WO2003011718A2

WO2003011718A2 - Device and method for conveying filled bottles

Info

Publication number: WO2003011718A2
Application number: PCT/EP2002/008564
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wolfhard Schwarz
Original assignee: Alcoa Deutschland Gmbh
Priority date: 2001-08-01
Filing date: 2002-08-01
Publication date: 2003-02-13
Also published as: DE10137718A1; WO2003011718A3; AU2002342605A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and method for conveying filled bottles (24) from a filling device (1), where the bottles (24) are filled with a liquid, to a closure device (7, 11) where the bottles (24) are closed. In order to reduce the danger of contamination, the conveyor device (4) is provided with a sealing device (41) which is used to close the filled bottles (24) in such a way that they are at least temporarily sealed along part of the path between the filling device (1) and the closure device (7, 11).

Description

Device and method for transporting filled bottles

description

The invention relates to a device and a method for transporting filled bottles from a filling device, where the bottles are filled with a fluid, to a closing device, where the filled bottles are closed.

After filling beverage bottles, the bottle contents are foamed by injecting tempered water under high pressure in order to expel the air in the bottle neck. This often leads to an uncontrolled foaming of the bottle contents, whereby the bottle neck is wetted on the outside in the area of the bottle neck mouth. This can lead to the bottle mouth sticking together with an associated closure. Overflowing can also lead to contamination of the bottle contents or to fermentation processes, which has a negative effect on the edibility of the drink.

The object of the invention is to provide a device and a method for transporting filled bottles from a filling device, where the bottles are filled with a fluid, to a closing device, where the filled bottles are closed, with the risk of contamination. tion and sticking in the mouth area of the bottle neck is minimized.

The object is in a device for transporting filled bottles from a filling device, where the bottles are filled with a fluid, in particular with drinks containing CO ₂ or not containing CO ₂ , to a closing device, where the filled bottles are sealed, solved in that the transport device is equipped with a sealing device which serves to temporarily seal the filled bottles at least part of their way between the filling device and the closing device. The sealing device prevents contaminants from getting into the inside of the bottles from the outside. The separate sealing device provides the advantage that there is no need for special closures for sealing the bottle neck mouths when the bottles are being transported to the closing device. In the closed state, the bottles can be cleaned on the outside during transport without detergent being able to get inside the bottle.

A preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the transport device includes a star clamp with receiving areas for the bottle necks u. The clamp star serves to safely transport the filled bottles to the closing device by at least partially gripping the bottle necks with appropriately designed grippers. By gripping the bottles by the bottle necks, height tolerances of the bottles. Since the mouth area of the bottle necks is subject to only slight tolerances, the bottles can be transported at an almost constant level. The bottles can also be centered by the grippers.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the transport device is characterized in that the sealing device can be controlled with the aid of a control curve. However, it is also possible to control the lifting movement of the sealing device by one or more electric motors or by one or more pneumatic cylinders.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the transport device is characterized in that the control cam is arranged above the star bracket. This will keep the space below the star clamp for receiving the bottles to be transported.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the transport device is characterized in that the sealing device comprises a pivotably mounted arm on which a stopper is arranged which fits into the mouth of the bottle neck. The stopper is at least partially received in the bottle neck when it is placed on it. This ensures that the mouth of the bottle is sealed tightly. In addition, the penetration of the stopper into the bottle neck reduces the air volume inside the bottle neck. Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the transport device is characterized in that a vacuum line is connected to the stopper. The vacuum line is connected to a vacuum generator and is used to evacuate the bottle neck interior above the liquid level.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the transport device is characterized in that a feed line for an inert fluid is connected to the stopper. The inert fluid reduces the oxygen content inside the bottle neck. The inert fluid can be, for example, gaseous carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen.

The above object is achieved in a method for transporting filled bottles from a filling device, where the bottles are filled with a fluid, to a closing device, where the filled bottles are sealed, in that the filled bottles are transported during the transport from the filling device to be temporarily tightly sealed to the closing device. The tight closure prevents contaminants from entering the inside of the bottles from the outside. After the temporary closure, the bottles are finally closed in the closing device with a closure, for example a crown cap or a screw closure. The sealed bottles can then be delivered to the consumer. Between temporary locking and the final closing, the bottles are opened briefly during the transition from the transport device to the closing device. However, the bottles remain open only very briefly to prevent contamination of the bottle contents.

A preferred exemplary embodiment of the transport method is characterized in that the filled and tightly sealed bottles are rinsed from the outside during transport from the filling device to the closing device, in particular in the mouth area. This eliminates contamination in the mouth area. The rinsing can be done, for example, with a rinsing liquid, such as water. The tight sealing of the bottles during rinsing ensures that the rinsing liquid cannot get inside the bottles.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the transport method is characterized in that the bottle necks of the filled and tightly sealed bottles are evacuated during the transport from the filling device to the closing device. Evacuation reduces the oxygen content in the bottle neck.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the transport method is characterized in that an inert fluid is introduced into the bottle necks of the filled and tightly closed bottles during the transport from the filling device to the closing device. The inert fluid reduces the oxygen content inside the bottle neck reduced. The inert fluid can be, for example, gaseous carbon dioxide, liquid nitrogen or water.

Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the transport method is characterized in that the filled bottles are closed. The bottles can be closed for sales using, for example, crown caps or screw caps.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the following description, in which an exemplary embodiment is described in detail with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a filling system with a transport clip star;

Figure 2 shows a detail of a transport clip star according to the invention in plan view;

3 shows the views of a section along the line III-III in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in Figure 2;

Figure 6 shows a section of a further embodiment of a filling system with a mechanical control for the sealing device;

FIG. 7 shows a section of a further exemplary embodiment of a filling system with a pneumatic control for the sealing device;

FIG. 8 shows a section of a further exemplary embodiment of a filling system with a pneumatic control for the sealing device and

FIG. 9 shows a detail of a star clamp with a control curve modified compared to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

A filling system for liquids is shown schematically in FIG. The filling system comprises a filling device 1 for all kinds of drinks, for example beer or mineral water. The filling device 1 has a plurality of receiving areas for beverage bottles distributed uniformly over its circumference (not shown). The direction of rotation of the filling device 1 is indicated by an arrow 2 in the clockwise direction.

In the filling device 1, empty bottles are filled with liquid and transferred to a transport clamp star, hereinafter referred to as a clamp star 4, which is part of a transport device. An arrow 5 indicates that the clamp star 4 rotates counterclockwise in its working cycle. The clip star 4 is used to transport the filled bottles from the filling device 1 to a closing device 7 for crown caps or to a closing device 11 for screw caps. The closure device 11 for screw closures is equipped with an outlet 12. The closure device 7 for crown caps is equipped with an outlet 8.

A possible rinsing zone 9 is formed between the filling device 1 and the closing device 7 for crown caps. A larger, possible rinsing zone 13 is formed between the filling device 1 and the closing device 11 for screw closures. In the area of working point 15, the bottle contents are foamed under high pressure, for example by injecting hot water, in order to expel the air in the bottle neck. This usually causes the bottle contents to foam. In order to prevent further foaming of the bottle contents, the filled bottles are sealed from a sealing point 17 and only opened again shortly before the respective closing device 7, 11 at an associated lifting point 18. In the temporarily closed state, the bottle neck can be rinsed off on the outside and evacuated on the inside.

In FIG. 2 it can be seen that the clip star 4 has a multiplicity of receiving areas which are arranged uniformly distributed over the circumference of the clip star 4. In the receiving areas grippers 20, 21 are arranged, which serve the To embrace the bottle neck 23 of a bottle 24. The direction of rotation of the star 4 is indicated by an arrow 25. The grippers 20, 21 are actuated by lever arms 27, 28 which can be pivoted by a cam 30 against the biasing force of a tension spring 31.

When the lever arms 27 and 28 are moved apart by the cam 30, the grippers 20 and 21 go together and enclose the bottle neck 23. A web 33 is formed on the bottle neck 23, which comes to rest on the grippers 20 and 21. As a result, the bottles 24 are fixed to the clamp star 4 in the vertical direction.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, an arm 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 is arranged in the radial direction in each receiving area for the bottles.

In the sectional illustration shown in FIG. 3, it can be seen that a sealing device 41 with a stopper 42 is formed on the free end of the arm 35. The stopper 42 is dimensioned such that it can tightly close the mouth of the bottle neck 23 of the bottle 24. At the other end of the arm 35, an eye 43 is formed which is pivotally mounted on a bearing block 46 by an axis 44. The bearing block 46 is attached or formed on the clamp star 4.

The pivotal movement of the arm 35 is by a

Double arrow 45 indicated. The arm 35 must be pivoted counterclockwise against the biasing force of a compression spring 48 so that the plug 42 of the sealing device 41 engages in the mouth of the bottle neck 23. When opening, the arm 35 must be pivoted in the opposite direction, ie clockwise around the axis 44.

The pivoting movement of the arm 35 and thus the sealing device 41 is effected by means of a control, here a mechanical control: an attachment 50 is formed approximately in the middle of the arm 35 and serves for the rotatable mounting of a cam roller 51. The cam roller 51 is in contact with a control cam 53, via which the pivoting of the arm 35 about the axis 44 and thus the lifting movement of the plug 42 can be controlled.

A vacuum line 56, which is in communication with a vacuum generator 57, and a supply line 58 for an inert fluid, which is in communication with an inert fluid source 59, open into the plug 42.

In FIG. 4 it can be seen that a cross-sectional thickening 61 is formed on the outer circumference of the control cam 53, by means of which the cam roller 51 in contact with it is moved downward. As a result of this movement of the cam roller 51, the arm 36 coupled therewith is pivoted counterclockwise such that the stopper formed on the sealing device 41 closes the mouth of the bottle neck 23. In the position of the arm 36 shown in Figure 4, the mouth of the bottle neck 23 is sealed. In this state, the outside of the bottle neck 23 can be rinsed with the help of muzzle showers 64 and 65, which are provided in the vicinity of the bottle neck 23. Arrows 67 and 68 indicate that, when the bottle 24 is closed, the interior of the bottle neck is first evacuated and then filled with an inert gas.

It is clear from the explanations for the control group 53 that here the control of the movement of the sealing device 41 is brought about by the fact that the control curve 53 has a cross-sectional thickening 61 in predetermined areas which moves the cam roller 51 downward. However, it is also conceivable to arrange the control cam 53 at different heights above the bearing block 46 of the arm 36. Due to the different height, the cam roller 51 of the arm 36 is pressed more or less far downward against the force of the compression spring 48 and thus causes the sealing device 41 to pivot.

FIG. 5 shows a receiving area of the star clip 4 after the bottle has been removed. The arm 40 is in the same position as the arm 35 shown in FIG. 3. In this state, the plug 42 of the sealing device 41 can be cleaned by a disinfection shower 70. The disinfection shower 70, like the mouth showers 64 and 65 shown in FIG. 4, can be arranged stationary. The control curve 53 can also be arranged stationary.

The disinfection shower 70 can be controlled such that the plug 42 of the sealing device 41 in is cleaned at regular intervals, preferably after each closure of a bottle 24.

In known systems, short rinsing zones can be implemented at most, since no water may get into the contents. Rinsing is therefore often only carried out in the lower mouth area. By closing the bottle mouths with the help of the sealing devices, much larger rinsing zones can be realized. The sealed bottle fertilizers can be rinsed over the entire transport route to the top of the mouth.

Figure 6 shows a section of a further embodiment of a filling system with a mechanical control for the sealing device, which is not shown here. The same parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that reference is made to the description of the previous figures.

FIG. 6 shows the inner part of the star clamp 4, which is connected via a suitable bearing L to a fixed element on which a fixed control cam 53 'is provided.

A bottle 24, to which a sealing device 41 can be lowered, is arranged on the left end of the star clip 4, not shown here, as explained with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The sealing device is held by a holding arm 135 ', the right end of which is shown here and is pivotably connected to an arm 35' via an axis 44. The arm 35 'is essentially here Arranged parallel to the top of the star 4 and is guided in a bearing block 46, wherein a bearing bush 47 can be provided. The left end of the arm 35 'protrudes to the left over the bracket 46. Also, the right end of the arm 35 'projects beyond the bearing block 46 and carries a cam roller 51 at a substantially perpendicular _^ extending control surface having control curve 53' runs out. A double arrow 72 indicates that the design of the control curve 53 ′ enables the arm 35 ′ to move back and forth in the radial direction toward the star 4. If the arm 35 'is moved to the left relative to the bearing block 46, this movement takes place against the force of a compression spring 48' which is supported on the one hand on the bearing block 46 and on the other hand on a thickening 49 at the right end of the arm 35 '. The compression spring 48 'is designed here as a helical spring which surrounds the arm 35'.

At a distance from the axis 44, a first abutment W1 is provided on top of the holding arm 135 ', to which a control arm 35a is pivotably articulated at the top via a first axis AI. The control arm extends as far as the bearing block 46 and is pivotably articulated thereon via a second axis A2 to a second abutment W2, which is indicated by a double arrow 45a.

The abutment W2 can also be attached directly to the star 4.

With a radial movement of the arm 35 'with respect to the clamp star 4, the holding arm 135' becomes more or pivoted less far, which is indicated by a double arrow 45. The pivoting movement of the holding arm 135 'is effected by the control arm 35a pivotably held on the top of the holding arm 135' and on the other hand on the bearing block 46: If the arm 35 'is displaced by the control curve 53' against the force of the compression spring 48 ', the Holding arm 135 'pivoted clockwise upward, whereby the sealing device 41 attached to its end facing away from the axis 44 is also displaced upward.

In the event of an opposite movement of the arm 35 'to the right, the holding arm 135' is pivoted downward in a counterclockwise direction about the axis 44, so that the sealing device 41 can be lowered onto the bottle neck 23 of a bottle 24, not shown here.

The back and forth movement of the arm 35 'thus takes place in that the control cam 53', on which the cam roller 51 rolls, protrudes more or less to the left and thus shifts the arm 35 'more or less to the left. If the radius of the control cam 53 'is reduced, the cam roller 51 follows the control cam in that the pressure spring 48' shifts the arm 35 'to the right. The compression spring 48 'therefore always presses the cam roller 51 against the control cam 53'. It also causes the downward movement of the holding arm 135 '.

FIG. 7 shows a section of a further exemplary embodiment of a filling system with a mechanical control for the sealing device 41. The same parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that reference is made to the description of the previous figures.

The bottling plant has a clamp star 4 on which a bottle 24 is held by means of the grippers described above. On the inside of the clamp star facing away from the bottle 24, a fixed control disk 53 can be seen, which cooperates with an arm 35 ″, which is pivotably attached to a bearing block 46 connected to the clamp star 4. An axis 44 forms the fulcrum of the arm 35 ″, which projects to the right and left over the fulcrum and carries the sealing device 41 on its side facing the bottle and a cam roller 51 on its side facing away from the bottle 24, which is shown here by way of example on the top of the Control cam 53 rolls. However, it is also conceivable to let it roll on the underside of the control cam 53, as was illustrated and explained with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the control cam 53 can have a cross-sectional thickening or can be arranged at different heights with respect to the clamp star 4 or the bearing block 46, so that the cam roller 51 rotates at different heights when the clamp star 4 rotates. This causes a pivoting movement of the arm 35 ″, indicated by a double arrow 45, about the axis 44, a pivoting movement taking place counterclockwise against the force of a compression spring 48 which acts on the arm 35 ″ with a pretensioning force acting in the clockwise direction , A holding arm 135 ″ is attached to the arm 35 ″ in such a way that the holding arm can be displaced in the axial direction with respect to the arm 35 ″, which is indicated by a double arrow 71. In FIG. 7, the holding arm 35 ″ is in a position moved back, so that the sealing device 41 is arranged at a distance from the bottle 24.

To close the bottle, the holding arm 135 ″ is displaced radially outward in the direction of the bottle 24 until the stopper 42 can be placed on the bottle neck 23. As soon as the sealing device 41 is arranged over the bottle neck 23, the arm 35 ″, so that also the neck tear 135 ″ can be pivoted counter-clockwise via the control curve 53, so that the bottle 24 is closed by the lowering sealing device. The pivoting of the arm 35 ″ can take place by means of a cross-sectional thickening provided on the control curve 53, as was explained with reference to FIG. 4, or by the control curve 53 in the area in which the sealing device 41 is to be lowered, runs at a greater height than the clamp star 4 than is shown in FIG.

A relative movement of the holding arm 135 ″ with respect to the arm 35 ″ can be realized, for example, in that the arm 35 ′ comprises a pneumatic cylinder which is activated when the clamp star 4 is in a corresponding rotational position, so that the holding arm 35 ″ is extended and the sealing device 41 with the bottle neck 23 of a bottle 24 in Intervention can occur. Instead of a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic device can also be provided, but also, for example, a threaded drive or a magnetic drive, which effects the relative movement between the holding arm 135 ″ and arm 35 ″.

FIG. 8 shows a section of a further exemplary embodiment of a filling system with a pneumatic control for the sealing device 41. The same parts are provided with the same reference numbers, so that reference is made to the description of the preceding figures.

The illustration according to FIG. 8 shows a clamp star 4, at the left end of which a bottle 24 is held by means of the grippers described above. The clamp star 4 is supported by a suitable bearing L on a fixed element which carries a fixed control cam 53 ', as was explained with reference to FIG. 6. An arm 35 'interacts with the control cam, on the right end of which a cam roller 51 is provided, which is acted upon by a pressure spring 48' with a force acting to the right and thus bears against the control curve 53 'under a pressure force. The arm 35 'has at its right end a thickening 49 which serves as an abutment for the compression spring 48' which, on the other hand, is supported on a bearing block 46 which is attached to the star bracket 4 in a rotationally fixed manner and holds the arm 35 'in such a way that it more or is less movable back and forth to the top of the clamp star 4, which is indicated by a double arrow 72. At the end of the arm 35 ′ facing away from the cam roller 51, an actuating device B provides a sealing device 41 with a stopper 42, which can be lowered onto the mouth 23 of the bottle 24. The actuating device B is designed such that the sealing device 41 is kept movable up and down relative to the star clamp 4 and the actuating device B, which is indicated by a double arrow 72 '.

If the arm 35 'is moved to the left with the actuating device B, the latter can lower the sealing device 41 onto the bottle mouth 23, so that the stopper 42 closes the latter in a pressure-tight manner. The actuating device B can be activated pneumatically. A compressed air supply D is indicated here, with which the actuating device can be pressurized with excess pressure in the air in order to lower the sealing device 41 onto the bottle mouth 23 of a bottle. Accordingly, the actuating device B can also be subjected to a negative pressure, so that the sealing device 41 is raised. However, a spring device (not shown) can also be provided here, which shifts the sealing device 41 back into its upper starting position, so that the sealing device 41 can be moved again via the bottle mouth 23 of a bottle 24.

Instead of a pneumatically operated actuating device, a hydraulic actuating device can also be used, or one that has a motor with a threaded rod in order to move the sealing device 41 up and down. Finally magnetic actuation is also possible here in order to raise and lower the sealing device 41.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, a bearing bush 47 can also be provided, which is provided on the bearing block 46 and serves to guide the arm 35 '.

FIG. 9 shows a detail of a star clip in plan view with a control curve 53 ′ modified compared to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2. The outer contour of the control curve 53 'deviates from a circular shape. It can be clearly seen that the cam rollers 51 of the various arms running on the outer contour of the control curve 53 'are at a different distance from the center M of the control curve 53'. Due to the different distances, the cam rollers 51 are shifted radially outwards to a greater or lesser extent, which is indicated by double arrows 72.

The control cam thus displaces the arm 35 ', which is shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, more or less far outwards. This leads to the fact that the holding arm 135 'is pivoted to a greater or lesser extent and to the actuating device B being displaced more or less far relative to the bearing block 46, and thus also the sealing device 41.

The contour of the fixed control curve 53 'is selected so that the sealing device 41 in the Areas in which the bottle mouth 23 of a bottle 24 can be closed, is displaced radially outward and can either be lowered mechanically, as explained with reference to FIG. 6, or pneumatically, as explained with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

Correspondingly, the arm 35 ′ can be moved back in order to release the bottle mouth 23 by lifting the sealing device 41, be it through the mechanical coupling, as in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 6, or through a suitable actuating device B, as described with reference to FIG. 8 was explained.

With regard to the exemplary embodiments explained with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9, no further explanations are required, because the closing and opening of a bottle has already been explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. The explanations there also apply to the exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 to 9.

Claims

claims

1. Device for transporting filled bottles (24) from a filling device (1), where the bottles are filled with a fluid, to a closing device (7, 11), where the filled bottles are closed, characterized in that the transport device ( 4) is equipped with a sealing device (41), which serves to temporarily seal the filled bottles (24) at least part of their way between the filling device (1) and the closing device (7, 11).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport device comprises a clamp star (4) with receiving areas (20, 21) for the bottle necks (23).

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing device (41) via the contour of a control curve (53; 53 ') is controllable.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the control cam (53; 53 ') is arranged above the star bracket (4).

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing in- direction (41) comprises a pivotably mounted arm (35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40; 135 ') on which • a stopper (42) is arranged which fits into the mouth of the bottle necks (23).

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing device (41) comprises a pivotably mounted arm (35 ') on which a stopper (42) is arranged which fits into the mouth of the bottle necks (23) ,

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing device (41) comprises a pneumatically displaceable plug (42).

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a vacuum line (56) is connected to the plug (42).

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a feed line (58) for an inert fluid is connected to the stopper (42).

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a disinfection shower (70) for cleaning the stopper (42) of the sealing device (41) is provided.

11. Method for transporting filled bottles (24) from a filling device (1), where the bottles are filled with a fluid, to a closing device (7, 11), where the filled bottles see - in particular by means of a device according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 are closed, characterized in that the filled bottles (24) are temporarily sealed tightly during transport from the filling device (1) to the closing device (7, 11).

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the filled and tightly sealed bottles (24) are rinsed from the outside during transport from the filling device (1) to the closing device (7, 11), in particular in the mouth area.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the bottle necks (23) of the filled and tightly sealed bottles (24) are evacuated during transport from the filling device to the closing device.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that an inert fluid is introduced into the bottle necks (23) of the filled and tightly sealed bottles (24) during the transport from the filling device to the closing device.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the filled bottles

(24) are closed.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the plug (42) of the

Sealing device (41) - preferably after each closure of a bottle - is cleaned.