EP0477341B2 - Devices and machine for treating bottles - Google Patents

Devices and machine for treating bottles Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0477341B2
EP0477341B2 EP91908215A EP91908215A EP0477341B2 EP 0477341 B2 EP0477341 B2 EP 0477341B2 EP 91908215 A EP91908215 A EP 91908215A EP 91908215 A EP91908215 A EP 91908215A EP 0477341 B2 EP0477341 B2 EP 0477341B2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
receptacle
bottle
bottles
nozzle
machine according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP91908215A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0477341A1 (en
EP0477341B1 (en
Inventor
René Perrier
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ETS PERRIER
PERRIER, RENE
Original Assignee
ETS PERRIER
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=9395664&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP0477341(B2) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by ETS PERRIER filed Critical ETS PERRIER
Publication of EP0477341A1 publication Critical patent/EP0477341A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0477341B1 publication Critical patent/EP0477341B1/en
Publication of EP0477341B2 publication Critical patent/EP0477341B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
    • B08B9/20—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought
    • B08B9/28—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus cleaning by splash, spray, or jet application, with or without soaking
    • B08B9/30—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks by using apparatus into or on to which containers, e.g. bottles, jars, cans are brought the apparatus cleaning by splash, spray, or jet application, with or without soaking and having conveyors
    • B08B9/32—Rotating conveyors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to devices bottle treatment, intended to be part a bottle processing machine with devices mobile treatment units, mounted for example on a carousel.
  • the present invention also relates to a such bottle processing machine.
  • each device of which comprises a pliers grabbing the bottle by the neck to make it rotate substantially 180 ° until the neck of the bottle be directed down over a nozzle injection of a treatment product.
  • the product sprayed into the bottle, after hitting and licking the inner wall of the bottle falls into a basin formed under all the devices. From this basin, the liquid is either sent to the sewer, for example, or sent to a recycling circuit.
  • Bottle processing operations must meet severe hygienic conditions.
  • the presence of a recovery basin under the machine is unsatisfactory.
  • This pool of large dimension is poorly protected from dirt. It is therefore at the origin of an unsanitary environment around the machine.
  • its soiling presents direct disadvantages in case the liquid has to be recycled.
  • liquid is sprayed upwards the absence of bottles, and falls so uncontrolled, not necessarily in the pelvis. The liquid falling back into the basin may have previously been in contact with the outside of the machine and have collected dirt.
  • This device includes a tulip open upwards which receives the neck of a bottle in inverted position.
  • a cannula that crosses the bottom of the tulip enters the interior of the bottle and projects inside it sterilization liquid which falls back into the tulip and accumulates at the bottom of it around the neck of the bottle before being discharged by an overflow.
  • a joint ring is provided around the opening of the tulip to ensure tight contact around the neck of the bottle.
  • the neck of the bottle rests on the bottom tulip.
  • the lower end of the cannula is integral with a valve which controls the arrival of the liquid sterilization.
  • This device cannot be installed on a machine of the aforementioned type comprising for each device treatment forceps gripping the bottle by the neck to rotate it substantially 180 °.
  • the object of the invention is thus to remedy the drawbacks of the known processing devices and processing machines, and to provide a simple, robust and reliable treatment device suitable for treatment machines high-speed bottles, and in particular a device and a machine for treatments in which the guidance of the injected fluid is optimized in terms of hygiene and percentage of product recovered after each injection.
  • the receptacle is located just below the neck of the bottle when the latter is in the inverted position, the clamp rotating the bottle to pass it from a region below the receptacle when the bottle is in the upright position, to a region above the receptacle when the bottle is in the inverted position.
  • the receptacle can be small which limits the surface of liquid exposed to dirt, which can be significantly limited to the opening surrounding the nozzle.
  • the machine for treating bottles in position overturned includes on a rotating carousel a series of treatment devices according to the first aspect of the invention, these devices are distributed circumferentially and attached to the rotating carousel.
  • the machine shown in Figures 1 and 2 is intended to be inserted in a processing chain bottles. It includes an input conveyor 1 receiving bottles 2 from the upstream part of the chain and an outlet conveyor 3 which conveys the bottles 2 towards the downstream part of the chain.
  • a spacer screw 4 of known type, which gives the bottles 2 successive spacing and scrolling speed predetermined so as to synchronize the bottles 2 with cells 6 formed at the periphery of a star input 7.
  • the cells 6 scroll above the conveyor 1 and receive successive bottles 2 for propel along a defined semicircle trajectory by a guide edge 8 of a guide plate 9.
  • This semi-circular trajectory, along which the bottles slide by their bottom on a floor 11, done pass the bottles 2 from the inlet conveyor 1 to bottle treatment devices 12 mounted according to a distribution in a crown on the side wall exterior of a rotating carousel 13.
  • the processing devices have a corresponding circumferential spacing between them at the interval between successive bottles on the star 7.
  • the devices 12 pass successively through a station 14 of gripping bottles, a station 16 for overturning bottles, a station 17 for injection, a station 18 for straightening of the bottles and draining and a post 19 transfer of treated bottles to a star of output 21 which is analogous to input star 7 and makes pass the treated bottles from transfer station 19 to outlet conveyor 3 along a semi-circular path along which the bottles slide by their bottom on floor 11 and follow another curved edge of guide 22 of plate 9.
  • the output conveyors 2 and 3 physically consist of a single conveyor above which the plate 9 is fixed.
  • peripheral panels 23 of which at least some are transparent and / or can be opened to allow maintenance and detailed inspections.
  • each treatment device comprises a clamp 24 which has for function of grabbing the bottle 2 by the neck present to her at the gripping station and then to manipulate the bottle during overturning and straightening, and finally releasing the bottle at the post transfer 19.
  • Each gripper thus has a clamp body 26 ( Figures 5 to 7) in the form of a yoke comprising two arms 27 articulated along a common axis 28 substantially horizontal at two opposite sides of a body 29 of the processing device.
  • the body 29 is fixed to the frame rotary 31 of the carousel ( Figures 2 and 3) and it is elongated radially outward from the rotary frame 21 relative to the substantially vertical axis of rotation 32 of the carousel 13.
  • the axis 28 is located in the vicinity of the radially outer end of the body 29.
  • the axis 28 is called inversion axis because it is around this axis that the bottles 2 rotate for their movements of rollover and turnaround.
  • the body of tongs 26 carries a finger 30 terminated by a fork 33 preferably made of plastic with low coefficient of friction and good wear resistance.
  • a control bar of movement 34 In the fork 33 is engaged a control bar of movement 34.
  • the motion control 34 extends around the carousel 13 and, as shown in figure 3, it is fixed by example by legs 36, to the fixed frame 37 which is located under the rotary frame 31 and supports the latter in rotation.
  • the ramp of motion control 34 is seen as if, from the section plane of Figure 3, the direction of the gaze of the observer was not a line perpendicular to the plane of the figure but a curve centered on the axis of carousel rotation. This is how part 34a of the ramp 34 which controls the overturning movement of the bottles 2, and which is actually an axis propeller circular, appears in Figure 3 as being a semicircle centered on the reversal axis 28.
  • the clamp 24 includes two plastic jaws 38 each attached to a rigid branch 39.
  • the two branches 39 are articulated to the body 26 along two axes 41 parallel between them and perpendicular to the reversal axis 28.
  • the jaws 38 are thus movable between a position of gripping (upper part of figure 6), in which they are relatively close to each other and can hold the neck of a bottle between them, and a release position (lower part of FIG. 6), in which they are relatively distant one of each other and allow the neck of a bottle of engage them from the star of entry 7 or to disengage from them to be captured by the star of exit 21.
  • the clamp further comprises a slide actuator 42 consisting of a material cap plastic slidably mounted on a cylindrical end piece 43 of the clamp body 26.
  • the cap 42 carries two laterally opposite ears 43 which themselves rigidly bear each a pin 44 extending parallel to the axes 41.
  • Each of the pins 44 is engaged in a groove 46 of one of the branches 39.
  • Each groove 46 has edges opposite longitudinal 46a and 46b which are parallel, rectilinear, and inclined with respect to the axis 47 of movement of the actuating slide 42.
  • the branches 39, and in particular the jaws 38, axes 41 and grooves 46 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis 47.
  • the edges 46a and 46b of the inclined grooves 46 form jaw actuating ramp 38 by tenons 44 when the slide 42 moves along its axis 47, so that the jaws 38 pivot to their position of gripping and respectively towards their position of loosening.
  • the tilt grooves 46 relative to direction 47 varies during pivoting of the branches 39, but still remains oriented in the same direction. In other words, in the example shown, we see in Figure 6 that whatever either the position of the jaws 38 the grooves 46 converge towards the axis 47 in the direction opposite to the jaws 38.
  • the two stud systems 44 and grooves 46 constitute irreversible means of transmission between the slide 42 and the jaws 38. This means that it is impossible to move the slide 42 by exerting a effort on the jaws 38.
  • the irreversibility is particularly sought with regard to the spacing of jaw 38 from the gripping position shown at the top of figure 6.
  • An F1 force exerted on the jaws 38 in the direction of spreading from the position gripping point creates a support point P between the edge 46a and tenon 44 and tends to move this point P in the direction D which is circumferential with respect to to axis 41 of branch 39.
  • the angle B between the direction D and the normal N at edge 46a from point P is an angle acute of low value while the angle C between the direction D and the axis of movement 47 is close to 90 °.
  • the means of transmission are irreversible in all positions jaws and with respect to their two directions of movement.
  • a return spring 45 ( Figure 7) is mounted in the tubular end piece 43 of the body of clamp 26 and permanently requests the slide 42 towards a projecting position corresponding to the position of gripping the jaws 38.
  • the processing machine further comprises a cam 48 produced in the form of a profiled flat iron (see also figure 1) which cooperates with the free end of the slide 42 to push slide 42 against the action of the return spring 45 when the jaws 38 must be moved from their gripping position to their release position, as shown at the bottom of the figure 6.
  • a cam 48 produced in the form of a profiled flat iron (see also figure 1) which cooperates with the free end of the slide 42 to push slide 42 against the action of the return spring 45 when the jaws 38 must be moved from their gripping position to their release position, as shown at the bottom of the figure 6.
  • the cam 48 is not present only in the region around the carousel 13 in which the gripper jaws of each device treatment should be moved from the position of grip in the release position ( transfer 19), held in the released position (passage from the transfer station to the gripping station), then brought back to the gripping position ( grip 14).
  • the return spring 45 holds the slide 42 in the position in which the jaws 38 are pressed against the neck 2 of a bottle being processed.
  • the spring 45 does not need to be very powerful: it is enough be able to bring the jaws 38 with certainty contact with neck 2, without necessarily exerting tightening on the neck of bottle 2: indeed, thanks to the irreversibility of the transmission means 44, 46, the bottle 2 cannot, under the action of its own weight or of its inertia during handling, causing the mutual spacing of the jaws 38 nor disengage from the jaws 38.
  • each gripper 24 is capable of gripping a bottle 2 in position erect under the body 29 and rotate it 180 ° around the free end of the body 29 under the control of the control bar 34 to bring the bottle into one inverted position (figure 4) in which its neck is located just above a fluid injection nozzle 49.
  • the nozzle 49 is connected by means of a valve 51 fixed to the body 29, to a supply device under pressure 52 installed inside the carousel 13 and which may for example include a pump 53 (FIG. 2) discharging into an annular pipe 54 to which are connected all connections 56 to valves 51 of all 12 machine processing devices.
  • Each valve 51 is controlled by a lever 57 which is movable between a closed position of the valve, shown in Figure 3, and a position the valve shown in Figure 4.
  • the lever carries at its end a roller 58 which is engaged in a control rail 59, U-shaped, which is fixed to the fixed frame 37 of the machine and extends around it last, as shown in Figure 1.
  • the rail of command 59 is circular centered on axis 32 of rotating carousel except along injection station 17, from so as to move each valve 51 into position opening at injection station 17 and keeping it in closed position along all other posts in the processing machine.
  • the nozzle 49 sends a jet of fluid inside the bottle 2 overturned, through its neck. This fluid hits the inside wall of bottle 2 and trickles along it before leaving the bottle 2 to through the neck of the latter.
  • the fluid which flows in this way is collected at through a chute 61 which is located just below the neck of the bottle 2 and which surrounds the nozzle 49 with a some radial spacing between the outer wall of the nozzle 49 and the inner wall of the chute 61.
  • the opening defined by the chute 61 gives access to inside the body 29 which constitutes a receptacle individual for collecting the fluid falling from the bottle 2.
  • individual receptacle we intends to designate a relatively small receptacle size assigned to a single processing device and turning with carousel 13 to stay under the neck bottles 2 being processed, especially along from the injection station 17.
  • the receptacle 29 communicates with an annular collector 62 mounted in the rotating carousel 13 to collect from all receptacles 29 the falling liquid bottles 2.
  • this fluid is a liquid. It can be a rinsing liquid such as the water which, from the collector 62 will be led to taste. It can also be a coating liquid bottles of relatively high monetary value, and which, from the collector 62, will be led via a filtration and recycling device to pump 53 (figure 2). Not shown, the injected fluid via nozzle 49 can be an unwanted gas spread in large quantities in the atmosphere, to which case the collector 62 is connected to a suction source.
  • the receptacle 29 has a closure upper 63 in which are arranged, in addition to the opening defined by the chute 61, an opening 64 in which is engaged the base of the valve 51, and a drip collection opening 66.
  • the latter is fitted in the radially outer end of the receptacle 29, that is to say the end of receptacle 29 which is surrounded by the path of the clamp 24 and the bottle 2 which it carries between the erected positions and overturned from the latter.
  • a position 2a taken by the bottle 2 during its return journey from position overturned to the upright position along the straightening of the bottles 18 of FIG. 1.
  • the position 2a inclined at less than 90 ° to the position overturned, promotes bottle draining due to the injection undergone along the injection station and the receptacle 29 collects the product of this drainage at through opening 66.
  • a cap 67 is carried above the chute 61 by a arm 68, which, at its end opposite to the cap 67, is rotatably supported in a bearing 69 clamped in a collar 71 welded on one side of the receptacle body 29.
  • the cap 67 is thus movable between the position shown in Figures 5 and 8, in which it is located just above nozzle 49, and a position of release of the nozzle 49 and of the chute 61, shown in Figure 9.
  • a spring helical 72 working on winding, which reminds the cap 67 to the position in which it is located above nozzle 49. If a liquid injection has place in the absence of bottles 2, for example at the start of operation of the machine, injection takes place at the inside of the cap, which is shaped so that return to the receptacle 29 through the chute 61 the fluid thus injected. When a bottle reaches the inverted position (figure 9) it abuts against the cap 67 or arm 68 and push them back into position clearing the chute 61 against the effect of return spring 72. The injection is therefore made into the bottle.
  • a lug 73 is linked in rotation to the cap 67 and arm 68 inside the bearing 69 and flows in a circumferential slot 74 of the bearing 69, the circumferential ends of this slot forming a stop limiting the angular travel of the cap 67 around the axis defined by the bearing 69.
  • the valve 51 comprises a fixed half-body 76 of general tubular shape which is fixed to the receptacle body 29 by means of a collar 77 and a tab 78. At one of its ends, the fixed half-body 76 is tightly connected to connection 56. The other end of the fixed half-body 76 is shaped like a skirt 91 in which a movable half-body 79 is mounted so axially sliding.
  • the two half-bodies 76 and 79 together form a valve body defining a path flow 81 between an opening 82 belonging to the fixed half-body 76 and making it communicate with the connection 56, and an opening 83 formed through the side wall of the movable half-body 79, the end of which opposite the fixed half-body 76 is closed by a wall end 84.
  • the valve 51 further comprises a shutter spherical 86 mounted in the fixed half-body 76 between the opening 82 of the latter and a seat 87 of form general conical formed on the inner wall of the half body fixed 76 so as to flare towards the opening 82, that is to say in the opposite direction to the other half-body.
  • the spherical shutter 86 is rigidly fixed to one of the ends of an axial rod 88 the other end of which is tightly screwed into a tapped hole 90 of the end wall 84 of the movable half-body 79.
  • the shutter 86 has a slot 89 on the side facing the opening 82 in which we can introduce the end of a screwdriver when the connection has not yet been made with connection 56.
  • the rod 88 thus extends to through part of the fixed half-body 76 and through the entire axial length of the movable half-body 79.
  • the shutter 86 is movable between the closed position shown in the Figure 10, in which it is pressed tightly against seat 87, and an open position shown in Figure 11 in which it is moved away from seat 87 while the movable half-body 79 is in a retracted position inside the skirt 91.
  • the valve 51 further comprises means for reminder of the shutter 86 in the closed position and sealing means between the two half-bodies 76 and 79.
  • These return and sealing means consist of the same part, namely a plastic sleeve silicone 92 which is mounted around the rod 88 with between them an annular spacing defining part of the flow path 81.
  • the sleeve is inserted axially between an annular shoulder 93 of the fixed half-body 76 and an annular shoulder 94 of the movable half-body 79.
  • the sleeve 92 is compressed elastically in the axial direction between shoulders 93 and 94, which has the effect of press it tightly on each of the two shoulders 93 and 94, and to stress axially one to away from each other the two half-bodies 76 and 79, so apply the shutter 86 on its seat 87 under a effort which corresponds substantially to the effort of elastic compression of the sleeve in this position relative of the two half-bodies.
  • Each half-body 76 and 79 has around its shoulder 93 and respectively 94 a surface of centering 96 cooperating with the corresponding end of the outer lateral surface of the sleeve 92 for centering this on the general axis of the valve 61.
  • the sleeve 92 has a cylindrical inner surface 97 extending over its entire axial length and which has the same diameter as bores 98 and 99 adjacent to the sleeve and belonging to the half-bodies 76 and respectively 79.
  • said inner surface 97 connects continuously with the bores 98 and 99 to give the flow path, between shutter 86 and aperture 83 a configuration smooth annular section, the rod 88 being itself cylindrical with a diameter smaller than the diameter inside the wall 97 and the bores 98 and 99.
  • a clearance 101 is provided around the sleeve 92 between the two centering surfaces 96 to allow sleeve 92 to inflate slightly outward when, as shown in Figure 11, it is compressed axially to move the shutter 86 into position opening hours.
  • the sleeve 92 has a outer surface which is cylindrical and coaxial with its cylindrical inner surface 97, so that the sleeve 92 can be made by cutting a simple tube in silicone plastic.
  • the actuating lever 57 is axially integral with a cam 102 which causes selectively moving a lever 103 which has an axis 107 integral with receptacle 29 and which is supported on distance from the axis 107 on a shoulder 104 of the half-body mobile 79.
  • a conduit 106 which connects the nozzle 49 to the opening 83 extends freely inside the receptacle body 29.
  • the valve 51 has the advantage of having a path 81 smooth flow, very little conducive to accumulations deposit, and not include dynamic sealing for controlling the valve, i.e. not require that one of the half-bodies be crossed by sealingly by a shutter control member.
  • Cam 48 controls closing of each clamp 24 at the moment when the input star 7 has placed a bottle between its jaws.
  • the guide bar 34 controls by its helical region 34a the reversal progressive of the bottle 2 considered, this reversal ending at the start of injection station 17, shortly before the control rail 59 does not control the opening of the valve 51 and therefore the injection of fluid through the nozzle 49.
  • the command bar 34 controls the straightening of the bottle along the straightening 18 until the bottle comes stay in one of the cells of the exit star 21, at following which the cam 48 controls the opening of the clamp to allow the bottle to be driven from transfer station 19 to the output conveyor 3.
  • a tube 201 is mounted through the receptacle 29 of so as to have an outlet end 202 opening out to the base of the receptacle 29 and an inlet end 203 opening out opposite the neck of the bottle 2 when tilted approximately 110 to 120 ° from its upright position.
  • a suction nozzle 204 to the machine opposite which is the end 202 when the bottle 2 at the aforementioned inclination during the return movement towards the upright position.
  • Nozzle 204 operates continuously and the aspiration it produces is thus transmitted to the end 203 at the time the last drops 206 fall from bottle 2. These drops are discharged to through tube 201 and nozzle 204 to a container of collection or to the sewer.
  • the grooves 46 of the forceps instead of being straight, could have a curvature which compensates for the pivoting of the branches 39 around of their axes 41 so that the region of the grooves 46 in which the tenons are located 44 always has the same inclination with respect to axis 47.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)
  • Branching, Merging, And Special Transfer Between Conveyors (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne des dispositifs de traitement de bouteilles, destinés à faire partie d'une machine de traitement de bouteilles à dispositifs de traitement mobiles, montés par exemple sur un carrousel.The present invention relates to devices bottle treatment, intended to be part a bottle processing machine with devices mobile treatment units, mounted for example on a carousel.

La présente invention concerne également une telle machine de traitement de bouteilles.The present invention also relates to a such bottle processing machine.

On connaít d'après le FR-A-2 489 802 une machine de ce genre, dont chaque dispositif comprend une pince saisissant la bouteille par le col pour la faire pivoter de sensiblement 180° jusqu'à ce que le goulot de la bouteille soit dirigé vers le bas au-dessus d'une buse d'injection d'un produit de traitement. Le produit projeté dans la bouteille, après avoir frappé puis léché la paroi intérieure de la bouteille, tombe dans un bassin formé sous l'ensemble des dispositifs. De ce bassin, le liquide est soit envoyé par exemple à l'égout, soit envoyé dans un circuit de recyclage. A la mise en fonctionnement d'une telle machine, les premières injections, effectuées alors que les bouteilles ne sont pas encore arrivées, servent à nettoyer le circuit d'injection avant le traitement des bouteilles proprement dit.We know from FR-A-2 489 802 a machine of this kind, each device of which comprises a pliers grabbing the bottle by the neck to make it rotate substantially 180 ° until the neck of the bottle be directed down over a nozzle injection of a treatment product. The product sprayed into the bottle, after hitting and licking the inner wall of the bottle falls into a basin formed under all the devices. From this basin, the liquid is either sent to the sewer, for example, or sent to a recycling circuit. On setting operation of such a machine, the first injections, performed while the bottles are not not yet arrived, used to clean the circuit injection before proper bottle treatment said.

Dans la suite, on dira que la bouteille est en position "dressée" lorsque son goulot est dirigé vers le haut et "renversée" lorsque son goulot est dirigé vers le bas.In the following, it will be said that the bottle is in "upright" position when its neck is directed towards the high and "overturned" when its neck is directed towards the low.

Les opérations de traitement des bouteilles doivent répondre à des conditions d'hygiène sévères. Dans cette optique, la présence d'un bassin de récupération sous la machine est peu satisfaisante. Ce bassin de grande dimension est mal protégé du salissement. Il est donc à l'origine d'un environnement peu salubre autour de la machine. De plus son salissement présente des inconvénients directs dans le cas où le liquide doit être recyclé. Lors du nettoyage précédant le début effectif du fonctionnement, du liquide est projeté vers le haut en l'absence de bouteilles, et retombe de manière incontrôlée, pas nécessairement dans le bassin. Le liquide qui retombe dans le bassin a pu, auparavant, être en contact avec l'extérieur de la machine et y avoir collecté des salissures.Bottle processing operations must meet severe hygienic conditions. In this perspective, the presence of a recovery basin under the machine is unsatisfactory. This pool of large dimension is poorly protected from dirt. It is therefore at the origin of an unsanitary environment around the machine. In addition, its soiling presents direct disadvantages in case the liquid has to be recycled. During the cleaning preceding the effective start of the operation, liquid is sprayed upwards the absence of bottles, and falls so uncontrolled, not necessarily in the pelvis. The liquid falling back into the basin may have previously been in contact with the outside of the machine and have collected dirt.

On connaít par ailleurs, d'après le CH-A-324 087, un dispositif pour stériliser des récipients creux, en particulier des bouteilles. Ce dispositif comporte une tulipe ouverte vers le haut qui reçoit le goulot d'une bouteille en position renversée. Une canule qui traverse le fond de la tulipe pénètre à l'intérieur de la bouteille et projette à l'intérieur de celle-ci un liquide de stérilisation qui retombe dans la tulipe et s'accumule au fond de celle-ci autour du goulot de la bouteille avant d'être évacué par un trop-plein. Un joint annulaire est prévu autour de l'ouverture de la tulipe pour assurer un contact étanche autour du col de la bouteille. Le goulot de la bouteille repose sur le fond de la tulipe. L'extrémité inférieure de la canule est solidaire d'un clapet qui commande l'arrivée du liquide de stérilisation. En exerçant sur la bouteille une force dirigée vers le bas, on déplace vers le bas l'ensemble formé par la bouteille, la tulipe, la canule et le clapet contre l'action d'un ressort antagoniste pour commander l'arrivée du fluide de stérilisation. Le clapet remonte dès que cette force cesse.We also know, from CH-A-324 087, a device for sterilizing hollow containers, especially bottles. This device includes a tulip open upwards which receives the neck of a bottle in inverted position. A cannula that crosses the bottom of the tulip enters the interior of the bottle and projects inside it sterilization liquid which falls back into the tulip and accumulates at the bottom of it around the neck of the bottle before being discharged by an overflow. A joint ring is provided around the opening of the tulip to ensure tight contact around the neck of the bottle. The neck of the bottle rests on the bottom tulip. The lower end of the cannula is integral with a valve which controls the arrival of the liquid sterilization. By exerting a force on the bottle directed down, we move down the whole formed by the bottle, the tulip, the cannula and the valve against the action of an opposing spring to control the arrival of the sterilization fluid. The valve goes up as soon as this force ceases.

Ce dispositif ne peut pas être installé sur une machine du type précité comportant pour chaque dispositif de traitement une pince saisissant la bouteille par le col pour la faire pivoter sensiblement de 180°.This device cannot be installed on a machine of the aforementioned type comprising for each device treatment forceps gripping the bottle by the neck to rotate it substantially 180 °.

Par ailleurs, la structure et le mode de fonctionnement de ce dispositif ne sont pas compatibles avec les exigences de simplicité, de robustesse, de productivité et de fiabilité des machines modernes de traitement de bouteilles à grande vitesse.Furthermore, the structure and mode of operation of this device are not compatible with the requirements of simplicity, robustness, productivity and reliability of modern bottle processing machines great speed.

Le but de l'invention est ainsi de remédier aux inconvénients des dispositifs de traitement et des machines de traitement connus, et de proposer un dispositif de traitement simple, robuste et fiable adapté aux machines de traitement de bouteilles à grande vitesse, et en particulier un dispositif et une machine de traitement dans lesquels le guidage du fluide injecté est optimisé en matière d'hygiène et de pourcentage de produit récupéré après chaque injection.The object of the invention is thus to remedy the drawbacks of the known processing devices and processing machines, and to provide a simple, robust and reliable treatment device suitable for treatment machines high-speed bottles, and in particular a device and a machine for treatments in which the guidance of the injected fluid is optimized in terms of hygiene and percentage of product recovered after each injection.

Suivant un premier aspect de l'invention, le dispositif de traitement de bouteilles en position renversée, comprenant un carrousel sur lequel est montée au moins une pince pour saisir la bouteille par son col et la faire pivoter de sensiblement 180° autour d'un axe de renversement sensiblement horizontal, la pince maintenant la bouteille par son col pendant toute l'opération de traitement, ce dispositif comprenant également une buse d'injection de fluide dans la bouteille renversée, et un réceptacle individuel radialement disposé pour la collecte du fluide retombant de la bouteille, ce réceptacle communiquant avec un collecteur annulaire et comportant à sa partie supérieure, une ouverture entourant la buse et située de façon à se trouver immédiatement au-dessous de la bouteille en position renversée, la pince de préhension des bouteilles étant portée par au moins un bras pivotant,

  • caractérisé en ce que ledit bras pivotant est articulé sur ledit axe horizontal à l'une des parois opposées du réceptacle individuel ,
  • en ce que le réceptacle comporte à son extrémité radiale extérieure entourée par la trajectoire de la pince, une ouverture de collecte du fluide liquide s'égouttant lors d'un mouvement de redressement des bouteilles depuis la position renversée jusqu'à la position dressée,
  • en ce que l'extrémité radiale intérieure du réceptacle communique avec le collecteur,
  • et en ce que ledit collecteur est fermé et monté dans le carrousel rotatif.
    • According to a first aspect of the invention, the device for treating bottles in an inverted position, comprising a carousel on which is mounted at least one clamp for gripping the bottle by its neck and making it pivot approximately 180 ° about an axis of substantially horizontal overturning, the clamp holding the bottle by its neck during the entire treatment operation, this device also comprising a nozzle for injecting fluid into the overturned bottle, and an individual receptacle radially arranged for collecting the fluid falling from the bottle, this receptacle communicating with an annular collector and comprising at its upper part, an opening surrounding the nozzle and situated so as to be located immediately below the bottle in the inverted position, the gripper for gripping the bottles being carried by at minus a swivel arm,
  • characterized in that said pivoting arm is articulated on said horizontal axis to one of the opposite walls of the individual receptacle,
  • in that the receptacle comprises at its outer radial end surrounded by the path of the clamp, an opening for collecting the liquid fluid dripping during a straightening movement of the bottles from the inverted position to the upright position,
  • in that the inner radial end of the receptacle communicates with the collector,
  • and in that said collector is closed and mounted in the rotary carousel.

    • Ainsi, le réceptacle se trouve juste au-dessous du goulot de la bouteille lorsque celle-ci est en position renversée, la pince faisant pivoter la bouteille pour la faire passer d'une région située en dessous du réceptacle lorsque la bouteille est en position dressée, à une région située au-dessus du réceptacle lorsque la bouteille est en position renversée.Thus, the receptacle is located just below the neck of the bottle when the latter is in the inverted position, the clamp rotating the bottle to pass it from a region below the receptacle when the bottle is in the upright position, to a region above the receptacle when the bottle is in the inverted position.

    Le réceptacle peut être de petite taille ce qui limite la surface de liquide exposée au salissement, qui peut être sensiblement limitée à l'ouverture entourant la buse. The receptacle can be small which limits the surface of liquid exposed to dirt, which can be significantly limited to the opening surrounding the nozzle.

    Par ailleurs, rien dans ce dispositif n'est de nature à s'opposer aux grandes vitesses de traitement des machines modernes.Furthermore, nothing in this device is likely to oppose the high processing speeds of modern machines.

    D'autres caractéristiques du dispositif de traitement selon l'invention sont décrites dans les sous-revendications de dispositif.Other features of the treatment according to the invention are described in the subclaims of device.

    Suivant un autre aspect de l'invention la machine de traitement de bouteilles en position renversée, comprend sur un carrousel rotatif une série de dispositifs de traitement selon le premier aspect de l'invention, ces dispositifs sont répartis circonférentiellement et fixés au carrousel rotatif.According to another aspect of the invention the machine for treating bottles in position overturned, includes on a rotating carousel a series of treatment devices according to the first aspect of the invention, these devices are distributed circumferentially and attached to the rotating carousel.

    D'autres caractéristiques de la machine de traitement selon l'invention sont décrites dans les sous revendications de machine.Other features of the machine treatment according to the invention are described in the sub machine claims.

    D'autres particularités et avantages de l'invention ressortiront encore de la description ci-après d'un exemple non limitatif.Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description below of a nonlimiting example.

    Aux dessins annexés :

    • la figure 1 est une vue schématique de dessus d'une machine de traitement à carrousel rotatif selon l'invention ;
    • la figure 2 est une vue schématique en coupe axiale de la machine selon la ligne II-II de la figure 1 ;
    • la figure 3 est une vue en élévation, avec coupe partielle, d'un dispositif de traitement de la machine des figures 1 et 2, la bouteille étant en position dressée ;
    • la figure 4 est une vue analogue à la figure 3 mais lorsque la bouteille subit une injection en position renversée ;
    • la figure 5 est une vue de face du dispositif avec coupes partielles et arrachements ;
    • la figure 6 est une vue de dessus de la pince, avec coupe des bras et des tenons, et dans deux positions différentes ;
    • la figure 7 est une vue en élévation latérale de la pince, dans deux positions différentes, avec coupes partielles et arrachements ;
    • les figures 8 et 9 sont des vues de dessus de la partie avant du dispositif, en l'absence de bouteille et respectivement avec une bouteille en position renversée ;
    • les figures 10 et 11 sont des vues en coupe axiale de la partie centrale du dispositif, au repos et respectivement en cours d'injection ; et
    • la figure 12 est une vue de détail d'un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention.
    In the accompanying drawings:
    • Figure 1 is a schematic top view of a rotary carousel processing machine according to the invention;
    • Figure 2 is a schematic view in axial section of the machine along the line II-II of Figure 1;
    • Figure 3 is an elevational view, partly in section, of a device for processing the machine of Figures 1 and 2, the bottle being in the upright position;
    • Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 but when the bottle is injected in the inverted position;
    • Figure 5 is a front view of the device with partial sections and cutaway;
    • Figure 6 is a top view of the clamp, with cut arms and tenons, and in two different positions;
    • Figure 7 is a side elevational view of the clamp, in two different positions, with partial sections and cutaway;
    • Figures 8 and 9 are top views of the front part of the device, in the absence of a bottle and respectively with a bottle in the inverted position;
    • Figures 10 and 11 are views in axial section of the central part of the device, at rest and respectively during injection; and
    • Figure 12 is a detail view of another embodiment of the invention.

    La machine représentée aux figures 1 et 2 est destinée à s'intercaler dans une chaíne de traitement de bouteilles. Elle comprend un convoyeur d'entrée 1 recevant les bouteilles 2 provenant de la partie amont de la chaíne et un convoyeur de sortie 3 qui achemine les bouteilles 2 vers la partie aval de la chaíne.The machine shown in Figures 1 and 2 is intended to be inserted in a processing chain bottles. It includes an input conveyor 1 receiving bottles 2 from the upstream part of the chain and an outlet conveyor 3 which conveys the bottles 2 towards the downstream part of the chain.

    Le long du convoyeur d'entrée 1 est disposée une vis espaceuse 4,de type connu, qui donne aux bouteilles 2 successives un espacement et une vitesse de défilement prédéterminés de manière à synchroniser les bouteilles 2 avec des alvéoles 6 formés à la périphérie d'une étoile d'entrée 7. Les alvéoles 6 défilent au-dessus du convoyeur 1 et reçoivent les bouteilles successives 2 pour les propulser le long d'une trajectoire en demi-cercle définie par un bord de guidage 8 d'une plaque de guidage 9. Cette trajectoire en demi-cercle, le long de laquelle les bouteilles glissent par leur fond sur un plancher 11, fait passer les bouteilles 2 du convoyeur d'entrée 1 à des dispositifs de traitement de bouteilles 12 montés selon une répartition en couronne sur la paroi latérale extérieure d'un carrousel rotatif 13. Le long de la périphérie du carrousel 13, les dispositifs de traitement ont entre eux un espacement circonférentiel correspondant à l'intervalle entre bouteilles successives sur l'étoile 7.Along the inlet conveyor 1 is arranged a spacer screw 4, of known type, which gives the bottles 2 successive spacing and scrolling speed predetermined so as to synchronize the bottles 2 with cells 6 formed at the periphery of a star input 7. The cells 6 scroll above the conveyor 1 and receive successive bottles 2 for propel along a defined semicircle trajectory by a guide edge 8 of a guide plate 9. This semi-circular trajectory, along which the bottles slide by their bottom on a floor 11, done pass the bottles 2 from the inlet conveyor 1 to bottle treatment devices 12 mounted according to a distribution in a crown on the side wall exterior of a rotating carousel 13. Along the periphery of the carousel 13, the processing devices have a corresponding circumferential spacing between them at the interval between successive bottles on the star 7.

    Par la rotation du carrousel 13, les dispositifs de traitement 12 passent successivement par un poste 14 de préhension des bouteilles, un poste 16 de renversement des bouteilles, un poste 17 d'injection, un poste 18 de redressement des bouteilles et d'égouttage et un poste 19 de transfert des bouteilles traitées à une étoile de sortie 21 qui est analogue à l'étoile d'entrée 7 et fait passer les bouteilles traitées du poste de transfert 19 au convoyeur de sortie 3 selon une trajectoire en demi-cercle le long de laquelle les bouteilles glissent par leur fond sur le plancher 11 et suivent un autre bord courbe de guidage 22 de la plaque 9.By the rotation of the carousel 13, the devices 12 pass successively through a station 14 of gripping bottles, a station 16 for overturning bottles, a station 17 for injection, a station 18 for straightening of the bottles and draining and a post 19 transfer of treated bottles to a star of output 21 which is analogous to input star 7 and makes pass the treated bottles from transfer station 19 to outlet conveyor 3 along a semi-circular path along which the bottles slide by their bottom on floor 11 and follow another curved edge of guide 22 of plate 9.

    De préférence, les convoyeurs de sortie 2 et 3 sont constitués physiquement par un seul et même convoyeur au-dessus duquel est fixée la plaque 9.Preferably, the output conveyors 2 and 3 physically consist of a single conveyor above which the plate 9 is fixed.

    La machine est protégée et insonorisée par des panneaux périphériques 23 dont certains au moins sont transparents et/ou peuvent s'ouvrir pour permettre l'entretien et les inspections détaillées.The machine is protected and soundproofed by peripheral panels 23 of which at least some are transparent and / or can be opened to allow maintenance and detailed inspections.

    Comme le montrent les figures 2 à 4, chaque dispositif de traitement comprend une pince 24 qui a pour fonction de saisir par le goulot la bouteille 2 qui se présente à elle au poste de préhension, puis de manipuler la bouteille au cours des opérations de renversement et de redressement, et enfin de relâcher la bouteille au poste de transfert 19.As shown in Figures 2 to 4, each treatment device comprises a clamp 24 which has for function of grabbing the bottle 2 by the neck present to her at the gripping station and then to manipulate the bottle during overturning and straightening, and finally releasing the bottle at the post transfer 19.

    Chaque pince de préhension comporte ainsi un corps de pince 26 (figures 5 à 7) en forme de chape comprenant deux bras 27 articulés selon un axe commun 28 sensiblement horizontal à deux côtés opposés d'un corps 29 du dispositif de traitement. Le corps 29 est fixé au bâti rotatif 31 du carrousel (figures 2 et 3) et il est allongé radialement vers l'extérieur à partir du bâti rotatif 21 par rapport à l'axe de rotation sensiblement vertical 32 du carrousel 13. L'axe 28 est situé au voisinage de l'extrémité radialement extérieure du corps 29. L'axe 28 est appelé axe de renversement car c'est autour de cet axe que les bouteilles 2 pivotent pour leurs mouvements de renversement et de redressement. A cet effet, le corps de pince 26 porte un doigt 30 terminé par une fourchette 33 réalisée de préférence en matière plastique à faible coefficient de frottement et bonne résistance à l'usure. Dans la fourchette 33 est engagée une barre de commande de mouvement 34. Comme le montre la figure 1, la barre de commande de mouvement 34 s'étend autour du carrousel 13 et, comme le montre la figure 3, elle est fixée par exemple par des pattes 36, au bâti fixe 37 qui est situé sous le bâti rotatif 31 et supporte ce dernier en rotation.Each gripper thus has a clamp body 26 (Figures 5 to 7) in the form of a yoke comprising two arms 27 articulated along a common axis 28 substantially horizontal at two opposite sides of a body 29 of the processing device. The body 29 is fixed to the frame rotary 31 of the carousel (Figures 2 and 3) and it is elongated radially outward from the rotary frame 21 relative to the substantially vertical axis of rotation 32 of the carousel 13. The axis 28 is located in the vicinity of the radially outer end of the body 29. The axis 28 is called inversion axis because it is around this axis that the bottles 2 rotate for their movements of rollover and turnaround. To this end, the body of tongs 26 carries a finger 30 terminated by a fork 33 preferably made of plastic with low coefficient of friction and good wear resistance. In the fork 33 is engaged a control bar of movement 34. As shown in figure 1, the motion control 34 extends around the carousel 13 and, as shown in figure 3, it is fixed by example by legs 36, to the fixed frame 37 which is located under the rotary frame 31 and supports the latter in rotation.

    Dans la représentation de la figure 3, la rampe de commande de mouvement 34 est vue comme si, à partir du plan de coupe de la figure 3, la direction du regard de l'observateur était non pas une droite perpendiculaire au plan de la figure mais une courbe centrée sur l'axe de rotation du carrousel. C'est ainsi que la partie 34a de la rampe 34 qui commande le mouvement de renversement des bouteilles 2, et qui est en réalité une hélice à axe circulaire, apparaít sur la figure 3 comme étant un demi-cercle centré sur l'axe de renversement 28.In the representation of Figure 3, the ramp of motion control 34 is seen as if, from the section plane of Figure 3, the direction of the gaze of the observer was not a line perpendicular to the plane of the figure but a curve centered on the axis of carousel rotation. This is how part 34a of the ramp 34 which controls the overturning movement of the bottles 2, and which is actually an axis propeller circular, appears in Figure 3 as being a semicircle centered on the reversal axis 28.

    Comme le montre la figure 6, la pince 24 comprend deux mors 38 en matière plastique fixés chacun à une branche rigide 39. Les deux branches 39 sont articulées au corps 26 selon deux axes 41 parallèles entre eux et perpendiculaires à l'axe de renversement 28. Les mors 38 sont ainsi mobiles entre une position de préhension (partie supérieure de la figure 6), dans laquelle ils sont relativement proches l'un de l'autre et peuvent retenir entre eux le goulot d'une bouteille, et une position de relâchement (partie basse de la figure 6), dans laquelle ils sont relativement éloignés l'un de l'autre et permettent au goulot d'une bouteille de s'engager entre eux en provenance de l'étoile d'entrée 7 ou de se dégager d'eux pour être capté par l'étoile de sortie 21.As shown in Figure 6, the clamp 24 includes two plastic jaws 38 each attached to a rigid branch 39. The two branches 39 are articulated to the body 26 along two axes 41 parallel between them and perpendicular to the reversal axis 28. The jaws 38 are thus movable between a position of gripping (upper part of figure 6), in which they are relatively close to each other and can hold the neck of a bottle between them, and a release position (lower part of FIG. 6), in which they are relatively distant one of each other and allow the neck of a bottle of engage them from the star of entry 7 or to disengage from them to be captured by the star of exit 21.

    La pince comprend en outre un coulisseau d'actionnement 42 constitué par un chapeau en matière plastique monté coulissant sur un embout cylindrique 43 du corps de pince 26. Le chapeau 42 porte latéralement deux oreilles opposées 43 qui portent elles-mêmes rigidement chacune un tenon 44 s'étendant parallèlement aux axes 41. Chacun des tenons 44 est engagé dans une rainure 46 de l'une des branches 39. Chaque rainure 46 a des bords longitudinaux opposés 46a et 46b qui sont parallèles, rectilignes, et inclinés par rapport à l'axe 47 de déplacement du coulisseau d'actionnement 42. Les branches 39, et en particulier les mors 38, axes 41 et rainures 46 sont disposés symétriquement par rapport à l'axe 47. Ainsi, les bords 46a et 46b des rainures inclinées 46 forment rampe d'actionnement des mors 38 par les tenons 44 lorsque le coulisseau 42 se déplace selon son axe 47, de façon que les mors 38 pivotent vers leur position de préhension et respectivement vers leur position de relâchement. Comme le montre la figure 6, l'inclinaison des rainures 46 par rapport à la direction 47 varie lors du pivotement des branches 39, mais reste toujours orientée dans le même sens. En d'autres termes, dans l'exemple représenté, on voit à la figure 6 que quelle que soit la position des mors 38 les rainures 46 convergent vers l'axe 47 en direction opposée aux mors 38.The clamp further comprises a slide actuator 42 consisting of a material cap plastic slidably mounted on a cylindrical end piece 43 of the clamp body 26. The cap 42 carries two laterally opposite ears 43 which themselves rigidly bear each a pin 44 extending parallel to the axes 41. Each of the pins 44 is engaged in a groove 46 of one of the branches 39. Each groove 46 has edges opposite longitudinal 46a and 46b which are parallel, rectilinear, and inclined with respect to the axis 47 of movement of the actuating slide 42. The branches 39, and in particular the jaws 38, axes 41 and grooves 46 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis 47. Thus, the edges 46a and 46b of the inclined grooves 46 form jaw actuating ramp 38 by tenons 44 when the slide 42 moves along its axis 47, so that the jaws 38 pivot to their position of gripping and respectively towards their position of loosening. As shown in Figure 6, the tilt grooves 46 relative to direction 47 varies during pivoting of the branches 39, but still remains oriented in the same direction. In other words, in the example shown, we see in Figure 6 that whatever either the position of the jaws 38 the grooves 46 converge towards the axis 47 in the direction opposite to the jaws 38.

    Les deux systèmes à tenons 44 et rainures 46 constituent des moyens de transmission irréversibles entre le coulisseau 42 et les mors 38. Ceci signifie qu'il est impossible de déplacer le coulisseau 42 en exerçant un effort sur les mors 38. L'irréversibilité est particulièrement recherchée à l'égard de l'écartement des mors 38 à partir de la position de préhension représentée en haut de la figure 6. Un effort F1 exercé sur les mors 38 dans le sens de l'écartement à partir de la position de préhension fait naítre un point d'appui P entre le bord 46a et le tenon 44 et tend à déplacer ce point P selon la direction D qui est circonférentielle par rapport à l'axe 41 de la branche 39. Pour assurer l'irréversibilité précitée l'angle B entre la direction D et la normale N au bord 46a issue du point P est un angle aigu de faible valeur alors que l'angle C entre la direction D et l'axe de déplacement 47 est voisin de 90°. The two stud systems 44 and grooves 46 constitute irreversible means of transmission between the slide 42 and the jaws 38. This means that it is impossible to move the slide 42 by exerting a effort on the jaws 38. The irreversibility is particularly sought with regard to the spacing of jaw 38 from the gripping position shown at the top of figure 6. An F1 force exerted on the jaws 38 in the direction of spreading from the position gripping point creates a support point P between the edge 46a and tenon 44 and tends to move this point P in the direction D which is circumferential with respect to to axis 41 of branch 39. To ensure the aforementioned irreversibility the angle B between the direction D and the normal N at edge 46a from point P is an angle acute of low value while the angle C between the direction D and the axis of movement 47 is close to 90 °.

    Dans l'exemple représenté, les moyens de transmission sont irréversibles dans toutes les positions des mors et à l'égard de leurs deux sens de mouvement.In the example shown, the means of transmission are irreversible in all positions jaws and with respect to their two directions of movement.

    C'est donc le coulisseau 42 qui commande les deux sens de mouvement des mors. Un ressort de rappel 45 (figure 7) est monté dans l'embout tubulaire 43 du corps de pince 26 et sollicite en permanence le coulisseau 42 vers une position saillante correspondant à la position de préhension des mors 38.It is therefore the slide 42 which controls the two directions of movement of the jaws. A return spring 45 (Figure 7) is mounted in the tubular end piece 43 of the body of clamp 26 and permanently requests the slide 42 towards a projecting position corresponding to the position of gripping the jaws 38.

    La machine de traitement comprend en outre une came 48 réalisée sous la forme d'un fer plat profilé (voir aussi figure 1) qui coopère avec l'extrémité libre du coulisseau 42 pour enfoncer le coulisseau 42 à l'encontre de l'action du ressort de rappel 45 lorsque les mors 38 doivent être déplacés de leur position de préhension à leur position de dégagement, comme représenté en bas de la figure 6.The processing machine further comprises a cam 48 produced in the form of a profiled flat iron (see also figure 1) which cooperates with the free end of the slide 42 to push slide 42 against the action of the return spring 45 when the jaws 38 must be moved from their gripping position to their release position, as shown at the bottom of the figure 6.

    Comme le montre la figure 1, la came 48 n'est présente que dans la région du pourtour du carrousel 13 dans laquelle les mors de pince de chaque dispositif de traitement doivent être déplacés de la position de préhension à la position de relâchement (poste de transfert 19), maintenus dans la position de relâchement (passage du poste de transfert au poste de préhension), puis ramenés en position de préhension (poste de préhension 14). Le long du reste du pourtour du carrousel 13, comme représenté également en haut de la figure 6, le ressort de rappel 45 maintient le coulisseau 42 dans la position dans laquelle les mors 38 sont appuyés contre le goulot 2 d'une bouteille en cours de traitement. Le ressort 45 n'a pas besoin d'être très puissant : il suffit qu'il soit capable d'amener avec certitude les mors 38 en contact avec le goulot 2, sans nécessairement exercer de serrage sur le goulot de la bouteille 2 : en effet, grâce à l'irréversibilité des moyens de transmission 44, 46, la bouteille 2 ne peut, sous l'action de son propre poids ou de son inertie lors des manipulations, provoquer l'écartement mutuel des mors 38 ni se dégager des mors 38.As shown in Figure 1, the cam 48 is not present only in the region around the carousel 13 in which the gripper jaws of each device treatment should be moved from the position of grip in the release position ( transfer 19), held in the released position (passage from the transfer station to the gripping station), then brought back to the gripping position ( grip 14). Along the rest of the perimeter of the carousel 13, as also shown at the top of FIG. 6, the return spring 45 holds the slide 42 in the position in which the jaws 38 are pressed against the neck 2 of a bottle being processed. The spring 45 does not need to be very powerful: it is enough be able to bring the jaws 38 with certainty contact with neck 2, without necessarily exerting tightening on the neck of bottle 2: indeed, thanks to the irreversibility of the transmission means 44, 46, the bottle 2 cannot, under the action of its own weight or of its inertia during handling, causing the mutual spacing of the jaws 38 nor disengage from the jaws 38.

    Ainsi, comme représenté à la figure 3, chaque pince 24 est capable de saisir une bouteille 2 en position dressée sous le corps 29 et de la faire pivoter de 180° autour de l'extrémité libre du corps 29 sous la commande de la barre de commande 34 pour amener la bouteille en une position renversée (figure 4) dans laquelle son goulot se trouve juste au-dessus d'une buse d'injection de fluide 49. La buse 49 est reliée par l'intermédiaire d'une vanne 51 fixée au corps 29, à un dispositif d'alimentation sous pression 52 installé à l'intérieur du carrousel 13 et qui peut comprendre par exemple une pompe 53 (figure 2) débitant dans une conduite annulaire 54 à laquelle sont reliés tous les raccordements 56 aux vannes 51 de tous les dispositifs de traitement 12 de la machine.So, as shown in Figure 3, each gripper 24 is capable of gripping a bottle 2 in position erect under the body 29 and rotate it 180 ° around the free end of the body 29 under the control of the control bar 34 to bring the bottle into one inverted position (figure 4) in which its neck is located just above a fluid injection nozzle 49. The nozzle 49 is connected by means of a valve 51 fixed to the body 29, to a supply device under pressure 52 installed inside the carousel 13 and which may for example include a pump 53 (FIG. 2) discharging into an annular pipe 54 to which are connected all connections 56 to valves 51 of all 12 machine processing devices.

    Chaque vanne 51 est commandée par un levier 57 qui est mobile entre une position de fermeture de la vanne, représentée à la figure 3, et une position d'ouverture de la vanne représentée à la figure 4. Le levier porte à son extrémité un galet 58 qui est engagé dans un rail de commande 59, en forme de U, qui est fixé au bâti fixe 37 de la machine et s'étend autour de ce dernier, comme cela est visible à la figure 1. Le rail de commande 59 est circulaire centré sur l'axe 32 du carrousel rotatif sauf le long du poste d'injection 17, de manière à faire passer chaque vanne 51 en position d'ouverture au poste d'injection 17 et à la maintenir en position fermée le long de tous les autres postes de la machine de traitement.Each valve 51 is controlled by a lever 57 which is movable between a closed position of the valve, shown in Figure 3, and a position the valve shown in Figure 4. The lever carries at its end a roller 58 which is engaged in a control rail 59, U-shaped, which is fixed to the fixed frame 37 of the machine and extends around it last, as shown in Figure 1. The rail of command 59 is circular centered on axis 32 of rotating carousel except along injection station 17, from so as to move each valve 51 into position opening at injection station 17 and keeping it in closed position along all other posts in the processing machine.

    Par conséquent, lorsqu'une bouteille 2 est au poste d'injection, comme cela est représenté à la figure 4, la buse 49 envoie un jet de fluide à l'intérieur de la bouteille 2 renversée, à travers son goulot. Ce fluide frappe la paroi intérieure de la bouteille 2 et ruisselle le long de celle-ci avant de quitter la bouteille 2 à travers le goulot de cette dernière.Therefore, when a bottle 2 is at injection station, as shown in the figure 4, the nozzle 49 sends a jet of fluid inside the bottle 2 overturned, through its neck. This fluid hits the inside wall of bottle 2 and trickles along it before leaving the bottle 2 to through the neck of the latter.

    Le fluide qui s'écoule ainsi est recueilli à travers une goulotte 61 qui se trouve juste en-dessous du goulot de la bouteille 2 et qui entoure la buse 49 avec un certain écartement radial entre la paroi extérieure de la buse 49 et la paroi intérieure de la goulotte 61. L'ouverture définie par la goulotte 61 donne accès à l'intérieur du corps 29 lequel constitue un réceptacle individuel pour la collecte du fluide retombant de la bouteille 2.The fluid which flows in this way is collected at through a chute 61 which is located just below the neck of the bottle 2 and which surrounds the nozzle 49 with a some radial spacing between the outer wall of the nozzle 49 and the inner wall of the chute 61. The opening defined by the chute 61 gives access to inside the body 29 which constitutes a receptacle individual for collecting the fluid falling from the bottle 2.

    Par l'expression "réceptacle individuel" on entend désigner un réceptacle de relativement petite taille affecté à un seul dispositif de traitement et tournant avec le carrousel 13 pour rester sous le goulot des bouteilles 2 en cours de traitement, notamment le long du poste d'injection 17.By the expression "individual receptacle" we intends to designate a relatively small receptacle size assigned to a single processing device and turning with carousel 13 to stay under the neck bottles 2 being processed, especially along from the injection station 17.

    A son extrémité radialement intérieure, le réceptacle 29 communique avec un collecteur annulaire 62 monté dans le carrousel rotatif 13 pour recueillir en provenance de tous les réceptacles 29 le liquide retombant des bouteilles 2.At its radially inner end, the receptacle 29 communicates with an annular collector 62 mounted in the rotating carousel 13 to collect from all receptacles 29 the falling liquid bottles 2.

    Dans l'exemple représenté, ce fluide est un liquide. Il peut s'agir d'un liquide de rinçage tel que de l'eau qui, à partir du collecteur 62 sera conduit à l'égout. Il peut encore s'agir d'un liquide d'enduction des bouteilles, de valeur pécuniaire relativement élevée, et qui, à partir du collecteur 62, sera conduit via un dispositif de filtration et de recyclage vers la pompe 53 (figure 2). De manière non représentée, le fluide injecté par la buse 49 peut être un gaz qu'on ne souhaite pas répandre en quantité importante dans l'atmosphère, auquel cas le collecteur 62 est relié à une source d'aspiration.In the example shown, this fluid is a liquid. It can be a rinsing liquid such as the water which, from the collector 62 will be led to taste. It can also be a coating liquid bottles of relatively high monetary value, and which, from the collector 62, will be led via a filtration and recycling device to pump 53 (figure 2). Not shown, the injected fluid via nozzle 49 can be an unwanted gas spread in large quantities in the atmosphere, to which case the collector 62 is connected to a suction source.

    Le réceptacle 29 comporte une fermeture supérieure 63 dans laquelle sont ménagées, outre l'ouverture définie par la goulotte 61, une ouverture 64 dans laquelle est engagée la base de la vanne 51, et une ouverture de collecte d'égouttage 66. Cette dernière est aménagée dans l'extrémité radialement extérieure du réceptacle 29, c'est-à-dire l'extrémité du réceptacle 29 qui est entourée par la trajectoire de la pince 24 et de la bouteille 2 qu'elle porte entre les positions dressée et renversée de cette dernière. On a représenté en trait mixte à la figure 3 une position 2a prise par la bouteille 2 au cours de son trajet retour depuis la position renversée jusqu'à la position dressée le long du poste de redressement des bouteilles 18 de la figure 1. La position 2a, inclinée à moins de 90° par rapport à la position renversée, favorise l'égouttage de la bouteille suite à l'injection subie le long du poste d'injection et le réceptacle 29 recueille le produit de cet égouttage à travers l'ouverture 66.The receptacle 29 has a closure upper 63 in which are arranged, in addition to the opening defined by the chute 61, an opening 64 in which is engaged the base of the valve 51, and a drip collection opening 66. The latter is fitted in the radially outer end of the receptacle 29, that is to say the end of receptacle 29 which is surrounded by the path of the clamp 24 and the bottle 2 which it carries between the erected positions and overturned from the latter. We have shown in line mixed in Figure 3 a position 2a taken by the bottle 2 during its return journey from position overturned to the upright position along the straightening of the bottles 18 of FIG. 1. The position 2a, inclined at less than 90 ° to the position overturned, promotes bottle draining due to the injection undergone along the injection station and the receptacle 29 collects the product of this drainage at through opening 66.

    Comme le montrent les figures 5, 8 et 9, un capuchon 67 est porté au-dessus de la goulotte 61 par un bras 68, lequel, à son extrémité opposée au capuchon 67, est supporté en rotation dans un palier 69 serré dans un collier 71 soudé sur l'un des côtés du corps-réceptacle 29. Le capuchon 67 est ainsi mobile entre la position représentée aux figures 5 et 8, dans laquelle il est situé juste au-dessus de la buse 49, et une position de dégagement de la buse 49 et de la goulotte 61, représentée à la figure 9.As shown in Figures 5, 8 and 9, a cap 67 is carried above the chute 61 by a arm 68, which, at its end opposite to the cap 67, is rotatably supported in a bearing 69 clamped in a collar 71 welded on one side of the receptacle body 29. The cap 67 is thus movable between the position shown in Figures 5 and 8, in which it is located just above nozzle 49, and a position of release of the nozzle 49 and of the chute 61, shown in Figure 9.

    Dans le palier 69 est monté un ressort hélicoïdal 72, fonctionnant à l'enroulement, qui rappelle le capuchon 67 vers la position dans laquelle il est situé au-dessus de la buse 49. Si une injection de liquide a lieu en l'absence de bouteilles 2, par exemple au début du fonctionnement de la machine, l'injection se fait à l'intérieur du capuchon, lequel est conformé de manière à renvoyer dans le réceptacle 29 par la goulotte 61 le fluide ainsi injecté. Quand une bouteille atteint la position renversée (figure 9) elle bute contre le capuchon 67 ou le bras 68 et repousse ceux-ci dans la position dégageant la goulotte 61 à l'encontre de l'effet du ressort de rappel 72. L'injection se fait donc dans la bouteille. Un ergot 73 est lié en rotation au capuchon 67 et au bras 68 à l'intérieur du palier 69 et circule dans une fente circonférentielle 74 du palier 69, les extrémités circonférentielles de cette fente formant butée limitant la course angulaire du capuchon 67 autour de l'axe défini par le palier 69.In the bearing 69 is mounted a spring helical 72, working on winding, which reminds the cap 67 to the position in which it is located above nozzle 49. If a liquid injection has place in the absence of bottles 2, for example at the start of operation of the machine, injection takes place at the inside of the cap, which is shaped so that return to the receptacle 29 through the chute 61 the fluid thus injected. When a bottle reaches the inverted position (figure 9) it abuts against the cap 67 or arm 68 and push them back into position clearing the chute 61 against the effect of return spring 72. The injection is therefore made into the bottle. A lug 73 is linked in rotation to the cap 67 and arm 68 inside the bearing 69 and flows in a circumferential slot 74 of the bearing 69, the circumferential ends of this slot forming a stop limiting the angular travel of the cap 67 around the axis defined by the bearing 69.

    On va maintenant décrire en détail en référence aux figures 10 et 11 la vanne 51.We will now describe in detail with reference in Figures 10 and 11 the valve 51.

    La vanne 51 comprend un demi-corps fixe 76 de forme générale tubulaire qui est fixé au corps-réceptacle 29 par l'intermédiaire d'un collier 77 et d'une patte 78. A l'une de ses extrémités, le demi-corps fixe 76 est raccordé de manière étanche au raccordement 56. L'autre extrémité du demi-corps fixe 76 est conformée en jupe 91 dans laquelle un demi-corps mobile 79 est monté de manière axialement coulissante. Les deux demi-corps 76 et 79 forment ensemble un corps de vanne définissant un trajet d'écoulement 81 entre une ouverture 82 appartenant au demi-corps fixe 76 et faisant communiquer celui-ci avec le raccordement 56, et une ouverture 83 formée à travers la paroi latérale du demi-corps mobile 79 dont l'extrémité opposée au demi-corps fixe 76 est fermée par une paroi d'extrémité 84.The valve 51 comprises a fixed half-body 76 of general tubular shape which is fixed to the receptacle body 29 by means of a collar 77 and a tab 78. At one of its ends, the fixed half-body 76 is tightly connected to connection 56. The other end of the fixed half-body 76 is shaped like a skirt 91 in which a movable half-body 79 is mounted so axially sliding. The two half-bodies 76 and 79 together form a valve body defining a path flow 81 between an opening 82 belonging to the fixed half-body 76 and making it communicate with the connection 56, and an opening 83 formed through the side wall of the movable half-body 79, the end of which opposite the fixed half-body 76 is closed by a wall end 84.

    La vanne 51 comprend en outre un obturateur sphérique 86 monté dans le demi-corps fixe 76 entre l'ouverture 82 de ce dernier et un siège 87 de forme générale conique formé sur la paroi intérieure du demi-corps fixe 76 de manière à s'évaser vers l'ouverture 82, c'est-à-dire en direction opposée à l'autre demi-corps. L'obturateur sphérique 86 est fixé rigidement à l'une des extrémités d'une tige axiale 88 dont l'autre extrémité est vissée de manière étanche dans un trou taraudé 90 de la paroi d'extrémité 84 du demi-corps mobile 79. Pour opérer ce vissage lors du montage, l'obturateur 86 présente du côté tourné vers l'ouverture 82 une fente 89 dans laquelle on peut introduire l'extrémité d'un tournevis lorsqu'on n'a pas encore effectué la liaison avec le raccordement 56. La tige 88 s'étend ainsi à travers une partie du demi-corps fixe 76 et à travers toute la longueur axiale du demi-corps mobile 79.The valve 51 further comprises a shutter spherical 86 mounted in the fixed half-body 76 between the opening 82 of the latter and a seat 87 of form general conical formed on the inner wall of the half body fixed 76 so as to flare towards the opening 82, that is to say in the opposite direction to the other half-body. The spherical shutter 86 is rigidly fixed to one of the ends of an axial rod 88 the other end of which is tightly screwed into a tapped hole 90 of the end wall 84 of the movable half-body 79. For operate this screwing during assembly, the shutter 86 has a slot 89 on the side facing the opening 82 in which we can introduce the end of a screwdriver when the connection has not yet been made with connection 56. The rod 88 thus extends to through part of the fixed half-body 76 and through the entire axial length of the movable half-body 79.

    Par coulissement du demi-corps mobile 79 dans la jupe terminale 91 du demi-corps fixe 76, l'obturateur 86 est mobile entre la position de fermeture représentée à la figure 10, dans laquelle il est appuyé de manière étanche contre le siège 87, et une position d'ouverture représentée à la figure 11 dans laquelle il est écarté du siège 87 alors que le demi-corps mobile 79 est dans une position rétractée à l'intérieur de la jupe 91.By sliding the movable half-body 79 in the terminal skirt 91 of the fixed half-body 76, the shutter 86 is movable between the closed position shown in the Figure 10, in which it is pressed tightly against seat 87, and an open position shown in Figure 11 in which it is moved away from seat 87 while the movable half-body 79 is in a retracted position inside the skirt 91.

    La vanne 51 comprend en outre des moyens de rappel de l'obturateur 86 en position de fermeture et des moyens d'étanchéité entre les deux demi-corps 76 et 79. Ces moyens de rappel et d'étanchéité sont constitués par une même pièce, à savoir un manchon en matière plastique silicone 92 qui est monté autour de la tige 88 avec entre eux un espacement annulaire définissant une partie du trajet d'écoulement 81. Le manchon est inséré axialement entre un épaulement annulaire 93 du demi-corps fixe 76 et un épaulement annulaire 94 du demi-corps mobile 79. Le manchon 92 est comprimé élastiquement en direction axiale entre les épaulements 93 et 94, ce qui a pour effet de l'appuyer de manière étanche sur chacun des deux épaulements 93 et 94, et de solliciter axialement l'un à l'écart de l'autre les deux demi-corps 76 et 79, donc d'appliquer l'obturateur 86 sur son siège 87 sous un effort qui correspond sensiblement à l'effort de compression élastique du manchon dans cette position relative des deux demi-corps.The valve 51 further comprises means for reminder of the shutter 86 in the closed position and sealing means between the two half-bodies 76 and 79. These return and sealing means consist of the same part, namely a plastic sleeve silicone 92 which is mounted around the rod 88 with between them an annular spacing defining part of the flow path 81. The sleeve is inserted axially between an annular shoulder 93 of the fixed half-body 76 and an annular shoulder 94 of the movable half-body 79. The sleeve 92 is compressed elastically in the axial direction between shoulders 93 and 94, which has the effect of press it tightly on each of the two shoulders 93 and 94, and to stress axially one to away from each other the two half-bodies 76 and 79, so apply the shutter 86 on its seat 87 under a effort which corresponds substantially to the effort of elastic compression of the sleeve in this position relative of the two half-bodies.

    Chaque demi-corps 76 et 79 présente autour de son épaulement 93 et respectivement 94 une surface de centrage 96 coopérant avec l'extrémité correspondante de la surface latérale extérieure du manchon 92 pour centrer celui-ci sur l'axe général de la vanne 61. Le manchon 92 comporte une surface intérieure cylindrique 97 s'étendant sur toute sa longueur axiale et qui a même diamètre que des alésages 98 et 99 adjacents au manchon et appartenant aux demi-corps 76 et respectivement 79. Ainsi, ladite surface intérieure 97 se raccorde de manière continue avec les alésages 98 et 99 pour donner au trajet d'écoulement, entre l'obturateur 86 et l'ouverture 83 une configuration lisse de section annulaire, la tige 88 étant elle-même cylindrique avec un diamètre inférieur au diamètre intérieur de la paroi 97 et des alésages 98 et 99.Each half-body 76 and 79 has around its shoulder 93 and respectively 94 a surface of centering 96 cooperating with the corresponding end of the outer lateral surface of the sleeve 92 for centering this on the general axis of the valve 61. The sleeve 92 has a cylindrical inner surface 97 extending over its entire axial length and which has the same diameter as bores 98 and 99 adjacent to the sleeve and belonging to the half-bodies 76 and respectively 79. Thus, said inner surface 97 connects continuously with the bores 98 and 99 to give the flow path, between shutter 86 and aperture 83 a configuration smooth annular section, the rod 88 being itself cylindrical with a diameter smaller than the diameter inside the wall 97 and the bores 98 and 99.

    Un dégagement 101 est ménagé autour du manchon 92 entre les deux surfaces de centrage 96 pour permettre au manchon 92 de gonfler légèrement vers l'extérieur lorsque, comme représenté à la figure 11, il est comprimé axialement pour faire passer l'obturateur 86 en position d'ouverture.A clearance 101 is provided around the sleeve 92 between the two centering surfaces 96 to allow sleeve 92 to inflate slightly outward when, as shown in Figure 11, it is compressed axially to move the shutter 86 into position opening hours.

    Dans l'exemple représenté, le manchon 92 a une surface extérieure qui est cylindrique et coaxiale avec sa surface intérieure cylindrique 97, de sorte que le manchon 92 peut être réalisé par tronçonnage d'un simple tube en matière plastique silicone.In the example shown, the sleeve 92 has a outer surface which is cylindrical and coaxial with its cylindrical inner surface 97, so that the sleeve 92 can be made by cutting a simple tube in silicone plastic.

    Pour commander le passage de l'obturateur 86 en position d'ouverture à l'encontre de l'effet de rappel exercé par le manchon 92, le levier d'actionnement 57 est axialement solidaire d'une came 102 qui provoque sélectivement le déplacement d'un levier 103 qui a un axe 107 solidaire du réceptacle 29 et qui est appuyé à distance de l'axe 107 sur un épaulement 104 du demi-corps mobile 79.To control the passage of shutter 86 in open position against the booster effect exerted by the sleeve 92, the actuating lever 57 is axially integral with a cam 102 which causes selectively moving a lever 103 which has an axis 107 integral with receptacle 29 and which is supported on distance from the axis 107 on a shoulder 104 of the half-body mobile 79.

    Comme le montre encore la figure 11, lorsque le demi-corps 79 est actionné dans le sens de l'ouverture de l'obturateur 86, il en résulte un mouvement vers le haut de la buse 49 qui est reliée rigidement au demi-corps mobile 79 de façon à communiquer de manière étanche avec l'ouverture 83. Ceci peut faire légèrement pénétrer la buse 49 dans le goulot de la bouteille 2 et renforce la précision de l'injection.As Figure 11 again shows, when the half-body 79 is actuated in the direction of opening of shutter 86, this results in an upward movement of the nozzle 49 which is rigidly connected to the half-body mobile 79 so as to communicate in leaktight manner with opening 83. This may cause the nozzle 49 in the neck of the bottle 2 and reinforces the injection precision.

    Comme représenté en demi-vue à la figure 11, on peut envisager d'adapter dans la goulotte 61 un soufflet d'étanchéité 108 dont la partie mobile est soutenue par une bague rigide 109 reliée à la buse 49 par des barrettes rigides 111. Quand la buse 49 monte avec le demi-corps 79, elle vient appliquer de manière étanche le soufflet 108 contre le goulot de la bouteille, comme représenté. Ceci est avantageux lorsque le fluide utilisé est un gaz que l'on désire collecter dans le réceptacle 29 par aspiration.As shown in half-view in Figure 11, we may consider adapting a bellows in the chute 61 sealing 108 whose movable part is supported by a rigid ring 109 connected to the nozzle 49 by bars rigid 111. When the nozzle 49 rises with the half-body 79, it comes to tightly apply the bellows 108 against the neck of the bottle, as shown. This is advantageous when the fluid used is a gas that we want to collect in receptacle 29 by aspiration.

    Un conduit 106 qui relie la buse 49 à l'ouverture 83 s'étend librement à l'intérieur du corps-réceptacle 29.A conduit 106 which connects the nozzle 49 to the opening 83 extends freely inside the receptacle body 29.

    La vanne 51 présente l'intérêt d'avoir un trajet d'écoulement 81 lisse, très peu propice aux accumulations de dépôt, et de ne pas comporter d'étanchéité dynamique pour la commande de la vanne, c'est-à-dire de ne pas nécessiter que l'un des demi-corps soit traversé de manière étanche par un organe de commande de l'obturateur.The valve 51 has the advantage of having a path 81 smooth flow, very little conducive to accumulations deposit, and not include dynamic sealing for controlling the valve, i.e. not require that one of the half-bodies be crossed by sealingly by a shutter control member.

    On va maintenant exposer le fonctionnement de la machine de traitement :We will now explain how the processing machine:

    Les bouteilles 2 acheminées par le convoyeur d'entrée 1 et convenablement espacées par la vis espaceuse 4 sont remises par l'étoile d'entrée 7 aux dispositifs de traitement 12 successifs. La came 48 commande la fermeture de chaque pince 24 au moment où l'étoile d'entrée 7 a placé une bouteille entre ses mors.2 bottles transported by the conveyor inlet 1 and suitably spaced by the spacer screw 4 are given by the input star 7 to the processing 12 successive. Cam 48 controls closing of each clamp 24 at the moment when the input star 7 has placed a bottle between its jaws.

    Après fermeture d'une pince, la barre de guidage 34 commande par sa région hélicoïdale 34a le renversement progressif de la bouteille 2 considérée, ce renversement s'achevant au début du poste d'injection 17, peu avant que le rail de commande 59 ne commande l'ouverture de la vanne 51 et par conséquent l'injection de fluide à travers la buse 49. Après l'injection, la bouteille est maintenue un certain temps en position renversée pour lui permettre de s'égoutter, puis la barre de commande 34 commande le redressement de la bouteille le long du poste de redressement 18 jusqu'à ce que la bouteille vienne se loger dans l'un des alvéoles de l'étoile de sortie 21, à la suite de quoi la came 48 commande l'ouverture de la pince pour permettre à la bouteille d'être conduite du poste de transfert 19 au convoyeur de sortie 3.After closing a clamp, the guide bar 34 controls by its helical region 34a the reversal progressive of the bottle 2 considered, this reversal ending at the start of injection station 17, shortly before the control rail 59 does not control the opening of the valve 51 and therefore the injection of fluid through the nozzle 49. After injection, the bottle is held for a some time in the inverted position to allow it to drip, then the command bar 34 controls the straightening of the bottle along the straightening 18 until the bottle comes stay in one of the cells of the exit star 21, at following which the cam 48 controls the opening of the clamp to allow the bottle to be driven from transfer station 19 to the output conveyor 3.

    Dans l'exemple de réalisation de la figure 12, un tube 201 est monté à travers le réceptacle 29 de manière à avoir une extrémité de sortie 202 débouchant à la base du réceptacle 29 et une extrémité d'entrée 203 débouchant en regard du goulot de la bouteille 2 lorsqu'elle est inclinée à environ 110 à 120° à partir de sa position dressée. De plus, il est prévu en position fixe sur la machine une buse d'aspiration 204 en regard de laquelle se trouve l'extrémité 202 lorsque la bouteille 2 a l'inclinaison précitée lors du mouvement de retour vers la position dressée. La buse 204 fonctionne en permanence et l'aspiration qu'elle produit est ainsi transmise à l'extrémité 203 au moment où les dernières gouttes 206 tombent de la bouteille 2. Ces gouttes sont évacuées à travers le tube 201 et la buse 204 vers un récipient de collecte ou vers l'égout.In the embodiment of Figure 12, a tube 201 is mounted through the receptacle 29 of so as to have an outlet end 202 opening out to the base of the receptacle 29 and an inlet end 203 opening out opposite the neck of the bottle 2 when tilted approximately 110 to 120 ° from its upright position. In addition, it is provided in position attaches a suction nozzle 204 to the machine opposite which is the end 202 when the bottle 2 at the aforementioned inclination during the return movement towards the upright position. Nozzle 204 operates continuously and the aspiration it produces is thus transmitted to the end 203 at the time the last drops 206 fall from bottle 2. These drops are discharged to through tube 201 and nozzle 204 to a container of collection or to the sewer.

    Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas limitée à l'exemple décrit et représenté. Les rainures 46 de la pince, au lieu d'être rectilignes, pourraient avoir une courbure qui compense le pivotement des branches 39 autour de leurs axes 41 de façon que la région des rainures 46 dans laquelle se trouvent les tenons 44 ait toujours la même inclinaison par rapport à l'axe 47.Of course, the invention is not limited to the example described and shown. The grooves 46 of the forceps, instead of being straight, could have a curvature which compensates for the pivoting of the branches 39 around of their axes 41 so that the region of the grooves 46 in which the tenons are located 44 always has the same inclination with respect to axis 47.

    Claims (22)

    1. A device for processing bottles in the inverted position, comprising a turret on which is mounted at least one clamp (24) for gripping the bottle (2) by its neck and causing it to pivot through substantially 180° about a substantially horizontal tilting axis (28), the clamp holding the bottle by its neck for the entire processing operation, said device also comprising a nozzle (49) for injecting fluid into the inverted bottle, and a radially individual receptacle (29) disposed for collecting the fluid falling back from the bottle, said receptacle communicating with an annular collector (62) and having at its top part an opening (61) surrounding the nozzle (49) and so situated as to be immediately beneath the bottle (2) in the inverted position, the bottle gripper clamp (24) being carried by at least one pivoting arm (27),
      characterised in that said pivoting arm (27) is articulated on said horizontal axis (28) to one of the walls facing the individual receptacle (29),
      in that the receptacle (29) includes at its outer radial end surrounded by the trajectory of the clamp, an opening (66) for collecting the liquid fluid draining off during a resetting movement of the bottles (2) from the inverted position to the upright position,
      in that the inner radial end of the receptacle communicates with the collector,
      and in that said collector (62) is closed and mounted in the rotary turret (13).
    2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the receptacle (29) comprises, at one end surrounded by the trajectory of the clamp, an opening (66) for collecting the liquid fluid draining off during a resetting movement of the bottles (2) from the inverted position to the upright position.
    3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receptacle (29) is at least partly closed at the top.
    4. A device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises, above the fluid injection nozzle (49), a cap (67) which is movably mounted so as to be moved away by the bottles (2) arriving in the injection position, against the action of return means (72), said cap being so shaped as to return to the receptacle (29) the fluid injected in the absence of bottles.
    5. A device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle carries an injection control valve (51).
    6. A device according to claim 5, characterized in that the nozzle (49) is secured to a movable part (79, 86, 88) of the injection control valve (51).
    7. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the bottle gripper clamp (24) is carried by at least one pivoting arm (27) articulated to one side of the individual receptacle (29).
    8. A device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the nozzle (49) is mounted substantially at the centre of the opening (61).
    9. A machine for processing bottles in the inverted positon, comprising on a rotary turret (13) a series of processing devices (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, said devices being distributed circumferentially and fixed to the rotary turret (13).
    10. A machine according to claim 9, characterized in that the clamp (24) for gripping the bottles in each device (12) is carried by at least one pivoting arm (27) articulated to one side of the individual receptacle (29).
    11. A machine according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the receptacle (29) has a radially elongate shape toward the outside from a rotary frame (31) of the turret (13), the clamp (24) pivoting about the radially outer end of the receptacle (29).
    12. A machine according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that each receptacle (29) comprises, in a region surrounded by the trajectory of the clamp, an opening (66) for collecting the liquid fluid draining off during a resetting movement of the bottles from the inverted position to the upright position.
    13. A machine according to claim 12, characterized in that the collection opening (66) is close to the trajectory of the neck of the bottle and is connected to suction means.
    14. A machine according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the receptacle (29) has a partial top closure (63).
    15. A machine according to claim 14, characterized in that the nozzle (49) of each device (12) is mounted substantially at the centre of an opening (61) provided in the top of the receptacle in order to collect in the receptacle the fluid falling back from the bottle.
    16. A machine according to one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that each device (12) comprises means (108, 109, 111) for effecting sealing between the neck of each inverted bottle (2) and the receptacle (29) around the nozzle (49).
    17. A machine according to claim 16, characterized in that the sealing means are in driving relationship with the nozzle (49) which is axially movable in synchronism with the movement of an injection cock between an open position and a closed position, this movement of the nozzle applying the sealing means against the neck and respectively the movement of the sealing means away from the neck.
    18. A machine according to one of claims 9 to 17, characterized in that the receptacles (29) are connected to suction means.
    19. A machine according to one of claims 9 to 18, characterized in that it comprises, above the fluid injection nozzle (49) of each device (12), a cap (67) which is movably mounted so as to be moved away by the bottles arriving in the injection position, against the action of return means (72), said cap being so shaped as to return to the receptacle (29) the fluid injected in the absence of bottles.
    20. A machine according to one of claims 9 to 19, characterized in that the receptacle of each device (12) carries an injection control cock (51).
    21. A machine according to one of claims 9 to 20, characterized in that in the injection position the bottles (2) are situated above the individual receptacles (29).
    22. A machine according to one of claims 9 to 21, characterized in that the receptacle (29) is provided with a tube (201) which has an inlet end (203) adjacent to the neck of the bottle when the latter makes its return movement to the upright position, and an outlet end (202) which coincides with a fixed suction nozzle (204) in this stage of the movement of the bottle.
    EP91908215A 1990-04-11 1991-04-10 Devices and machine for treating bottles Expired - Lifetime EP0477341B2 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (3)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    FR9004651 1990-04-11
    FR9004651A FR2660884B1 (en) 1990-04-11 1990-04-11 DEVICE AND MACHINE FOR TREATING BOTTLES.
    PCT/FR1991/000293 WO1991015310A1 (en) 1990-04-11 1991-04-10 Devices and machine for treating bottles

    Publications (3)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP0477341A1 EP0477341A1 (en) 1992-04-01
    EP0477341B1 EP0477341B1 (en) 1994-10-12
    EP0477341B2 true EP0477341B2 (en) 1999-12-15

    Family

    ID=9395664

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP91908215A Expired - Lifetime EP0477341B2 (en) 1990-04-11 1991-04-10 Devices and machine for treating bottles

    Country Status (9)

    Country Link
    US (1) US5277207A (en)
    EP (1) EP0477341B2 (en)
    JP (1) JP2556638B2 (en)
    KR (1) KR950013497B1 (en)
    CA (1) CA2060665C (en)
    DE (1) DE69104582T3 (en)
    ES (1) ES2031440T5 (en)
    FR (1) FR2660884B1 (en)
    WO (1) WO1991015310A1 (en)

    Families Citing this family (45)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    DE4229580A1 (en) * 1992-09-04 1994-03-10 Seitz Enzinger Noll Masch Method and device for overhead treatment of bottles
    ES2072808B1 (en) * 1993-02-05 1998-04-01 Soler Singla Alberto BOTTLE RINSING DEVICE FOR ROTATING MACHINES.
    US5425385A (en) * 1993-07-12 1995-06-20 Pepsico. Inc. Rotary washer spraying system
    JP2833987B2 (en) * 1993-12-29 1998-12-09 オッフィチーネ・アベ・ソシエタ・ペル・アチオニ Rotary rinsing machine with equipment for controlling and dispensing substances for processing bottles, jars, etc.
    DE4425219C2 (en) * 1994-07-16 2002-09-12 Krones Ag Method and device for cleaning and / or sterilizing a dishwasher for bottles or the like.
    ES2129730T3 (en) * 1994-12-16 1999-06-16 Hermann Kronseder CONTAINER CLEANING MACHINE.
    FR2740364B1 (en) * 1995-10-26 1998-01-16 Perrier Sa METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CLEANING THE INTERIOR OF A CONTAINER SUCH AS A BOTTLE IN A TURNED POSITION
    ES2154091B1 (en) * 1997-02-26 2001-10-16 Ind Sicma S L "RESIDUAL RINSE LIQUID COLLECTION MECHANISM, FOR ROTATING RINSE MACHINES"
    FR2795350B1 (en) * 1999-06-28 2002-04-26 Sidel Sa CONTAINER PROCESSING MACHINE
    US20020085971A1 (en) * 2001-01-03 2002-07-04 Raniwala Subodh K. Bottle sterilizing system and method
    JP4768175B2 (en) * 2001-09-27 2011-09-07 株式会社ミューチュアル Chemical solution filling and plugging system for containers
    ITPR20020066A1 (en) * 2002-11-18 2004-05-19 Antonio Rigano' RINSING AND / OR STERILIZING MACHINE FOR PLASTIC OR GLASS BOTTLES.
    US7753192B2 (en) * 2005-12-23 2010-07-13 The Coca-Cola Company Apparatus and method for orienting spheroidal containers and packaging beverages in spheroidal containers
    DE102006038255B4 (en) * 2006-08-16 2008-07-10 Khs Ag Method and device for treating containers
    US7740125B2 (en) * 2006-12-29 2010-06-22 The Gillette Company Component feeding with continuous motion escapement
    DE102008052614A1 (en) * 2008-10-21 2010-05-27 Khs Ag Device for pivoting a bottle conveyed in a gripper
    DE102010008387B4 (en) * 2010-02-17 2017-10-19 Khs Gmbh Device for transporting bottles or similar containers
    US9120587B2 (en) 2010-09-10 2015-09-01 Pepsico, Inc. In-package non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation sterilization
    US9067773B2 (en) 2010-09-10 2015-06-30 Pepsico, Inc. Prevention of agglomeration of particles during sterilization processes
    CN102114485A (en) * 2010-09-27 2011-07-06 楚天科技股份有限公司 Vertical bottle washing machine turntable assembly with sealing structure
    JP2012078120A (en) * 2010-09-30 2012-04-19 Kirin Techno-System Co Ltd Container cap inspection apparatus
    CN103264032B (en) * 2013-04-10 2016-05-18 王建鹏 Anti-pressure relief device, cleaning column frame component and bottle washing machine
    CN103240698A (en) * 2013-05-13 2013-08-14 上海东富龙科技股份有限公司 Bottle clamp mechanism
    CN103316878A (en) * 2013-05-30 2013-09-25 常熟市喆宏机械科技有限公司 Bottle washing device capable of shaking bottle body
    CN103658133A (en) * 2013-11-12 2014-03-26 苏州苏东庭生物科技有限公司 Wine bottle cleaning machine
    DE102014110107B4 (en) 2014-07-18 2017-04-06 Khs Gmbh Container handling machine
    CN104148346B (en) * 2014-08-12 2016-04-27 张家港赛普包装机械有限公司 Blow the folder bottle flusher of filling with and revolving in production line
    WO2017117582A1 (en) 2015-12-30 2017-07-06 Schuler Scientific Solutions, Llc Tissue mapping and treatment
    CN107185934A (en) * 2017-05-31 2017-09-22 海宁市智慧光电有限公司 Glass cell-shell cleaning equipment of inner wall
    CN108313958B (en) * 2018-01-29 2019-12-17 成都新润油脂有限责任公司 Filling system and tank overturning mechanism
    JP6899355B2 (en) * 2018-06-20 2021-07-07 株式会社 日立産業制御ソリューションズ Posture reversing device
    CN108971087A (en) * 2018-07-24 2018-12-11 会稽山绍兴酒股份有限公司 A kind of bottle cleaning machine
    CN111153371A (en) * 2018-11-07 2020-05-15 杭州永创智能设备股份有限公司 Turnover mechanism and turnover method
    JP7520828B2 (en) * 2018-11-09 2024-07-23 シデル パルティシパション Method and apparatus for radiation sterilization of thermoplastic containers
    CN109396143B (en) * 2018-11-14 2023-08-25 太仓德宝玩具制品有限公司 Cleaning equipment suitable for different bore glues basin
    CN109745572B (en) * 2019-01-22 2020-06-12 河南省中医院（河南中医药大学第二附属医院） Ultrasonic image probe cleaning device
    DE102019127998A1 (en) * 2019-10-17 2021-04-22 Krones Ag Device and method for transporting objects
    CN112371676A (en) * 2020-10-22 2021-02-19 熊珍珠 Inside and outside synchronous belt cleaning device of old and useless glass bottle
    CN113083833B (en) * 2021-03-31 2023-11-10 湖北三得利塑料包装有限公司 Plastic beverage bottle manufacturing and processing method
    CN113443399A (en) * 2021-07-19 2021-09-28 哈尔滨成果建筑工程机械有限公司 Position adjusting method before angle steel for building is processed
    CN113620040A (en) * 2021-08-12 2021-11-09 浙江新余宏智能装备有限公司 Annular deformation transverse speed changing device and transverse speed changing method thereof
    CN113526436B (en) * 2021-08-18 2022-12-16 深圳市一牛自动化科技有限公司 Auxiliary operation structure for machining
    CN114308952B (en) * 2021-12-31 2022-11-15 哈尔滨职业技术学院 Device and method for cleaning, disinfecting and drying test tubes for molecular biology experiment courses
    IT202200018582A1 (en) * 2022-09-12 2024-03-12 Mbf Spa BOTTLE RINSING MACHINE AND BOTTLE RINSING METHOD
    CN116274223B (en) * 2023-05-18 2023-09-22 德州京信药业有限公司 Medicine bottle cleaning device

    Family Cites Families (17)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    US1825718A (en) * 1929-09-16 1931-10-06 Meyer Geo J Mfg Co Prerinse deflector
    US2298475A (en) * 1938-08-29 1942-10-13 Karl Kiefer Machine Company Machine including means for cleaning containers
    US2279391A (en) * 1940-01-10 1942-04-14 United Shoe Machinery Corp Protective cap for spray guns
    US2304050A (en) * 1941-02-28 1942-12-01 U S Bottlers Machinery Company Container cleaning apparatus
    US2354308A (en) * 1942-05-27 1944-07-25 Pneumatic Scale Corp Container cleaning machine
    CH324087A (en) * 1953-08-14 1957-08-31 Seitz Werke Gmbh Sterilizer
    US3226757A (en) * 1964-02-27 1966-01-04 Burroughs Wellcome Co Bottle cleaning machine
    FR1560649A (en) * 1968-02-09 1969-03-21
    NZ182304A (en) * 1975-10-22 1979-03-28 Oag Ej Bottle cleaning apparatus:first conveyor carries cradles for bottles,second conveyor supports nozzles for cleaning fluid
    US4104081A (en) * 1976-08-09 1978-08-01 Adolph Coors Company In-line bottle rinser
    FR2425833A1 (en) * 1978-05-19 1979-12-14 Viot Jean Ice-cream scoop washing machine - has jets of water directed at scoop when valve operated by sprung lever is opened
    US4174722A (en) * 1978-06-23 1979-11-20 Manning Environmental Corp. Cleaning apparatus for sample containers in a queue
    IT1141837B (en) * 1980-09-05 1986-10-08 M E C I Di Bianchini & Marchin IMPROVEMENTS TO AN AUTOMATIC RINSING MACHINE
    DE3301525A1 (en) * 1983-01-19 1984-07-19 Heinz Oberurnen Hartnig CLEANING DEVICE FOR SINGLE-SIDED OPEN CONTAINERS
    ES293164Y (en) * 1986-03-24 1989-02-16 Embomak, S.A. PERFECTED SANITIZER FOR BOTTLES.
    US4944647A (en) * 1988-04-29 1990-07-31 Alpha Therapeutic Corporation Bottle cutting and emptying machine
    US4967812A (en) * 1989-11-08 1990-11-06 Herzog Kenneth J Nozzle drip collecting pan

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    FR2660884B1 (en) 1994-01-14
    DE69104582T3 (en) 2000-06-21
    JP2556638B2 (en) 1996-11-20
    ES2031440T3 (en) 1994-12-16
    DE69104582D1 (en) 1994-11-17
    EP0477341A1 (en) 1992-04-01
    WO1991015310A1 (en) 1991-10-17
    FR2660884A1 (en) 1991-10-18
    KR950013497B1 (en) 1995-11-08
    CA2060665A1 (en) 1991-10-12
    CA2060665C (en) 1999-04-20
    EP0477341B1 (en) 1994-10-12
    US5277207A (en) 1994-01-11
    ES2031440T5 (en) 2000-03-16
    ES2031440T1 (en) 1992-12-16
    KR920702642A (en) 1992-10-06
    DE69104582T2 (en) 1995-03-09
    JPH04507376A (en) 1992-12-24

    Similar Documents

    Publication Publication Date Title
    EP0477341B2 (en) Devices and machine for treating bottles
    EP0477352B1 (en) Gripping clamp and machine for treating objects, in particular bottles, equipped with said gripping clamp
    EP2328824B1 (en) Method and device for positioning containers and plant for treating containers having different cross sections
    FR2588939A1 (en) DEVICE FOR TRANSFERRING A CRYOGENIC FLUID
    EP2989032B1 (en) Installation for treating containers comprising holding devices designed to cooperate mutually
    EP0477344B1 (en) Device for controlling flow
    FR2648125A1 (en) ROTARY-TYPE BOTTLE MACHINE WITH FIXED DEVICE FOR WASHING BINGES THEREOF
    WO1980000954A1 (en) Control and locking of pivoting needle for pneumatic pipe carriers
    EP0614708A1 (en) Bottle rinsing device for rotating cleaning machines
    EP0526298A1 (en) Actuator button for a pressurized container for spraying a liquid, and container provided with such an actuator button
    FR2798650A1 (en) DISPENSING DEVICE FOR PROVIDING A CONTAINER
    AU644652B2 (en) Devices and machine for treating bottles
    EP1082265A1 (en) Filling spout
    CA2338169A1 (en) Dispensing device, in particular for filling machine feeder, and feeder equipped with same
    EP0172079A1 (en) Manifold for a steam vaporizer and diffuser
    FR2541261A1 (en) Machine for rinsing bottles and similar containers
    FR2658894A1 (en) Opening and closing valve for sprayers and the like
    FR2487320A1 (en) Pneumatically operated bottle capsule machine - separates capsules with air jet for horizontal delivery to piston operated swinging vertical applicator
    EP0822013A1 (en) Bottle washing device for rotary machines
    FR2737716A1 (en) Filler for containers with beverage - comprises manually-operated head positioned over container to successively remove stopper, create vacuum in container and deliver liquid
    FR2740364A1 (en) Method for cleaning insides of containers e.g. bottles in inverted position on machine with inverted carousel
    EP0608673A1 (en) Method and device for gripping and forwarding of bottles
    FR2728549A1 (en) Device for collection of scrap from conveyor, using suction heads
    FR2567175A1 (en) Improvement to water flushing mechanisms
    BE431497A (en)

    Legal Events

    Date Code Title Description
    PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

    17P Request for examination filed

    Effective date: 19911220

    AK Designated contracting states

    Kind code of ref document: A1

    Designated state(s): BE CH DE ES FR GB GR IT LI LU NL SE

    RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

    Designated state(s): BE CH DE ES FR GB IT LI

    ITCL It: translation for ep claims filed

    Representative=s name: BARZANO' E ZANARDO ROMA S.P.A.

    GBC Gb: translation of claims filed (gb section 78(7)/1977)
    DET De: translation of patent claims
    RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

    Designated state(s): BE CH DE ES GB IT LI

    RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

    Owner name: PERRIER, RENE

    Owner name: ETS PERRIER

    RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

    Inventor name: PERRIER, RENE

    111L Licence recorded

    Free format text: 0100 ETS. PERRIER

    17Q First examination report despatched

    Effective date: 19930702

    RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

    Designated state(s): BE CH DE ES GB IT LI

    GRAA (expected) grant

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

    ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed
    AK Designated contracting states

    Kind code of ref document: B1

    Designated state(s): BE CH DE ES GB IT LI

    REF Corresponds to:

    Ref document number: 69104582

    Country of ref document: DE

    Date of ref document: 19941117

    GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

    Effective date: 19941101

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: CH

    Ref legal event code: PLI

    Owner name: ETS PERRIER

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: ES

    Ref legal event code: FG2A

    Ref document number: 2031440

    Country of ref document: ES

    Kind code of ref document: T3

    PLBI Opposition filed

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260

    26 Opposition filed

    Opponent name: OFFICINE AVE SPA

    Effective date: 19950711

    PLBF Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS OBSO

    PLBF Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS OBSO

    PLAW Interlocutory decision in opposition

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IDOP

    APAC Appeal dossier modified

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS NOAPO

    APAE Appeal reference modified

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS REFNO

    APAC Appeal dossier modified

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS NOAPO

    APAC Appeal dossier modified

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS NOAPO

    PLAW Interlocutory decision in opposition

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IDOP

    PUAH Patent maintained in amended form

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009272

    STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

    Free format text: STATUS: PATENT MAINTAINED AS AMENDED

    27A Patent maintained in amended form

    Effective date: 19991215

    AK Designated contracting states

    Kind code of ref document: B2

    Designated state(s): BE CH DE ES GB IT LI

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: CH

    Ref legal event code: AEN

    Free format text: MAINTIEN DU BREVET DONT L'ETENDUE A ETE MODIFIEE

    ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed
    GBTA Gb: translation of amended ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(b)/1977)
    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: ES

    Ref legal event code: DC2A

    Kind code of ref document: T5

    Effective date: 20000210

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: GB

    Ref legal event code: IF02

    APAH Appeal reference modified

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSCREFNO

    PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: ES

    Payment date: 20080422

    Year of fee payment: 18

    Ref country code: DE

    Payment date: 20080411

    Year of fee payment: 18

    Ref country code: CH

    Payment date: 20080415

    Year of fee payment: 18

    PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: BE

    Payment date: 20080513

    Year of fee payment: 18

    Ref country code: IT

    Payment date: 20080419

    Year of fee payment: 18

    PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: GB

    Payment date: 20080408

    Year of fee payment: 18

    BERE Be: lapsed

    Owner name: *PERRIER RENE

    Effective date: 20090430

    Owner name: ETS *PERRIER

    Effective date: 20090430

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: CH

    Ref legal event code: PL

    GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

    Effective date: 20090410

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: LI

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20090430

    Ref country code: CH

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20090430

    Ref country code: DE

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20091103

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: GB

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20090410

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: BE

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20090430

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: ES

    Ref legal event code: FD2A

    Effective date: 20090411

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: ES

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20090411

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: IT

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20090410