WO2016092046A2

WO2016092046A2 - Apparatus and method for heating plastic preforms having a profile

Info

Publication number: WO2016092046A2
Application number: PCT/EP2015/079317
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerald Hüttner; Wolfgang Schönberger
Original assignee: Krones Ag
Priority date: 2014-12-10
Filing date: 2015-12-10
Publication date: 2016-06-16
Also published as: WO2016092046A3; WO2016092046A4; DE102014118292A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for heating plastic preforms, comprising: a conveying device, which conveys the plastic preforms along a predetermined conveying path; a first conveying section along which at least one first heating device is arranged that heats the plastic preforms during their conveyance along the first conveying section; and a second conveying section along which the at least one second heating device is arranged that heats the plastic preforms during their conveyance along the second conveying section. According to the invention, the apparatus comprises an orientation device which orients the plastic preforms in terms of a rotation position with respect to the longitudinal axis of the preforms, said orientation device being arranged along the conveying path of the plastic preforms between the first conveying section and the second conveying section.

Description

Apparatus and method for heating plastic preforms with profiling

description

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers. Such methods and devices have been known for a long time from the prior art. In this case, plastic preforms are usually heated in an oven and then shaped by means of a blow molding machine, such as a stretch blow molding machine, to the plastic containers. Containers are known from the prior art, which have cross sections which deviate from circular cross sections, such as oval cross sections. For the production of such containers, it is known from the prior art of the Applicant that they are first heated uniformly and then cooled again certain areas of the peripheral wall, in order to achieve in this way that the less warm portions of the wall of the plastic preforms less stretched become. However, this procedure usually requires a further module, which causes just this cooling or touching the plastic preforms.

Furthermore, containers are known from the prior art, in which not only the main body have a shape deviating from a circular shape, such as an oval shape, but also the associated container closures. The closures of oval containers are designed in the same way as round bottles. Since in the manufacture of the plastic preforms the threads are usually already in their final form before the stretch blow molding, it is necessary to align the plastic preforms in a certain way before they are expanded. Ideally Therefore, this alignment is done indirectly via the thread, as this is already in its final state and no longer deformable.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to enable the production of such containers, wherein in particular a special cooling module can be dispensed with. These objects are achieved according to the invention by the subject matters of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims. A device according to the invention for heating plastic preforms has a transport device which transports the plastic preforms along a predetermined transport path. Furthermore, the device has a first transport section, along which at least one first heating device is arranged, which heats the plastic preforms during their transport along the first transport section. Furthermore, the device has a second transport section, along which at least one second heating device is arranged, which heats the plastic preforms during their transport along the second transport section.

According to the invention, the device has an alignment device which aligns the plastic preforms with respect to a rotational position with respect to their longitudinal axes, wherein this alignment device is arranged along the transport path of the plastic preforms between the first transport section and the second transport section. In addition to the term longitudinal axis, the term longitudinal direction is also used below. It is therefore proposed in the context of the invention that not - as in the prior art known - such uneven heating of the plastic preforms is produced by a downstream, partially acting on the preform cooling device, but already in the oven, which heats the plastic preforms. Since, as mentioned above, if necessary an alignment of the plastic preforms is required, it is proposed to make them in the said alignment section, which is located between a first and a second transport section. In this way, it is possible that initially the plastic preforms are transported along a first transport section and thereby heated uniformly with respect to their circumferential direction. After the done Alignment then takes place in the circumferential direction changing heating of the plastic preforms.

As explained in more detail below, individual drives can be used to align the plastic preforms. However, since the alignment is carried out only in a limited area of the device, preferably in the region of a deflection wheel, the number of such drives can be reduced. Preferably, the plastic preforms are guided between the first transport section and the second transport section through a deflection region which changes and in particular reverses a transport direction of the plastic preforms. For this purpose, the alignment device can be arranged for example on a carrier wheel, which reverses the direction of movement of the plastic preforms. Preferably, at least the first transport section or the second transport section runs in a straight line, and particularly preferably both the first transport section and the second transport section run in a straight line.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the transport device has a circulating carrier, as well as a multiplicity of transport devices, which are arranged on this carrier. For example, it would be possible for the transport device to have a circumferential chain on which a plurality of holding elements for holding the plastic preforms is arranged. These holding elements can be, for example, holding mandrels, which are inserted into an opening of the plastic preforms and can transport the plastic preforms held in this way by a frictionally engaged contact in particular. Advantageously, the transport device transports the plastic preforms singly and preferably also with a particular constant distance from each other.

Advantageously, the first and second transport sections are each designed as heating lanes through which the plastic preforms are transported. As mentioned above, in the first transport section, the plastic preforms are preferably uniformly heated and uneven in the second transport section. These heating lanes may for example have a plurality of heating elements, for example in the form of infrared tubes, which are arranged laterally next to the transport path of the plastic preforms. On the other side with respect to the transport path, reflector elements could be provided, which return the infrared radiation to the plastic preform. reflect. Also below the transport path of the plastic preform such reflector elements could be provided.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device described here for heating plastic preforms is followed by a blow molding machine and in particular a stretch blow molding machine, which is suitable for blowing or expanding containers which have a cross section deviating from a circular cross section. In a further advantageous embodiment, the alignment device has a carrier rotatable about a predetermined axis of rotation, by means of which the plastic preforms are transported in sections along the transport path and in particular through the said deflection region. A plurality of drive devices is preferably arranged on this carrier, wherein these drive devices particularly preferably each serve to rotate the plastic preforms with respect to their longitudinal axis. Therefore, this carrier preferably transports the said holding elements along a circular transport path.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a Drehpositionser- detection device which detects a rotational position of the plastic preforms with respect to their longitudinal axis. In this case, this rotational position detection device is advantageously a device which senses a rotational position of the plastic preforms without contact. For example, this rotational position detection device may have a camera or the like. Advantageously, this Drehpositionserfas- sung device is particularly aligned to a threaded portion of the plastic preforms and / or a support ring of the plastic preforms and / or detects in particular a rotational position of a thread of the plastic preforms or a mark, which may be provided approximately on the support ring. Advantageously, this rotational position detection device outputs at least one signal which is characteristic for a rotational position of the plastic preforms or their threads. In response to this signal, another element of the alignment device may preferably adjust the rotational position of the plastic preforms. Advantageously transported the Transporting the plastic preforms such that the longitudinal direction is vertical.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device and in particular the alignment device on a rotating device, which is suitable and intended to effect an individual rotation of the plastic preforms with respect to the longitudinal direction, in particular while the plastic preforms are transported with the alignment. In this embodiment, the device has at least one turning device, which allows just individual rotation of individual plastic preforms.

In particular, a possibility should be created that different plastic preforms are rotated in each case by different angles of rotation with respect to their longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the rotator can rotate the rotation of the plastic preforms in response to an output of the position detecting means. Advantageously, the device furthermore has a processor unit which, on the basis of at least one result output by the position detection device, determines a rotational angle about which the individual plastic preforms are rotated with respect to their longitudinal direction.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the rotating device has a multiplicity of rotary drives, which are arranged in particular on a deflecting wheel, in particular the above-mentioned rotatable carrier. In this way, individual rotation of individual plastic preforms, in particular as a function of the output signal of the position detection device, is possible by means of the individual rotary drives. In a further advantageous embodiment, the rotary device has a rotary drive and at least one switchable coupling device in order to transmit a rotary movement of the rotary drive to holding elements for holding the plastic preforms and / or to an aligning body. This coupling device is preferably arranged between the rotary drive and the holding element so that the rotation of the holding element (with the plastic preform arranged thereon) can be decoupled from a rotation of the rotary drive.

It would thus be possible for the holding elements to each be components of holding devices, for example rotatable holding spindles, wherein preferably these holding devices also have the said couplings. These holding devices preferably also have rotatable orientation bodies with respect to the longitudinal axis of the plastic preforms, and preferably a rotation of these orientation bodies can be decoupled from a rotation of the holding elements by means of the above-mentioned coupling. The aforementioned rotary drives can in turn be brought into mechanical connection with the orientation bodies in order to turn them (in particular by individual angles of rotation).

In this way, it is possible that the holding elements remain connected during transport through the alignment device with their associated plastic preforms, ben, however, can be changed individually by decoupling the rotational position of the individual holding elements. In this case, it is possible for this coupling device to effect coupling and uncoupling of the retaining element from the rotary drive and / or coupling and decoupling with the aforementioned orientation bodies by moving at least one coupling element in a longitudinal direction of the plastic preforms.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the rotating device has an alignment device or an alignment element in order to align the rotary device and / or components of the rotary device, in particular but not exclusively, the orientation body in a predetermined rotational position. In addition, an alignment device may be provided in order to align the holding element or the holding elements, on each of which the plastic preforms are arranged in the predetermined rotational position. Thus, for example, the orientation body may have a cam and the alignment device a rail element, which brings the cam in a specific rotational position. This alignment in a specific rotational position can also take place by utilizing the transport movement of the plastic preforms or the transport device. The rail element may in particular be a guide rail, which extends in sections along the transport path of the plastic preforms. Guide grooves could also be present through which the cam runs in sections along the transport path.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the alignment has a multiplicity of motor drives for rotating the plastic preforms and / or the orientation bodies with respect to their longitudinal direction. These motor drives can be For example, to electric motor drives or to act servomotors. Advantageously, each plastic preform (during transport with the alignment device) is associated with such a rotating device. In the region of the first transport section and / or in the region of the second transport section, rotating devices are preferably arranged which rotate the plastic preforms about their longitudinal axis. In the region of the first transport section, this may be a uniform rotation of the plastic preforms and an uneven rotation in the region of the second transport section (which thus also permits an uneven heating of the plastic preforms in the circumferential direction and thus a temperature profile in the circumferential direction of the plastic preforms). The rotating device in the region of the first transport section may be a rack (arranged in a stationary manner) which engages with a toothed wheel located on the holding device, so that this toothed wheel rotates during the transport of the plastic preforms and thus also in this Transport section with the gear-coupled holding elements (where the plastic preforms are arranged) rotate.

In devices known from the prior art, a purely mechanical alignment of the plastic preforms is sometimes carried out. This may be satisfactory in the individual case, but such solutions require, for example, one

Mouthpiece change an additional set-up time. In addition, these solutions are also inflexible, since - even if no alignment is needed - must be intervened mechanically or manually. Furthermore, these known solutions are performance-reducing and inaccurate. In addition, also fitting parts are required and - for example, by sticking to the plastic preform - creates a PET abrasion. The reject rate for such solutions is also relatively high. In addition, the plastic preforms can be safely processed only with a certain notch shape or a certain cam shape (nose).

In the context of an advantageous embodiment, therefore, the invention proposes a particularly optical detection in a deflection region of the device. In addition - as mentioned above - a slip clutch may be provided to achieve alignment with a - especially separate motor -, such as a servo stepping motor. In addition, a switchable coupling can also be provided. In addition, the device preferably has, as an orientation body, an attachable alignment bell, which in turn depends on the stepping device. motor or a servomotor is driven. Preferably, as mentioned above, a pre-alignment within the heating device takes place, for example via a cam which is arranged on the holding device. Furthermore, a fine alignment of the rotational position can be made if the thread of the plastic preforms must be precisely aligned.

The present invention is further directed to a holding device for holding plastic preforms during transport of the plastic preforms through a device for heating the plastic preforms. This holding device has a holding element which can be introduced into an opening of the plastic preform in order to hold it, the holding element being rotatable with respect to a longitudinal direction or longitudinal axis of the plastic preforms, and an orientation body which is rotatable with respect to the longitudinal direction or longitudinal axis of the plastic preforms. wherein the orientation body has an alignment element which, during a transport movement of the holding device along a predetermined transport path, makes it possible to align the orientation body with respect to a rotational position with respect to the longitudinal direction of the plastic preforms.

According to the invention, the holding device has a switchable coupling device in order to couple a rotational movement of the holding element to a rotational movement of the orientation body and / or to decouple a rotational movement of the holding element from a rotational movement of the orientation body.

The holding device described here is particularly suitable in interaction with the device described above. Namely, these holding devices allow the plastic preforms to be aligned without them having to be removed from the holding elements, for example holding thorns, or withheld against the preform.

Preferably, the coupling device has two with respect to each other in the longitudinal direction of the plastic preforms movable coupling elements, which serve for coupling and decoupling the rotational movement of the holding member on the one hand and the orientation body on the other. Preferably, the orientation body can be coupled to a rotary drive. Preferably, the orientation body in a defined rotational position can be coupled to this rotary drive, so that the rotational movement of the rotary drive on the orientation body is transmitted. Advantageously, the alignment element described above also serves to align a rotational position of the orientation body relative to the rotary drive. For example, this alignment element can engage in a corresponding recess of the rotary drive. Advantageously, the holding device further comprises a support for rotatably holding or supporting the holding element and / or the aligning body with respect to the above-mentioned longitudinal axis of the plastic preforms.

The present invention is further directed to a method for heating plastic preforms. The plastic preforms are first transported along a first transport section and heated during this transport. Subsequently, the plastic preforms are transported along a second transport section and also heated during this transport. The plastic preforms are heated at least during their transport along the second transport section unevenly with respect to their circumferential direction.

According to the invention, the plastic preforms are aligned with respect to a rotational position with respect to their longitudinal direction in an alignment section lying between the first transport section and the second transport section or an alignment device.

It is therefore also proposed on the method side, that the individual plastic preforms are rotated with respect to their longitudinal direction for the purpose of their orientation. An individual alignment of individual plastic preforms is advantageously carried out so that at least two plastic preforms are rotated by different angles of rotation with respect to their longitudinal direction.

Advantageously, the rotational position of the plastic preforms is detected. Particularly preferred in this case is an optical detection of this rotational position of the plastic preforms. The alignment advantageously takes place after a first heating section or after transport along the first transport section.

Uneven heating of the plastic preforms with respect to their circumferential direction is understood to mean that in particular the base body of the plastic preforms, which is usually arranged below a thread, in the circumferential direction is heated differently. This means that after passing through the heating device, the plastic preforms in their circumferential direction do not have a constant temperature, but a temperature profile, ie colder and warmer places. These plastic preforms, which are thus heated with a profile, are preferably subsequently fed to a device for shaping plastic preforms into plastic containers, which is in particular a stretch blow molding machine.

Within this device, the more heated areas of the plastic preforms are preferably stretched more and the less heated areas of the plastic preforms are stretched less strongly. Preferably, the temperature profile applied during the transport is adapted to a position of the mouth or of the thread of the plastic preforms.

Advantageously, a detection of the rotational position of the plastic preforms and in particular the rotational position of the thread of the plastic preforms and / or another area of the plastic preforms (but in particular a range or a mark whose position relative to the position of the thread of the plastic preforms is always the same) takes place before the actual orientation. It would be conceivable that a marking is arranged on the support rings of the plastic preforms, which is always characteristic of the rotational position of the thread. However, it would also be possible for there initially to be an alignment of holding elements with respect to a rotational position and only then, in response to a detected rotational position, to rotate the plastic preforms, which are then arranged on the holding elements. In a further advantageous embodiment, it is possible for the alignment region to be tapered in one direction, in particular in order to arrange an image recording device or a camera there. Furthermore, this area may include access means, such as a door, to facilitate maintenance of, for example, the camera. By the procedures according to the invention can be achieved that no reduction in performance must be accepted. Furthermore, corresponding systems are very flexible. In a preferred method or a preferred embodiment, the said alignment device can be switched off. This means that - if no alignment is needed - it can be easily turned off. In a procedure, for example with cams, it is possible that they are parameterized once and then called, for example, as part of a recipe change. In addition, the present invention allows a higher accuracy of orientation and also a secure alignment, whereby the rejection rate can be reduced.

In addition, a corresponding device works almost wear-free, since the lift-off mechanism occurs during orientation and thus PET abrasion can be prevented. Due to the fact that no adherence to the plastic preform takes place, damage to the heated support ring can also be avoided. In addition, no clothing parts are needed so that can be converted within a very short time.

The motorized orientation system described here also permits easy adjustments and readjustments, resulting in a high degree of user-friendliness. In a preferred embodiment, an inlet mechanism for the plastic preforms is provided, such as a sawtooth inlet. The switchable coupling described here also friction and wear can be avoided and it is advantageous also no attacking the belt with an at least 360 ° rotation of a spindle required.

Further advantages and embodiments will be apparent from the attached drawings:

Show:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a device according to the invention for

Heating plastic preforms;

FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of the device shown in FIG. 1 for illustrating the orientation of the plastic preforms; FIG.

FIG. 3 shows a further detailed illustration of the device shown in FIG. 1; FIG.

Fig. 4 is an illustration for illustrating a coupling operation; Fig. 5 is another illustration for illustrating a coupling operation;

Fig. 6 shows two representations of Haiteeeinrichtungen; and

Fig. 7 shows two representations of the coupling device.

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation to illustrate the present invention. In this case, the reference numeral 1 refers to the device for heating plastic preforms 10. This device 1 has a transport device 2, along which the plastic preforms 10 are transported, are transported along the transport path P more accurate. For this purpose, the plastic preforms 10 are first fed via a feed chute 32 and a Eintaktstern 34, then pass through the transport device 2 and are finally taken over by a transfer star 36 and transferred to a (not shown) blow molding machine. The transport path P has a first transport section 22 and a second transport section 24. Between these two transport sections 22 and 24, an alignment device 6 is arranged.

Along the first transport section 22, a plurality of first heaters 4 are arranged, and on the second transport section 24, a plurality of second heaters 8 are arranged. In particular, these heating devices may be infrared heating elements, such as tubes, which extend in sections along the transport path of the plastic preforms.

It can be seen from the small arrows that the plastic preforms are also rotated with respect to their longitudinal axis during transport along the first transport section. Also in the region of the second transport section, such a rotation of the plastic preforms takes place. However, a uniform rotation of the plastic preforms takes place in the area of the first transport section 22, ie they are uniformly heated in the circumferential direction and uneven rotation preferably takes place in the region of the second transport section 24, so that the plastic preforms in a circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal direction the plastic preforms unevenly to be heated. The reference numeral 80 denotes a holding device which serves to hold the plastic preforms. The longitudinal direction of the plastic preforms runs in Fig. 1 perpendicular to the figure. FIG. 2 shows a more detailed representation in the deflection region or in the region of the alignment. The Roman numerals indicate sections of the alignment process and the Arabic numerals, as usual, components of the device. First, the holding devices 80 run out of the first transport section. This is represented by the reference I. Reference numeral 26 refers to a rotary drive which serves to rotate the plastic preforms about their longitudinal axis. The plastic preforms are - as explained in more detail below - arranged on (serving as holding devices) spindles. In the area of section I, this spindle leaves the heating lane and also the rotary drive, which may in particular be a linear drive. From this point on, the holding device or spindle (with the plastic preform arranged thereon) can rotate freely. At an upper portion of the holding device 80, a guide pin serving as an alignment member 96 (see FIG. In addition, roller bearings and cam rollers are also provided here. The reference numerals 54, 52 and 56 refer to an alignment device, which align this alignment element 96 and this bolt. As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3, this pin 96 is aligned over the alignment member 54 with its inclined surface 54a (see Figure 3). Adjoining this guide element 54 on the opposite side, a brush element 52, which causes a further alignment of the guide pin. This will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG.

In this case, two positions B and A in Fig. 3 are shown, wherein in the position A, a towing position is shown, in which the guide pin 96 is already correctly oriented and the reference B is a position in which the guide pin 82 is still in a front position and therefore a wrong orientation. It can be seen that the brush element 52 (see FIG. 3) now correctly aligns this guide pin 96, so that it is always located in the towing position. Thus, the alignment member 96 and the guide pin is slidably aligned via brushes and guide slots depending on the transport chain movement. The reference numeral 56 denotes a further guide element which forms a guide groove with the alignment element 54. det, in which the alignment element or the guide pin 96 is aligned exactly. This process is provided in Figure 2 with the reference numeral III. The described pre-alignment by the brush element 52 is provided with the reference symbol II. The alignment element 96 is arranged on an alignment body (also referred to as orientation body 92).

After the guide pin 96 is now aligned and thus also the orientation body 92 and with this the holding device 80 or the holding element on which the plastic preform is arranged, the plastic preform arrives with the holding element in the actual deflection region. In this deflection a transport wheel 62 is provided, which has a plurality of recesses 64, in which areas of the holding device can engage.

In this area, a multiplicity of rotary drives 42, such as servo and stepper motors, are mounted on the transport wheel 62 (compare FIGS. 4, 5). This beginning of the deflection is provided with the reference numeral IV. More specifically, here are mounted above the guide wheel 62 with the wheel co-rotating servo or stepper motors. The reference numeral 64 denotes, as stated above, recesses of the guide wheel for partially receiving chain links. These motors 42 can be - as explained in more detail below - move in height, preferably this stroke can be controlled via a curve or can also be done via a linear drive (lifting rotary motor).

The reference numeral 74 refers to a driving device such as a driving bell, which is arranged on the rotary drive 42 and which serves for transmitting the rotational movement of the rotary drive 42 to the orientation body 92. For this purpose, the alignment element 96 arranged on the orientation body 92 can engage in a recess 98 of the entrainment device. It is possible that the entrainment device is spring-loaded (not shown), i. E. is biased by a spring against the rotary drive 42. Here it can be prevented that (for example in the case of a sensor failure) damage to components or the machine is created.

The reference numeral 12 (see Fig. 2) refers to a position detecting device which detects a rotational position of the plastic preforms or the threads (section VI). In section V, the individual drive devices, as explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, are coupled into the holding mandrels.

The position detection device or the camera system detects the position of a particular thread or a mouthpiece marking on the plastic preform and transmits this to the control of the individual rotary drives or stepper motors 42, which can then rotate the plastic preforms and / or the orientation body 92. In step VII, the difference angle between the position of the guide pin and the mouthpiece marking can now be determined by means of a software calculation. The motor now rotates the guide pin of the spindle to match the mouthpiece marking. These operations take place in Sections VI and VII.

In the section VIII, the coupling is re-coupled and the guide pin 96 and the spindle shaft or the holding element 84 form a firmly connected unit. In this position, however, the position of the guide pin is aligned with a specific marking of the preform.

In the section IX (see Fig. 2), now another position calculation can be done to determine the actual angular position to a reference position. It should be noted that the guide pins 96 of the spindles are again aligned in a defined towing position, since in this phase, the guide pins 96 are depending on the initial position of the mouthpiece marking in any state.

Finally, in section X (see Fig. 2) is decoupled and the motor unit or the Mitnehmer bell lifts off and the guide pin is transferred to another guide. Finally, in this way, the guide groove and thus also the plastic preform in a correct orientation in the second heating section 24 passed (section XI) and then here in particular according to user specifications in the circumferential direction with a heating profile applied (step XII). It should be noted that now the guide pin is adapted to the position of the thread of the plastic preform.

Figure 4 illustrates a coupling mechanism. In this case, two coupling parts 92 and 93 are provided, wherein the coupling part 92 can be brought into connection with the rotary drive 42 (via an engagement of the bolt 96 in the recess 98). This Coupling member 92 is here also the orientation body 92, but it would also be conceivable that these elements are formed separately. This rotary drive 42 is - as illustrated by the arrow - lowered and in this way, the guide pin 96 enters a recess 98, so that the two elements 92 and 74 are coupled together. In Figure 4 it can be seen that the coupling parts 92 in the left and right part of the figure are slightly higher and therefore not coupled. The reference numeral 90 refers to the coupling device in its entirety. The rotary drive 42 is coupled only at the two right sub-figures or offset by the stroke y down. In Figure 5 it can be seen that only in the middle part of the figure, the coupling parts 92 and 93 are coupled. The reference numeral 40 in Figures 4 and 5 respectively identifies the rotating means which serves for alignment. In general, therefore, there are preferably two coupling devices or coupling points in the drive train between the rotary drive 42 and the holding element 84, namely the coupling device 90 on the one hand and the connection between the driver 74 and the orientation body 92 on the other hand. In other words, the orientation body 92 is preferred arranged between two coupling points, so that it can be determined via a corresponding actuation of the two coupling means, whether the rotating means rotates only the orientation body 92 or the orientation body 92 and the holding member 84. In a further advantageous embodiment (not shown), it is conceivable to realize the coupling stroke via the coupling part 93 via the lifting movement Y of the rotary unit 42. Here, the coupling part 93 is not designed as a claw with circumferential groove, but as a pot whose upper edge projects beyond the coupling part 92. Thus, a separate or second Hubansteuerung the clutch (also not shown) omitted (= clutch stroke X is then part of Hub Y).

Figures 6 and 7 are illustrations for illustrating the holding device 80 according to the invention for holding the plastic preforms (not shown), wherein Fig. 6 shows the holding device 80 in its entirety in two different positions of the coupling and Fig. 7 shows a detailed view of the coupling device 90th

The reference numeral 84 denotes the holding element, which is arranged on a guide body 85, which in turn is rotatably supported by bearings 87 and 104. The reference numeral 86 denotes a toothed wheel which, in use, is opposite to a toothed wheel. can roll rod (not shown) so that the rotation of the holding member 84 is generated with respect to the longitudinal axis L. The holding element is biased by means of a spring device 88 down and can be pulled to remove the plastic preform against the spring force of this spring device upwards. The reference numeral 89 denotes a support of the holding member 84.

The reference numeral 77 denotes a further spring device, which urges the holding device in a closed position of the coupling device 90. This closed or engaged position is shown in the right part of Fig. 6.

FIG. 7 shows two enlarged views corresponding to the figures shown in FIG. In this enlarged view, a bearing device 95 can be seen, which rotatably supports the coupling part 92 with the projection 96 relative to the support 89 and thus the support member 84, so that when the clutch is open, the projection 96 relative to the support member 84 and thus against the Kunststoffvor arranged thereon - Formling can be aligned with respect to the rotational position.

The Applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided that they are novel individually or in combination with respect to the prior art. It is further pointed out that features have also been described in the individual figures, which in themselves can be advantageous. The person skilled in the art immediately recognizes that a particular feature described in one figure can also be advantageous without taking over further features from this figure. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art recognizes that advantages can also result from a combination of several features shown in individual or in different figures.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

contraption

2 transport device

4 first heating devices

6 alignment device

8 second heaters 10 plastic preforms

12 position detection device

18 holding element

22 first transport section

24 second transport section / heating section

26 rotary drive

32 feed chute

34 single-ended star

36 transfer stars

40 turning device

42 rotary drive

52 alignment device / brush element

54 alignment device / guide element

54a beveled surface

56 alignment device / guide element

62 deflecting wheel

64 recess

74 driver device

80 holding device, spindle

82 guide bolts

84 retaining element

87, 104 bearings

88 spring element

89 carriers

90 coupling device

92 Orientation body and coupling part

93 coupling part

94 coupling part / element

96 guide bolts

98 recess

A position A

B position B

L longitudinal axis

P transport path I run out of the holding elements from the first transport section

II pre-alignment by the brush element

III alignment of the guide pin

IV beginning of the deflection

V coupling the rotating devices

VI Detection of the rotational position of the plastic preform

VII Determination of the difference angle

VIII coupling

IX further position calculation

X decoupling

XI Transfer of the plastic preform with the correct orientation

XII warming with profile

Claims

claims

Device (1) for heating Kunststoffvorformligen (10) with a transport device (2), which transports the plastic preforms (10) along a predetermined transport path (P), arranged with a first transport section (22) along the at least one first heating device (4) which heats the plastic preforms (10) during their transport along the first transport section (22) and with a second transport section (24) along which at least one second heating device (8) is arranged which supports the plastic preforms (10) during their transport heated along the second transport section (24),

characterized in that

the device has an alignment device (6) which aligns the plastic preforms (10) with respect to a rotational position with respect to their longitudinal axes (L), this alignment device (6) being arranged along the transport path (P) of the plastic preforms (10) between the first transport section (22). and the second transport section (24).

Device (1) according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the alignment device (6) has a support (62) which can be rotated about a predetermined axis of rotation and by means of which the plastic preforms (10) are transported in sections along the transport path (P).

Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

the device (1) has a rotational position detection device (12) which detects a rotational position of the plastic preforms (10) with respect to their longitudinal axis (L).

4. Device (1) according to claim 1,

characterized in that

the alignment device (6) has at least one turning device (40) which is suitable and intended to effect an individual rotation of the plastic preforms (10) with respect to their longitudinal axis (L) while the plastic preforms (10) are transported with the alignment device (6) become.

5. Device (1) according to claim 4,

characterized in that

the rotating device (40) has a rotary drive (42) and a switchable coupling device (90) in order to transmit a rotary movement of the rotary drive (42) to holding elements (84) for holding the plastic preforms and / or to an orientation body (92).

6. Device (1) according to claim 5,

characterized in that

the rotating device (40) has an alignment device (52, 54, 56) for aligning an orientation body (92) which can be coupled to holding elements (42) for holding the plastic preforms (10) in a predetermined rotational position.

7. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the alignment device has a multiplicity of motor drives for rotating the plastic preforms with respect to their longitudinal axis (L) and / or for rotating an orientation body (92) with respect to the longitudinal axis (L).

8. Holding device (80) for holding plastic preforms (10) during transport of the plastic preforms by a device for heating the plastic preforms (10) with a holding element (84) which is insertable into an opening of the plastic preforms to hold them, said the holding element (84) is rotatable relative to a longitudinal axis (L) of the plastic preforms (10), with an orientation body (92) which is rotatable relative to the longitudinal axis (L) of the plastic preforms (10), the orientation body (92) comprising an alignment element (96 ), which during a transport movement of the holding device (80) Allows alignment of the orientation body (92) with respect to a rotational position with respect to the longitudinal axis (L) of the plastic preforms (10) along a predetermined transport path (P),

characterized in that

the holding device (80) has a switchable coupling device (90) in order to couple a rotational movement of the holding element (84) to a rotational movement of the orientation body (92) and / or to a rotational movement of the holding element (84) by a rotational movement of the orientation body (92). to decouple.

9. A method for heating plastic preforms (10), wherein the plastic preforms (10) are initially transported along a first transport portion (22) and heated during this transport and then transported along a second transport portion (24) and heated during this transport, wherein the plastic preforms (10) are heated non-uniformly with respect to their circumferential direction, at least during their transport along the second transport section (24),

characterized in that

the plastic preforms (10) are aligned with respect to a rotational position with respect to their longitudinal axis (L) in an alignment section arranged between the first transport section (22) and the second transport section (24).

10. The method according to claim 9,

characterized in that

a rotational position of the plastic preforms (10) with respect to their longitudinal axis (L) is detected.