and/or a connecting means (35) of the coupling device (27) magnetically holds the head part (31) on the shaft part (30). Transport system (29). Claim 1 , characterized in that the coupling means (33) is designed to set a frictional connection and/or a positive connection between the head part (31) and the shaft part (30) in the connecting position; and/or the connection position is established when no magnetic force acts on the coupling means (33). Transport system (29). Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the coupling means (33) is designed with a spring element (37) to hold the coupling means (33) in the connecting position. Transport system (29) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling means (33) is designed with a movably mounted pin (36) or a movably mounted ball, the pin (36) or the ball being set up in the connecting position therefor to set a frictional connection and/or a positive connection between the head part (31) and the shaft part (30). Transport system (29) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport system (29) also has an actuating device (26) for generating the magnetic force in order to move the coupling means (33) into the release position. Transport system (29) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (26) is designed with a permanent magnet for generating the magnetic force in order to transfer the coupling means (33) into the release position, preferably the actuating device (26) is made of a Rest position can be positioned into an actuating position, the actuating device (26) being arranged closer to the coupling means (33) in the actuating position than in the rest position, in particular the actuating device (26) is designed to be pivotable in order to position it from the rest position into the actuating position. Transport system (29) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (26) is designed with an electromagnet for generating the magnetic force in order to transfer the coupling means (33) into the release position, preferably the actuating device (26) is with the Electromagnet designed to be switched on and off, preferably by means of a control device of the device (4) for producing finished containers (3) from the preforms (2). Transport system (29) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating device (26) is arranged at least in one actuating position in a deflection region (24) of the transport chain (22), the actuating position being a position of the actuating device (26), in the actuating device exerts a sufficient magnetic force on the coupling means (33) in order to move the coupling means (33) into the release position. Transport system (29) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means (35) is designed with a permanent magnet and the permanent magnet magnetically holds the head part (31) on the shaft part (30) with an adhesive force, the adhesive force being selected in this way that it is greater than the separating forces acting on the headboard in regular operation; and/or the connecting means (35) is designed with an electromagnet and the electromagnet magnetically holds the head part (31) on the shaft part (30) in a current-carrying state, and preferably the transport system (29) also has an actuating device (26) for transferring of the electromagnet into a de-energized state in order to release the head part (31) from the shaft part (30). Device (4) for producing finished containers (3) from preforms (2), in particular from preforms (2) made of a thermoplastic material, with at least one heating device (39) for thermally conditioning the preforms (2) along a transport route (40) and with at least one forming device (41) for forming thermally conditioned preforms (2) into the finished container (3), characterized in that the device (4) has at least one transport system (29) according to one of Claims 1 until 9 for transporting the preforms (2), the transport system (29) being arranged in particular in the area of the heating device (39). Use of a transport system (29) according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 in a device (4) for producing finished containers (3) from preforms (2), in particular from preforms (2) made of a thermoplastic material, with at least one heating device (39) for thermally conditioning the preforms (2) along a transport route (40 ) and with at least one forming device (41) for forming thermally conditioned preforms (2) into the finished container (3), the use taking place in particular in the area of the heating device (39). Supporting element (28) for holding at least one preform (2), the support element (28) comprising a shaft part (30) and a head part (31), and the head part (31) has one in the mouth section (11) of the preform (2). insertable head end region (32) and the head part (31) is releasably coupled to the shaft part (30), and the head part (31) is coupled to the shaft part (30) by means of a coupling device (27), the coupling device (27) being thereto is designed and set up to produce a detachable connection between the head part (31) and the shaft part (30), characterized in that a coupling means (33) of the coupling device (27) can be moved from a connecting position into a different release position in which the The head part (31) and the shaft part (30) are not connected to one another, the coupling means (33) being designed and arranged to be movable for this purpose by a magnetic force; and/or a connecting means (35) of the coupling device (27) magnetically holds the head part (31) on the shaft part (30). Support element (28). Claim 12 , characterized in that the coupling means (33) is designed to set a frictional connection and/or a positive connection between the head part (31) and the shaft part (30) in the connecting position; and/or the connection position is established when no magnetic force acts on the coupling means (33); and/or the coupling means (33) is designed with a spring element (37) to hold the coupling means (33) in the connecting position; and/or the coupling means (33) is designed with a movably mounted pin (36) or with a movably mounted ball, wherein the pin (36) or the ball in the connecting position is designed to provide a frictional connection and/or a positive connection between the Adjust the head part (31) and the shaft part (30). Support element (28) according to one of the Claims 12 or 13 , characterized in that the connecting means (35) is designed with a permanent magnet and the permanent magnet magnetically holds the head part (31) on the shaft part (30) with an adhesive force, the adhesive force being selected so that it is greater than in regular operation separation forces acting on the headboard; and/or the connecting means (35) is designed with an electromagnet and the electromagnet magnetically holds the head part (31) on the shaft part (30) in a current-carrying state, and preferably the transport system (29) also has an actuating device (26) for transferring of the electromagnet into a de-energized state in order to release the head part (31) from the shaft part (30). Method for changing a head part (31) of a support element (28) for holding at least one preform (2), the head part (31) being releasably coupled to a shaft part (30) of the support element (28), and the head part (31) by means of a coupling device (27) is coupled to the shaft part (30), the coupling device (27) being designed and set up to produce a detachable connection between the head part (31) and the shaft part (30), comprising the steps: - generating a Magnetic force with an actuating device (26); - Transferring a coupling means (33) of the coupling device (27) from a connection position in which the head part (31) and the shaft part (30) are connected to one another, into a different release position in which the head part (31) and the shaft part ( 30) are not connected to each other, the transfer taking place with the magnetic force generated by the actuating device (26); - Detaching the head part (31) from the shaft part (30) while the coupling means (33) is in the release position; - Connecting an interchangeable head part (31) to the shaft part (3) after loosening the head part (31) and while the coupling means (33) is in the release position; and - transferring the coupling agent (33) into the connection position, preferably by removing the magnetic force.

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