Container treatment system and automatic exchange machine

Abstract

A container treatment system (1, 13) that has at least two working areas (AP). Each of the working areas (AP) respectively comprises at least one exchangeable working tool (2) and/or one adaptable format part. Furthermore, the container treatment system (1, 13) comprises at least one automatic exchange machine (10) which is movable, in particular drivable, to the at least two working areas (AP), which automatic exchange machine (10) can be connected selectively to any of the respective working areas (AP), in particular using centering means (22, 32), and which automatic exchange machine (10) comprises tools for exchanging the working tools (2) and/or for adapting the format parts of the respective working area (AP). The invention further relates to an automatic exchange machine (10) for exchanging working tools (2) and/or for adapting the format parts of at least two different working areas (AP) of a container treatment system (1, 13).

Claims

1. A container treatment system (1, 13) for producing or processing products or groups of products, the container treatment system (1, 13) comprising: at least two different container treatment modules, each having: (i) at least one working area (AP) with at least one exchangeable working tool (2) located at an exchange position on the at least one working area, or (ii) at least one adaptable format part located at an exchange position on the at least one working area (AP); and at least one automatic exchange machine (10) that is movable to each working area (AP), wherein the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) is capable of exchanging the at least one exchangeable working tool (2) at each exchange position or adapting the at least one adaptable format part at each exchange position, and wherein one of the at least two container treatment modules operates, during an exchange cycle for the one of the at least two container treatment modules, in an intermittent, strokewise manner; and wherein, per stroke of the one of the at least two container treatment modules during the exchange cycle, the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) retrieves one exchangeable working tool (2) from the exchange position and stores it in a magazine, and wherein, on a subsequent stroke of the one of the at least two container treatment modules during the exchange cycle, the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) mounts one exchangeable working tool (2) at the exchange position, wherein the at least one exchangeable working tool (2) is a blow mold.

2. The container treatment system (1, 13) as recited in claim 1 wherein each working area (AP) includes at least one first connection device (30) with a centering device (32) and wherein the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) includes at least one second connection device (20) with a centering opening (22), wherein the at least one second connection device (20) with a centering opening (22) of the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) is formed correspondingly to the first connection device (30) with the centering device (32) of each of the at least two working areas (AP) and wherein the first connection device (30) with the centering device (32) and the second connection device (20) with the centering opening (22) together form a connection between one of the working areas (AP) and the at least one automatic exchange machine (10).

3. The container treatment system (1, 13) as recited in claim 2 wherein the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) comprises at least one magazine (12) for working tools (2).

4. The container treatment system (1, 13) as recited in claim 3 wherein the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) comprises a transport means (40).

5. The container treatment system (1, 13) as recited in claim 4 further comprising a system of tracks (14) extending between each of the at least two working areas (AP) and wherein the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) is moveable along the system of tracks (14) between each of the at least two working areas (AP).

6. The container treatment system (1, 13) as recited in claim 5 wherein the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) comprises a control device (48) and wherein the control device (48) controls the exchange of the working tools (2) at each of the working areas (AP) and/or the adaptation of the at least one adaptable format part at each of the working areas (AP) and/or the positioning of the automatic exchange machine (10) at each of the working areas (AP).

7. The container treatment system (1, 13) as recited in claim 6 further comprises a control device (16, 17) and wherein the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) may be coupled to at least one of the at least two different container treatment modules (5, 8, 11).

8. The container treatment system (1, 13) as recited in claim 7 wherein the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) and the at least two different container treatment modules comprise interfaces for supplying power, compressed air, and/or data to the at least one automatic exchange machine (10).

9. The container treatment system (1, 13) as recited in claim 8 wherein the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) further comprises a detection system including a sensor (44) for detecting working tools (2).

10. The container treatment system (1, 13) as recited in claim 9 wherein the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) comprises at least one empty magazine (12x) for receiving working tools (2x) after removal from one of the container treatment modules and comprises at least one storage magazine (12y), into which the working tools (2y) for being mounted can be filled, and wherein the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) may perform the removal of the working tools (2x) and the mounting of the working tools (2y) simultaneously.

11. The container treatment system (1, 13) as recited in claim 4 wherein the transport means (40) comprises a drive (50) for moving the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) from a first of the working areas (AP) to a second of the working areas (AP).

12. The container treatment system (1, 13) as recited in claim 1 wherein the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) comprises at least one second connection device (20) with a centering opening (22), and wherein each of the working areas (AP) include at least one first connection device (30) with a centering device (32), wherein the at least one second connection device (20) with the centering opening (22) of the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) is formed correspondingly to each first connection device (30) with the centering device (32) of each of the two working areas (AP), and wherein a connection can be created between each of the working areas (AP) and the at least one automatic exchange machine (10), and wherein the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) is mobile and employable at each of the working areas (AP).

13. The container treatment system (1, 13) as recited in claim 12 wherein the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) comprises at least one empty magazine (12x) for receiving working tools (2x) after removal from one of the container treatment modules and at least one storage magazine (12y), into which the working tools (2y) for being mounted can be filled, and wherein the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) may perform the removal of the working tools (2x) and the mounting of the working tools (2y) simultaneously.

14. The container treatment system (1, 13) as recited in claim 12 wherein the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) comprises at least one empty magazine (12x) for receiving working tools (2x) after removal from one of the container treatment modules and at least one storage magazine (12y), into which the working tools (2y) for being mounted can be filled.

15. The container treatment system (1, 13) as recited in claim 14, wherein the magazines (12x, 12y) are continuously advanced.

16. The container treatment system (1, 13) as recited in claim 14 wherein the magazines (12x, 12y) are continuously rotated.

17. The container treatment system (1, 13) as recited in claim 1 wherein one of the container treatment modules comprise a blowing wheel and an adjustable curve, wherein the adjustable curve, in an exchange mode, unlocks and opens blow mode carriers to permit exchange of blow molds, and wherein the adjustable curve, in operation mode, retracts from interacting with the blow mold carriers.

18. The container treatment system (1, 13) as recited in claim 1 wherein the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) is drivable to the at least two working areas (AP).

19. The container treatment system (1, 13) as recited in claim 1 further comprising an external magazine that is separate from the at least one automatic exchange machine (10).

20. A container treatment system (1, 13) for producing or processing products or groups of products, the container treatment system (1, 13) comprising: at least two different container treatment modules, each having: (i) at least one working area (AP) with at least one exchangeable working tool (2) located at an exchange position on the at least one working area, or (ii) at least one adaptable format part located at an exchange position on the at least one working area (AP); and at least one automatic exchange machine (10) that is movable to each working area (AP), wherein the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) is capable of exchanging the at least one exchangeable working tool (2) at each exchange position or adapting the at least one adaptable format part at each exchange position, and wherein one of the at least two container treatment modules operates, during an exchange cycle for the one of the at least two container treatment modules, in an intermittent, strokewise manner; and wherein, per strike of the one of the at least two container treatment modules during the exchange cycle, the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) retrieves one exchangeable working tool (2) from the exchange position and stores it in a magazine, and wherein, on a subsequent stroke of the one of the at least two container treatment modules during the exchange cycle, the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) mounts one exchangeable working tool (2) at the exchange position, wherein the at least one exchangeable working tool (2) is a blow mold; and wherein for another one of the at least two container treatment modules, the at least one automatic exchange machine (10) exchanges a mandrel for transporting and heating preforms.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the following passages, the attached figures further illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and their advantages. The size ratios of the individual elements in the figures do not necessarily reflect the real size ratios. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged in relation to other elements to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

(2) FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of an automatic exchange machine according to the invention next to a processing device.

(3) FIG. 2 shows an automatic exchange machine according to the invention being employed at a transfer device consisting of transport star wheels.

(4) FIG. 3 shows an automatic exchange machine according to the invention being employed at a labeling module.

(5) FIG. 4 shows an automatic exchange machine according to the invention being employed at a blow molding machine.

(6) FIG. 5 shows an automatic exchange machine according to the invention being employed at a filler.

(7) FIG. 6 shows an automatic exchange machine according to the invention being employed in a filling line.

(8) FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show a further embodiment form for employing an automatic exchange machine according to the invention at a filler.

(9) FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment form of an automatic exchange machine according to the invention.

(10) FIGS. 10a and 10b show schematically further features of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(11) The same or equivalent elements of the invention are designated by identical reference characters. Furthermore and for the sake of clarity, only the reference characters relevant for describing the respective figure are provided. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples of the device according to the invention, while indicating preferred embodiments, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

(12) FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of an automatic exchange machine 10 next to a processing device 1. In the instance of a product change, this embodiment variant requires the working tools 2 to be exchanged depending on the product that is being handled. The working tools 2a in the processing device 1 have to be exchanged for the working tools 2b, for example. The automatic exchange machine 10 comprises at least two magazines 12a, 12b, for receiving working tools 2, 2a, 2b.

(13) The automatic exchange machine 10 comprises at least one interface 20 and the processing device 1 comprises at least one corresponding connection device 30. The interface 20 and the connection device 30 each comprise mechanical connecting elements and/or centering elements. The connection device 30, for instance, comprises at least one centering pin or centering cone 32, which inserts into a corresponding centering opening 22 of the interface 20. The automatic exchange machine 10 may thus be aligned and installed at the processing device 1 such that the automatic exchange machine 10 can immediately and properly take up work.

(14) The interface 20 furthermore comprises electrical and/or pneumatic connecting elements 24 for connecting with corresponding electrical and/or pneumatic connecting elements 34 of the connection device 30. The interface 20 and the connection device 30 thus enable creating further connections between the automatic exchange machine 10 and the processing device 1; the automatic exchange machine 10 may, for instance, be connected with the power supply system of the processing device 1, with a control device of the processing device 1, with the compressed air system of the processing device 1, etc.

(15) The automatic exchange machine 10 comprises wheels 40 so that it may be moved either by means of a drive of its own (not illustrated here) or manually. A push handle 18, for instance, is provided for this purpose. The automatic exchange machine 10 may furthermore be provided with a battery 50 and an own drive 52 for other necessary functions. Appropriate interfaces may also be provided to serve for supplying the automatic exchange machine 10 itself with power, compressed air and/or data.

(16) If necessary, it may be provided for the automatic exchange machine 10, which is coupled to the processing device 1, to be lifted by means of a lifting mechanism 3 at the processing device 1 and then be moved into the correct position.

(17) Preferably, the processing device 1 is operated in intermittent strokes in an exchange cycle with one working tool 2, 2a being retrieved per stroke. The working tool 2, 2a is subsequently arranged into the magazine 12a of the automatic exchange machine 10. The new working tools 2, 2b are, again intermittently, installed in the appropriate locations in or at the processing device 1 in a further cycle.

(18) A sensor 44 for detecting defective working tools 2, 2a, 2b, and/or for identifying the working tools 2, 2a, 2b or the format of the working tools 2, 2a, 2b in the magazines 12a, 12b is provided in the automatic exchange machine 10. On detecting a defective working tool 2, 2a, 2b, the sensor 44 outputs an appropriate error message so that the defective working tools 2, 2a, 2b may be removed and exchanged or repaired. The error message is output to a display panel 46, for instance, which is part of a control unit 48, for instance.

(19) FIG. 2 shows an automatic exchange machine 10 according to the invention being employed at a transfer device 4, which consists of Monotec transfer star wheels 5. Such a transfer device 4 is used, for instance, in order to be able to variably connect individual transfer stars 5 with each other at interfaces, which are illustrated as octagons here, using struts, which are not illustrated here, and possibly in order to minimize the outer surfaces of a filling area that require cleaning. In the instance of a product change and depending on the respective type of product, transporting different types of containers by means of the Monotec transfer star wheels 5 requires the exchange, in particular, of the gripping clamps (not illustrated here) for holding the containers (not illustrated here). The Monotec transfer star wheels 5 each comprise a connection device 30 with centering bolts 32, which allow the automatic exchange machine 10 to dock onto the respective Monotec transfer star wheel 5 in order to exchange the gripping clamps (not illustrated here). Advantageously, the connection device 30 may also be arranged at the interfaces in the same manner as the struts may be arranged.

(20) FIG. 3 shows an automatic exchange machine 10 according to the invention, which is being employed at a labeling module 6. The bottles to be labeled (not illustrated here) are transported by means of a feed conveyor 6a and an infeed star 9a to the labeling module 6 and conveyed to further processing devices VV by means of a removal conveyor 6b and an outfeed star 9b.

(21) A number of different working tools 2 of the labeling module 6 require exchange and/or adaptation in the instance of a product change. Among these working tools are, for instance, the centering bells for clamping the bottles on the rotary tables; the rotary tables for turning the bottles around during labeling; the mandrels for expanding sleeve labels; the bars and/or their corresponding guide ducts or actuators for stretching the labels and pulling the labels over the bottles when using stretchable sleeve labels for labeling; the palettes for gluing and transporting labels from a retrieval magazine to a delivery point, glue containers with glue, the glue scrapers for scraping glue from the glue roller; the brushes for brushing the labels onto the bottles, the gripper cylinder for applying the labels to the bottles passing by; the vacuum cylinders for transporting and holding the labels for cutting when using web label material; feed screws; guide rails for bottles, mandrels, clamps, retainers for transporting bottles, controls for rotary tables (mechanical or electric), etc. In one embodiment form, in which the labeling machine is arranged between the blow molding machine and the filler, it is also necessary to exchange the base plates, for instance, which serve for supporting the bottle that is still hot from the blow molding process, wherein compressed air is used for pre-tensioning the bottle for the purpose of applying the label. It may furthermore be necessary to exchange the labels, too, and to provide appropriate magazines for individual labels or for rolls for endless labels, for instance sleeve or wraparound labels, or to exchange or provide printing units for printing labels or bottles on the spot, also including the appropriate print heads and their settings, printing ink containers, etc.

(22) For instance, centering elements 32, which are already there, could be employed with the labeling module 6 itself for the labeling equipment 100 to enable the automatic exchange machine 10 to couple on by means of a corresponding interface 20. In particular, it may be provided that, instead of the labeling equipment 100, a plurality of automatic exchange machines 10 couple onto the labeling module 6 at respectively different working areas AP1, AP2, AP3 at the same time in order to simultaneously exchange and/or adapt a plurality of working tools 2, 2c, 2d. For performing a format change on the labeling equipment 100 itself, for instance an exchange of palettes, glue rollers, etc., the labeling equipment 100 may also be equipped with an appropriate connection device or with centering elements (not illustrated here).

(23) FIG. 4 shows a blowing device 7 with a plurality of automatic exchange machines 10 according to the invention being employed at the said blowing device 7. So-called preforms 110 are temperature-treated in a heating device 8b and fed to a blow molding module 8a via an infeed star 9a. In the blow molding module 8a, the preforms 110 are brought into the desired container form 112 by means of the proper blow mold 2e, 2f, 2g, or 2h, and fed to further processing devices VV via an outfeed star 9b.

(24) A product change requires exchanging a number of working tools 2 or adapting a number of format parts in such a blowing device 7. In the heating device 8a, in a sterilization module located downstream, as the case may be, and/or in a preferential heating module located downstream, as the case may be, it may be necessary to exchange heating mandrels for transporting and heating the preforms 110, for instance. Various different shield panels are also employed. These shield panels serve for protecting the mouth sections of the preforms 110 from heat radiation while transporting the preforms 110 through the heating device 8b. The transport star clamps used for transporting the preforms 110 from the heating device 8b to a sterilization module, or to a preferential heating module for post-treatment, or immediately to a blow molding device 8a, or to the point where the bottles 112 are removed from the blow mold 2e, 2f, 2g, or 2h, also need to be adapted to the respective product. It may furthermore be necessary to exchange defective infrared lamps and/or reflectors and/or entire heater boxes comprising a multitude of lamps and/or filters in the heating device 8b.

(25) In the blow molding module 8a itself, the blow molds 2, 2e need to be exchanged for other blow molds 2f, 2g, or 2h, for instance. In particular, the side parts and/or the insert trays and/or the base portions of the blow molds 2e, 2f, 2g, or 2h have to be exchanged here. Other working tools 2 to be exchanged or adapted include, for instance, the stretching rods or the tips of the stretching rods for longitudinally stretching the preforms 110 during the blowing process in the blow mold 2e, 2f, 2g, or 2h, the blowing nozzles for sealing the preforms 110 and for supplying the blowing air, the stop elements for the stretching rods, which serve for stopping the stretching rod shortly before it reaches the base of the blow mold in the stretching process, etc.

(26) In such a blowing device 7, it may furthermore be necessary to adapt contact elements for temperature-treating the preforms 110 prior to entering the heating device 8b or between the heating device 8b and the blow molding module 8a in order to be able to perform, in particular, an adapted tempering treatment along the circumference direction of the preforms 110. Additionally, it may be necessary to exchange sterilization nozzles, preform guides, and/or injection molds. The injection molds obviously only have to be adapted in the instance of an injection molding device for producing the preforms 110 being connected upstream of the heating device 8b and the blow molding module 8a.

(27) For the purpose of converting the diverse modules of a blowing device, each individual modulei.e. the heating device 8b, the blow molding module 8a, the infeed star 9a, the outfeed star 9b, etc.may be provided with at least one connection device 30 having centering devices 32, which a correspondingly equipped automatic exchange machine 10 may be coupled to. According to the respective task, the automatic exchange machine 10 is equipped with the appropriate, above-described working tools 2 or with the necessary converting tools for adapting the format parts. It may furthermore be provided that a plurality of differently equipped automatic exchange machines 10 may be coupled to the blow molding module 8a in different working areas. For instance, an automatic exchange machine equipped with stretching rods (which is not illustrated here) may be coupled to the blow molding module 8a in the working area AP4, an automatic exchange machine 10-5 equipped with rod stops may be coupled in the working area APS, and an automatic exchange machine 10-6 equipped with blow molds 2e, 2f, 2g, or 2h may be coupled in the working area AP6, in this way making it possible to exchange three different working tools 2 at the same time.

(28) FIG. 5 shows a plurality of automatic exchange machines 10 according to the invention, said plurality of automatic exchange machines being employed at a filler 11. The bottles for filling are supplied to the filler 11 by a feed conveyor 6a and, after filling, they are supplied to a closing device, for instance, or to another processing device VV, by a removal conveyor 6b. The filler 11 itself or the other processing modules assigned to a filler, for instance devices for rinsing, sterilizing, and/or closing, may also require the exchange or adaptation of various working tools 2. The working tools that need to be adapted to the respective product may for instance comprise so-called electron beam fingers for sterilizing the bottles by means of electron beams; sterilization nozzles for sterilizing the bottles by chemical sterilization means, using, for instance, hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2O.sub.2); rinse nozzles for rinsing the bottles with sterile water; after-cooling nozzles for removing heat from the bases of recently blown bottles and for hardening them; filling valves; filling pipes for filling the bottles, centering bells at the filling valve for centrally aligning the bottles during the filling process; return air pipes for removing the air from the container during the filling process; closing cones or closing heads for applying caps by placing, twisting, or pressing them onto the container mouths; feed screws, guide rails for the bottles, mandrels, clamps, groups of clamps, retainers for transporting bottles, etc.

(29) An automatic exchange machine 10-7, which is appropriately equipped with neck handling clamps 2i, may be coupled to the filler 11 in a working area AP7, for instance, while an automatic exchange machine 10-8 for exchanging the filling valves 2k may be provided at the working area APB. One embodiment form of the invention may provide that the required working tools 2 are not always supplied by the automatic exchange machine 10 itself, but rather that the automatic exchange machine 10 retrieves these working tools 2 from an external magazine 12, which is stationary and allocated to the filler 11, for instance.

(30) The external magazine 12 may comprise a connection similar to that at the individual modules or the automatic exchange machine may comprise additional connecting elements or centering elements in order to be able to dock onto external magazines.

(31) FIG. 6 shows an automatic exchange machine 10 according to the invention, which automatic exchange machine 10 is being employed in a filling line 13 with at least two production lines 13-1, 13-2. Preferably, the production lines 13-1, 13-2 are employed for different products each and therefore require adaptation each at different points of time. It is intended to employ a mobile, automatic exchange machine 10 both at the blow molding module 8a-1 of the production line 13-1 and at the blow molding module 8a-2 of the production line 13-2, for instance. After the exchange of the working tools arranged in the magazine, it may furthermore be intended to employ the automatic exchange machine 10 in other modules of the production lines 13-1, 13-2, as well. According to one embodiment form, the automatic exchange machine also serves as a magazine for diverse working tools and/or tools at the same time. Alternatively, a specific automatic exchange machine 10 with blow molds, another automatic exchange machine specifically for heating mandrels, a further automatic exchange machine specifically intended for gripping clamps, etc. may be provided for each blow molding module 8a-1, 8a-2. A filling line 13 having at least two production lines 13-1, 13-2 is thus provided with a specific automatic exchange machine for each working tool 2, which automatic exchange machines perform the appropriate exchange or the appropriate adaptation of the respective production lines 13-1, 13-2 as required.

(32) The automatic exchange machines 10 are each designed to be moveable, for instance in such a manner that an operator of the facility may move the automatic exchange machine 10 to the respective module and couple it onto the module. The automatic exchange machines 10 may alternatively move along a track system 14, preferably comprise their own drives, and be automatically controllable. In particular, the control device 16 of the automatic exchange machine is coupled to the respective control devices 17-1 and 17-2 of the production lines 13-1, 13-2. The control devices 17-1, 17-2 each store the production data of the respective production line 13-1, 13-2 that they are assigned to. The control device 16 coordinates the automatic exchange machine 10 by means of these data. The control device 16 may, in particular, be provided to signal to the operator of the facility in due time that the automatic exchange machine 10 requires to be equipped with new or different working tools 2 and/or new or different tools. The automatic exchange machine 10 may also be able to receive production orders, in particular wirelessly, and to perform them independently.

(33) The connection created between the processing module 8a and the automatic exchange machine 10 at the working area, where the automatic exchange machine 10 is assigned to the respective processing module 8a, is not mandatorily a direct connection. The automatic exchange machine 10 may also be spatially assigned to a processing module 8a by means of corresponding connecting elements in the floor of the production hall. The automatic exchange machine 10 may also be provided with its own detection system for detecting the desired position at the processing module 8a. In particular, this may be an optical detection system. Alternatively, suitable electronic and/or magnetic systems or the like may serve for detection purposes.

(34) FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show a further embodiment form for employing an automatic exchange machine 10 according to the invention at a filler 11. The filler 11 is preferably encased by a housing 15. The housing 15 serves as protection against dirt and pollutants from the outside. The housing 15 furthermore allows maintaining sterility of the filler. The housing has at least one exchange opening 60, which is closed by security doors 62. The security doors 62 are opened in the instance of a product change so that an automatic exchange machine 10, which is equipped with the appropriate working tools and/or the appropriate tools, may couple onto the appropriate connection device 30. The automatic exchange machine 10 preferably comprises security devices 64 for locking the safety doors 62 of the automatic exchange machine 10, as soon as it is coupled onto the filler 11. This prevents an operator from inadvertently reaching in between during the exchange process.

(35) FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment variant of the automatic exchange machine 10 according to the invention, which in particular enables a continuous exchange of working tools 2, 2x, 2y. In the present instance, such an automatic exchange machine 10 is shown as it is being employed at a blow molding module 8a. The automatic exchange machine 10 comprises at least one magazine 12x for the former working tools 2x, which are retrieved from the blow molding module 8a, and at least one further magazine 12y for the new working tools 2y. In particular, the automatic exchange machine 10 is intended to both retrieve a former working tool 2x at a first exchanging position WP1 and mount a new working tool 2y at a second, empty exchanging position WP2 at the same time. The retrieval of a former working tool 2x and the fastening of a new working tool 2y thus take place simultaneously. An exception is the retrieval of the first former working tool 2x in the beginning of the process. This initial retrieval necessarily precedes the synchronous exchange because it is not possible to mount a new working tool 2y in a position that is still filled by a former working tool 2x. In particular, the exchange is performed into rotating magazines 12x, 12y, where the working tools are spaced very closely together and in particular closer together than on the treatment device 8a. In order to keep the magazines 2x, 2y as small as possible, they may be designed so as to store objects in an upwardly spiraling arrangement. It is also conceivable that the automatic exchange machines perform the exchange in a continuous process, either at a reduced speed in relation to the regular production speed of the treatment device 8a or, ideally, even at production speed. In either case, it is intended to continue production during the exchange process. For this purpose, either one container may be discharged at the feed conveyor or earlier than that (or not be produced by the treatment device 8a in the first place) so as to prevent having a container for treatment in the gap resulting from removing the first working tool 2x. Theoretically, the container could be retrieved together with the working tool 2x, and the automatic exchange machine 10 would then discharge the container.

(36) In this embodiment form, the working areas designated with WP1 and WP2 are arranged largely adjacent to each other on a single carousel of a blow molding module. According to the embodiment form illustrated in FIG. 9, the working areas designated with WP1 and WP2 are arranged immediately adjacent to each other on a carousel of the blow molding module and may be operated by means of one single automatic exchange machine 10.

(37) FIG. 10a schematically shows a further embodiment variant wherein the automatic exchange machine comprises a robot with a plurality of arms and/or gripping tools. FIG. 10b schematically shows a further embodiment variant wherein the container treatment module is a blow molding module having a blowing wheel, an adjustable curve, and blow mold carriers.

(38) The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claims cover all such equivalent variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

(39) 1 Processing device

(40) 2 Working tool, e.g. blow mold or heating mandrel

(41) 3 Lifting mechanism

(42) 4 Transfer device

(43) 5 Monotec transfer star wheel

(44) 6 Labeling module

(45) 6a/b Feed conveyor/Removal conveyor

(46) 7 Blowing device

(47) 8a Blow molding module

(48) 8b Heating device

(49) 9a/b Infeed star/Outfeed star

(50) 10 Automatic exchange machine

(51) 11 Filler

(52) 12 Magazine for working tools and/or tools

(53) 13 Filling line

(54) 13-1/13-2 Production line

(55) 14 Track system

(56) 15 Housing

(57) 16 Control device

(58) 17 Control device

(59) 18 Push handle

(60) 20 Interface

(61) 22 Centering opening

(62) 24 Electrical connecting elements

(63) 30 Connection point

(64) 32 Centering pin/Centering cone

(65) 34 Electrical connecting elements

(66) 40 Wheels

(67) 44 Sensor

(68) 46 Display panel

(69) 48 Control unit

(70) 50 Battery

(71) 52 Drive

(72) 60 Exchange opening

(73) 62 Safety door

(74) 64 Safety device

(75) 100 Labeling equipment

(76) 110 Preform

(77) 112 Container/Bottle

(78) AP Working area

(79) VV Processing device

(80) WP Exchanging position