DE202018104327U1 - System for detecting defects in a container to be filled and associated combined system for treating containers - Google Patents

Abstract

A detection system for detecting defects in containers (14) to be filled with a desired liquid by a filling machine (6) in a combined filling plant (1), said system comprising a detection station (2) equipped with at least one detection unit (12) which is adapted to be coupled to a corresponding container (14) to be monitored, and at least one pressure sensor element (24) adapted to detect the course of a pressure inside said container (14) during a step of detecting said defect before a step of filling said container (14) with said desired liquid by said filling machine (6) to detect.

Description

The present application claims the priority of the Italian utility model no. 202017000086505, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.

The present invention relates to a system for detecting defects, particularly at least loss due to the presence of a hole, in a container to be filled, such as a bottle of thermoplastic material (PET). This solution finds particular application in a combined plant for the treatment of containers.

Combined systems for filling containers such as PET bottles with liquid products such as food are known.

These plants usually comprise at least: a molding machine for molding, for example by blow molding, containers based on so-called preforms; a filling machine for filling the molded containers with the desired liquid product; and a labeling machine for applying labels to the outside of the containers.

In a known manner, it may happen that the containers formed by, for example, blow-molding have more or less serious defects at the end of the molding process. In particular, due to an insufficient amount of material (for example PET), holes of normally small size may form on the bottom of the containers during the molding process.

These holes may lead to product losses during the filling steps or the subsequent steps of the processing process (for example the labeling steps that are carried out after the above filling step) and thus the consequent need to sort out the defective containers, should it be possible Defect and the resulting product loss to recognize.

Solutions used to solve this problem provide for a control operation carried out inside the molding machine regarding the integrity of the molded containers during or at the end of the molding process.

In particular, during the high pressure (for example, at a pressure of 40 bar) blowing process in a control time, the application of this pressure is interrupted and the pressure curve inside the mold checked, in particular the possible drop of this pressure in a course, the indicates possible loss.

This solution generally allows to identify defective containers. However, there are situations where the control may not produce the desired results, especially if the defect or holes are in a position in the container that is not at or near the blow opening, i , h., The opening provided in the preform blow molding tool. In this case, it may happen that a kind of seal between the outer wall of the molded container and the inner wall of the tool forms in the position of the opening and this seal ensures that a noticeable reduction in pressure during the above-mentioned control step is prevented , which means that the defective container is not detected.

The known systems therefore have some disadvantages which do not allow the occurrence of defects in the molded containers and thus the resulting product loss during subsequent processing steps.

The aim of the present invention in general is to overcome the aforementioned problems.

The object of the present invention is achieved by means of a defect detection system and a corresponding combined container treatment plant as described in the appended claims.

• - 1 ist eine schematische Ansicht einer kombinierten Anlage zur Behandlung von Behältern nach einer ersten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Lösung;
• - 2 ist eine schematische Ansicht einer Station zum Erfassen von Defekten in den Behältern;
• - 3 zeigt schematisch eine Erfassungseinheit in der Erfassungsstation aus 2, die mit einem zu überwachenden Behälter gekoppelt ist;
• - 4 zeigt den Verlauf eines von einem Drucksensor der Erfassungseinheit aus 3 gemessenen Drucksignals;
• - 5 ist ein Blockdiagramm, welches von der aus 3 bekannten Erfassungseinheit ausgeführten Erfassungsvorgänge darstellt;
• - 6 ist eine schematische Ansicht einer entsprechenden kombinierten Anlage zur Behandlung von Behältern nach einer Variante der ersten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Lösung;
• - 7 ist eine schematische Ansicht einer kombinierten Anlage zur Behandlung von Behältern gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Lösung;
• - 8 zeigt schematisch eine Erfassungseinheit einer Erfassungsstation in der Anlage aus 7, die mit einem zu überwachenden Behälter gekoppelt ist;
• - 9 ist ein Blockdiagramm, welches von der aus 8 bekannten Erfassungseinheit ausgeführten Erfassungsvorgängen darstellt; und
• - 10 ist eine schematische Ansicht einer kombinierten Anlage zur Behandlung von Behältern gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Lösung.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate non-limiting embodiments thereof, in which:

• - 1 Fig. 12 is a schematic view of a combined container treatment plant according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
• - 2 Figure 11 is a schematic view of a station for detecting defects in the containers;
• - 3 schematically shows a detection unit in the detection station 2 which is coupled to a container to be monitored;
• - 4 shows the course of a from a pressure sensor of the detection unit 3 measured pressure signal;
• - 5 is a block diagram taken from the 3 represents known acquisition unit executed detection operations;
• - 6 Fig. 12 is a schematic view of a corresponding combined container treatment plant according to a variant of the first embodiment of the present invention;
• - 7 Fig. 12 is a schematic view of a combined container treatment plant according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
• - 8th schematically shows a detection unit of a detection station in the system 7 which is coupled to a container to be monitored;
• - 9 is a block diagram taken from the 8th represents known acquisition unit executed detection operations; and
• - 10 Figure 3 is a schematic view of a combined container treatment plant according to another embodiment of the present invention.

As will be explained below, one aspect of the present invention generally provides for establishing a detection station inside the combined container treatment facility for carrying out a process of checking the integrity of the containers prior to actually filling the containers a filling machine takes place, is designed so that containers that have a defect, in particular at least one loss due to the presence of one or more holes identified and possibly sorted out.

The above-mentioned control operation provides pressurization of the container under control, detection of the pressure in its interior by means of a suitable pressure sensor element and evaluation of the course of the detected pressure in order to detect the eventual loss in the container.

In a first embodiment, the detection station is located in front of the filling machine along a conveying path of the containers in the combined plant between the molding machine and the filling machine.

In particular, looks like in 1 1, the detection station, denoted by 2, has its own and in comparison with the other processing machines of the combined installation, a possible embodiment in that inside the combined system for treating containers, generally designated 1 1 independent and separate station defined in the example between a molding machine 4 and a labeling machine 5 is positioned.

In this case, the labeling step is performed prior to the step of filling the containers by a filling machine, designated 6, of the combined equipment 1 ,

In this embodiment, those of the molding machine 4 shaped container transported via a conveyor line to the labeling machine 5, which in 1 is schematically designated P. The detection station 2 is housed along this conveyor line P and therefore receives the molded containers from the molding machine 4 ,

As in 2 shown in more detail, the detection station 2 comprises a rotating part or a wheel (the so-called "carousel") 10, which carries on its outer edge a plurality of functional units, in particular detection units 12 (in 2 for the sake of simplicity, only one is shown).

The wheel 10 is rotated about its own axis by an electric motor (not shown here) and receives during its rotation container, here designated 14, such as bottles, from a transfer wheel (a so-called "transfer starwheel") 15, which in turn the container 14 obtained from the molding machine 4 (not shown here) were formed.

Each registration unit 12 is designed to be operative during the rotation of the wheel 10 be connected to a corresponding container 14, and in particular the process of checking the integrity of the container 14 perform.

Depending on the result of the control, the detection station 2 is designed to handle the container judged intact 14 based on the rotation of the wheel 10 for the subsequent processing steps in the direction of a Ausgangsübertragransferrads (not shown) to convey, in particular for the transport of the container 14 to the labeling machine 5. Alternatively, should (caused by an opening) loss in the container 14 be detected is the detection station 2 adapted to weed out the container 14, for example by activating a Aussonderstrecke (not shown here), to ensure that the defective container leaves the conveyor line P and the labeling machine 5 (and then the filling machine 6 ) not reached.

More precisely and also with reference to 3 includes the detection unit 12 a main body 20 having a lower section 20a which has a section for receiving a corresponding container 14 defined, in particular, with a mouth end, the so-called neck, 14 'of the container 14 to be connected.

The main body 20 defined in its interior to a not in 3 shown manner, at least one fluid line, which is suitable, optionally with the neck 14 'of the container 14 defined opening and therefore fluidly with the interior of the container 14 to be connected; the aforesaid fluid conduit is also connected to a gas supply device (not shown) for passing gas under pressure, for example carbon dioxide, into the interior of the container during a pressurization step provided by the above control operation 14 to lead.

The main body 20 the registration unit 12 also has an upper part 20b inside, inside which an electronic control module 22 (schematically shown) of the detection unit 12, which is adapted to control its operation.

In particular, the electronic control module comprises 22 a processing unit, for example a microprocessor processing unit, and a memory coupled to the processing unit.

According to one aspect of the present solution, the detection unit 12 also includes one of the main body 20 supported pressure sensor element 24 to fluidically communicate with the fluid conduit defined by the main body and thus with the interior of the container 14 To be connected, so as to the pressure inside the container 14 during the above-mentioned pressurizing step or at the end of the pressurizing step.

The pressure sensor element 24 is also via an electrical connection cable 25 electrically to the electronic control module 22 connected.

Regarding 4 now becomes that of the detection unit 12 of the detection station 2 under the control of the appropriate electronic control module 22 The process for checking the integrity of the containers 14 is described in more detail.

In particular, for this purpose are in the memory of the electronic control module 22 corresponding processor instructions are stored, if any, from the processing unit of the electronic control module 22 be executed to implement the control process.

This control process provides, step 30 in that a container 14 enters the detection station 2 is used, and in particular, that the container 14 is connected to a detection unit 12.

Then, step 32 , controls the detection unit 12 the pressurization of the container 14 for a defined time interval defined subsequently as the detection interval, in particular by the introduction of pressurized gas into the interior of the container 14 over from the main body 20 the registration unit 12 defined fluid line.

The from the pressure sensor element 24 Data acquired during this collection interval (and possibly also in a subsequent measurement interval) will be provided by the electronic control module 22 recorded and stored in the appropriate memory.

Then, step 34 , the acquired data is processed by the processing unit of the electronic control module 22 to assess the integrity of the container 14 and in particular for detecting any defects, such as losses due to the presence of one or more holes formed during the molding step.

In particular, this processing sees the evaluation of the values of a pressure sensor 24 detected pressure signal S _P and the course of the pressure signal S _P, for example, in view of the stability, the average value or other considered important parameters before.

The acquired values and the above history may also be compared to theoretical values and histories stored in the memory of the electronic control module 22 and an indication of an intact condition of the container 14 to check for any differences using appropriate reference limits.

The evaluation of the measured course of the pressure signal S _P and the possible comparison with theoretical values of this signal therefore permit the detection of the presence of the loss. For example, a value of the pressure signal S _P below the value expected during the detection interval (since the difference is above a comparison threshold) may be considered indicative of the presence of a loss.

Afterwards, as at step 36 (based on the above evaluation of the pressure measured inside it during the pressurizing step and / or at the end of the pressurizing step), judges whether the container being inspected 14 the Test of control of its integrity has passed or not.

In particular, should the review have yielded a positive result, from step 36 to step 38 has passed, in which the judged as intact container 14 to continue the processing steps to the exit is conveyed (to the labeling machine 5 and then to the filling machine 6 for filling the container 14 ).

Otherwise, the container should 14 on the other hand, will be deemed defective by step 36 to step 39 passed, which provides that the container 14 is discarded so as not to undergo any further processing (to avoid corresponding product losses).

A variant of the discussed embodiment may (see 5 ) provide that the detection station 2 Also in this case, one of the other machines of the combined plant 1 independent and separate own station defined, between the molding machine 4 and the filling machine 6 is positioned.

In this case, the labeling step is performed by the labeling machine 5 after the step of filling the containers by the filling machine 6 ,

In this embodiment, those of the molding machine 4 shaped container 14 first transported via the conveyor line P to the filling machine 6. The detection station 2 is accommodated along this conveyor line P and therefore receives the above-mentioned molded containers from the molding machine 4.

Should that be in the detection station 2 (In the same way as previously discussed) Checking the integrity of the container has been found to have a positive result 14 in this case, to fill with the desired liquid to the filling machine 6 transported and then to be labeled to the labeling machine 5 ,

Purely as an example shows 6 the course of a detected by the pressure sensor element 24 during the detection interval possible pressure signal S _P.

In particular, the initial amplification of the pressure signal S _{P is} due to the pressurization inside the container 14 and the subsequent slow sinking of the values of the pressure signal S _P by the effect of the presence of one in the container 14 In this case, the theoretical course of the pressure signal S _P in the case of an intact container is shown in dashed lines. It is also a subsequent re-amplification of the pressure signal S _P from the time instant T1 to determine, for example, at the beginning of the filling step (as soon as the pressurizing step is completed).

On the other hand, a second embodiment of the present invention, unlike the previously discussed, provides for the process of checking the integrity of the containers and detecting the defects in an initial step prior to the steps of filling the container 14 (done in a manner known per se) inside one of the machines of the combined plant 1 takes place, for example inside the filling machine 6 ,

In this case, therefore, is the detection station 2 instead of defining a stand-alone station in the filling machine 6 of the combined plant 1 integrated.

This embodiment is shown schematically in FIG 7 shown, which is exactly the combined system 1 shows, in this case along the conveying path P of the container 14 in the combined system 1 : the molding machine 4 which receives in the entrance the preforms and the containers 14 formed; the labeling machine 5 representing the containers formed by the molding machine 4 14 receives and labels; and the filling machine 6 holding the containers 14 from the labeling machine 5 receives and fills these, the result should be the in-depth inspection of the integrity by which in the interior of the filling machine 6 integrated detection station 2, have yielded a positive result.

It should be noted that in substantially the same way in the combined plant 1 the filling machine 6 (with the integrated detection station 2 ) of the labeling machine 5 along the conveyor line P, the container 14 could precede.

The filling machine 6 comprises, in a manner known per se, a wheel rotatable about its own axis, the so-called carousel, which carries on its outer edge a plurality of filling units, each of which is configured with a corresponding container 14 to be connected and to perform the filling steps provided by a filling recipe.

In this embodiment, the detection unit is 12 the detection station 2 therefore, implemented by each filling unit of the filling machine 6, which not only performs the actual filling steps but is also adapted to the step of checking the integrity of the respective container 14 and recording any losses due to in the container 14 to implement existing holes in advance.

In particular, the step of pressurization provided by the integrity check in this case may advantageously be preceded by a pre-pressurizing step of the container provided by the filling recipe 14 As in the case of filling with carbonated drinks, the so-called CSD (Carbonated Soft Drinks), known.

On the other hand, if the filling recipe does not provide a pressurizing step, the inspection of integrity requires the addition of another, the subsequent steps in the filling machine 6 executed prescription preceding step.

As in 8th shown, having the filling unit designated 40 of the filling machine 6 a substantially with respect to 3 Discussed matching structure on since the detection unit 12 the detection station 2 is integrated.

In addition to the previously discussed, the filling unit 40 also integrates at least one further fluid conduit (not shown) inside the main body, also in this case 20, which selectively connects the interior of the container 14 to a reservoir for distributing the filling liquid; and at least one further gas discharge line, which can be selectively connected to the interior of the container 14 to perform a step of releasing the built-up pressure by removing the existing gas.

In any case, this is allowed with the main body 20 the filling unit 40 connected pressure sensor element 24 , in the previously discussed completely similar way, capturing the pressure inside the container 14 during the process of checking the integrity prior to the filling steps; Also in this case, the pressure sensor element 24 is connected to the electronic control module by means of the electrical connection cable 25 22 connected, which carries out the processing of the acquired pressure signal S _P , the detection of the losses of the container 14 serves.

In detail and with reference to the 9 sees the control process in this case, step 50 in that a container 14 enters the carousel of the filling machine 6 is used and in particular that the container 14 is connected to a filling device 40 of the carousel (which in this case, as previously mentioned, the detection station 2 added).

Then, step 52 , controls the filling unit 40 the beginning of the filling recipe, which as an introductory step, the pressurization of the container 14 during the detection interval by the introduction of pressurized gas into the interior of the container 14 over from the main body 20 of the filling unit 40 provides defined fluid line.

That of the pressure sensor element 24 Data acquired during this collection interval (and possibly also in a subsequent measurement interval) is provided by the electronic control module 22 purchased and stored in the appropriate memory.

Then, step 54 , the acquired data is processed by the processing unit of the electronic control module 22 to assess the integrity of the container 14 and in particular for detecting any defects, such as losses due to the presence of one or more openings (in a completely similar manner to those previously discussed).

As with step 56 then it is judged whether the examined container 14 has or has not passed the integrity test (based on the above-mentioned evaluation of the pressure inside it during the pressurizing step and / or at the end of the pressurizing step).

In particular, if the control has yielded a positive result from step 56 to step 58 has gone over, in which the container judged as intact passes through the subsequent steps provided by the filling recipe.

Otherwise, the container should 14 on the other hand, will be deemed defective by step 56 to step 59 passed over, at which the container 14 It is discarded so as not to go through the next steps of the filling recipe (thus avoiding product losses).

The advantages obtainable by the present invention will be apparent from the above embodiment.

In any case, it is again underlined that this solution allows to detect any defects in the containers prior to their filling in order to avoid product losses and the resulting longer times and higher costs of the container treatment process.

As indicated, therefore, the solution described proves to be particularly advantageous when used in combined filling and treatment facilities for filled / filled containers.

Finally, it proves to be clear that modifications or variations to the solution described and illustrated herein are possible without, therefore, departing from the scope of the protection defined in the appended claims.

In particular, it is emphasized that the detection station 2 as a further variant of the first embodiment (not shown here) should the labels before filling them on the containers 14 be attached between the labeller 5 and the filling machine 6 could be arranged.

In addition, the detection station could 2 as a further variant of the second embodiment, as in 10 shown schematically in the labeling machine 5 and not inside the stuffing machine 6 be integrated by making appropriate changes to the respective carousel to carry out the defect inspection process previously described in detail 14 to integrate envisaged detection units.

In particular, in this case, the pressurizing step provided by the integrity check may correspond to an initial step of pressurizing the container 14 with air provided by the labeling operation. In other words, the detection of the defects in this case takes place after the molding (by blow molding) of the container 14 before labeling and before filling (and eventually closing the container 14).

In addition, it is again emphasized that the described solution advantageously also for different types of containers 14 and different combined filling systems 1 can be used advantageously, including other or other types of machines for processing the container 14 ,

Claims (19)

A detection system for detecting defects in containers (14) to be filled with a desired liquid by a filling machine (6) in a combined filling plant (1), said system comprising a detection station (2) equipped with at least one detection unit (12) which is adapted to be coupled to a corresponding container (14) to be monitored, and at least one pressure sensor element (24) adapted to detect the course of a pressure inside said container (14) during a step of detecting said defect before a step of filling said container (14) with said desired liquid by said filling machine (6) to detect. System after Claim 1 wherein said detection unit (12) is adapted during said acquisition step to cause the pressurization of said container (14) for a time interval of detection and to obtain during said time interval of detection a pressure signal (S _P ) different from that said pressure sensor element (24) is detected. System after Claim 2 Wherein said detection unit (12) operatively connected to said pressure sensor element (24) connected to the electronic control module (22) to detect said pressure signal (S _P) and said pressure signal (S _P) for detecting said defect process , System after Claim 3 wherein said electronic control module (22) is adapted to monitor the course of said pressure signal (S _P ) during said time interval of detection and / or during the subsequent time interval. System after Claim 4 wherein said electronic control module (22) is configured to make a comparison between the course of said pressure signal (S _P ) with a predetermined theoretical course to determine the defect based on said comparison. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said defect is a loss of said container (14) due to at least one opening in said container (14). A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said detecting station (2) is arranged to separate said container (14) should said defect be detected so that said container (14) is not subjected to the filling process. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said detection station (2) defines a separate and independent station in front of said filling machine (6) on the path (P) of said containers (14) in relation to said filling machine (6) Interior of said combined system (1) is arranged. System after Claim 8 wherein said detection station (2) carries a plurality of said detection units (12) each of which is adapted to detect the presence of a defect in a respective container (14). System after Claim 8 or 9 , wherein said combined unit (1) also has a Molding machine (4) and a labeling machine (5) of said containers (14); said detecting station (12) being disposed between said forming machine (4) and said labeling machine (5) and said filling machine (6) downstream of said labeling machine (5) along the path (P) of said containers (14) the said combined system (1) is arranged. System after Claim 8 or 9 said combined plant (1) further comprising a forming machine (4) and a labeling machine (5) of said containers (14); wherein said detection station (12) is disposed between said forming machine (4) and said filling machine (6) and said labeling machine (5) downstream of said filling machine (6) along the path (P) of said containers (14) the said combined system (1) is arranged. System according to one of Claims 1 - 7 , wherein said detection station (2) is functionally integrated in said filling machine (6). System after Claim 12 wherein said detection unit (12) is adapted, during said detecting step, to effect the pressurization of said container (14) for a predetermined time interval; and wherein said pressurization further corresponds to a first step of a filling recipe implemented by said filling machine (6). System after Claim 12 or 13 wherein said detection unit (12) is implemented in an integrated manner by a filling unit (40) of said filling machine (6). System according to one of Claims 1 - 7 said combined apparatus (1) further comprising a forming machine (4) and a labeling machine (5) of said containers (14) positioned downstream of said filling machine (6) along the path (P) of said containers (14) the said combined plant (1) is arranged; said detection station (12) being functionally integrated with said labeling machine (5). System after Claim 15 wherein said detection unit (12) is adapted, during said detecting step, to effect the pressurization of said container (14) for a predetermined time interval; and wherein said pressurizing corresponds to a preliminary step before a labeling operation implemented by said filling machine (5). A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said container (14) is a PET bottle and said defect is associated with at least one opening on the bottom of said bottle. Combined filling plant (1), comprising a filling machine (6) and a detection station (2) according to one of the preceding claims; further comprising at least one further separate and separate from said detection station (2) for treating said container (14). Labeling machine (6) for a combined filling installation (1), comprising in an integrated manner a detection station (2) according to one of Claims 12 - 14 ,

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