DE102019126290A1 - Device for handling containers with maintenance options during operation - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for treating containers (10), with a main transport device (2) which is suitable and intended to continuously transport the containers (10) along a predetermined main transport path (P), with at least two treatment devices (4a, 4b) ), which are suitable and intended to treat the containers (10) in a predetermined manner, the treatment devices (4a, 4b) each having treatment transport devices (42) which transport the containers (10) and the containers (10) can be transferred from the transport device (2) to one of the treatment devices (4a, 4b, 4c) for the purpose of treatment by the treatment device (4a, 4b) and the containers (10) again, in particular after their treatment by the treatment device (4a, 4b) can be transferred to the transport device. According to the invention, at least one of the treatment devices (4a, 4b) is from a working state in which this treatment device (4a, 4b) treats the containers in the specified manner to a rest state in which no treatment of the containers (10) by this treatment device (4a, 4b) is carried out, transferable, wherein a transport operation of the transport device (2) and a working operation of at least one further treatment device can be continued during this idle state of this treatment device.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for treating containers. The device is described with reference to a coating device which coats plastic containers. It is pointed out, however, that the invention is also suitable for other treatment systems, such as, for example, printing devices for printing containers or filling devices for filling containers.

Machines which coat PET containers are known from the prior art. Machines of this type usually have a rotary machine with associated inlet and outlet stars which feed the containers to the rotary machine and remove them again from it.

In machines of this type, the actual functional module rotates during production, that is to say, for example, a carrier wheel with coating stations and therefore no maintenance can be carried out.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a device and method which enable maintenance even during ongoing operation, in particular in a production facility. This is achieved according to the invention by a device and a method according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and developments are the subject of the subclaims.

A device according to the invention for treating containers has a main transport device which is suitable and intended to transport the containers continuously along a predetermined main transport path. Furthermore, the device has two treatment devices which are suitable and intended to treat the containers in a predetermined manner, the treatment devices each having treatment transport devices which transport the containers and the containers from the transport device to one of the treatment devices for the purpose of treatment can be transferred by the treatment device and the containers can be transferred again to the transport device, in particular after their treatment by the treatment device.

According to the invention, at least one of the treatment devices can be transferred from a working state in which this treatment device treats the containers in the specified manner to a state of rest in which no treatment of the containers is carried out by this treatment device Working operation of at least one further treatment facility can be continued.

It is therefore proposed to create a possibility which enables individual stations or treatment facilities to be switched off during operation. This is ensured by the fact that, in addition to the main transport device, each individual treatment device also has its own transport device. In this way it is possible, for example, to prevent the transfer of containers from the main transport device to the treatment transport device, so that this treatment transport device can be switched off in a further step.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the treatment transport device has a movable and, in particular, rotatable carrier on which holding elements are arranged which transport the containers and in particular transport them along a circular transport path.

In a further preferred embodiment, parts can be changed in a further treatment device during operation of at least one treatment device. In terms of the method, maintenance can thus be carried out, for example, during operation

In a further preferred embodiment, the two treatment devices carry out essentially similar treatments. For example, both treatment devices can be coating devices for coating containers.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device has at least one turning device which turns the containers to be treated, and in particular turns them in such a way that the mouths of the containers have a different orientation at least at times. The turning device preferably turns the containers with respect to an axis which is perpendicular to the geometrical longitudinal direction of the containers. The turning device preferably turns the containers through an angle of 180 °

For example, the containers can be fed in a standing state in which the mouth protrudes upward and can be rotated by the turning device into a state in which the mouth protrudes downward. The containers are preferably treated by the Treatment device held in a state in which the containers are aligned with their mouths downwards. “Downwards” is understood to mean that the mouth of the containers is closer to the center of the earth than a base of the containers.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the turning device has a circulating transport means such as a transport chain and / or a long stator (which is in particular a component of a linear motor drive). The turning device preferably has, at least in sections, a straight transport section or transports the containers in a straight line. In general, the main transport device preferably has transport sections with different curvatures, such as two straight sections, which are each connected to one another by turning sections.

This transport chain and / or the long stator can be designed in such a way that a transport plane of the containers formed by this turning device is perpendicular to a horizontal plane. The transport path that is generated by the turning device can thus have two straight sections which are arranged one above the other in the vertical direction and which are connected to one another by two deflection areas.

Two turning devices can preferably also be provided, with a first turning device turning the containers over, i.e. aligning them with their mouth downwards, and a second turning device, which is arranged in particular after the treatment device, which aligns the mouth upwards again.

In a further preferred method, the main transport device transports the containers in a single row or in a row. However, it would also be possible for sectors to be provided in which the transport paths of the containers are split up. In a further preferred embodiment, the main transport device transports the containers individually. For this purpose, the main transport device can have a plurality of holding elements for holding the containers.

The containers are in particular plastic containers and in particular plastic bottles.

In a further preferred embodiment, the treatment transport devices are suitable and intended to transport the containers in a clocked manner and / or are suitable for transporting the containers in such a way that the containers can be treated during a standstill. This means that the containers are not transported continuously by the treatment transport device, but are clocked so that the containers come to a standstill at certain positions. During this standstill of the containers (with respect to the transport direction), the containers can preferably be treated, such as, for example, their inner walls being coated.

The main transport device preferably transports the containers continuously. This means that the containers are preferably fed to the treatment devices in a continuous stream or in a continuous movement.

For example, it is possible for a specific number of containers to be removed from the transport stream of the main transport device by a specific treatment device and then, in particular, treated in the standing state, in order to then be transferred back to the main transport device in a further step.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has at least two treatment devices, which particularly preferably each have at least two treatment devices or treatment stations.

However, the treatment devices preferably have a plurality of such treatment stations.

In a further preferred embodiment, the treatment devices each have at least one and preferably a plurality of stationary treatment stations which are suitable and intended to treat the containers in the specified manner. A stationary treatment station is understood to mean that in particular the station itself or essential components of the station are not moved with the containers and, in particular, are not transported in the transport direction of the containers, but are arranged in a stationary manner.

In a further preferred embodiment, the treatment devices have at least three, preferably at least four, preferably at least five treatment stations. The treatment facilities particularly preferably have a maximum of 20, preferably a maximum of 18, preferably a maximum of 16 and preferably a maximum of 14 treatment stations. In a further preferred embodiment, treatment devices are selected from a group of treatment devices, which are coating devices for coating walls of the containers and printing devices for printing on the Contains containers or sterilizing devices for sterilizing containers.

If the treatment devices are coating devices, the treatment devices preferably have a feed, which treatment elements can feed a substance.

The present invention is further directed to a system for treating containers with a device of the type described above, as well as a further treatment device for treating plastic containers arranged in a transport direction of the containers in front of this device, this further treatment device preferably being a device for reshaping plastic preforms to plastic containers. In particular, this further device is a stretch blow molding machine. This can in turn have individual reshaping stations which each serve to reshape the plastic preforms into plastic containers.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a clean room, within which the containers are guided at least in sections. For example, the coating process can take place in this clean room or a pre-arranged forming process such as a stretch blow molding process. A clean room is understood to be a room within which sterile treatment of the containers is possible. This clean room is particularly demarcated from a non-sterile environment. The clean room can have two walls which are movable with respect to one another and which delimit this clean room and these walls can preferably be sealed with respect to one another by means of a sealing device. Furthermore, a pressure application device can also be provided which supplies the clean room with an overpressure. Furthermore, it is possible and preferred that the clean room surrounds a transport path of the containers in a channel-like manner

In a further preferred embodiment, the system has a gap generation device which is suitable and intended to generate a gap in a transport stream of the containers which are fed to the main transport device. A gap is understood to mean at least one space in the transport stream. In particular, however, a sequence of voids is generated.

The number of empty spaces which are generated in the transport stream preferably corresponds to the number of stations of a treatment device, in particular before it is switched off. In this way, the treatment device can be run empty. This gap generating device can be designed in different ways. For example, a locking finger can be provided which is arranged, for example, in front of a heating device for heating the plastic preforms and which creates the gap described. In addition, it is also possible for heated plastic preforms to be diverted in front of the main transport device (that is to say in particular in front of a forming device), or for containers that have already been manufactured to be diverted.

A gap can also only consist of a free space that still encounters the treatment facility, but only in the defective treatment station. This means that number 1 of 4 treatment stations for coating is defective, then a gap is created that would hit 1 while the other 2, 3, 4 continue to coat or generally continue to treat. This means that a production shift could still be run if, for example, cleaning is due in 10 minutes.

In principle, it is advantageous not to leave a gap and, if so, the gap should be created in such a way that the scrap rate is kept low. An LLM variant of the turning device is best suited here 24 . Here the division can be changed immediately and a gap can be created for a treatment station in question. This is particularly advantageous in the case of small gaps, i.e. one, preferably precisely one, gap that encounters a defective treatment station. Larger gaps (two or more containers) without increasing the scrap rate will, in particular, be possible through a reduced blowing performance, in particular in connection with a pitch warping, for example by a pitch warping star.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device has an assignment device which assigns containers and / or plastic preforms transported upstream of the treatment devices to a specific treatment device. For example, for a specific container that was produced by the shaping device, this assignment device can determine which treatment device this container will encounter in the further transport. In this way, those containers can be ejected in a targeted manner, which in the further course would encounter a treatment device which is currently in a maintenance mode.

In addition, it would also be conceivable that, for example, a production shift should still be completed or completed. So can everyone Wards of the treatment facility with the exception of those that are or are defective. In this way, treatment and, in particular, coating can take place with a reduced output power

Preferably, however, it is also possible to dispense with the discharge of containers. It must be taken into account that such ejected containers can generally no longer be used. For this reason, other machines, such as a blow molding machine, are preferably regulated, for example, their output is temporarily reduced.

Or a corresponding gap can be created if a long stator linear motor device is used as a transport device or as a turning device. Such a long stator linear motor device advantageously also allows small gaps to be generated.

In a further preferred embodiment, the main transport device supplies several treatment devices and preferably all treatment devices of the device with the containers.

The present invention is further directed to a method for treating containers, wherein a main transport device is provided which continuously transports the containers along a predetermined main transport path and wherein furthermore at least two treatment devices treat the containers in a predetermined manner, the treatment devices each having treatment transport devices, which transport the containers and wherein the containers are transferred from the transport device to one of the treatment devices for the purpose of treatment by the treatment device, and the containers, in particular after their treatment by the treatment device, are transferred back to the transport device.

According to the invention, at least one of the treatment devices is transferred from a working state in which this treatment device treats the containers in the specified manner to a rest state in which no treatment of the containers is carried out by the treatment device, at least temporarily in a container flow of the containers arriving at the main transport device or the containers transported by the main transport device (and / or at least temporarily upstream of the main transport device ( 2 ) and / or during transport with the main transport facility ( 2 ) a gap is created in a container flow of the transported containers).

This gap generation is preferably carried out by a gap generation device arranged upstream in the transport direction of the containers with respect to the main transport device.

When creating gaps, it is preferred to try to keep a reject rate low. For example, the operating speed of a further device such as a blow molding machine can be throttled and then a dividing delay system can be used, which transfers the containers in such a way that the gaps are created in the process. A gap can be created in the LLM system. These are preferably only small gaps, i.e. only one container, maybe even two. The division, acceleration of the movers, etc. can advantageously be varied here.

The method described here also makes it possible to put a coating module out of operation during production in order to carry out maintenance on it in particular. If, for example, a coating device has four cavities or four treatment stations, a corresponding gap of four consecutive containers can already be created in the stretching machine.

For this purpose, there is, for example, the possibility of warm plastic preforms being diverted from the transport flow after a heating device, which can be done, for example, by a so-called pusher. However, it would also be possible, in this example, for four containers to be diverted from the transport stream or for four containers to be diverted before reaching the main transport device.

In all of the variants mentioned, a gap can be generated in the container flow. If this gap comes to the corresponding station, no container is included here. In other treatment devices, such as a filling device, the corresponding gaps can be processed, for example by a filling valve not opening.

It would also be possible, if the production output is to be maintained, to provide a certain number of treatment devices and, in addition, a redundant or a replacement station. For example, four times five coating stations could be designed and a further coating device 6 could be a replacement station. If, for example, a treatment facility is to be serviced, said replacement station or replacement facility can be used for this.

It is therefore proposed that a container gap be generated upstream of the main transport device, so that the corresponding treatment devices, for example coating stations, do not have to pick up containers from a transfer chain or the main transport device.

In a further preferred embodiment, the main transport device is preferably a transport device which transports the containers at least in sections on a path which deviates from a circular curvature. In particular, such a transport path can have sections with different curvatures and in particular also transport sections which run essentially in a straight line.

In a further preferred embodiment, the transport device can be a transport chain which, for example, is guided circumferentially in the manner of an oval. However, it would also be possible for the transport device to be a linear motor transport device which, in particular, has a long stator.

Furthermore, it would also be possible for the above-mentioned gap in the container flow to also be produced by the transport device itself. For example, it would be possible for a gap to be generated by means of a transport device which is designed as a long stator or linear motor, in particular on a turning path. It would also be possible for such a gap to be eliminated or filled again on a further turning section, in particular after the respective treatment facility.

A diverting of containers would come into question at several positions. For example, discharge or discharge could take place in front of the furnace or the heating device, after the furnace or the heating device, after the blow molding machine, in the turning device and in the main transport device.

In a further preferred embodiment, the treatment device is designed as a coating module and has one or more replacement stations. In a further preferred method, the treatment transport devices transport the containers in a clocked manner.

In a further preferred method, the treatment devices coat a surface of the containers and in particular an inner surface of the containers.

Further advantages and embodiments emerge from the attached drawings:

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;
• 2 eine Detaildarstellung der in 1 gezeigten Vorrichtung.

Show in it:

• 1 a schematic representation of a device according to the invention;
• 2 a detailed representation of the in 1 device shown.

1 shows a system according to the invention 50 for handling containers. First there is a heating device 54 provided, which is used to heat plastic preforms. To this heating device 54 a forming device closes 52 on, which is used to shape the plastic preforms into plastic containers. The containers now produced are transferred to a main transport device via a transport path 2 passed, which can be designed here, for example, as a revolving chain.

There are a number of treatment facilities at this main transport facility 4a , 4b and 4c arranged. These treatment devices can each carry out similar processes on the containers, such as coating processes. Each treatment station advantageously has a vacuum chamber. The device preferably also has at least one vacuum pump.

The treatment device advantageously has an elongated, rod-shaped element, in particular a lance. This element preferably has openings. A flowable medium can preferably be introduced into the containers through these openings. This flowable medium is preferably a gas suitable for the plasma process. This gas can advantageously be a mixture of a silicon-containing precursor and oxygen, in particular for PECVD (= plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition) with silicon oxide. However, other gases are also conceivable, for example acetylene for the deposition of so-called DLC layers. For example, argon and steam can be introduced into the container for plasma sterilization.

The reference number 62 denotes a further transport route and the reference number 56 another treatment unit such as a filling device for containers. If now individual treatment facilities 4a , 4b or 4c are to be switched off, the plastic preforms can be locked out in their transport. So it is possible, for example, that a locking device 32 how a preform barrier is provided which blocks the feeding of the plastic preforms to the heating device for a predetermined number of times. In this way, a gap is created in the transport flow of the plastic preforms and later also of the containers.

However, it would also be possible for the plastic preforms to be removed by means of a diverting device 34 are diverted after the heating device. A diversion would also be made by the shaping device 52 manufactured containers by means of a diversion device 36 possible. In addition, there would also be a diversion by means of a diversion device 38 possible in the area of the turning device or by means of a diversion device 39 in the area of the main transport facility 42 .

The reference number 10 schematically denotes a container which is transported through the system 1. The reference number P identifies a section of the transport path along which the containers are transported.

2 shows a detailed view of the device 1 for treating containers. It can be seen that there are several treatment facilities here 4a , 4b , 4c are provided. Each of these treatment devices has a treatment transport device 42 on, as well as a variety of treatment wards 44 , which are each arranged here in a stationary manner, that is, do not move with them.

The reference number 22nd indicates a feed star.

The reference number 24 identifies a turning device that is used to turn the containers over. This can be a vertical transport chain, for example, on which gripping elements for gripping the containers are arranged. At a transfer point P3, the turned-over containers, that is to say the containers with the mouth facing downwards, are transferred to the main transport device 2 and from this in turn to the individual treatment facilities 4a , 4b and 4c .

It would also be possible for containers to be diverted in the area of this device 1. For example, at the turning device 24 be diverted. In addition, it could also be diverted (shortly) before the respective treatment facility.

The containers are preferably diverted as early as possible, since in this way the scrap (scrap rate) can be reduced.

If maintenance is to be carried out on one of the treatment devices, a gap can be created on the one hand, so that a gap in the transport flow encounters the corresponding treatment device. Furthermore, transfer elements can be switched off so that the treatment device in question can be switched off overall.

In this way, the ongoing operation and in particular the operation of the main transport device 2 can be continued and at the same time the individual treatment facilities 4a , 4b , 4c each to be serviced.

The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided that they are new to the state of the art, individually or in combination. It is further pointed out that features have also been described in the individual figures, which can be advantageous in themselves. The person skilled in the art immediately recognizes that a certain feature described in a figure can also be advantageous without the adoption of further features from this figure. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art recognizes that advantages can also result from a combination of several features shown in individual or in different figures.

List of reference symbols

2

Main transport facility

4a, 4b, 4c

Treatment facility

10

container

22nd

Feed star

24

Turning device

32

Preform lock

34, 36, 38, 39

Diversion device

42

Treatment transport device

44

Treatment stations

50

investment

52

54

Heating device

56

further treatment unit

X

P.

Main transport path

Claims (11)

Device (1) for treating containers (10), with a main transport device (2), which is suitable and intended to transport the containers (10) continuously along a predetermined main transport path (P), with at least two treatment devices (4a, 4b) which are suitable and intended to supply the containers (10) in a predetermined manner treat, wherein the treatment devices (4a, 4b) each have treatment transport devices (42) which transport the containers (10) and wherein the containers (10) from the transport device (2) to one of the treatment devices (4a, 4b, 4c) for the purpose can be transferred for treatment by the treatment device (4a, 4b) and the containers (10) can be transferred again to the transport device, in particular after their treatment by the treatment device (4a, 4b), characterized in that at least one of the treatment devices (4a, 4b) from a working state in which this treatment device (4a, 4b) keeps the containers in the specified manner andelt in an idle state in which no treatment of the containers (10) is carried out by this treatment device (4a, 4b), can be transferred during this idle state of this treatment device a transport operation of the transport device (2) and a working operation of at least one further treatment device can be continued . Device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the treatment transport devices (42) are suitable and intended to transport the containers (10) in a clocked manner and / or are suitable for transporting the containers in such a way that the containers are treated during a standstill. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the treatment device (4a, 4b) has at least two treatment stations (44) which are suitable and intended to treat the containers in the specified manner. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during operation of at least one treatment device, parts can be changed in a further treatment device. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the treatment devices have at least one stationary treatment station which is suitable and intended to treat the containers in the specified manner. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the treatment devices are selected from a group of treatment devices, which coating devices for coating walls of the containers, printing devices for printing the containers, sterilizing devices for sterilizing containers or for filling and / or reshaping of containers. Plant (50) for treating containers with a device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims and a further treatment device (52) arranged in a transport direction of the containers in front of this device (1) for treating plastic containers, this further treatment device (50 ) is preferably a device for reshaping plastic preforms into plastic containers. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the system has a gap generating device (32, 34, 36) which is suitable and intended to generate a gap in a transport stream of the containers which are fed to the main transport device (2). Method for treating containers (10), with a main transport device (2) which continuously transports the containers (10) along a predetermined main transport path (P), with at least two treatment devices (4a, 4b) which transport the containers (10) treat in a predetermined manner, the treatment devices (4a, 4b) each having treatment transport devices (42) which transport the containers and the containers (10) from the transport device (2) to one of the treatment devices (4a, 4b) for the purpose of Treatment are transferred by the treatment device (4a, 4b) and the containers are transferred back to the transport device (2), in particular after their treatment by the treatment device (4a, 4b), characterized in that at least one of the treatment devices (4a, 4b) of a working state in which this treatment device (4a, 4b) stores the containers in the specified Treated in a state of rest, in which no treatment of the containers (10) is carried out by this treatment device (4a, 4b), is transferred, at least temporarily upstream of the main transport device (2) and / or during transport with the main transport device (2) a gap is created in a container flow of the transported containers. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the treatment transport devices (42) transport the containers in a clocked manner and / or transport the containers in such a way that the containers are treated during a standstill Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the treatment devices coat an inner surface of the containers.

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