DE102011075237A1 - Container treatment machine for filling, rinsing, cleaning and sterilizing e.g. bottle, has flow guide arranged with releasable mounting magnets for holding pipe at preset position by magnetic forces - Google Patents

Abstract

The container treatment machine has an outlet/inlet valve (V) in which opening of container is positioned axially. A fluid-carrying pipe (R) is interchangeably mounted with outlet/inlet valve, and is provided with pipe end inserted into opening of container. A flow guide (K) is provided outside the fluid-carrying pipe, and is arranged with releasable mounting magnets (M1,M2) for holding the pipe at preset position by magnetic forces (P1).

Description

The invention relates to a container treatment machine specified in the preamble of claim 1. Art.

Medium-carrying tubes are used in different container treatment machines for the respective processes for different purposes each at a predetermined holding position and must be replaced or adjusted in a variety change in the rule. Such media-carrying pipes require, for example, filler (carousel machine or rotary), cleaning machines (rinser, bottle washing machine) or sterilization machines (preheater, sterilizer, radiator).

Out DE 1 254 498 B a filling valve of a filler is known which is equipped with a return gas pipe as the media-carrying pipe and with at least one deflector screen on the return gas pipe. At the upper end of the return gas pipe, a plurality of circumferential grooves are arranged in different axial regions, which serve in the filling valve for the positive locking engagement of the return gas pipe at different height positions. Furthermore, two further circumferential grooves are formed on the outside of the return gas pipe, which define different, optionally usable holding positions for a deflected shield there. The grooves and the catches result in hygienic problems.

Out DE 20 2006 019 136 U is a sterilizer known here for bottle sterilization, which has a treatment tube in a treatment station as the media-carrying tube, which is optionally adjustable in the longitudinal direction. On the treatment tube sits as Strömungsleitkörper a Umlenkkalotte.

Carbonated drinks are bottled by constant pressure filling. The mouth of the container, z. B. a bottle is sealingly pressed against a filling element to produce a higher filling pressure than the ambient pressure (bias), from a compressed gas reservoir. After a filling process, the overpressure is reduced, for example via a return gas channel and a return gas pipe. As a rule, carbonated drinks are not filled with full jet onto the bottom of the container, but rather along the inner wall of the container and are deflected towards the inner wall. For this serves as at least one flow guide arranged on the outside of the return gas tube Abweiseschirm which projects in the axial direction of the filler or container by a certain extent in this and thus is at a required location in the container, but must be fixed in a predetermined holding position on the return gas pipe , For bottlenecks of different width, deflector screens with different diameters and / or pitches are required. Depending on the product, deflector screens made of different materials or in different thicknesses may be required. The one or more Abweiseschirme are usually arranged in their holding position firmly on the return gas pipe. Since the immersion depth of the return gas tube adjusts the filling level, either the return gas tubes are exchangeably inserted at a predetermined holding position in a Füllventilkegel for grade change or is the return gas pipe or its holding position manually or automatically adjustable by actuators. Depending on the geometry of the container mouth and the neck, the required location of the deflector shield varies in the container, so that the beverage is filled as gently as possible. If the return gas pipe is adjusted in the longitudinal direction, consequently, the deflector screen is no longer placed at the required location in the container. The described problem also occurs in so-called vacuum filling machines, in which the filling level in the container is adjusted by applying a negative pressure, wherein overfilled filling product is sucked out of the container again through the return gas pipe.

Also in the cleaning or sterilization of containers (bottles or preforms), depending on the variety, a treatment tube with its tube end is immersed deeper or less deeply, which is accomplished by adjusting or swapping the treatment tube. In most cases, no flow guide body is arranged here on the treatment tube, although a deflection calotte can nevertheless be placed on the treatment tube in order to sterilize a threaded region.

The invention has for its object to improve a container treatment machine of the type mentioned in terms of hygienic maintenance of the media-carrying tube and optionally a flow on the pipe, and to allow easy and quick change in a container variety or filling product change.

The stated object is achieved with the features of claim 1.

Since the respective holding position for the media-carrying pipe and / or the flow guide is defined by magnetic forces, eliminates due to the very smooth or covered arranged magnet holder deposits favoring or difficult to clean undercuts in the holding position. This eliminates hygienic problems. Furthermore, the holding position can be easily and quickly released, either to perform an exchange or to set another holding position, if more than one defined Holding position is provided. If a magnetic holder is provided for each of the flow guide body and the media-carrying tube, both components can easily be exchanged or can easily and quickly set a new optimum holding position of the flow guide body when setting a new holding position of the media-carrying tube.

In an expedient embodiment, therefore, the respective magnetic holder is formed either to adjust the depth of immersion of the pipe end in the mouth of the container and / or the Strömungsleitkörpers along the tube with at least two selectively usable axially offset holding positions. The changeover can be carried out quickly and easily either manually or via actuator drives.

In an expedient embodiment, the media-carrying tube is a return gas tube in a filling valve sleeve of a pressure filling valve. The return gas pipe is held hygienically with the magnetic holder, and easily and quickly either exchangeable or convertible. The flow guide body can, preferably, be at least one deflector screen, which is likewise fixed to a magnet holder on the return gas tube at at least one holding position. If the return gas pipe is moved longitudinally to a new holding position, the deflector screen can be easily and quickly brought back to an optimum holding position and fixed or exchanged. The respective magnetic holder is hygienic, stable and structurally simple.

In another expedient embodiment, the media-carrying tube is a treatment tube in a valve head of a rinsing, washing or sterilizing station. Thanks to the magnetic holder, the treatment tube can either be easily and quickly replaced or adjusted to a new holding position. If, as for example in a sterilizer, a flow-guiding body should be arranged on the outside of the treatment tube, this can be a sterilization-deflecting calotte which, thanks to its magnetic holder, can be exchanged and / or adjusted quickly and easily.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one retaining element consisting of a fully circumferential ring or of at least one partially circumferential ring segment made of permanently magnetic or magnetizable material is provided on or in the media-carrying tube in the respective magnet holder on at least one axial region, and on at least one axial region on or in the tube receiving channel wall or flow guide inner wall at least one consisting of a full-circumference ring or at least a teilumfiden ring segment of permanent magnetic or magnetic material holding member provided, wherein the respective support member of the tube and the channel wall or the flow guide inner wall have opposite polarizations and in the respective holding position Radially aligned with each other to the axial direction. Depending on the use of a full-circumference ring or at least a teilumfbaren ring segment a full holding power between the support members is generated by magnetic means, or only at least one local location or a peripheral portion, the respective holding position is defined properly and reproducible.

In a further embodiment, several teilumfängliche ring segments of a support member in the circumferential direction have the same polarizations, or alternately opposite polarizations. In this case, only two teilumfängliche ring segments can be used to generate the holding force and defining the holding position, which attract each other.

If several full-length rings or teilumfängliche ring segments should be provided inside and / or outside, they may have alternating polarizations in the axial direction, for example, to avoid that the deflector screen accidentally engages in an adjacent holding position and not properly in the next but one. Incidentally, two or more holding elements may be provided inside and outside for each holding position, in order to increase the holding force and to better define the holding position.

In an advantageous embodiment, a plurality of axially distributed on the pipe and / or the channel wall or flow guide inner wall provided support members are each provided with each other with the same or alternately opposite polarizations.

The respective support member, for example, the full-circumference ring or teilumfängliche ring segment is expediently fixed in a circumferential groove, z. B. pressed, glued, potted, or welded, or poured into the material of the tube, the flow guide or the channel wall. This fixation can be hygienically formed properly, d. H. without deposits favoring and difficult to clean undercuts, z. B. such that the support member is placed below the continuous surface.

Suitably, the material of the tube, the channel wall or the flow guide is non-magnetic, so as not to disturb or distort the magnetic forces for defining the holding position.

As mentioned, a plurality of axially spaced inner and outer support members may be aligned and tightened at the same time in the respective holding position.

In a further embodiment, identical or different axial distances are provided between more than two holding positions. The distances can be matched to the container portfolio to be processed in the container treatment machine.

In a further expedient embodiment, an outwardly projecting Abgleitsicherung is provided in the direction of or at the pipe end of the media-carrying pipe outside, expedient if on the pipe, a flow guide should be interchangeable and / or arranged. The flow guide could be uncontrollably displaced from its holding position, for example, in a cleaning cycle due to very high flow rates, or in the filling operation by incorrect contact with the mouth and then stripped from the tube and washed away. This Abgleitsicherung is, preferably, an annular flange, a flange segment, at least one nose or pin, a compression, a bend or the like .. The cross section of this Abgleitsicherung can be chosen arbitrarily. The Abgleitsicherung can also be made by upsetting the pipe end, by machining, punching, rolling, bending, or applied as a separate component and permanently fixed. The material of the Abgleitsicherung does not necessarily have to be the same material of the pipe or flow guide. The Abgleitsicherung could also be fixed by gluing, soldering, welding, clamps, etc. The anti-tampering device only needs to ensure that it occupies a width that is greater than the inside width of the inner wall of the flow guide.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one exchangeable and / or adjustable flow guide carrying, media-carrying tube extending from the respective holding position for the flow guide to the pipe end and / or to an opposite pipe end with an outer width at most corresponding to the inner width of the flow guide inner wall. As a result, the replacement of the flow guide, for example, the Abweiseschirms, simplified. For this purpose, only the media-carrying pipe needs to be pulled out by releasing its magnetic holder, before the flow guide body, which is likewise fixed by its magnetic mount, can be removed and exchanged.

With reference to the drawings, embodiments of the subject invention will be explained.

Show it:

1 FIG. 2 a schematic axial section of a valve-like outlet and / or inlet element of a container treatment machine, here for example a filling valve of a container filling machine with an exchangeable, medium-carrying tube fixed by a magnetic holder, here in the form of a return gas tube;

2 a detail variant too 1 with several holding positions for the media-carrying pipe,

3 a schematic axial section of a media-carrying tube with a replaceable and / or adjustable flow guide arranged thereon,

4 an axial section of another embodiment of a media-carrying tube with a flow guide,

5 a longitudinal section of another embodiment of a media-carrying tube in a flow guide,

6 an axial section of another embodiment of a media-carrying tube with a flow guide,

7 a radial section in the sectional plane VII-VII in 6 to illustrate a detail variant, and

8th an axial section of a media-carrying tube with a flow guide, in another embodiment, in principle similar to in 7 shown.

In 1 is shown in a section of the internal structure of an example designed as a filling valve outlet and / or inlet element V of a container treatment machine, not shown, as a non-limiting example. The container treatment machine may according to 1 be a filler, or (not shown) a dishwasher, washing machine, or a sterilizer for bottles or preforms. Regardless of the type of container treatment machine, a media-carrying tube R is provided in the outlet and / or inlet element V, which is fixed at least interchangeably at a predetermined holding position P1 and in an in 1 not shown container immersed in the mouth.

The concept according to the invention of at least one detachable magnetic mount M1, here for the media-carrying pipe R, will be described on the basis of the non-limiting example of the filling valve of a container treatment machine designed as a filler, as in FIG 1 shown, explained.

The filling valve contains a valve sleeve 1 , in whose interior a return gas channel 3 runs, and at the bottom of a here conical seat 2 having. In the upper end of the valve sleeve 1 is an extension in an adjustable return gas needle 4 shown. The media-carrying pipe R is a return gas pipe 5 and with an attached or one-piece thickening 6 in the lower open end of the valve sleeve 1 inserted and fixed there at the holding position P1 by means of the detachable magnetic holder M1. Preferably, the tube R and the valve sleeve 1 , at least in its lower section, made of non-magnetic material. To define the holding position P1 by magnetic forces here are an outer, full-circumference and annular outer support member Ha and also a full, annular inner support member Hi provided that either permanent magnetic or magnetizable and magnetized material and have different polarizations, such that they attract each other , The outer support member Ha is, for example, in a circumferential groove in the outer circumference of the valve sleeve 1 set, for example, pressed, glued, welded, soldered, potted, or even poured into its material and encapsulated on all sides. The inner support member Hi is also here in an outer circumferential groove of the media-carrying pipe, ie the return gas pipe 5 , or in its thickening 6 analogously set or encapsulated encapsulated on all sides. An elastic seal 11 , For example, an O-ring, the return gas pipe 5 seals in the holding position P1. The inner support member Hi is, for example, a ring body 10 (Magnetic ring), as well as the outer support member Ha an annular body 9 (Magnetic ring) is. The mutually cooperating support elements Ha, Hi could also be formed only by a respective teilumfängliches annular segment (not shown), or by a plurality of circumferentially distributed teilumfängliche ring segments (not shown). To exchange the return gas pipe 5 This is, for example, manually pulled out by loosening the magnetic mount M1 in the axial direction Y and by another, after a change of grade of a container to be filled or a product change suitable return gas pipe 5 replaced, which in turn is set in the magnetic holder M1 at the holding position P1 and then optionally with a different immersion depth of the lower pipe end 7 immersed in the mouth of the container.

How this can be useful for Gleichdruckfüllverfahren is on the return gas pipe 5 in 1 at least one flow guide K arranged at a predetermined position, for. B. firmly connected to the return gas pipe 5 , Alternatively, the flow guide K, here a deflector screen 8th be set by means of a detachable, further magnetic holder M2. In a further, not shown alternative, the media-carrying pipe R is set in a conventional manner by other means at the holding position P1 interchangeable, and only the flow guide K with its magnetic holder M2 (analogous to the magnetic holder M1) determined as 3 to 8th will be explained.

2 clarifies a detail variant too 1 and shows the left half of the partial axis section showing the magnetic holder M1 for the media-carrying pipe R, here the return gas pipe 5 , in the valve sleeve 1 , In 2 are for example in the valve sleeve 1 several embedded outer support members Ha arranged distributed in the axial direction, which optionally with only one inner support member Hi of the return gas pipe 5 cooperate to generate magnetic forces due to opposite polarization, which can set different holding positions P1 to Pn. The axial distances between the different holding positions P1 to Pn may be equal to each other or, as indicated by x1 and x2, different from each other. The magnetic holder M1 serves not only for fixing the return gas pipe 5 at the predetermined stop position P1, but allows the setting of different holding positions P1 to Pn to, with a return gas pipe 5 to be able to set several container filling heights. The respective magnetic holder M1 (as well as M2) works with magnetic forces (forces of attraction) and is wear-resistant or wear-free and from a microbiological point of view optimal (hygienic), and easy to clean. In the 2 shown outer support members Ha are, for example, each ring body 9a . 9b . 9c made of permanently magnetic or magnetizable and magnetized material. Although in 2 Only an inner support body Hi is shown, alternatively, several such inner support body Hi may be provided in the axial direction, so that at the respective holding position P1 to Pn at least two inner and two outer support body Hi, Ha cooperate.

Furthermore, only an outer holder body Ha as in 1 be provided, and for setting different holding positions more in the return gas pipe 5 distributed in the axial direction arranged inner support body Hi.

3 shows an embodiment of a media-carrying pipe R, for example a return gas pipe 5 , with an outside arranged thereon flow guide K, z. B. a deflector screen 8th , However, the media-carrying pipe R and the flow guide body K could also be a treatment pipe and a Umlenkkalotte another type of container treatment machine.

In 3 are in the media-carrying pipe R, z. B. the return gas pipe 5 , At three different axial areas in each case an annular body 13 . 13a . 13b placed as part of the magnet holder M2, have the same polarizations, the axial distance between the ring bodies 13 and 13a shorter than, for example, between 13a and 13b , In the deflector screen 8th is, however, a single ring body 12 provided, which optionally with each of the ring body 13 . 13a and 13b interacts magnetically to here several holding positions P1, P2, P3 for the deflector screen 8th define.

As a detail variant is further in 3 towards or at the bottom of the pipe 7 a Abgleitsicherung S provided which projects outward and a width claimed that is less than the inner width of the Abweiseschirmes 8th , The Abgleitsicherung S is for example a flange 14 or a flange segment, a nose or a pin or a compression or bending or the like, and can either be formed from the material of the tube R or placed and fixed as a separate body. The Abgleitsicherung S ensures that in the process of accidentally brought out of the hold position Abweiseschirm 8th does not slide off and falls off.

In the embodiment in FIG 4 are in the return gas pipe 5 for defining two holding positions P1, P2 in the magnet holder M2, three ring bodies each 13 axially close to each other and placed at equal intervals. In the flow guide K, here the deflector screen 8th , however, are three ring bodies 12 with to the polarizations of the ring body 13 opposite polarizations (indicated by a cross) with the same intermediate distances as the ring body 13 arranged. The holding position P1, for example, further spaced from the holding position P2, as the axial extent, that of the three annular bodies 13 is taken.

In the embodiment in FIG 4 are the two very stable holding positions P1, P2 respectively defined by the fact that all three ring body 13 and 12 are aligned radially to each other. However, it is also possible to set intermediate holding positions, in which only two inner and two outer or one inner and one outer ring body 12 . 13 are aligned radially to each other. However, these intermediate stop positions do not provide the full holding force given in the stop positions P1 and P2.

In the embodiment in FIG 5 are in the return gas pipe 5 in total, for example, six ring body 13 arranged distributed in equal axial distances, while in the deflector screen 8th as part of the magnetic holder M2, two annular bodies 12 are provided, between which the distance to the distance of the annular body 13 equivalent. The ring body 13 are alternately polarized alternately in the axial direction, as indicated by a blackening and a cross. Also the ring body 12 are oppositely polarized (blackened or crossed), but reversed as the ring bodies 13 , In this way, three holding positions are defined, in each of which two inner and two outer ring bodies 12 . 13 are radially aligned and tighten each other. For only one pitch offset intermediate positions are not possible here.

In the in 6 and 7 indicated embodiment, the annular body 12 . 13 not in full, but is each inner and / or outer support member Hi, Ha by at least a teilumfängliches ring segment 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 ( 7 ) Are defined. In the embodiment of 6 and 7 are two approximately 180 ° circumferentially offset from each other ring segments 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 provided, although in each case only a single ring segment would be sufficient, or are provided in the circumferential direction more than two teilumfängliche segments. To define two holding positions P1, P2 are in the return gas pipe 5 axially relatively far spaced two annular bodies 13 provided, which have opposite polarizations (crossed and blackened), while in the deflector screen 8th only two ring bodies 12 also with opposite polarizations and an intermediate distance corresponding to the distance between two of the ring body 13 are provided. As indicated by crossing and blackening, the partially circumferential ring segments are 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 ( 7 ) even with circumferentially alternating polarizations. This does not exclude, by teilumfängliche ring segments 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 defined ring body 12 . 13 even with circumferentially same polarizations of teilumfbaren ring segments form. This arrangement avoids that an intermediate holding position with respect to the holding positions P1 and P2 can be set accidentally or intentionally with only one pitch at a time. When adjusting the deflector screen 8th in the axial direction from the holding position P1 to P2 or vice versa, care must be taken to obtain the correct rotational position of the Abweiseschirmes so that the attracting ring segments are also properly aligned radially to each other.

In the embodiment in FIG 8th are in the return gas pipe R, for example, eight in total distributed at regular axial intervals ring body 13 arranged alternately with axially opposite polarizations, which define a plurality of holding positions P1 to Pn. In the deflector screen 8th are two axially spaced with the same pitch annular body 12 also provided with opposite polarizations. The ring body 12 . 13 are for example of teilumfbaren ring segments 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 , analogous to 7 , Defined, for example, each offset by 180 ° in the circumferential direction to each other. Here can be total seven different holding positions P1 to Pn for the deflector screen 8th on the return gas pipe 5 set, namely, four each spaced by two pitches axially spaced holding positions, and three further spaced by a pitch holding positions. Such holding position spaced apart by only one pitch is at Pn for in the direction of the dashed arrow 21 axially adjusted deflector screen 8th indicated, but to adjust this offset by only one pitch holding position of the deflector 8th according to the arrow 20 must be rotated by 180 °. By axial adjustment in the direction of the arrow 21 and turns back and forth in the direction of the arrow 20 Here, a relatively large adjustment range with defined holding positions allows, in each case two inner ring body 13 and two outer ring bodies 12 are radially aligned and together generate the holding force.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 1254498 B [0003]
• DE 202006019136 U [0004]

Claims (14)

Container treatment machine, in particular for filling, rinsing, cleaning or sterilizing bottles or preforms, with a valve-like outlet and / or inlet element, on which the mouth of the container to be treated is axially positionable, and with a media-carrying pipe (R) relative to Outlet and / or inlet element (V) is at least held exchangeable and with a pipe end ( 7 ) immersed in the mouth, characterized in that for the media-carrying pipe (R) itself and / or at least one outside on the media-carrying pipe (R) arranged Strömungsleitkörper (K) at least one releasable magnetic holder (M1, M2) for at least one Magnetic forces defined holding position (P1 to Pn) is provided. Container treatment machine according to claim 1, characterized in that for adjusting the immersion depth of the pipe end ( 7 ) in the mouth and / or the Strömungsleitkörpers (K) along the tube (R), the respective magnetic holder (M1, M2) with at least two optionally adjustable axially different holding positions (P1 to Pn) is formed. Container treatment machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the media-carrying pipe (R) is a return gas pipe ( 5 ) in a filling valve sleeve ( 1 ) of a pressure-filling valve, and in that, preferably, the flow-guiding body (K) has a deflector screen arranged on the tube (R) ( 8th ). Container treatment machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the media-carrying tube (R) is a treatment tube in a valve head of a rinsing, washing or sterilizing machine, and that, preferably, the flow guide (K) a sterilant or detergent or detergent -Umlenkkalotte is on the treatment tube. Container treatment machine according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in the respective magnetic holder (M1, M2) at least one axial region of a fully circumferential ring ( 12 . 13 ) or from at least one partially circumferential ring segment ( 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 ) on or in the media-carrying tube (R), and on at least one axial region on or in a pipe wall (R) receiving the channel wall or flow guide inner wall at least one of a full-circumference ring ( 9 . 12 ) or from at least one partially circumferential ring segment ( 16 . 18 ) is provided from permanently magnetic or magnetizable material existing support member, wherein the support members of the tube (R) and the channel wall or the flow guide inner wall have opposite polarizations and in the respective holding position (P1 to Pn) are radially aligned with each other to the axial direction. Container treatment machine according to claim 5, characterized in that several teilumfängliche ring segments ( 15 . 17 . 16 . 18 ) of a respective support member in the circumferential direction have the same or alternately different polarizations. Container treatment machine according to claim 5, characterized in that a plurality of axially distributed in the tube (R) and provided in the channel wall or flow guide inner wall support members each have the same or alternately opposite polarizations. Container treatment machine according to claim 5, characterized in that the respective support member fixed in a circumferential groove, for. B. pressed, glued, potted, or welded, or is poured into the material of the tube (R) or the channel wall or flow guide inner wall. Container treatment machine according to claim 5, characterized in that the material of the tube (R) or the channel wall or the flow guide inner wall is non-magnetic. Container treatment machine according to claim 5, characterized in that in the respective holding position (P1 to Pn) at the same time a plurality of axially spaced support members and / or circumferentially spaced ring segments are aligned. Container treatment machine according to claim 2, characterized in that between more than two holding positions (P1 to Pn) with each other equal or different axial distances (x1, x2) are provided. Container treatment machine according to claim 5, characterized in that in the direction of or at the pipe end ( 7 ) on the outside of the media-carrying tube (R) an outwardly projecting Abgleitsicherung (S) is provided, preferably an annular flange ( 14 ), Flange segment, at least one nose or a pin, a compression, a bend, or the like .. Container treatment machine according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the medium-carrying an exchangeable flow guide body (K) Pipe (R) starting from the respective holding position (P1 to Pn) for the flow guide (K) to the pipe end ( 7 ) and / or to an opposite tube end with an outer width at most corresponding to the inner width of the flow guide inner wall is formed. Container treatment machine according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the flow guide (K) and the media-carrying tube (R) at least one circumferential sealing element ( 19 ), preferably an elastic sealing lip or an O-ring, is provided.

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