EP1235715A1 - Method and device for packing a solid into a container such as a bottle - Google Patents

Method and device for packing a solid into a container such as a bottle

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Publication number
EP1235715A1
EP1235715A1 EP00990046A EP00990046A EP1235715A1 EP 1235715 A1 EP1235715 A1 EP 1235715A1 EP 00990046 A EP00990046 A EP 00990046A EP 00990046 A EP00990046 A EP 00990046A EP 1235715 A1 EP1235715 A1 EP 1235715A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
bell
orifice
free edge
ring
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP00990046A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1235715B1 (en
Inventor
Denis Guillou
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.)
Ducros
Original Assignee
Ducros
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
Application filed by Ducros filed Critical Ducros
Publication of EP1235715A1 publication Critical patent/EP1235715A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1235715B1 publication Critical patent/EP1235715B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/02—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
    • B65B31/025—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas specially adapted for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
    • B65B55/24—Cleaning of, or removing dust from, containers, wrappers, or packaging ; Preventing of fouling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67B—APPLYING CLOSURE MEMBERS TO BOTTLES JARS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; OPENING CLOSED CONTAINERS
    • B67B3/00—Closing bottles, jars or similar containers by applying caps
    • B67B3/24—Special measures for applying and securing caps under vacuum

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for packaging a solid, in particular food in a container such as a bottle.
  • the present invention also relates to a device for this purpose.
  • the object of the present invention is more particularly to improve the packaging of solid foodstuffs in powder form, in seeds or granules, in leaves, fragmented or not, or else constituted by berries or fruits, with the aim of ensuring better preservation thereof. , especially with regard to their aromatic quality. It is known from numerous documents, for example FR-
  • a bell is placed around the top region of the container. The free edge of the bell carries a sealing gasket which comes to rest on the outer wall of the container so as to produce inside the bell a vacuum chamber which communicates with the interior of the container through its orifice of filling. Part of the air therein, and in particular the air in the container above the liquid level, is removed from the bell.
  • a closure device provided in the bell is actuated to place a suitable sealing cap on the orifice of the container.
  • the closed container is then extracted from the bell and taken to the next treatment station.
  • the closure device is replenished with a new cover and a new container to be closed is placed in the bell.
  • the object of the present invention is more particularly to remedy this specific problem of vacuum packaging solids in containers such as vials.
  • the method for packaging in a container such as a vial, a solid substance, in particular a food substance, which is at least partly in the form of powder, grains, whole or fragmented leaves, berries, berries and the like, process in which after filling the container, when the container has been placed in a vacuum enclosure, part of this enclosure, and the container is removed through an orifice thereof the air which is initially present there, then the container is capped, characterized in that after said evacuation and before said capping, the free edge of the orifice is wiped to rid it of any fragment originating in particular from said substance.
  • This wiping eliminates from the free edge the particles or other debris which could have settled there either during filling or as a result thereof.
  • a wiping means which is placed on the free edge of the orifice during the evacuation of air from the enclosure.
  • This protective ring prevents debris or particles from settling on the free edge of the orifice during the suction process.
  • the ring After one evacuation and before the plugging, the ring is moved from its active position on the free edge of the orifice to a retracted position substantially situated in the plane of said free edge to carry out the wiping.
  • the device for closing a vacuum container such as a bottle for implementing the method according to the first aspect, comprising:
  • a support for the container - means for relative movement between the bell and the support between an open position allowing the delivery of a new container to be closed and a closed position in which is formed in the bell a sealed enclosure communicating with the interior of the container by a container opening;
  • the cleanliness member includes a member for wiping the free edge of the orifice before plugging.
  • the cleanliness member may for example be a squeegee similar to a wiper blade for automobile, or preferably, as explained above, a ring.
  • the ring is located opposite the orifice of the container when the latter is being associated with the bell, and simply comes to bear axially against the free edge of the orifice at the same time as the bell reaches the closed position.
  • the ring can have a certain support on the free edge without at any time having to "climb" on the free edge by a wiping movement which would go from the retracted position to the position of contact with the free edge.
  • the only wiping movement is that which goes from the position of contact with the free edge to the retracted position. This minimizes the wear of the wiping ring.
  • FIG. 1 is a view in vertical section of the device according to the invention, at two successive stages of the implementation of the method, represented on either side of the axis of the bottle;
  • - Figure 2 is a sectional view along II-II of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a partial perspective view showing the wiping movement, with cutting of the ring for clarity;
  • - Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 1, but showing the capping operation;
  • FIG. 5 is a view of a detail of Figure 1 on an enlarged scale, illustrating the ability of the ring to cooperate with two dimensions of bottle.
  • the device according to the invention comprises a bell 1, having a vertical axis 2.
  • the bell 1 open downwards, has on its periphery in the vicinity of its free edge an annular seal 3
  • the axial tightening of the seal 3 and consequently its swelling towards the axis 2 can be adjusted by means of an adjustable axial compression ring 4 associated with the body 6 of the bell 1.
  • an adjustable axial compression ring 4 associated with the body 6 of the bell 1.
  • the bell 1 and the elements which it carries, which remain to be described are adjustable in height relative to a support 8 for the containers 9 to be closed under vacuum.
  • the body 6 of the bell 1 has an orifice 13 for connection with a vacuum source symbolized by the arrow 14.
  • An arrow 10 in direction reverse illustrates that it is also possible to use the orifice 13 at the end of the stopper to eject the closed container 9 from the bell 1 and thus overcome, if necessary, any adhesion between the container 9 and the seal 3.
  • the device for vacuum sealing further comprises a closure device. In the example shown, it is a device for fitting a threaded plug 16, by screwing onto an external thread 15 of the neck of the container 9.
  • the cover or threaded plug 16 is preferably metallic and the device closure comprises 1 inside the bell 1 a screw rotor 17.
  • the rotor 17 Before the arrival of a container 9 to be closed in the bell 1, non-means shown, known in themselves, supply the rotor 17 with a new plug.
  • the rotor 17 includes permanent magnets, not shown, which hold the plug in suspension above the orifice 12 of the container 9 to be closed.
  • the rotor 17 is integral with a shaft 18 which extends upwards through a bore 19 provided axially in the body 6 of the bell and furnished with a seal 21.
  • the shaft 18 is supported in rotation relative to the bell 1 in plain bearings 22 mounted in a tubular support 23 fixed to the upper face of the body 6 around the bore 19. Beyond the tubular support 23, the shaft 18 is fixed to a pinion drive 24 meshing with a motor pinion 26 secured to the shaft of a servomotor 27.
  • the movable assembly constituted by the shaft 18 the rotor 17 and the pinion 24 is in a position d waiting where a free space E is reserved between the rotor 17 and the plug 16 on the one hand, and the free edge 28 of the orifice 12 of the container 9 on the other hand when the bell 1 is in the closed position.
  • said equipment 18, 17, 24 can be moved along the axis 2 (arrow 29 in FIG. 1) by means not shown such as a vertical jack, to a position of plugging shown in FIG. 4.
  • the teeth of the drive pinion 24 slide axially relative to the teeth of the drive pinion 26.
  • the servomotor 27 is actuated to cause the plug 16 to be screwed onto the thread 15, while the axial movement along arrow 29 continues due to the axial component of the helical screw movement.
  • the axial dimension of the drive pinion 24 has been designed to be large enough so that the pinions 24 and 26 remain meshed over the entire axial travel of the crew 18, 17, 24.
  • the plug used comprises on the inner face from its bottom a seal 31 which end of screwing is applied sealingly against the free edge 28 of the orifice 12.
  • the device according to the invention further comprises a cleaning member 32 comprising a ring 33 serving as a mount for a screen 34 occupying the entire area of the opening of the ring.
  • the ring 33 comprises a rigid body 35 and on the underside of the latter an annular lining 36 of substantially sealed support against the free edge 28 of the orifice 12 of the container 9.
  • the seal 36 is trapped in a recess 37 in the body 35, the peripheral wall of the recess 37 being undercut with a taper corresponding to that of the outer peripheral face of the seal 36.
  • the screen 34 by For example, a metal screen is mounted between the body 35 and the lining 36, and is trapped therein thanks to its diameter greater than that of the circular opening of the body 35 and of the sealing lining 1 .
  • the cleaning member 32 is movable between the active position shown in Figure 1 and the retracted position shown in Figure 2.
  • the ring 33 In the active position, the ring 33 is aligned with the axis 2 below the rotor 17 in position waiting, and the seal 36 is in contact with the free edge 28 when the bell is in the closed position.
  • the above-mentioned interval E is sufficient for the cleaning member 32 to be able to occupy the active position which has just been described and to be able to move towards the retracted position.
  • the ring 33 In the retracted position ( Figure 2), the ring 33 is eccentric with respect to the axis 2 while being in the same plane perpendicular to the axis 2 as in the active position, and it then allows the closure device and in particular the rotor 17 to cooperate with the neck of the container 9 as shown in FIG. 4.
  • the cleaning member 32 For its movement between the active and retracted positions, the cleaning member 32 comprises an actuating arm 38 secured to the body 35 and extending radially outward from the periphery of the latter. Away from the ring 33, the arm 38 is integral rotating a hinge shaft and one actuator 39 extending along a hinge axis 41 parallel to axis 2 and spaced therefrom.
  • the arm 38 and its connection with the actuation shaft 39 are housed in a housing 42 fixed to the body 6 of the bell 1.
  • the interior space of the housing 42 is part of the vacuum enclosure.
  • the actuation shaft 39 comes out of this enclosure through a guide tube 43 fixed to the housing 42.
  • the tube 43 defines for the shaft 39 a bore equipped with a seal 44 and plain bearings 46.
  • the actuation shaft 39 is integral with an actuation lever 47 intended to be articulated, at a distance from the axis 41, with the movable end of an actuation cylinder, which is not more represented.
  • the actuation shaft 39 can slide with the cleaning member 32 along the axis 41 relative to the bell 41.
  • This assembly 32, 39 is returned to an extreme position by a compression spring 48 towards the free edge of the bell 1.
  • the free edge 28 of the container supported on the seal 3 slightly pushes the cleaning member 32 and with it the actuation shaft 39 in the direction opposite to the joint 3 with compression of the return spring 48, as indicated in FIG. 1 by the displacement d.
  • the air contained in the container 9 is evacuated through the orifice 12 and the sieve 34, without being able to bypass it by means of the seal 36.
  • the solid content 49 of the container 9 is prevented from leaving the container 9 by virtue of the sieve 34 and the seal 36 which, at the same time time, prevents any solid particle or debris from coming to rest on the free edge 28 constituting the future sealing surface.
  • the actuating cylinder of the shaft 39 is activated to cause the cleaning member 32 to move into the retracted position in a movement which is illustrated in Figure 3, in the plane of the free edge 28. This movement produces a wiping of the free edge 28 by the seal 36.
  • the cleaning member 32 In the retracted position shown in solid lines in Figure 2, the cleaning member 32 completely releases the free edge 28 and the immediate environment thereof to allow, as shown in Figure 4, the intervention of the closure device 17, 18 and therefore the establishment of the seal 16 on the container neck 9.
  • the body 35 of the ring 33 and the arm 38 of which it is integral can be made of metal.
  • the screen 34 is preferably constituted by a metal screen with a transverse dimension of the pores equal to approximately 100 to 500, preferably approximately 250 ⁇ m.
  • the seal and support pad 36 can be made for example of foam or rubber. The foam is preferred to avoid the risks of adhesion to the free edge 28 of the container.
  • the radial width of the lining 36 is sufficient to be compatible with at least two different types of receptacles, distinguished by diameters D1 and D2 different from their free edge 28.
  • Figure 2 illustrates the angular travel of the cleaning member 32 which can typically be of the order of 60 °.
  • the invention is not limited to the examples described and shown.
  • the wiping function would be the only one sought, one could use a slender squeegee passing from one side to the other of the orifice of the container by sweeping the entire free edge after the creation of the vacuum and before installing the cover.
  • the seal such as 3 could be replaced by an inflatable seal.
  • the rotor such as 17 may include another means for gripping a stopper to be placed on the container, for example mechanical means.

Abstract

A bell-shaped element is placed in a sealed position whereby it rests against the outer wall of the container which is full of solid commodities in order to create a partial vacuum in the inner area of said bell-shaped element and in the gaseous area of the container. A sealing armature subsequently places a sealing cap on top of the opening of the container. When the vacuum is created, a cleanliness element rests against the free edge of the opening of the container in a position which is sealed by means of a liner. The cleanliness element comprises a sieve which retains solid materials inside the container during suction. The cleanliness element subsequently retracts on a plane of its own, wiping the free end of the opening in order to remove debris and solid particles which could prevent the opening from being sealed in a desired manner.

Description

PROCEDE ET DISPOSITIF POUR CONDITIONNER UN SOLIDE DANS UN RECIPIENT , TEL QU'UN FLACON METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PACKAGING A SOLID IN A CONTAINER, SUCH AS A BOTTLE
La présente invention concerne un procédé pour conditionner un solide, notamment alimentaire dans un récipient tel qu'un flacon.The present invention relates to a method for packaging a solid, in particular food in a container such as a bottle.
La présente invention vise également un dispositif à cet effet.The present invention also relates to a device for this purpose.
La présente invention a plus particulièrement pour objet de perfectionner le conditionnement des aliments solides en poudre, en graines ou granulés, en feuilles, fragmentées ou non, ou bien encore constitués par des baies ou des fruits, dans le but de leur assurer une meilleure conservation, notamment en ce qui concerne leur qualité aromatique. II est connu par de nombreux documents, par exemple FR-The object of the present invention is more particularly to improve the packaging of solid foodstuffs in powder form, in seeds or granules, in leaves, fragmented or not, or else constituted by berries or fruits, with the aim of ensuring better preservation thereof. , especially with regard to their aromatic quality. It is known from numerous documents, for example FR-
A-2 290 356, O-A-94 25 347, FR-A-2 394 452, EP-A-0 022 084, GB-A-2 322 851, et US-A-4 658 566, de réaliser le vide ou une atmosphère contrôlée dans un récipient au-dessus du liquide qui y est contenu, avant de procéder au bouchage du récipient. Dans la plupart des cas, on place une cloche autour de la région supérieure du récipient. Le bord libre de la cloche porte une garniture d'étanchéité qui vient s'appuyer sur la paroi extérieure du récipient de manière à réaliser à 1 ' intérieur de la cloche une chambre à vide qui communique avec l'intérieur du récipient par son orifice de remplissage. On évacue de la cloche une partie de l'air qui s'y trouve et en particulier de l'air se trouvant dans le récipient au- dessus du niveau du liquide. Après réalisation du vide partiel voulu, un dispositif de bouchage prévu dans la cloche est actionné pour venir placer sur l'orifice du récipient un opercule étanche approprié. Le récipient obturé est ensuite extrait de la cloche puis conduit au poste de traitement suivant. Pendant ce temps-là, le dispositif de bouchage est réalimenté avec un nouvel opercule et un nouveau récipient à obturer vient se placer dans la cloche.A-2 290 356, OA-94 25 347, FR-A-2 394 452, EP-A-0 022 084, GB-A-2 322 851, and US-A-4 658 566, to create a vacuum or a controlled atmosphere in a container above the liquid contained therein, before proceeding to plug the container. In most cases, a bell is placed around the top region of the container. The free edge of the bell carries a sealing gasket which comes to rest on the outer wall of the container so as to produce inside the bell a vacuum chamber which communicates with the interior of the container through its orifice of filling. Part of the air therein, and in particular the air in the container above the liquid level, is removed from the bell. After completion of the desired partial vacuum, a closure device provided in the bell is actuated to place a suitable sealing cap on the orifice of the container. The closed container is then extracted from the bell and taken to the next treatment station. During this time, the closure device is replenished with a new cover and a new container to be closed is placed in the bell.
Les documents US-A-2 496 877 et US-A-3 222 153 proposent d'appliquer le conditionnement sous vide à des substances solides telles que le café en poudre. Pour éviter que la poudre soit aspirée en même temps que 1 ' air lors de la réalisation du vide partiel, on place sur l'orifice du récipient un tamis monté dans une bague qui s ' applique sur le bord libre du goulot du récipient. Cependant on constate en pratique que des particules ou débris solides de la substance de remplissage ont tendance à rester posés sur la surface du récipient qui est destinée à réaliser 1 ' étanchéité avec l'opercule. Cette surface est en principe constituée par le bord périphérique libre du goulot d'un récipient réalisé sous la forme de flacon. De tels débris ou particules ont ensuite pour effet d'empêcher le bouchage étanche du flacon, ou en tout cas de nuire à la pérennité de 1 ' étanchéité .Documents US-A-2 496 877 and US-A-3 222 153 propose to apply vacuum packaging to substances solids such as coffee powder. To prevent the powder from being sucked in at the same time as the air when the partial vacuum is produced, a sieve mounted in a ring is placed over the orifice of the container, which is applied to the free edge of the neck of the container. However, it is found in practice that solid particles or debris of the filling substance tend to remain placed on the surface of the container which is intended to seal the seal. This surface is in principle constituted by the free peripheral edge of the neck of a container produced in the form of a bottle. Such debris or particles then have the effect of preventing the watertight closure of the bottle, or in any case adversely affecting the durability of the seal.
Le but de la présente invention est plus particulièrement de remédier à ce problème spécifique au conditionnement sous vide des solides dans des récipients tels que flacons .The object of the present invention is more particularly to remedy this specific problem of vacuum packaging solids in containers such as vials.
Suivant un premier aspect de l'invention, le procédé pour conditionner dans un récipient tel que flacon, une substance solide, notamment alimentaire, se présentant au moins en partie sous forme de poudre, de grains, de feuilles entières ou fragmentées, de baies, petits fruits et analogues, procédé dans lequel après remplissage du récipient, alors qu'on a placé le récipient dans une enceinte sous vide, on évacue de cette enceinte, et du récipient au travers d'un orifice de celui-ci, une partie de l'air qui y est initialement présent, puis on bouche le récipient, caractérisé en ce qu'après ladite évacuation et avant ledit bouchage on essuie le bord libre de l'orifice pour l'en débarrasser de tout fragment provenant notamment de ladite substance .According to a first aspect of the invention, the method for packaging in a container such as a vial, a solid substance, in particular a food substance, which is at least partly in the form of powder, grains, whole or fragmented leaves, berries, berries and the like, process in which after filling the container, when the container has been placed in a vacuum enclosure, part of this enclosure, and the container is removed through an orifice thereof the air which is initially present there, then the container is capped, characterized in that after said evacuation and before said capping, the free edge of the orifice is wiped to rid it of any fragment originating in particular from said substance.
Cet essuyage permet d'éliminer du bord libre les particules ou autres débris qui auraient pu s'y poser soit pendant le remplissage soit à la suite de celui-ci.This wiping eliminates from the free edge the particles or other debris which could have settled there either during filling or as a result thereof.
Il est particulièrement avantageux d'utiliser comme moyen d'essuyage une bague de protection que l'on place sur le bord libre de l'orifice pendant l'évacuation de l'air hors de 1 ' enceinte. Cette bague de protection empêche que des débris ou particules viennent se poser sur le bord libre de l'orifice pendant le processus d'aspiration.It is particularly advantageous to use as a wiping means a protective ring which is placed on the free edge of the orifice during the evacuation of air from the enclosure. This protective ring prevents debris or particles from settling on the free edge of the orifice during the suction process.
Après 1 ' évacuation et avant le bouchage on déplace la bague de sa position active sur le bord libre de l'orifice à une position escamotée sensiblement située dans le plan dudit bord libre pour réaliser 1 ' essuyage .After one evacuation and before the plugging, the ring is moved from its active position on the free edge of the orifice to a retracted position substantially situated in the plane of said free edge to carry out the wiping.
On peut en outre utiliser la bague précitée comme monture pour un tamis . Suivant un second aspect de l'invention, le dispositif pour obturer sous vide un récipient tel que flacon, pour la mise en œuvre du procédé selon le premier aspect, comprenant :It is also possible to use the aforementioned ring as a frame for a sieve. According to a second aspect of the invention, the device for closing a vacuum container such as a bottle, for implementing the method according to the first aspect, comprising:
- une cloche à vide associée à des moyens d'aspiration;- a vacuum bell associated with suction means;
- un support pour le récipient; - des moyens de déplacement relatif entre la cloche et le support entre une position ouverte permettant l'acheminement d'un nouveau récipient à obturer et une position fermée dans laquelle est constituée dans la cloche un enceinte étanche communiquant avec 1 ' intérieur du récipient par un orifice du récipient;- a support for the container; - means for relative movement between the bell and the support between an open position allowing the delivery of a new container to be closed and a closed position in which is formed in the bell a sealed enclosure communicating with the interior of the container by a container opening;
- un moyen de bouchage porté dans la cloche en regard de 1 ' orifice;- a sealing means carried in the bell opposite the orifice;
- un organe de propreté mobile à 1 ' intérieur de la cloche entre une position active adjacente au bord libre de l'orifice du récipient lorsque la cloche est en position fermée, et une position escamotée permettant le bouchage, est caractérisé en ce que l'organe de propreté comprend un organe d'essuyage du bord libre de l'orifice avant le bouchage . L'organe de propreté peut par exemple être une raclette analogue à une raclette d' essuie-glaces pour automobile, ou encore de préférence, comme exposé plus haut, une bague. Avantageusement la bague se trouve en regard de l'orifice du récipient lorsque celui-ci est en train d'être associé à la cloche, et vient simplement s'appuyer axialement contre le bord libre de l'orifice en même temps que la cloche atteint la position fermée. De cette manière, la bague peut avoir un certain appui sur le bord libre sans avoir à aucun moment à "monter" sur le bord libre par un mouvement d'essuyage qui irait de la position escamotée à la position de contact avec le bord libre. Le seul mouvement d'essuyage est celui qui va de la position de contact avec le bord libre à la position escamotée. On minimise ainsi l'usure de la bague d'essuyage.- a movable cleaning element inside the bell between an active position adjacent to the free edge of the container orifice when the bell is in the closed position, and a retracted position allowing plugging, is characterized in that the cleanliness member includes a member for wiping the free edge of the orifice before plugging. The cleanliness member may for example be a squeegee similar to a wiper blade for automobile, or preferably, as explained above, a ring. Advantageously, the ring is located opposite the orifice of the container when the latter is being associated with the bell, and simply comes to bear axially against the free edge of the orifice at the same time as the bell reaches the closed position. In this way, the ring can have a certain support on the free edge without at any time having to "climb" on the free edge by a wiping movement which would go from the retracted position to the position of contact with the free edge. The only wiping movement is that which goes from the position of contact with the free edge to the retracted position. This minimizes the wear of the wiping ring.
D'autres particularités et avantages de l'invention ressortiront encore de la description ci -après, relative à des exemples non- limitatifs . Aux dessins annexés : la figure 1 est une vue en coupe verticale du dispositif selon l'invention, à deux stades successifs de la mise en œuvre du procédé, représentés de part et d'autre de l'axe du flacon; - la figure 2 est une vue en coupe suivant II-II de la figure 1; la figure 3 est une vue en perspective partielle montrant le mouvement d'essuyage, avec coupe de la bague pour plus de clarté; - la figure 4 est une vue analogue à la figure 1, mais représentant l'opération de bouchage;Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description below, relating to nonlimiting examples. In the appended drawings: FIG. 1 is a view in vertical section of the device according to the invention, at two successive stages of the implementation of the method, represented on either side of the axis of the bottle; - Figure 2 is a sectional view along II-II of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a partial perspective view showing the wiping movement, with cutting of the ring for clarity; - Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 1, but showing the capping operation;
- la figure 5 est une vue d'un détail de la figure 1 à échelle agrandie, illustrant la capacité de la bague à coopérer avec deux dimensions de flacon. Comme le montre la figure 1, le dispositif selon l'invention comprend une cloche 1, ayant un axe vertical 2. La cloche 1, ouverte vers le bas, présente sur son pourtour au voisinage de son bord libre un joint d' étanchéité annulaire 3. Le serrage axial du joint 3 et par conséquent son gonflement vers l'axe 2 peuvent être ajustés au moyen d'une bague de compression axiale réglable 4 associée au corps 6 de la cloche 1. Par des moyens qui ne sont illustrés que par une double flèche verticale 7, la cloche 1 et les éléments qu'elle porte, qui restent à décrire, sont réglables en hauteur par rapport à un support 8 pour les récipients 9 à obturer sous vide.- Figure 5 is a view of a detail of Figure 1 on an enlarged scale, illustrating the ability of the ring to cooperate with two dimensions of bottle. As shown in Figure 1, the device according to the invention comprises a bell 1, having a vertical axis 2. The bell 1, open downwards, has on its periphery in the vicinity of its free edge an annular seal 3 The axial tightening of the seal 3 and consequently its swelling towards the axis 2 can be adjusted by means of an adjustable axial compression ring 4 associated with the body 6 of the bell 1. By means which are only illustrated by a vertical double arrow 7, the bell 1 and the elements which it carries, which remain to be described, are adjustable in height relative to a support 8 for the containers 9 to be closed under vacuum.
Dans l'exemple représenté, c'est le support 8, dont une position extrême inférieure 8a et une position extrême supérieure 8b sont représentées à la figure 1, qui est déplaçable verticalement pour établir le mouvement vertical précité selon la flèche 7, mais cela n'est qu'un mode d'illustration commode, le déplacement de la cloche 1 par rapport au support 8 immobile verticalement est également concevable .In the example shown, it is the support 8, including an extreme lower position 8a and an extreme position upper 8b are shown in Figure 1, which is movable vertically to establish the aforementioned vertical movement according to arrow 7, but this is only a convenient mode of illustration, the movement of the bell 1 relative to the stationary support 8 vertically is also conceivable.
Dans la position 8a, où l'écartement entre la cloche 1 et le support 8 est maximal, la cloche est en situation ouverte, et un mouvement relatif horizontal entre la cloche 1 et le support permet à un récipient 9 rempli de la denrée solide à conditionner, d'être acheminé sous la cloche 1 jusque dans la position représentée où l'axe du récipient coïncide avec l'axe 2 de la cloche. Par le mouvement selon la flèche 7, le support 8 peut être élevé jusqu'à la position 8b pour laquelle le joint 3 se place en appui étanche contre la paroi périphérique extérieure du récipient 9 qui dans 1 ' exemple représenté est un flacon en verre de relativement petite dimension ayant par exemple une dizaine de centimètre de hauteur. Cet appui étanche définit à l'intérieur de la cloche 1 une chambre à vide 11 qui communique avec l'intérieur du récipient 9 par l'orifice supérieur de remplissage 12 de ce dernier. Pour la réalisation du vide partiel dans la chambre 11 et dans l'espace gazeux du récipient 9, , le corps 6 de la cloche 1 comporte un orifice 13 de raccordement avec une source de vide symbolisée par la flèche 14. Une flèche 10 en sens inverse illustre que l'on peut également utiliser l'orifice 13 en fin de bouchage pour éjecter de la cloche 1 le récipient 9 obturé et vaincre ainsi, au besoin, une éventuelle adhérence entre le récipient 9 et le joint 3. Le dispositif d'obturation sous vide comprend en outre un dispositif de bouchage. Dans l'exemple représenté, il s'agit d'un dispositif de pose d'un bouchon fileté 16, par vissage sur un filetage extérieur 15 du goulot du récipient 9. L'opercule ou bouchon fileté 16 est de préférence métallique et le dispositif de bouchage comprend à 1 ' intérieur de la cloche 1 un rotor de vissage 17. Avant l'arrivée d'un récipient 9 à obturer dans la cloche 1, des moyens non- représentés, connus en eux-mêmes, approvisionnent le rotor 17 avec un nouveau bouchon. Le rotor 17 comporte des aimants permanents, non-représentés, qui retiennent le bouchon en suspension au-dessus de l'orifice 12 du récipient 9 à obturer. Le rotor 17 est solidaire d'un arbre 18 qui s'étend vers le haut à travers un alésage 19 prévu axialement dans le corps 6 de la cloche et garni d'un joint d' étanchéité 21. L'arbre 18 est supporté en rotation relativement à la cloche 1 dans des paliers lisses 22 montés dans un support tubulaire 23 fixé à la face supérieure du corps 6 autour de l'alésage 19. Au-delà du support tubulaire 23, l'arbre 18 est fixé à un pignon d'entraînement 24 engrenant avec un pignon moteur 26 solidaire de l'arbre d'un servomoteur 27. Dans la situation représentée à la figure 1, l'équipage mobile constitué par l'arbre 18 le rotor 17 et le pignon 24 est dans une position d'attente où un espace libre E est réservé entre le rotor 17 et le bouchon 16 d'une part, et le bord libre 28 de l'orifice 12 du récipient 9 d'autre part lorsque la cloche 1 est en position fermée. A partir de cette position d'attente , ledit équipage 18, 17, 24 peut être déplacé suivant l'axe 2 (flèche 29 à la figure 1) par un moyen non représenté tel qu'un vérin vertical, jusqu'à une position de bouchage représentée à la figure 4. Pendant ce mouvement, les dents du pignon d'entraînement 24 coulissent axialement par rapport aux dents du pignon moteur 26. Puis le servomoteur 27 est actionné pour provoquer le vissage du bouchon 16 sur le filetage 15, tandis que le mouvement axial suivant la flèche 29 se poursuit en raison de la composante axiale du mouvement hélicoïdal de vissage. La dimension axiale du pignon d'entraînement 24 a été prévue suffisamment grande pour que les pignons 24 et 26 restent en engrènement sur toute la course axiale de l'équipage 18, 17, 24.In position 8a, where the spacing between the bell 1 and the support 8 is maximum, the bell is in the open situation, and a relative horizontal movement between the bell 1 and the support allows a container 9 filled with the solid foodstuff to be condition, to be routed under the bell 1 to the position shown where the axis of the container coincides with the axis 2 of the bell. By the movement according to arrow 7, the support 8 can be raised to the position 8b for which the seal 3 is placed in leaktight support against the outer peripheral wall of the container 9 which in the example shown is a glass bottle of relatively small dimension having for example ten centimeters in height. This sealed support defines inside the bell 1 a vacuum chamber 11 which communicates with the interior of the container 9 through the upper filling orifice 12 of the latter. For the realization of the partial vacuum in the chamber 11 and in the gas space of the container 9, the body 6 of the bell 1 has an orifice 13 for connection with a vacuum source symbolized by the arrow 14. An arrow 10 in direction reverse illustrates that it is also possible to use the orifice 13 at the end of the stopper to eject the closed container 9 from the bell 1 and thus overcome, if necessary, any adhesion between the container 9 and the seal 3. The device for vacuum sealing further comprises a closure device. In the example shown, it is a device for fitting a threaded plug 16, by screwing onto an external thread 15 of the neck of the container 9. The cover or threaded plug 16 is preferably metallic and the device closure comprises 1 inside the bell 1 a screw rotor 17. Before the arrival of a container 9 to be closed in the bell 1, non-means shown, known in themselves, supply the rotor 17 with a new plug. The rotor 17 includes permanent magnets, not shown, which hold the plug in suspension above the orifice 12 of the container 9 to be closed. The rotor 17 is integral with a shaft 18 which extends upwards through a bore 19 provided axially in the body 6 of the bell and furnished with a seal 21. The shaft 18 is supported in rotation relative to the bell 1 in plain bearings 22 mounted in a tubular support 23 fixed to the upper face of the body 6 around the bore 19. Beyond the tubular support 23, the shaft 18 is fixed to a pinion drive 24 meshing with a motor pinion 26 secured to the shaft of a servomotor 27. In the situation represented in FIG. 1, the movable assembly constituted by the shaft 18 the rotor 17 and the pinion 24 is in a position d waiting where a free space E is reserved between the rotor 17 and the plug 16 on the one hand, and the free edge 28 of the orifice 12 of the container 9 on the other hand when the bell 1 is in the closed position. From this standby position, said equipment 18, 17, 24 can be moved along the axis 2 (arrow 29 in FIG. 1) by means not shown such as a vertical jack, to a position of plugging shown in FIG. 4. During this movement, the teeth of the drive pinion 24 slide axially relative to the teeth of the drive pinion 26. Then the servomotor 27 is actuated to cause the plug 16 to be screwed onto the thread 15, while the axial movement along arrow 29 continues due to the axial component of the helical screw movement. The axial dimension of the drive pinion 24 has been designed to be large enough so that the pinions 24 and 26 remain meshed over the entire axial travel of the crew 18, 17, 24.
Une fois le bouchage réalisé, l'équipage 17, 18, 24 est remonté en position d'attente avec une force provoquant la séparation entre le rotor 17 et le bouchon 16 désormais fixé sur le récipient 9. Le bouchon utilisé comprend sur la face intérieure de son fond une garniture d' étanchéité 31 qui en fin de vissage vient s'appliquer de manière étanche contre le bord libre 28 de l'orifice 12.Once the plugging has been carried out, the crew 17, 18, 24 is raised to the standby position with a force causing the separation between the rotor 17 and the plug 16 now fixed on the container 9. The plug used comprises on the inner face from its bottom a seal 31 which end of screwing is applied sealingly against the free edge 28 of the orifice 12.
Le dispositif selon l'invention comprend en outre un organe de propreté 32 comprenant une bague 33 servant de monture à un tamis 34 occupant toute l'aire de l'ouverture de la bague. La bague 33 comprend un corps rigide 35 et sur la face inférieure de celui-ci une garniture annulaire 36 d'appui sensiblement étanche contre le bord libre 28 de l'orifice 12 du récipient 9. Comme le montrent aussi les figures 3 et 5, la garniture d' étanchéité 36 est emprisonnée dans un évidement 37 du corps 35, la paroi périphérique de 1 ' évidement 37 étant en contre-dépouille avec une conicité correspondant à celle de la face périphérique extérieure de la garniture 36. Le tamis 34, par exemple un tamis métallique, est monté entre le corps 35 et la garniture 36, et s'y trouve emprisonné grâce à son diamètre supérieur à celui de 1 ' ouverture circulaire du corps 35 et de la garniture d1 étanchéité 36.The device according to the invention further comprises a cleaning member 32 comprising a ring 33 serving as a mount for a screen 34 occupying the entire area of the opening of the ring. The ring 33 comprises a rigid body 35 and on the underside of the latter an annular lining 36 of substantially sealed support against the free edge 28 of the orifice 12 of the container 9. As also shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the seal 36 is trapped in a recess 37 in the body 35, the peripheral wall of the recess 37 being undercut with a taper corresponding to that of the outer peripheral face of the seal 36. The screen 34, by For example, a metal screen is mounted between the body 35 and the lining 36, and is trapped therein thanks to its diameter greater than that of the circular opening of the body 35 and of the sealing lining 1 .
L'organe de propreté 32 est mobile entre la position active représentée à la figure 1 et la position escamotée représentée à la figure 2. En position active, la bague 33 se trouve alignée avec l'axe 2 en-dessous du rotor 17 en position d'attente, et la garniture d' étanchéité 36 est en contact avec le bord libre 28 lorsque la cloche est en position fermée. L'intervalle E précité est suffisant pour que l'organe de propreté 32 puisse occuper la position active qui vient d'être décrite et puisse effectuer son mouvement vers la position escamotée. En position escamotée (figure 2), la bague 33 est excentrée par rapport à 1 ' axe 2 tout en étant dans le même plan perpendiculaire à l'axe 2 qu'en position active, et elle permet alors au dispositif de bouchage et en particulier au rotor 17 de venir coopérer avec le goulot du récipient 9 comme représenté à la figure 4.The cleaning member 32 is movable between the active position shown in Figure 1 and the retracted position shown in Figure 2. In the active position, the ring 33 is aligned with the axis 2 below the rotor 17 in position waiting, and the seal 36 is in contact with the free edge 28 when the bell is in the closed position. The above-mentioned interval E is sufficient for the cleaning member 32 to be able to occupy the active position which has just been described and to be able to move towards the retracted position. In the retracted position (Figure 2), the ring 33 is eccentric with respect to the axis 2 while being in the same plane perpendicular to the axis 2 as in the active position, and it then allows the closure device and in particular the rotor 17 to cooperate with the neck of the container 9 as shown in FIG. 4.
Pour son mouvement entre les positions active et escamotée, l'organe de propreté 32 comprend un bras d' actionnement 38 solidaire du corps 35 et s ' étendant radialement vers 1 ' extérieur à partir du pourtour de ce dernier. A distance de la bague 33, le bras 38 est solidaire en rotation d'un arbre d'articulation et d1 actionnement 39 qui s'étend selon un axe d'articulation 41 parallèle à l'axe 2 et écarté de celui-ci. Le bras 38 et sa liaison avec l'arbre d' actionnement 39 sont logés dans un boîtier 42 fixé au corps 6 de la cloche 1. L'espace intérieur du boîtier 42 fait partie de l'enceinte sous vide. L'arbre d' actionnement 39 sort de cette enceinte à travers un tube de guidage 43 fixé au boîtier 42. Le tube 43 définit pour l'arbre 39 un alésage équipé d'une garniture d' étanchéité 44 et de paliers lisses 46. A l'extérieur du tube 43, l'arbre d' actionnement 39 est solidaire d'un levier d' actionnement 47 destiné à être articulé, à distance de l'axe 41, avec l'extrémité mobile d'un vérin d' actionnement , qui n'est pas davantage représenté.For its movement between the active and retracted positions, the cleaning member 32 comprises an actuating arm 38 secured to the body 35 and extending radially outward from the periphery of the latter. Away from the ring 33, the arm 38 is integral rotating a hinge shaft and one actuator 39 extending along a hinge axis 41 parallel to axis 2 and spaced therefrom. The arm 38 and its connection with the actuation shaft 39 are housed in a housing 42 fixed to the body 6 of the bell 1. The interior space of the housing 42 is part of the vacuum enclosure. The actuation shaft 39 comes out of this enclosure through a guide tube 43 fixed to the housing 42. The tube 43 defines for the shaft 39 a bore equipped with a seal 44 and plain bearings 46. A outside the tube 43, the actuation shaft 39 is integral with an actuation lever 47 intended to be articulated, at a distance from the axis 41, with the movable end of an actuation cylinder, which is not more represented.
L'arbre d' actionnement 39 peut coulisser avec l'organe de propreté 32 selon l'axe 41 par rapport à la cloche 41. Cet ensemble 32, 39 est rappelé dans une position extrême par un ressort de compression 48 en direction du bord libre de la cloche 1. En présence d'un récipient 9 lorsque la cloche 1 est fermée, le bord libre 28 du récipient appuyé sur la garniture d' étanchéité 3 pousse légèrement l'organe de propreté 32 et avec lui l'arbre d' actionnement 39 en direction opposée au joint 3 avec compression du ressort de rappel 48, comme indiqué à la figure 1 par le déplacement d.The actuation shaft 39 can slide with the cleaning member 32 along the axis 41 relative to the bell 41. This assembly 32, 39 is returned to an extreme position by a compression spring 48 towards the free edge of the bell 1. In the presence of a container 9 when the bell 1 is closed, the free edge 28 of the container supported on the seal 3 slightly pushes the cleaning member 32 and with it the actuation shaft 39 in the direction opposite to the joint 3 with compression of the return spring 48, as indicated in FIG. 1 by the displacement d.
On va maintenant décrire le fonctionnement du dispositif et en même temps le procédé selon l'invention.We will now describe the operation of the device and at the same time the method according to the invention.
Pendant qu'un récipient 9a est acheminé jusqu'à la position de co-axialité avec l'axe vertical 2 du dispositif, le rotor 17 du dispositif de bouchage a été réapprovisionné avec un nouvel opercule 16 par des moyens connus et non représentés, alors que l'organe de propreté 32 était en position escamotée. Ensuite, pendant la fin de l'acheminement horizontal du récipient 9a et/ou pendant le début du mouvement vertical 7 de fermeture de la cloche 1, l'organe de propreté 32 est amené en position active (figure 1) de façon que le bord libre 28 de l'orifice 12 rencontre la garniture 36 lorsque la paroi latérale extérieure du récipient 9, atteignant la position 9b, entre en contact avec le joint 3 garnissant le bord libre de la cloche 1. La source de vide est alors activée pour évacuer l'air hors de l'enceinte 11 à travers l'orifice 13. L'air contenu dans le récipient 9 est évacué à travers l'orifice 12 et le tamis 34, sans pouvoir contourner celui-ci grâce à la garniture d'étanchéité 36. Le contenu solide 49 du récipient 9 est empêché de quitter le récipient 9 grâce au tamis 34 et à la garniture d'étanchéité 36 qui, en même temps, empêche toute particule ou débris solide de venir se poser sur le bord libre 28 constituant la future surface d'étanchéité.While a container 9a is conveyed to the position of co-axiality with the vertical axis 2 of the device, the rotor 17 of the closure device has been replenished with a new cover 16 by known means and not shown, then that the cleaning member 32 was in the retracted position. Then, during the end of the horizontal routing of the container 9a and / or during the start of the vertical movement 7 for closing the bell 1, the cleaning member 32 is brought into the active position (FIG. 1) so that the edge free 28 of the orifice 12 meets the lining 36 when the external lateral wall of the container 9, reaching position 9b, comes into contact with the seal 3 lining the free edge of the bell 1. The vacuum source is then activated to evacuate the air from the enclosure 11 through the orifice 13. The air contained in the container 9 is evacuated through the orifice 12 and the sieve 34, without being able to bypass it by means of the seal 36. The solid content 49 of the container 9 is prevented from leaving the container 9 by virtue of the sieve 34 and the seal 36 which, at the same time time, prevents any solid particle or debris from coming to rest on the free edge 28 constituting the future sealing surface.
Lorsque le vide souhaité (en général de l'ordre de 5xl04Pa) a été atteint, le vérin d' actionnement de l'arbre 39 est activé pour faire passer l'organe de propreté 32 en position escamotée suivant un mouvement qui est illustré à la figure 3, dans le plan du bord libre 28. Ce mouvement produit un essuyage du bord libre 28 par la garniture d'étanchéité 36. Dans la position escamotée représentée en traits pleins à la figure 2, l'organe de propreté 32 dégage complètement le bord libre 28 et l'environnement immédiat de celui-ci pour permettre, comme représenté à la figure 4, l'intervention du dispositif de bouchage 17, 18 et par conséquent la mise en place de l'opercule étanche 16 sur le goulot du récipient 9.When the desired vacuum (in general of the order of 5 × 10 4 P a ) has been reached, the actuating cylinder of the shaft 39 is activated to cause the cleaning member 32 to move into the retracted position in a movement which is illustrated in Figure 3, in the plane of the free edge 28. This movement produces a wiping of the free edge 28 by the seal 36. In the retracted position shown in solid lines in Figure 2, the cleaning member 32 completely releases the free edge 28 and the immediate environment thereof to allow, as shown in Figure 4, the intervention of the closure device 17, 18 and therefore the establishment of the seal 16 on the container neck 9.
Ensuite, on rétablit dans l'espace , 11 la pression atmosphérique, ou éventuellement une légère* surpression pour chasser le récipient bouché, puis le mouvement 7 s'effectue dans le sens de l'ouverture de la cloche 1 tandis que l'équipage mobile 17, 18, 24 du dispositif de bouchage revient dans la position d'attente représentée à la figure 1. Le rotor 17 est garni d'un nouvel opercule 16 pour le récipient suivant à obturer et le cycle décrit recommence.Then, the atmospheric pressure, or possibly a slight * overpressure to expel the clogged container, is restored in space 11, then the movement 7 takes place in the direction of opening the bell 1 while the movable assembly 17, 18, 24 of the closure device returns to the standby position shown in FIG. 1. The rotor 17 is provided with a new cover 16 for the next container to be closed and the described cycle begins again.
Le corps 35 de la bague 33 et le bras 38 dont il est solidaire peuvent être réalisés en métal. Le tamis 34 est de préférence constitué par un tamis métallique avec une dimension transversale des pores égale à environ 100 à 500, de préférence environ 250 μm . La garniture d'étanchéité et d'appui 36 peut être réalisée par exemple en mousse ou en caoutchouc . La mousse est préférée pour éviter les risques d'adhérence sur le bord libre 28 du récipient.The body 35 of the ring 33 and the arm 38 of which it is integral can be made of metal. The screen 34 is preferably constituted by a metal screen with a transverse dimension of the pores equal to approximately 100 to 500, preferably approximately 250 μm. The seal and support pad 36 can be made for example of foam or rubber. The foam is preferred to avoid the risks of adhesion to the free edge 28 of the container.
Il est avantageux que, comme représenté à la figure 5, la largeur radiale de la garniture 36 soit suffisante pour être compatible avec au moins deux types de récipients différents, se distinguant par des diamètres Dl et D2 différents de leur bord libre 28.It is advantageous that, as shown in FIG. 5, the radial width of the lining 36 is sufficient to be compatible with at least two different types of receptacles, distinguished by diameters D1 and D2 different from their free edge 28.
La figure 2 illustre la course angulaire de l'organe de propreté 32 qui peut typiquement être de l'ordre de 60°. Bien entendu, l'invention n'est pas limitée aux exemples décrits et représentés.Figure 2 illustrates the angular travel of the cleaning member 32 which can typically be of the order of 60 °. Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples described and shown.
Dans un mode de réalisation où la fonction d'essuyage serait la seule recherchée, on pourrait utiliser une raclette longiligne passant d'un côté à l'autre de l'orifice du récipient en balayant l'ensemble du bord libre après la réalisation du vide et avant l'installation de l'opercule.In an embodiment where the wiping function would be the only one sought, one could use a slender squeegee passing from one side to the other of the orifice of the container by sweeping the entire free edge after the creation of the vacuum and before installing the cover.
Dans une autre réalisation où on chercherait surtout à éviter le dépôt de débris sur la surface d'étanchéité on pourrait placer simplement sur celle-ci, pendant la réalisation du vide, une bague que l'on écarterait ensuite par un mouvement s ' écartant du plan du bord libre, justement pour éviter le mouvement d'essuyage et l'usure par frottement qui en résulterait d'une manière qui dans ce cas -là serait inutile . Et si seul le tamisage est recherché, on pourrait se contenter d'une grille se plaçant sensiblement contre le bord libre de l'orifice mais sans moyen d'étanchéité particulier avec le bord de l'orifice si l'on pense pouvoir se contenter d'une rétention seulement approximative des éléments solides à l'intérieur du récipient.In another embodiment where one would especially seek to avoid the deposit of debris on the sealing surface, one could simply place on it, during the creation of the vacuum, a ring which would then be moved aside by a movement moving away from the plane of the free edge, precisely to avoid the wiping movement and the friction wear which would result therefrom in a manner which in this case would be unnecessary. And if only sieving is sought, we could be satisfied with a grid placing itself substantially against the free edge of the orifice but without any particular sealing means with the edge of the orifice if we think we can be satisfied with '' only approximate retention of solid elements inside the container.
Le joint tel que 3 pourrait être remplacé par un joint gonflable.The seal such as 3 could be replaced by an inflatable seal.
Au lieu d'aimants permanents, le rotor tel que 17 peut comporter un autre moyen de préhension d'un bouchon à placer sur le récipient, par exemple un moyen mécanique. Instead of permanent magnets, the rotor such as 17 may include another means for gripping a stopper to be placed on the container, for example mechanical means.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS 1- Procédé pour conditionner dans un récipient (9) tel que flacon, une substance solide (49) , notamment alimentaire, se présentant au moins en partie sous forme de poudre, de grains, de feuilles entières ou fragmentées, de baies, petits fruits et analogues, procédé dans lequel après remplissage du récipient, alors qu'on a placé le récipient dans une enceinte sous vide, on évacue de cette enceinte, et du récipient au travers d'un orifice (12) de celui-ci, une partie de l'air qui y est initialement présent, puis on bouche le récipient, caractérisé en ce qu'après ladite évacuation et avant ledit bouchage on essuie le bord libre (28) de l'orifice pour l'en débarrasser de tout fragment ou débris provenant notamment de ladite substance. 2- Procédé selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'on place une bague de protection (33) en position active sur le bord libre (27) de l'orifice pendant l'évacuation, et en ce qu'après l'évacuation et avant le bouchage on déplace la bague (33) de la position active sur le bord libre de l'orifice (12) à une position escamotée, par un mouvement dans le plan du bord libre (28) de l'orifice (12) pour assurer ledit essuyage du bord libre. CLAIMS 1- Method for packaging in a container (9) such as a vial, a solid substance (49), in particular food, which is at least partly in the form of powder, grains, whole or fragmented leaves, berries, small fruits and the like, process in which after filling the container, when the container has been placed in a vacuum enclosure, one evacuates from this enclosure, and from the container through an orifice (12) thereof, a part of the air which is initially present there, then the container is capped, characterized in that after said evacuation and before said capping, the free edge (28) of the orifice is wiped to remove any fragment or debris originating in particular from said substance. 2- Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a protective ring (33) is placed in the active position on the free edge (27) of the orifice during the evacuation, and in that after the evacuation and before the plugging, the ring (33) is moved from the active position on the free edge of the orifice (12) to a retracted position, by a movement in the plane of the free edge (28) of the orifice (12) to ensure said wiping of the free edge.
3- Procédé selon la revendication 2, "caractérisé en ce que la bague (33) que l'on place sur le bord libre sert de monture à un tamis (34) à travers lequel on évacue de l'air contenu dans le récipien .3- A method according to claim 2, "characterized in that the ring (33) which is placed on the free edge serves as a frame for a screen (34) through which the air contained in the container is discharged.
4- Procédé selon la revendication 2 ou 3 , caractérisé en ce qu'après bouchage du récipient (9) et ouverture de l'enceinte (11) on ramène la bague (33) en position active pendant l'acheminement d'un récipient suivant.4- Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that after closure of the container (9) and opening of the enclosure (11) the ring (33) is returned to the active position during the delivery of a next container .
5- Procédé selon l'une des revendications 2 à 4, caractérisé en ce que l'on exerce sur la bague une force (48) dirigée vers la flacon lorsque la bague est en position active et pendant l'essuyage. 6- Procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisé en ce qu'on réalise le mouvement d'essuyage par une rotation autour d'un axe (41) excentré relativement au récipient et sensiblement parallèle à un axe central (2) du récipient (9) .5- Method according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that one exerts on the ring a force (48) directed towards the bottle when the ring is in the active position and during wiping. 6- Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the wiping movement is carried out by a rotation about an axis (41) eccentric relative to the container and substantially parallel to a central axis (2) of the container (9).
7- Dispositif pour obturer sous vide un récipient (9) tel que flacon, pour la mise en œuvre du procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 à 6, comprenant : une cloche à vide (1) associée à des moyens d'aspiration (13, 14);7- Device for closing under vacuum a container (9) such as a bottle, for implementing the method according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: a vacuum chamber (1) associated with suction means ( 13, 14);
- un support (8) pour le récipient (9) ;- a support (8) for the container (9);
- des moyens de déplacement relatif (7) entre la cloche (1) et le support (8) entre une position ouverte permettant l'acheminement d'un nouveau récipient à obturer et une position fermée dans laquelle est constituée dans la cloche un enceinte étanche (11) communiquant avec l'intérieur du récipient (9) par un orifice (12) du récipient; - un moyen de bouchage (17) porté dans la cloche en regard de l'orifice,- relative displacement means (7) between the bell (1) and the support (8) between an open position allowing the delivery of a new container to be closed and a closed position in which a sealed enclosure is formed in the bell (11) communicating with the interior of the container (9) through an orifice (12) of the container; - a sealing means (17) carried in the bell opposite the orifice,
- un organe de propreté (32) mobile à l'intérieur de la cloche entre une position active adjacente au bord libre (28) de l'orifice (12) du récipient (9) lorsque la cloche (1) est en position fermée, et une position escamotée permettant le bouchage, caractérisé en ce que l'organe de propreté (32) comprend un organe (36) d'essuyage du bord libre (28) de l'orifice (12) avant le bouchage. 8- Dispositif selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que l'organe d'essuyage comprend une bague (33) équipée d'une garniture circulaire (36) qui est en contact avec le bord libre (28) lorsque l'organe de propreté (32) est en position active et qui essuie le bord libre (28) lors du passage en position escamotée.a cleaning member (32) movable inside the bell between an active position adjacent to the free edge (28) of the orifice (12) of the container (9) when the bell (1) is in the closed position, and a retracted position allowing plugging, characterized in that the cleaning member (32) comprises a member (36) for wiping the free edge (28) of the orifice (12) before plugging. 8- Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the wiping member comprises a ring (33) equipped with a circular lining (36) which is in contact with the free edge (28) when the cleaning member (32) is in the active position and which wipes the free edge (28) when passing into the retracted position.
9- Dispositif selon la revendication 17 ou 18, caractérisé en ce que la garniture annulaire (36) a une dimension radiale suffisante pour s'adapter sur au moins deux diamètres (Dl, D2 ) d'orifice différents. 10- Dispositif selon la revendication 8 ou 9, caractérisé en ce que dans la bague (33) est monté un tamis (34) . 11- Dispositif selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que le tamis (34) possède des pores d'environ 100 à 500 μm.9- Device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the annular lining (36) has a radial dimension sufficient to fit on at least two diameters (Dl, D2) different orifice. 10- Device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that in the ring (33) is mounted a screen (34). 11- Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the screen (34) has pores of about 100 to 500 microns.
12- Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 8 à 11, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des moyens élastiques (48) assurant entre la bague (33) et la cloche (1) un débattement élastique suivant la direction (7) de mouvement de la cloche (1) entre ses positions ouverte et fermée, de sorte que la bague (33) est sollicitée vers le bord ouvert de la cloche (1) - 13- Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 8 à 12, caractérisé en ce que l'organe de propreté (32) comprend un bras (38) s ' étendant radialement vers l'extérieur à partir de la bague (33) et articulé relativement à la cloche (1) suivant un axe (41) sensiblement perpendiculaire au plan du bord libre (28) de l'orifice (12). 12- Device according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that it comprises elastic means (48) ensuring between the ring (33) and the bell (1) an elastic movement in the direction (7) of movement of the bell (1) between its open and closed positions, so that the ring (33) is biased towards the open edge of the bell (1) - 13- Device according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the cleaning member (32) comprises an arm (38) extending radially outwards from the ring (33) and articulated relative to the bell (1) along an axis (41) substantially perpendicular to the plane from the free edge (28) of the orifice (12).
EP00990046A 1999-12-09 2000-12-08 Method and device for packing a solid into a container such as a bottle Expired - Lifetime EP1235715B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9915554A FR2802176B1 (en) 1999-12-09 1999-12-09 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PACKAGING A SOLID, IN PARTICULAR FOOD, IN A CONTAINER SUCH AS A BOTTLE
FR9915554 1999-12-09
PCT/FR2000/003460 WO2001042086A1 (en) 1999-12-09 2000-12-08 Method and device for packing a solid into a container such as a bottle

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1235715A1 true EP1235715A1 (en) 2002-09-04
EP1235715B1 EP1235715B1 (en) 2004-08-11

Family

ID=9553075

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00990046A Expired - Lifetime EP1235715B1 (en) 1999-12-09 2000-12-08 Method and device for packing a solid into a container such as a bottle

Country Status (11)

Country Link
US (1) US6782676B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1235715B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE273170T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2685501A (en)
BR (1) BR0016183B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2393696C (en)
DE (1) DE60012970D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2802176B1 (en)
MX (1) MXPA02005592A (en)
PL (1) PL199221B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2001042086A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
PL355784A1 (en) 2004-05-17
US6782676B2 (en) 2004-08-31
CA2393696C (en) 2008-08-05
EP1235715B1 (en) 2004-08-11
FR2802176B1 (en) 2002-01-18
FR2802176A1 (en) 2001-06-15
AU2685501A (en) 2001-06-18
US20030101689A1 (en) 2003-06-05
ATE273170T1 (en) 2004-08-15
PL199221B1 (en) 2008-08-29
CA2393696A1 (en) 2001-06-14
WO2001042086A1 (en) 2001-06-14
MXPA02005592A (en) 2004-09-10
BR0016183A (en) 2002-12-31
BR0016183B1 (en) 2010-09-21
DE60012970D1 (en) 2004-09-16

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