DE102009007138A1 - Container handling device for e.g. sterilizing plastic container, has handling unit fixedly arranged for handling container, and transport device designed such that another transport device is synchronously transported - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has a transport device (2) conveying a container (10) along a predetermined circular transport path. A handling unit (12) is fixedly arranged to handle the container. Another transport device (4) transports the former transport device along another predetermined transport path. The latter transport device is designed such that the former transport device is synchronously transported. A drive motor is fixedly arranged to drive the former transport device, and the former transport device has a retaining device (26) for retaining the container. An independent claim is also included for a method for handling a container.

Description

The The present invention relates to a device and a Method for treating containers. From the state In the art, such devices and methods have long been known. It is known, for example, that machines containers First sterilize, then with a Fill the drink and finally close. In part, such machines work on the concept, a variety of treatment stations continuously rotating to order to achieve the required treatment time. It is, however Also known machines which treatment by means of fixed Perform stations, which is common especially in the low power range is. Depending on the performance, several treatment stations will be available connected in parallel and different treatments in a row in series, d. H. linear, arranged. Such machines, too be referred to as linear clock machines or linear fillers, are usually less expensive than rotating ones Machinery.

From the DE 88 14 813 U1 is a filling device for vessels known. In this system, different process steps are performed on the containers at different stations, such as a disinfection or sticking a film.

The DE 40 31 472 C2 describes a device for sterilizing, filling and closing containers having a filling opening. In the process, these containers are guided by means of a transport device by means of aseptic chamber provided with locks for introduction and discharge. The transport device is a stepwise circulating tact table whose circumference is sealingly guided on a lateral outer annular wall, said tactile table having openings, each having a clamping area, which supports the side facing away from the aseptic chamber of the tactical container in the opening.

Of the present invention is based on the object, a device to manufacture containers that are inexpensive can be produced. This should in particular be a vessel treatment machine to trade for the lower power range, which benefits a linearly arranged clock machine harbors and possibly Many components are used, even on high-performance rotating machines are known.

These Tasks are achieved by a device according to the invention according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 14. advantageous Embodiments and developments are the subject of Dependent claims.

A Device according to the invention for treating Containers has a first transport device, which the containers at least temporarily along a promotes the first predetermined transport path. Farther the device has at least one first treatment unit for treating of the containers.

According to the invention the device has a second transport device, which the first transport device and in particular the first transport device in their entirety along a second predetermined transport path transported and at least the second transport device advantageously designed such that it the first transport device transported in a timed manner, wherein at least one treatment unit is arranged stationary. In particular, they differ the first transport path and the second transport path from each other. A unit of treatment means any unit which handles the containers, such as a Rinsing unit, a disinfection unit, a closure unit, a rinsing unit, a filling device and the like.

at An advantageous embodiment extends at least a transport path circular. Preferably, both run Transport paths circular, so that on the one hand said Transport facilities are moved on a circular path and in addition each one of these transport facilities holds the containers also moved on a circular path. Preferably if the first transport device is a transport star, which promotes a variety of containers. Also at the second transport device is advantageous to a transport star, in turn, a plurality of first transport facilities promotes. These first transport devices are advantageous evenly or equidistant with respect to the second Transport device distributed.

at a further advantageous embodiment, the Device for a drive device for driving the first transport device, wherein this drive means advantageously arranged stationary is. This creates a possibility, a single one Drive device if necessary for a plurality of first transport devices provided. Depending on the position of this first transport device can this coupled to the drive device and from this are driven. In this way it is possible to reduce the number of components required for the first transport facilities are necessary. It would be also possible for every first transport device to provide a drive, in this case, however, would also a motor controller on the rotatable part (the second conveyor) be guided.

at a further advantageous embodiment, the Device on a coupling device to a movement of the Drive device to be transferred to the first transport device. This makes it possible that, depending on the position of the concerned first transport device this either to the drive device is coupled or is out of coupling with the same. This coupling device is advantageous on the drive device arranged.

at a further advantageous embodiment, the first transport means at least one holding element for holding of the container. In this holding device can it may be, for example, a gripping clip, which has a Neck of the container engages or around one as well in the state the art known receiving plate with recesses for recording of the area below the bottle carrier ring (so-called neck handling). However, it would also be possible for that to happen the gripping clip is about a tray or a plate on which the container can be placed (so-called basehandling).

Preferably the transport device has a carrier on which a plurality of first transport means is arranged. In this case, particularly preferably also the second transport device a stationary arranged drive means. Either in this drive the second conveyor as well as at the above drive for the first transport means can it is a servo drive.

It However, it would also be possible, both the first transport facilities as well as the second transport facilities via only to operate a drive device, since in operation either the first Transport device must be moved or the second transport device. More specifically, a gear mechanism could be provided which selectively engages either the first transport means or the second transport device. Preferably, the coupling device designed such that an appropriate engagement of the respective first transport facilities is possible, that is through the actual clutch engagement a possible rotational position of the first transport facilities is not falsified.

Preferably All first transport means are driven by the same drive means.

at a further advantageous embodiment, the Device on a housing which the first transport means surrounds. In this case, the treatment unit can or even several treatment units stationary be. Preferably, within this housing, a sterile or clean room, which is also designed to keep away oxygen with an inert gas, z. As nitrogen gas, filled or flushed can be.

at a further advantageous embodiment, the Device at least one sealing device for sealing the Support against the housing. On This way can be compared to an interior of the housing sealed in an outdoor environment. In this sealing device may be, for example, a so-called moated castle, in which an annular water channel is provided, within which a wall portion of an example rotatable part itself moved so that filled by this, for example, with water Channel a seal can be achieved.

at a further advantageous embodiment, the Device at least one fixing device on to a position the first transport device relative to the second transport device increase. In this case, for example, these first Transport equipment or star brakes for position keeping have, which is particularly interesting if the individual Transport devices only have a common drive and so that they are often without power.

at a further advantageous embodiment, the Device on a second treatment unit, which the containers treated, this second treatment unit the containers treated in a different way as the first treatment unit. Preferably, this second treatment unit is also stationary arranged. Preferably, at least one treatment unit selected from a group of treatment units which Rinsers, disinfection units, filling units, sealing units and the like. In this way it is possible a complete manufacturing or filling process for containers to be integrated into the housing, for example first, a rinsing device, which the containers rinses out, then a disinfection unit, then a filling unit and finally a closure unit.

Preferably, at least one transport device also allows a lifting movement of the containers. If this first transport device is equipped, for example as a star, it is possible that this star also allows a lifting movement of the individual containers, for example, to immerse a nozzle or to close. However, it would also be possible that this lifting movement out of the treatment units leads, or allow both the transport device or its gripping elements and the treatment unit a lifting movement. It is possible that individual gripping elements perpendicular to a plane formed by the first transport path movable, ie liftable and the gripping elements are so far independently movable. However, it would also be possible that the gripping elements are movable together or the transport device itself is movable perpendicular to the first transport path.

The The present invention is further a system with at least directed a device of the type described above, as well as with a device for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers, this device in the transport direction of the containers is arranged in front of said device. The device is preferred also suitable for blocking with machines, which containers made of PET or HDPE.

at a further advantageous embodiment is in the Device according to the invention also a device integrated for labeling of containers.

The The present invention is further directed to a method of treating of containers, the containers temporarily by means of a first transport device along a be transported first predetermined transport path and wherein the containers of at least one stationary arranged treatment unit in a first predetermined manner be treated.

According to the invention the first transport device from a second transport device along a clocked transported a predetermined second transport path. This is preferably a treatment of the containers at standstill, which also simplifies the whole process becomes. A large number of first transport devices is advantageous intended.

at Another preferred method, the containers treated in a sterile room or clean room.

Further Advantages and embodiments will be apparent from the attached Drawings:

In this demonstrate:

1 a first partially sectioned view of a device according to the invention;

2 a further partially sectioned view of a device according to the invention;

3 a plan view of the device 1 ;

4 a side view of the device 1 ;

5 a detailed representation of a device according to the invention;

6 a further sectional view of a device according to the invention;

7a - 7c a further schematic representation of a device according to the invention;

8th a schematic representation of a system with a device according to the invention; and

9 a representation of a device according to the invention in a further embodiment.

1 shows a device according to the invention 1 in a partially cut representation. This device has a plurality of first transport devices 2 on, each as a transport stars 44 are formed, and on which holding elements 26 like gripping clamps for holding containers 10 are arranged. These first transport devices are each about waves 22 rotatably arranged. These rotatable waves 22 are in turn on a carrier 42 arranged, which is itself rotatable and a part of the second transport means 4 represents.

The carrier is more specific 42 for another wave 24 rotatably arranged. The reference number 8th refers to a stationary ground at which the shaft 24 is attached. The reference number 30 illustrates in its entirety a housing, which here is a stationary cover 32 having. In this lid 32 is a variety of openings 34 arranged, in which each treatment units (here is only one treatment unit 12 shown). It can be seen that the number of individual openings and thus also the number of the respective treatment units the number of holding elements 26 , each at a first transport device 2 are equal. The individual openings are in each case arranged along a circle, wherein those treatment units which are respectively arranged along the same circular line belong to a specific treatment stage.

2 shows a further illustration of a device according to the invention for treating containers in a view from below. Again, the bottom support is here 8th recognizable, on the rotatable the carrier 42 is arranged. The reference number 16 refers to a drive device, in particular a motor, for driving a carrier plate 42 , Here is the central storage for the carrier 42 , in turn, the individual transport facilities 2 are arranged, which are driven by a servo motor, in order to ensure the exact positioning of the carrier 42 and thus also the individual gripping elements 26 opposite the openings or the treatments 12 to ensure. Thus, this drive device is arranged stationary.

It can be seen that the individual containers 10 are arranged with their mouth upwards. The reference number 15 refers to a sleeve in which a drive means for driving the shaft 22 and thus the first transport device 2 can be provided.

3 shows a plan view of the device according to the invention 1 , It can be seen here that the individual transport facilities 2 promote the containers each on a transport path K1. Next to it are the transport facilities 2 along the second transport path K2, ie also along a circular line out. The reference numerals I - VI identify individual stations of the device according to the invention. It may, for example, at the station I to act as a feeder for the containers at the station II around a rinser, at the station III to a flushing device, at the station IV around a sterilizer, at the station V around a filling device and at the station VI to a discharge device for the individual containers, but here also a closing device for closing the containers with closures can be arranged on this discharge device.

In operation, the second transport device promotes 4 the individual transport facilities 2 clocked, ie a certain transport device is cyclically promoted from one station to the next in such a way that the individual containers can be treated by their respective treatment units. Therefore, here the second transport means are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction and the first transport device.

4 shows a side view of in 3 shown device. Inside a case, which through the lid 32 and the carrier 42 or the bottom is formed, can thereby prevail a sterile atmosphere, for example, be arranged a sterile gas. It would also be possible to arrange in this room disinfectant gases. Via a supply line 56 can be such sterile gases in the housing 30 be introduced.

In 4 the reference number refers 52 to a feed opening for containers and the reference numeral 54 on a discharge opening. Through this opening can containers of the device 1 supplied or removed from this. Furthermore, here (not shown here) locks provided, which prevent the atmosphere inside the housing 30 is affected by the outside atmosphere.

5 shows a further illustration of a device according to the invention. Here is the drive device already shown above 16 represented by a gear wheel 17 the drive shaft 24 and with it the carrier 42 drives. Furthermore, the device has a drive device 14 on, to drive the first transport device 2 , more precisely the transport star 44 serves, on which the containers 10 are arranged.

Not all of these transport facilities are advantageous here 2 assigned such a motor, but this is only one or two times available, namely in particular those transport stars 44 , via which the feeding and the discharge of the containers takes place in the device or out of the device. The other transport facilities 2 do not have to be driven. On the underside of the carrier plate 42 Here is a coupling device 18 provided, each having the appropriate transport device 2 to the here fixed drive motor 14 couples.

Furthermore, each individual transport device 2 a (not shown) brake to a constant twisting in the cases (stations II - V ), where no clutch to the engine 14 is present to prevent.

The docking of the respective star drive on the transport device 2 takes place in 5 by an axial stroke to a stationary coupling part 18 and about a dog clutch. To do this, various commercial coupling systems are applicable bar. Arranging the coupling 18 on the drive motor 14 offers the advantage that these coupling parts can be saved.

6 shows a further side view of a device according to the invention. You can see here again the drive shaft 22 containing the first transport device with a variety of containers 10 drives.

For the machines illustrated in the present invention, conventional treatment methods and treatment devices can be used. The individual coupling devices allow, as mentioned above, a position-appropriate Einkup PelN.

The 7a - 7c show three representations of a system according to the invention. Next to the device 1 for treating containers here is a transport device 66 provided which of the device 1 the containers 10 to promote. This transport device 66 is designed here as an air conveyor, in which the containers 10 held on a support ring, which is located at its mouth, and conveyed by means of an air flow. As in the in 7b shown detail picture, the containers are 10 isolated to the transport device 2 or the individual on this transport device 2 handed over arranged gripping elements.

The reference number 68 refers to a further transport device to the treated, ie the filled and sealed containers from the device 1 dissipate. This further transport device 68 is designed here as a conveyor belt on which the containers 10 be encouraged. 7c shows enlarged the transfer of the containers to the further transport device 68 ,

8th shows a further illustration of a system according to the invention. In addition to already in 7a shown transport device 66 Here is also a feeder 64 for feeding plastic preforms to a forming unit 65 for forming the preforms in containers 10 to recognize. The in this conversion unit 65 produced plastic containers are then to the device 1 to hand over.

The device 1 preferably has a closing device for closing the containers with closures, wherein this closing device preferably at the Ers th transport device 2 is arranged, to which the transport device 68 followed. At the in 8th illustrated embodiment are preferred only the two transport devices 2a and 2 B coupled to a motor or a drive device, since only these transport devices or their transport stars are rotated.

9 shows a further illustration to illustrate a closing process. Here is the in 8th shown last transport device 2 B shown, which promotes a variety of containers. The reference number 70 indicates a supply unit for container closures 50 , which on the containers 10 are to be attached. For this purpose, a shutter conveyor on the carrier wheel 72 provided, which about an axis 74 is rotatable and which recesses on its outer circumference 73 has, in which closures 50 can einliegen. The axis 74 is doing opposite to in 1 shown wave 22 the first transport device 2 added.

These closures 50 are then connected to three closing devices 78 promoted, which the closures on containers 10 Attach. Thus, in this embodiment, three containers each 10 closed at the same time. The reference number 76 refers to a supply unit for a medium and in particular for liquid nitrogen, which is suitable for the displacement of atmospheric oxygen from the bottleneck. This optional feeder unit 76 Add nitrogen to the containers before closing the containers. After closing the containers with the caps 50 becomes the shutter conveyor 72 for three more positions regarding the containers 10 , respectively in 9 shown rotated position, so again three more closures 50 on the containers 10 can be attached. However, it would also be possible that more or fewer closures at the same time on the containers 10 be attached, ie, it could also be several or fewer closing devices 78 be available.

Thus, here is a timing of the shutter conveyor of a timing of the transport device 2 decoupled or spatially separated. The sealed containers are on the further transport device 68 conveyed away.

All Features disclosed in the application documents are considered to be essential to the invention as far as they are individually or in combination the prior art are new.

1

contraption

2

first transport means

2a

first transport means

2 B

latest transport means

4

second transport means

8th

ground

10

containers

12

treatment facility

14

drive motor

15

shell

16

driving means

17

gear

18

coupling device

22 24

wave

26

retaining elements

30

casing

32

cover

34

openings

42

carrier

44

transport star

50

container closure

52

feed

54

discharge opening

56

supply

64

feeding

65

reforming unit

66

transport means

68

transport means

70

feed for container closures

72

Closure conveyor

73

recesses

74

axis

78

closing

K1

first transport path

K2

second transport path

I-VI

stations

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 8814813 U1 [0002]
• - DE 4031472 C2 [0003]

Claims (14)

Device for treating containers ( 10 ) with a first transport device ( 2 ) containing the containers ( 10 ) at least temporarily along a first predetermined transport path (K1) promotes and with at least a first treatment unit ( 12 ) for treating the containers, characterized in that the device comprises a second transport device ( 4 ), which the first transport device ( 2 ) transported along a second predetermined transport path and at least the second transport device ( 4 ) is designed such that it transports the first transport device in a clocked manner, wherein the treatment unit ( 12 ) is arranged stationary. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one transport path (K1, K2) is circular. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that both transport paths (K1, K2) are circular. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) a drive device ( 14 ) for driving the first transport device ( 2 ) and this drive device ( 14 ) is arranged stationary. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the device comprises a coupling device in order to control a movement of the drive device ( 14 ) to the first transport device ( 2 ) transferred to. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first transport device ( 2 ) at least one retaining element ( 26 ) for holding a container ( 10 ) having. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device ( 4 ) a carrier ( 42 ), on which a plurality of first transport devices ( 2 ) is arranged. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all the first transport devices ( 2 ) from the same drive device ( 14 ) are driven. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) a housing ( 30 ), which the first transport facilities ( 2 ) surrounds. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims 7-9, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) at least one sealing device ( 62 ) for sealing the carrier ( 42 ) relative to the housing. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one fixing device ( 16 ) is provided to a position of the first transport device relative to the second transport device ( 4 ). Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) a second treatment unit ( 24 ), which treats the containers, wherein the second treatment unit ( 24 ) treats the containers in a different way than the first unit ( 12 ). Investment ( 50 ) with at least one device ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims and with a device for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers. Method for treating containers ( 10 ), the containers ( 10 ) temporarily by means of a first transport device ( 2 ) are transported along a first predetermined transport path (K1) and wherein the containers ( 10 ) are treated by at least one stationary treatment unit, characterized in that the first transport device ( 2 ) from a second transport device ( 4 ) is transported clocked along a predetermined second transport path (K2).