Patent ID: 8235698
Filing Date: 2012-08-07
Classification: B29C

Abstract:
1. Blowing machine for containers, in particular bottles, with a preform heating module associated to a blowing station and containing a conveyor chain with holders for exchangeable heating mandrels and exchangeable shielding plates, at least one automatic changer for the automatic changeover of at least the heating mandrels by use of at least one unlocking component actuated by at least one actuator, the automatic changer being arranged at a location close to the conveyor chain in a service area within the preform heating module, the automatic changer comprising at least a magazine and grippers for removing and inserting at least the heating mandrels, wherein the automatic changer has a frame base provided with a magazine holder for at least one magazine, with a linear unit adjacent to the magazine holder, the linear unit carrying a removal and insertion turret equipped with the grippers, the removal and insertion turret being rotatable on the linear unit about a horizontal axis, the linear unit being adjustable in the frame base linearly and vertically with respect to the magazine holder, to adjust the removal and insertion turret between a transfer position adjacent to the magazine holder and a raised insertion position close to the holders on the conveyor chain, and wherein the unlocking components are provided one of integrated into the frame base or functionally associated to the automatic changer, the unlocking components serving for releasing at least heating mandrel locks arranged in the holders on the conveyor chain.