DE102010027624A1 - Device for treating containers with rinsing cap - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (1) for treating containers (10) with a treatment element (2) which treats the containers and with a covering device (6) to cover the treatment element (2) at least temporarily during a cleaning operation for the device (1), wherein the cover device (6) is pivotable with respect to a predetermined axis (X) and wherein the cover device (6) is displaceable in the direction of extension of this axis (X) in order to move the cover device (6) relative to the treatment element (2), and wherein the cover device is arranged on a pivotable rod (16) in order to be pivoted between two positions with respect to the axis (X), with an actuating device (20) for rotating the rod (16) and with a drive device (12) for moving the rod (16) in the direction of extension of the rod (16). According to the invention, one of these positions is a working position in which the covering device covers the treatment element (2) and on the rod (16) there is a locking device (8) which locks the rod (16) in at least one of the two positions.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for treating containers. Various devices for treating containers are known from the prior art, such as filling devices for filling containers with a beverage, cleaning devices, forming devices for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers, sterilization devices and the like. The invention will be described with reference to a filling device for filling containers, but it should be noted that the invention is also applicable to other devices for treating containers.

In such devices for treating containers, it is known in the art that they have a rinsing mode in addition to a working mode in which a cleaning medium is passed through the respective treatment devices such as filling elements in order to clean them. For this purpose, a cover or closing element covers the respective filling element, so that a cleaning agent can pass through the region of this closing element.

The DE 103 59 779 describes a filling element of a filling machine. In this case, a flushing plate for closing the recess to provide an outwardly closed Spülraumes available, for which purpose this flushing plate on a container carrier, which transports the containers during operation, and wherein in a flushing operation, this flushing plate is moved radially to Füllelementachse to to cover the filling element in this way. Therefore, in this embodiment, the closing or covering element is permanently arranged on a container carrier. This must therefore intercept the relatively high pressures in the flushing operation, which act on the cover.

From the EP 0 409 798 A1 For example, a valve for dispensing devices is known, which has a device for carrying a dummy bottle. This dummy bottle can be applied to the filling valve.

The WO 2009/004500 A1 describes a filling valve for a filling machine, which also has a dummy bottle, which is arranged movable relative to the valve and which can be moved between a rest position and a working position. A corresponding movement means is coupled to a nozzle of the filling valve to receive a cleaning liquid emerging from the nozzle.

The EP 1 512 663 A1 describes a device for changing removable components, for example, bottleneck shots and star pockets of different bottles or bottle mouths.

Furthermore, devices are known in which a separate hub / rotary member is used for pivoting and pressing the cover. These devices work satisfactorily, but are technically relatively complex.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to design such treatment systems for containers easier in terms of their cleaning operation. This is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A device according to the invention for treating containers has a treatment element which treats the containers, and a covering device in order to cover the treatment element at least temporarily during a cleaning operation for the device. In this case, the cover is pivotable with respect to a predetermined axis and the cover is further displaceable in the direction of extension of this axis in order to move the cover relative to the treatment element. Further, the capping means is disposed on a pivotal rod to pivot with respect to the axis between two positions, and there is further provided an actuator mechanism for rotating the rod and drive means for moving the rod in the extending direction of the rod to move.

According to the invention, one of said positions is a working position in which the covering device covers the treatment element and on the rod is arranged a locking device which locks the rod in at least one of the two positions and preferably at least in the working position.

As mentioned above, a simplification is to be achieved by the invention and it should preferably be dispensed with a separate drive for pressing the cover. Therefore, the invention proposes that the covering (hereinafter also referred to as CIP cap) is arranged on a separate linkage to pivot from the rest position to the working position. Both the rest position and the working position are preferred solely by the said linkage is determined, this being made possible by the locking device, which is arranged on the rod, and which is preferably directly connected to the rod. Advantageously, the locking device is a mechanically operating locking device, which particularly preferably manages without drive elements such as electric motors or the like. The working position of the covering device is understood to be a position of the covering device in which the device can operate in a flushing operation.

In an advantageous embodiment, the adjusting device has a lever arranged on the rod, which interacts with a guide track, which in particular is arranged in a stationary manner. In this embodiment, therefore, the pivoting mechanism, which pivots the rod in the working position and back again, a curve segment or a curve guide with an actuating lever. However, it would also be possible to perform the pivoting by a cylinder, or by a pneumatic, hydraulic and / or electric rotating mechanism.

Preferably, the pressing of the cover to the treatment element, which is in particular a filling element, accomplished with an already existing container suspension. However, this container suspension no additional positioning task must be taken over. This positioning task is taken over by the locking device, which preferably locks the covering device at least in the working position, so that an exact spatial arrangement is possible, in particular in the pivoting position of the covering device.

Advantageously, the locking device locks the rod and thus the cover in both positions, d. H. both in the resting position, as well as in the working position.

Preferably, the locking device on a first locking element which is rotatably mounted on the rod, and a second locking element, which is arranged at least in the pivoting direction stationary relative to the device. It would also be possible that both locking elements are arranged to be movable in the direction of extent or longitudinal direction of the rod, but the first locking element is arranged non-rotatably on the rod. It would also be possible for both locking elements to be coupled in the longitudinal direction of the rod to the movement of the rod.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a pin-like body is arranged on the first locking element, which engages in one of the positions in a recess arranged in the second locking element. Advantageously, this pen body is spring loaded and is biased in this way in the direction of the second locking element. Advantageously, the second locking element rotates under this spring-biased pin in the form of a plate in which two centering holes, one per position are mounted. The pin body snaps into one of the holes and prevents twisting. Due to the adjustment curve, the complete linkage is rotated against the resistance of the centering pin so that the pin engages in the other position again. In this way it is ensured that the rod is held securely in each of the two positions. It is also possible that the locking pin is arranged on a rotating shaft and the plate on a stationary part of the valve.

In a preferred embodiment, the covering device is a self-draining cover element. This is to be understood that by a corresponding mechanism liquid within the cover (for example, after a cleaning operation) can be automatically emptied from this. Advantageously, the covering device has a self-draining pot, so that (filling) valve variants with return air tubes can also be equipped with this covering device. However, there are also closed variants without a corresponding self-emptying pot conceivable. It should be noted that the application of this self-draining cover device can also be provided independently of the above-mentioned design with the two locking positions.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a holding device for the containers is arranged on the second drive device. This means that a holding device which is usually present in these systems and which holds the containers and presses against the filling element during the filling process is also used to guide the covering device to the respective filling element in the rinsing operation.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the covering device has a covering element, which is arranged in a holding device, wherein the covering element is arranged to be movable in the direction of the pivoting axis (relative to the holding device). This means that the cover, which covers the filling element directly in the rinsing operation, in turn, is movably arranged with respect to a carrier and in particular movably in the direction of the pivot axis. By this mobility, the self-emptying of this cover can be achieved.

Advantageously, the cover has a bottom opening, so in particular downwards open. Furthermore, the holding device also advantageously has openings for emptying the covering device in its peripheral wall.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the covering element has a sealing device surrounding the bottom opening in order to seal the covering element with respect to the holding device. Thus, it is possible that in the actual rinsing operation, the holding device is pressed against the cover, so that the opening in the cover is completely sealed by means of the sealing device, which may for example be equipped in the manner of an O-ring. For self-draining the cover, the cover and the holding device can be spaced from each other, so that now the flushing agent can flow through the bottom opening of the cover and the openings in the peripheral wall of the holding device.

Further advantages and embodiments will be apparent from the attached drawings:

Show:

1 a schematic representation of a arranged on a rod cover member;

2a . 2 B the two positions of the cover over the container suspension;

3a - 3d four operating positions of a device according to the invention;

4a - 4c three representations of a locking device;

5a - 5d four representations of a covering in partially different operating positions.

1 shows a schematic representation of a part of a device according to the invention 1 , Here is a rod or actuator rod 16 provided at the lower end via an arm a cover 6 is arranged. In this case, this cover is 6 by means of the rod 16 pivotable both with respect to a pivot axis X, as well as in the direction of the double arrow P1 raised or lowered. At the upper end of the operating rod is a lever 14 arranged by means of a only schematically illustrated and fixed in the overall control cam 18 is movable, so that at the same time the cover 6 can be swiveled. Fixed in the overall device means that the control cam 18 is arranged at a certain angle range, for example, of a container treatment machine carousel (not shown). In this case, the control curve 18 by a suitable drive against the lever 14 be driven, so the levers 14 through the control curve 18 be operated. Alternatively it is possible, the pivotal movement of the rod 16 through other common or for each rod 16 to effect individual drives. The reference number 20 indicates in its entirety the operating mechanism that controls the pivoting of the cover 6 causes. The reference number 8th refers in its entirety to a locking device, with which the rotational position of the rod 16 and thus also the pivot position of the cover 6 can be locked in two positions. This locking device has a first locking element 22 and a second locking element 24 on. Here is one of these two locking elements, here the locking element 24 fixedly arranged and the first locking element 22 rotatably on the pole 16 arranged.

The 2a and 2 B show two positions of the cover 6 or CIP cap. At the in 2a In the situation shown, the covering device is in a rest position, which may be, for example, a working operation of the device, ie a filling operation. At the in 2 B The situation shown is the covering device by means of an arm 42 by a rotation of the rod 16 swung in and now above a holding element 52 , which serves to hold the containers in normal operation. In this pivoted state, the retaining element 52 which as a whole is part of a drive device 12 is what the lifting movement of the cover 6 causes itself here (cf. 1 ) move upwards and thus the cover 6 Lift.

The 3a to 3d show a functional sequence of the device according to the invention. At the in 3a shown situation, the covering is pivoted, ie under the filling element or treatment element 2 pivoted so that it can close this for a rinse operation. The drive element 12 or in 2a shown holding element 52 presses here from below on the cover and pushes them from below to the treatment element 2 at.

3b shows a further operating state in which the covering device 6 although still under the treatment element or here a filling valve 54 is pivoted, but the second drive device 12 has lowered down, in which situation the cover is opened so that medium can escape from this.

3c indicates a rest position of the cover device 6 in which this from the filling valve 54 has moved away. The second driving means 12 or the bottle suspension 52 has also gone down here.

3d illustrates a working operation of the plant, in which a container 10 is filled with a drink. The filling valve or a component thereof protrudes into the mouth of the container in order to fill it. Also is again the holding device 52 recognizable, which engages the container here below his support ring. The cover 6 is pivoted away in this position and in such a way that they also supply the containers 10 not disabled.

The 4a to 4c illustrate the operation of the locking device 8th , You realize that on the pole 16 a first locking element 22 is arranged rotationally fixed. This locking element 22 here has two holes 34 in, in each of which in dependence on a rotational position of the first locking element 22 a pen body 32 can intervene. This will be through this pen body 32 through a cooperation with the two holes 34 set the two positions of the rod and thus the two positions of the cover. The pen body 32 is doing on a second locking element 24 arranged. This locking element is fixed, ie it does not rotate with the rod 16 With. The reference number 26 indicates a guide device, through which the actuating rod 16 pushed, and the opposite the operating rod 16 is rotatably arranged. In this case, however, in a lifting and lowering movement of the actuating rod and the first locking element 22 moved. Alternatively, it is possible that the first locking element 22 is fixed and thereby the second locking element 24 that the pen body 32 carries on the pole 16 is attached.

4c illustrates in particular the pen-like body 32 , This is displaceable in lifting and lowering in a sleeve 38 arranged and is by means of a spring in the direction of the first locking element 22 or the bore 34 biased.

Advantageously, that locking element, which is usually attached to the rod, also directly in the lever arm of the lever 14 be arranged or the lever arm is designed as a locking element.

The 5a to 5d illustrate the operation of the cover 6 , This CIP cap is constructed to be a cover member 62 in the form of a sleeve, said sleeve having an opening 72 in its bottom. The sleeve 62 is doing in a holding device 64 arranged and movable in the longitudinal direction of the rod 16 or in the direction of the lifting and lowering movement. The holding device 64 has openings on its outer periphery 74 (see. 5b ), so as to empty the cover 6 to enable. Alternatively, it is possible that the sleeve has an opening in the side wall of the sleeve, preferably around the lower end of the side wall. In this case, the holding device 64 Own openings in their soil. Furthermore, the cover element 62 or the sleeve is a sealing device 66 on, which is arranged on the lower end side thereof. Here, this sealing device is here in a circumferential groove 65 pressed the cover, wherein this groove is in particular a dovetail groove, so that the sealing device 60 firmly connected to the sleeve. However, it would also be possible, this sealing device, which is preferably designed as an O-ring, in the holding device 64 to arrange. At the in 5a As shown, the cover can still leak.

Will now be the cover 62 or the entire covering device 6 by the drive device 12 or the bottle suspension to the valve 2 pressed, the holding device 64 and the sleeve 62 raised as far as the upper seal 76 (see. 5b ) of the sleeve 62 at the outlet of the valve 2 is applied. Now only the holding device moves 64 until this on the inner sleeve 62 rests. In this way comes the lower seal 66 the sleeve 62 to rest and seals on the fixture 64 from. At the in 5d As shown, the CIP cap is fully pressed and tight.

Now drive the bottle suspension 12 again away from the valve, pushes the lower seal 66 the sleeve 62 and the holding device 64 apart. In this situation, however, the leakage of residual liquid is not guaranteed. Therefore, between the sleeve 62 and the holding device 64 another seal 68 installed as a spring and retaining element. This O-ring 68 is, in particular in 5d shown, so he built the sleeve 62 and the holding device 64 even further can push apart, so that the lower sealing element 66 lifts from the sealing point and in this way the cover 6 can leak clean. For this purpose, it would also be possible that the outer wall of the cover 62 Taper or curvature, which is a slight movement of the cover 62 opposite the holding device 64 cause.

The Applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are novel individually or in combination with respect to the prior art.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

contraption

2

Treatment element, valve

6

cover

8th

locking

10

container

12

driving means

14

lever

16

actuating rod

18

cam

20

actuating mechanism

22

first locking element

24

second locking element

26

guide means

32

pen body

34

drilling

36

feather

38

shell

42

poor

52

retaining element

54

filling valve

62

Cover element, sleeve

64

holder

65

groove

66

sealing device

68

another seal

72

opening

74

openings

76

upper seal

78

O-ring

P1

double arrow

X

swivel axis

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 10359779 [0003]
• EP 0409798 A1 [0004]
• WO 2009/004500 Al [0005]
• EP 1512663 A1 [0006]

Claims (10)

Contraption ( 1 ) for treating containers ( 10 ) with a treatment element ( 2 ) which treats the containers, and with a covering device ( 6 ) to the treatment element ( 2 ) at least temporarily during a cleaning operation for the device ( 1 ), the covering device ( 6 ) is pivotable with respect to a predetermined axis (X) and wherein the covering device ( 6 ) is displaceable in the extension direction of this axis (X) to the cover device ( 6 ) relative to the treatment element ( 2 ), and wherein the cover means on a pivotable rod ( 16 ) is arranged to be pivoted with respect to the axis (X) between two positions, with an adjusting device ( 20 ) for turning the rod ( 16 ) and with a drive device ( 12 ) for moving the rod ( 16 ) in the extension direction of the rod ( 16 ), characterized in that one of these positions is a working position in which the cover device is the treatment element ( 2 ) and on the pole ( 16 ) a locking device ( 8th ) is arranged, which the rod ( 16 ) locked in at least one of the two positions. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjusting device a on the rod ( 16 ) arranged levers ( 14 ), which with a guide curve ( 18 ) cooperates. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking device ( 8th ) locks the rod in both positions. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking device ( 8th ) a first locking element ( 22 ), which rotatably on the rod ( 16 ) is arranged and a second locking element ( 24 ), which is arranged stationary. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that on the first locking element ( 22 ) a pen body ( 32 ) arranged in one of the positions in one in the second locking element ( 24 ) arranged recess protrudes. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covering device is a self-draining cover element ( 6 ). Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the second drive means ( 12 ) a holding device ( 52 ) is arranged for the containers. Contraption ( 1 ) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covering device ( 6 ) a cover element ( 62 ), which in a holding device ( 64 ), wherein the cover element is arranged to be movable in the direction of the pivot axis (X). Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the cover element ( 62 ) has an opening, in particular a bottom opening. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the holding device ( 64 ) in its peripheral wall and / or at its bottom openings for emptying the covering device ( 6 ) having.

Images