阅读说明：本技术 具有温度监控的用于将塑料预成型件成型为塑料容器的设备和方法 (Device and method for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers with temperature monitoring ) 是由 A·布伊斯 K·森恩 S·莫韦斯 安德烈亚斯·布伦纳 克劳斯·沃斯 托马斯·赫尔里格 于 2019-09-25 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于将塑料预成型件(10)成型为塑料容器(20)的方法,其中用于将塑料预成型件(10)成型为塑料容器(20)的至少一个并且优选多个成型站(4)设置在可移动载体(2)处,并且成型站(4)至少暂时地在成型过程期间沿着预设的运输路径移动,其中成型站(4)分别具有吹塑成型装置(6),其中移动吹塑成型装置(6)的吹塑成型部件(62、64)以打开和闭合吹塑成型装置(6),并且在吹塑成型装置(6)的闭合状态下,在由吹塑成型部件(62、64)形成的空腔中通过施加可流动介质将塑料预成型件(10)成型为塑料容器(20),其中借助于测量装置(8)至少暂时地测量表征成型站(4)和/或吹塑成型装置(6)的特征值。根据本发明,测量借助于未设置在吹塑成型装置(6)处的测量装置(8)来进行。(A method for forming plastic preforms (10) into plastic containers (20), wherein at least one and preferably a plurality of forming stations (4) for forming the plastic preforms (10) into the plastic containers (20) are provided at a movable carrier (2), and the forming stations (4) are moved at least temporarily along a predetermined transport path during a forming process, wherein the forming stations (4) each have a blow-forming device (6), wherein blow-forming parts (62, 64) of the blow-forming device (6) are moved to open and close the blow-forming device (6), and in the closed state of the blow-forming device (6) the plastic preforms (10) are formed into the plastic containers (20) by applying a flowable medium in cavities formed by the blow-forming parts (62, 64), wherein characteristics of the forming stations (4) and/or the blow-forming device (6) are at least temporarily measured by means of a measuring device (8) The value is obtained. According to the invention, the measurement is carried out by means of a measuring device (8) which is not provided at the blow molding device (6).)

1. A method for forming a plastic preform (10) into a plastic container (20), wherein at least one and preferably a plurality of forming stations (4) for forming the plastic preform (10) into the plastic container (20) are provided at a movable carrier (2) and the forming stations (4) are moved along a preset transport path at least temporarily during a forming process, wherein the forming stations (4) each comprise a blow-molding device (6), wherein blow-molding parts (62, 64) of the blow-molding device (6) are moved to open and close the blow-molding device (6) and in the closed state of the blow-molding device (6) the plastic preform (10) is formed into the plastic container (20) by applying a flowable medium in a cavity formed by the blow-molding parts (62, 64), wherein characteristic values characterizing the forming station (4) and/or the blow-moulding device (6) are measured at least temporarily by means of a measuring device (8),

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the measurement is carried out by means of a measuring device (8) which is not provided at the blow molding device (6).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the characteristic value is a temperature, and in particular a temperature of at least one region of the blow molding device (6).

3. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the blow-moulding device (6) is moved at least temporarily relative to the measuring device during the measurement.

4. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the blow-molding device (6) is switched at least temporarily, while the measuring device (8) is not switched during the switching.

5. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the measuring device comprises an image recording device and/or a pyrometer.

6. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the measured values are measured contactlessly.

7. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

a plurality of values, in particular a plurality of temperature values, and in particular a plurality of values of the same blow molding device (6) are measured by means of a plurality of measuring devices.

8. An apparatus (1) for forming plastic preforms (10) into plastic containers (20), wherein at least one and preferably a plurality of forming stations (4) for forming the plastic preforms (10) into the plastic containers (20) are provided at a movable carrier (2), and the forming stations (4) are movable at least temporarily during a forming process along a preset transport path, wherein the forming stations (4) each have a blow-forming device (6), wherein blow-forming parts (62, 64) of the blow-forming devices (6) are movable for opening and closing the blow-forming devices (6), and in a closed state of the blow-forming devices (6) the plastic preforms (10) can be formed into the plastic containers (20) by applying a flowable medium in cavities formed by the blow-forming parts (62, 64), wherein the device (1) has a measuring device (8) which at least temporarily measures characteristic values which characterize the forming station (4) and/or the blow-moulding device (6),

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the measuring device (8) is not arranged in or on the blow-moulding device and is preferably spaced apart from the blow-moulding device.

9. The device (1) according to claim 8,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the measuring device (8) can be aligned at least temporarily in the region of the blow-molding device (6), and in particular can be aligned at least temporarily in a bore (14), in particular a blind bore, formed in the blow-molding device (6) or on the blow-molding device (6).

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

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the device (1) comprises a plurality of measuring devices (8) for measuring the blow-moulding device (6).

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

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the device (1) comprises a calibration device (12) for calibrating the at least one measuring device (8).

Technical Field

The invention relates to a device and a method for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers.

Background

Such a method has long been known from the prior art. The heated plastic preforms are generally conveyed to a forming station and are formed into plastic containers in the forming station, in particular by applying a gaseous or liquid medium. From the prior art, it is known, on the one hand, to: the plastic preforms are expanded by a gaseous medium and in particular compressed air, but more recently it is also known: the plastic preform is expanded by means of a liquid, in particular by means of the beverage to be filled. The present invention is applicable to both of these processing modes.

In this case, it is often desirable in the prior art to monitor specific process parameters, for example the blow mold temperature within which the plastic preforms expand.

A method for controlling the mold temperature is known from GB 2136114 a. In this case, the use of a measuring unit for measuring infrared radiation in the vertical mold makes it possible to measure the radiation, so that an optimum adaptation of the temperature can be carried out with the aid of the values obtained.

US 2012261850 a1 describes a control system to control the cooling cycle time of an empty mould. A temperature sensor is provided here.

DE 102012107811 a1 describes a device for heating plastic preforms. Here, a sensor device is provided which is arranged partially outside the clean room.

In such machines, it is often necessary in the prior art to measure specific process parameters, such as the temperature of specific components of the plant, in particular the temperature of the blow mould, and in particular the temperature of the walls thereof in contact with the plastic preforms. Thus, for example, temperature sensors are used in blow moulds.

However, the main problems with using electronic components inside the mould are: these parts face an increased risk of damage when switching moulds. When switching the moulds, all supply lines must be disconnected and subsequently connected again. The result of this work is that the wear to which the components are subjected increases and, in the case of some supply lines not being disconnected, there is also the risk of: i.e. for example the temperature sensor is torn or damaged by not working intensively. Conversely, there is also a risk that: i.e. the machine operates without a temperature sensor, for example. It would therefore be advantageous if only as few parts as possible had to be replaced and observed during switching of the mould.

Another problem with using temperature sensors is the need for calibration. In the case of using, for example, a camera or other infrared sensor, calibration should be performed periodically so that the temperature can be measured accurately and without excessive deviation.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method and a device which reduce the risk of electrical components being damaged, in particular when switching moulds or switching components. Furthermore, as simple a handling as possible should be provided in order to operate such a facility.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

In the method according to the invention for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers, at least one and preferably a plurality of forming stations for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers are provided at the movable carrier, and the forming stations are moved along a predetermined transport path at least temporarily during the forming process. The molding stations in each case comprise a blow molding device, wherein the blow molding parts of the blow molding device are moved to open and close the blow molding device or at least one of the blow molding parts is moved relative to the other blow molding part.

In addition, in the closed state of the blow-molding device, the plastic preform is molded into the plastic container by applying a flowable medium in the cavity formed by the blow-molding parts, wherein characteristic values (in particular physical values) characterizing the molding station and/or the blow-molding device are measured at least temporarily by means of a measuring device

According to the invention, the measurement is carried out by means of a measuring device which is not provided at the blow molding device.

It is therefore proposed: the measuring device is not arranged at the blow molding device and in particular not at the switchable part of the blow molding device and/or the part to be switched, but at another location of the machine, so that the elements do not need to be switched, for example, when the mold is switched.

In a preferred embodiment, the movable carrier is a rotatable carrier. This means that: at least one forming station and preferably a plurality of forming stations are provided at a rotatable carrier (also referred to as a blow wheel). The shaping station and in particular the plastic preforms to be expanded are thereby moved along a circular and/or substantially circular path during the movement, in particular a rotational movement, of the carrier.

In a further preferred method, the blow-molding device has two side parts which are pivoted relative to one another in order to open and close the blow mold. Here, the pivoting is preferably arranged to rotate about a vertical axis and/or about an axis parallel to the plastic preform to be expanded.

The blow molding device preferably also has a bottom part, which together with the two side parts forms the cavity.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the forming station has a rod-shaped body or a cross-bar (respectively) which can be introduced into the plastic preform in order to stretch it in its longitudinal direction. In this case, the respective molding device is particularly preferably a blow molding machine, and in particular a stretch blow molding machine.

As mentioned above, the medium for expanding the plastic preforms can be a gaseous medium or else a liquid medium.

In another preferred method, the components of the blow molding apparatus are subjected to a temperature treatment. In particular, the components of the blow molding apparatus are heated. The heating is preferably carried out by means of electrical energy or by means of a flowable, in particular liquid, temperature treatment medium. Thus, for example, hot oil or water can be used to heat the side parts of the blow mold and/or the bottom part of the blow mold. The temperature treatment can be carried out by means of a channel provided in the blow mould itself and/or also by means of a channel provided in the blow mould shell and/or also in the blow mould carrier.

In a further preferred method, the characteristic value is a temperature, in particular a temperature of at least one region of the blow molding device. In this case, this can be, in particular, the temperature of the wall of the blow mold, and in particular of the wall which contacts the plastic preform.

Within the scope of the present invention, therefore, an apparatus and method are described having means for measuring a physical value or state. The device or measuring device is in particular a sensor for measuring temperature, and is particularly preferably used in the field of molding machines for producing containers from thermoplastic material. In particular, this relates to blow molding machines or stretch blow molding machines.

As set forth in more detail below in one embodiment, the measurement device and/or sensor may be a pyrometer or camera or a plurality of such devices. Here, such a pyrometer or camera or image recording device may be fixedly arranged at a specific position of the apparatus or may be arranged on a rotating area of the apparatus.

If the image recording device or the pyrometer is arranged in a stationary manner, the temperature of the respective mold half can be measured by a single measuring device when the mold halves are moved due to the rotation of the turntable.

But it is also possible that: other measuring devices are also used. As mentioned in more detail below, a plurality of measuring devices, for example two or more cameras or pyrometers, can also be provided in order to perform separate measurements of the mold halves and mold bottoms of the blow molding device.

In a further preferred method, the blow molding device is moved at least temporarily relative to the measuring device during the measurement. In this case, a movement at the blow wheel, i.e. for example a circular movement, can be involved. In addition or alternatively, the relative movement can also result from the opening or closing operation of the blow molding device.

Thus, as mentioned in more detail below, it is possible to: the measuring device is also arranged on the movable carrier, however, it can also be arranged fixedly.

In a further preferred method, the blow molding device is switched at least temporarily, but the measuring device is not switched during such a switching of the blow molding device. This can be achieved in particular by: that is, the measuring device is preferably retained at the machine or at the device during the switching process.

In another preferred method, the measuring device comprises an image recording device and/or a pyrometer. The image recording device may particularly, but not exclusively, be a photo or film camera. The image recording device is particularly preferably a thermal imaging camera. However, as mentioned above, a pyrometer may also be used.

In a further preferred method, the measured values are measured contactlessly. In particular, the measurement values are preferably measured during the relative movement between the blow molding device and the measuring device.

In a further preferred method, a plurality of values (in particular of the blow molding device) and in particular a plurality of temperature values are measured by means of a plurality of measuring devices. It is thus possible to: the temperature of the two side parts and/or also of the bottom part of the blow-moulding device is measured. However, it is also possible to consider: a plurality of temperatures or measured values are measured and/or queried by means of the measuring device.

In a further preferred method, the measuring device measures at least temporarily in the region of the blow molding device. In this case, it is particularly preferred if the measurement can be carried out in a blind hole of the blow molding device. In a further preferred method, the measuring device measures in the open state of the blow molding device.

It is therefore particularly preferred to provide a measuring device which is particularly suitable and intended for measurements in the open state of the blow molding device. The blind holes mentioned are preferably black-coated openings, in particular in the interior of the blow molding device and in particular in the interior of the actual blow mold. It is also possible: the measuring device measures the temperature inside the mold halves when the blow mold is just in the at least partially open state.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least one pyrometer is arranged on each mold, which pyrometer preferably measures the temperature of the mold halves and possibly of the bottom part of the blow mold.

It is possible here to: one pyrometer is provided for both mold halves and one pyrometer is provided for the bottom part, or it is also possible to provide one pyrometer for each mold half and one pyrometer for the bottom part.

In a preferred method, the pyrometers are calibrated at least temporarily and preferably periodically. In this case, the calibration is carried out, in particular, when the respective machine is started.

In this case, a specific rotation of the blow-moulding wheel, in particular at least one revolution of the blow-moulding wheel or the turntable, is preferably carried out such that all pyrometers pass the calibration point at least once. A temperature measurement device, such as a temperature probe (e.g., PT100), may be provided at the site so that the pyrometer may be calibrated. Preferably, the calibration round is performed at the start of production.

By using a device for temperature measurement, which is arranged outside the blow mould and in particular on a fixed region of the device, the risk of damage due to careless operation is reduced in the replacement operation, i.e. for example in the changeover of blow moulds. Accordingly, economic benefits are not diminished by maintenance and production failures associated therewith. The use of cameras or pyrometers, in particular pyrometers which are arranged in a stationary region and measure the temperature of all mold halves, brings about significant advantages, since a smaller number of components are required and these are additionally not arranged in rotating parts of the installation.

For these reasons, the supply of components, in particular electrical, is simpler, since it is not necessary to couple the lines from the stationary region to the rotating region. Furthermore, the image recording device or also the pyrometer is not exposed to stresses, such as vibrations, caused by the carrier. In embodiments with multiple pyrometers, the automatic calibration of the temperature measuring mechanism in each mold or each mold half is of great advantage. By placing multiple temperature measurement mechanisms in the mold, precise and individual temperature measurement and control of individual molds or mold halves can be achieved.

As already mentioned, the device preferably also has a temperature treatment device which is suitable and intended for the temperature treatment of the respective blow molding device. Particularly preferably, a control device is provided which actuates the temperature processing device. Here, preferably, the control means may perform control in response to a value recorded or measured by the measuring means.

By automatically calibrating the mentioned measuring devices or individual measuring means, the time otherwise required for calibration is reduced and, correspondingly, the machine can be produced more and with increased economic efficiency.

In this case, the respective calibration device is preferably arranged fixedly. Thus, in particular, individual forming stations with measuring devices can already be passed through such a calibration device.

The invention further relates to a device for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers, wherein at least one and preferably a plurality of forming stations for forming the plastic preforms into the plastic containers are arranged on a movable carrier and the forming stations are movable along a predetermined transport path at least temporarily during a forming process, wherein the forming stations each have a blow-forming device, wherein a blow-forming part of the blow-forming device can be moved to open and close the blow-forming device, and in a closed state of the blow-forming device the plastic preforms can be formed into the plastic containers by applying a flowable medium in a cavity formed by the blow-forming part, wherein the device has a measuring device which at least temporarily measures characteristic values characterizing the forming station and/or the blow-forming device.

According to the invention, the measuring device is not arranged in or on the blow molding device and is preferably spaced apart from the blow molding device. A measuring device is preferably understood to be an element which actively performs a measurement. However, it is possible here to: the measuring device interacts with a specific region of the blow mold, for example with the blind hole described above.

In a preferred method, the measuring device can be aligned at least temporarily with a region of the blow molding device, and in particular with a hole, in particular a blind hole, formed in or on the blow molding device. It is possible here to: the measuring device measures in the blind hole. The blind hole can have a blackened opening.

The device preferably comprises a plurality of measuring devices for measuring the individual blow molding apparatuses. Thus, for example, it is possible to provide temperature measuring means for detecting the temperature of both side parts, and also (temperature) measuring means for measuring the temperature of the bottom part.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a calibration means for calibrating at least one of the proposed measuring means. In this case, the calibration device is preferably arranged fixedly and in particular fixedly relative to the movable carrier. In a further advantageous embodiment, the calibration device is used for calibrating a plurality of measuring devices, and particularly preferably for calibrating all measuring devices.

Drawings

Other advantages and embodiments are derived from the attached figures.

Shown in the attached drawings:

fig. 1 shows a view of a first embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention; and

fig. 2 shows a view of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an apparatus 1 for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers according to the invention. Here, the plastic preforms 10 are fed to the device as indicated by the left arrow, expanded and discharged again as plastic containers or plastic bottles 20 as indicated by the right arrow. In this case, the transport and removal of the plastic preforms or plastic containers takes place by means of the transfer star.

Reference numeral 2 identifies a rotatable carrier which is rotated relative to or by means of a spindle 22. A plurality of forming stations 4 are provided at the carrier 2. Each forming station may include blow-molding devices 6 (only one shown).

Reference numeral 14 identifies a groove or blind hole, which can be provided in any blow mould. The bore or blind hole 14 can extend up to the region of the blow molding device to be examined or measured.

Furthermore, the apparatus can have a rotary distributor, which can, for example, distribute the temperature treatment medium to the individual shaping stations 4. In addition, one of such rotary distributors can also distribute, for example, electrical energy to the various forming stations. In this case, the rotary distributor is designed in particular as a so-called slip ring. Reference sign P identifies the direction of rotation of the carrier 2.

Fig. 2 shows another apparatus in an embodiment according to the invention. As in the embodiment shown in fig. 1, each forming station has a blow-molding device 6, which here has two side parts 62 and 64. In addition, the blow molding device also has a base part (not shown).

Here, the measuring device 8 is also arranged on the carrier 2, but in an area such that it is not replaced. In this case, the measuring device 8 remains on the carrier when the blow molding device is switched.

At a certain time period, for example at the start of production, the measuring device is calibrated by means of the calibration device 12 and by means of the calibration device.

The applicant reserves the right to claim the features disclosed in this application as essential to the invention, as long as the features are novel, individually or in combination, with respect to the prior art. Furthermore, it should be noted that features which can be advantageous per se are also depicted in the individual figures. Those skilled in the art will immediately recognize that certain features depicted in the drawings may be advantageous without the employment of other features in the drawings. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that advantages may also be obtained from a combination of more features shown in each or different of the figures.

List of reference numerals

1 apparatus

2 rotatable carrier

4 Forming station

6 blow molding device

8 measuring device

10 Plastic preform

12 calibration device

14 grooves or blind holes

20 Plastic bottle

22 spindle

62 side part of blow molding device

64 side part of blow moulding device

Direction of rotation of P carrier